Happy Birthday

Had an over the top great day today. ANastasia got to pass out her birthday treats at school to start the day. Then we picked her up at 1 and headed to McDonald's for lunch. Fell asleep on Dad on the way! Then headed to zoo. Spent about ONE HOUR in the petting zoo - we fed EVERYTHING -several times. We gave her the birthday gifts there - a purse with some goodies and a watch. She immediately put the watch on, then looked at my watch to see that her watch was set properly. Her watch was FOUR MINUTES different than mine - so she changed hers!! We bought a Minnie MOuse Helium Balloon on the way out of zoo - how can you say no to the birthday girl. THen in the car, she got out her purse and just felt on it for a while. THen we headed to our apartment where Mark taught ANastasia how to shoot baskets - there is an old basketball net behind our apartment. Yuri and Grandma were with us the whole time, but hung back mose of the time so it was mostly just the three of us. Tomorrow Yuri will pick her up and bring her to our apartment for the day - woo hoo. WHen she has people that can translate for her, she looks to them to communicate with us, but when it's just the three of us we actually communicate real well.

We continue to be amazed at what an incredible little girl she is. We could go on forever - but don't want you to quit reading this email. Suffice it to say - she will fit in beautifully with our other three. SHe is very proud of her big sister and brothers, and shows their pictures to her friends!!

NO news on court date - one piece of paper from NAC still not done and they won't give court date until they have it so . . . who knows. We hope to be home before the first snow - just kidding - sort of!!

Thanks for your continued prayers and emails. we LOVE your emails with all the news from home.

Love
Kim and Mark