These next few photos are just a sampling of the phenomenal spread put on here at the Hyatt tonight. We would likely have had another evening in our room with more cheese, bread, and Pringles had it not been for the invitation to share the evening with Aila's family.
For all of you who have been following both of our adoption blogs, I ask you why you never told us the other was out there. We came dangerously close to passing in the night. Thankfully we did not.
Aitugan moments after receiving her first ever Christmas gift (from the Robinsons), proving that sometimes the wrapping becomes an unforseen bonus gift.
Finally an excuse for hair loss.
Marshall and Aila
Jennifer, Aila, Kjersten and Aitugan saying farewells from this side of the world. We'll reconvene this festive gathering back in New England soon.
And just like that, our time here in Kaz comes to an end. I can think of no better way to close out the experience than through sharing Christmas Eve dinner with fine friends and an amazing meal.
We are so fortunate this year in so many incredible ways. Aitugan is certainly our greatest blessing, but the friends we have made along this amazing journey, and the fabulous love and support of our families and friends are surely treasured and highlighted at times like these.
With luck we will have an uneventful day of travel tomorrow and will find ourselves safely home in Maine by night's end. We wish you all a wonderful holiday and look forward to continuing to share this amazing journey with all of you from a more familiar setting.
I cannot begin to express how much it has helped us to know that there is a wide and wonderful community of people out there who have taken an interest in our process and have helped welcome Aitugan to her new life. Thank You All. Take Care.
12 comments:
Tonight's the Night!
Love from Santa in Cincinnati.
How cool is that, your getting a daughter for chirstmas....See ya when you get home.
Love Des
Be safe! Merry Christmas, and that does sound like a magical end to a magical experience!
What a Christmas to remember!! Merry Christmas to you all and we look forward to hearing from you once you are back in Maine
Jan Liljegren
I have so enjoyed following your amazing journey. Safe travels. I bet you can't wait to get your little darling home. Thanks for sharing such great writing and such wonderful photos. I'm really happy for the three of you!
It's 10:00 Christmas Eve in the states. No telling where you are, but I hope all is going smoothly as you make you way home with our soon to be newest American citizen.
Happy Holidays!!
Kristan
What a great way to finish our evening...Amy and I are finishing putting things out under the tree and are clearly aware that you are coming home and already beginning to enjoy the most amazing Christmas gift and the most amazing Christmas day either of you have ever had.
It seems strange to me that you can have a wonderful and joy-filled Christmas even though you have missed out on malls, egg nog, buying presents, preparing meals and writing cards. Though you have had none of the things that most spend their time on around the holidays, you still will have a fantastic day.
How strange that you could enjoy Christmas just by finding great joy in the gift of a baby without all the things that normally make Christmas sooo special!
We love you,
Merry Christmas Aitugan,
J et All
Merry Christmas of them all!!! Thanks so much for sharing the blog and the best pictures ever! The buffet looks good there, sorry we didn't find that when we were in Almaty. We are so happy for you and I know your puppies are probably anxious to see you. Gena Lloyd
My wife and I would like to compliment you on:
1) your completely upbeat and happy outlook throughout this process. No complaining . . . even when you returned without a child on your first trip. Blessings on you for this.
2) your fabulous photo collage which makes this country come alive for those of us who are planning to travel soon.
3) an absolutely beautiful little child. May she develop a personality as beautiful as her face. Judging from your personalities, we find this likely.
Merry Christmas and Happy Traveling.
Keith and Erin
Merry Christmas wherever you are! I hope your sleighride home was a breeze. We are thrilled you spent Christmas Eve with our family and THANK YOU for the beautiful photos!!! I believe I get the intro credit as late as it came - once I found your blog and loved it - I started mentioning our family when they were in Semey. Then you popped up on their blog so I take roundabout credit for the intro and seeing how you all have hit it off, thank goodness you met! Safe travels - looking forward to your at-home post!
What a great Christmas eve celebration! Marshall and Jenny and Aila loved sharing it with you and Aitugan. I hope next summer will find all of you on the Cape with Marshall, Jenny and Aila.
Robbie and Sara Robinson
(Marshall's parents)
I can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed your blog. Your Aitugan reminds me so much of my Gigi. You are a wonderful family and should our paths one day cross, I would be honored to meet you.
I hope you had safe and well travels, and that being home with your beautiful daughter is everything you dreamed it to be.
Merry Christmas!
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