And we're off. . .

In just over 12 hours, we will leave for the airport. As the song goes, "all our bags are packed, we're ready to go!"

Two backpacks, a duffle, a Ukrainian "carpet bag" filled with orphanage donations, and a stroller for Alayna. For those of you adopting older children unable to walk, this umbrella stroller is AWESOME! It is The First Years Ignite and it can hold up to 50 lbs. and is very sturdy (50 lb. Lukas helped us test it out), but lightweight and folds up nicely for travel. We won't be able to bring Alayna's wheelchair home with us, so this stroller will be priceless, especially as we navigate the airports!

Although this week has been busy and, at times, chaotic, we managed to finish all that needed to be done this afternoon and we were able to spend the evening relaxing and enjoying our last night as a family of seven!

In addition to the packing, I also managed to finish one of the quilts I have been working on for the girl's room. It is now resting nicely on Alayna's bed just waiting to be snuggled with. One down, three to go :-)

The front of Alayna's quilt

The back of the quilt, done in super soft, pink polka dot, snuggle flannel. There is lots of good snuggle time to be had under this quilt!

Once again, Flat Stanislav will accompany us on our trip and will help us document this exciting journey for those that will be left behind.

I can't believe we are finally at this point in our journey. In just a few days I will see my sweet Lily and Ladybug #3. In just over a week I will hold my precious Alayna. And, in just over two weeks, the four of us will step off of an airplane in Dayton, Ohio and be greeted by an eager sister and brothers and we will officially be united as a family of nine! I am so grateful to my loving Heavenly Father for bringing us to this point, for leading us to our girls and for safely guiding them home.

In just a little over 12 hours, this journey that we have been on for almost 18 months will truly begin. . . . .