8 days and Counting

Dearest Dema,

OMG!!! We got the call yesterday! I am so excited and can’t wait to see you. The only problem, which isn’t really a problem, is that it was so soon. We were all expecting the end of April and all of a sudden to find out that we have to leave in 9 days - mindboggling.

Of course, we are excited to get over there as soon as possible and get you. Every day that goes by is another lost opportunity in my book. Anyway, poor G3 spent 3 hours on the phone last night with Delta trying to get all of us first class tickets to travel. We have been saving frequent flier miles and had plenty - we could have flown everyone to the moon and back with the amount of miles we have. But (there is always a but) there was no availability to use them in any configuration to get to you. We tried every combination but the best we could do was pretty crappy flights in coach through Minneapolis and Amsterdam. The flight times are not great either. But it is what it is. We will try to upgrade at the airport but don’t count on it.

The good news is that the trip is going to coincide perfectly with G3’s business trips. We are going to try to stay over there while we have the mandatory 10 day waiting period and go to France and Sweden. G3 has to go on business and Amanda and I will tag along. Unfortunately G4 will not be able to come - he has classes and finals are the end of April. He is a little upset, but he said he will gladly stay behind and help get things ready for you.

In other news, Amanda is training hard for the state championships this weekend - a little too hard. She managed to separate a muscle in her shoulder that is giving her a lot of pain. Hopefully it will not impact her performance too much, but if it does - you just get to be dragged to a National Qualifier this summer instead!

We have gotten the ball rolling with getting ready for the trip. I got out the bag I had been saving for you and will go shopping for your clothes soon. I hope I can guess the size - otherwise we will have to shop there. Victoria is going to try to call you also these next few days so you can anticipate us, but if she doesn’t get through, you will be in for a big surprise.

Hopefully, all will go smoothly these next few days as we prepare. Another regret I have is not being able to learn more Russian than I have. I have learned a lot, but certainly not enough to really effectively communicate. I will redouble my efforts though - I will spend the plane trip studying! But nothing is dimming our excitement to see you and bring you home!

Love as always,

Bethany, G3, G4, & Amanda