Sep 11 - Joy and Remembrance

First off, please take a moment to remember not only September 11, but also the countless lives lost or scarred by the wars since that fateful day. It is only through the heroic folks who have paid such heavy prices (in addition to the many loved ones) that there have not been more attacks in the last 8 years. Thanks for reflecting...it is the very least we can do.

Strangely, not much mention of the September 11 attacks here in Ukraine. Understandable considering their struggles of the last 20 years just to get out from underneath the shadow of the old Iron Curtain. There was scant coverage on BBC World News and Al Jazeera International (my only two English-speaking news networks).

Regardless, we sailed through Guardian Council today with a unanimous approval from the seven board members. It looks like the adoption is now a mere formality provided old Uncle Sergei doesn't rise up in the next week claiming he replaced his vodka bottle with a Bible and is ready to assume custody of his long lost nephews. If you have been waiting to celebrate, behold the moment is here - do your happy dances in the privacy of your own homes so as not to frighten the neighbors with strange gyrations.

We feel so confident now that we were able to buy another set of bunk beds for our growing family. They are the same model as Josh and Jake's set - just a little darker with more of a maple finish. Sweet, now my dream of perfect symmetry can be nearly realized in the bedroom furniture spectrum - does anyone else suffer from this rare affliction? Don't answer that and certainly don't dare make any disparaging comments. If you can't help yourself and feel compelled to comment negatively, just remember - this disease is contagious.

We missed our morning visit with the kids due to Guardian Council, but the afternoon session went according to plan. The boys came out looking as stylish as ever - enough said on that sad state. We promptly went outside and got down to the serious business of blowing American-style soap bubbles with one of those gigantic wands. I am fairly certain it was the first time these two had ever seen this natural phenomenon - they screamed like a bunch of monkeys who just found a banana tree. Pictures and video to follow provided we can upload them.

The boys were extremely well-behaved and will clearly assimilate into the Douberly collective with only minor hurt feelings. They can easily join our team of crack future world dominators prepared for any and all challenges. Ok, Ok, maybe the delusions are clouding my judgment - but these kids are really special y'all. If you guys fall in love with them just a half a percent as much as me and Kris, you are in for some side-splitting and life-changing fun and happiness.

Thanks to you all for the prayers and thoughts. Today was a huge hurdle that I am probably understating. Any number of things could have prevented the Council from going well - and those things just didn't happen. I am convinced it's because of the extensive network of friends and family we have that are monitoring this process eagerly and with all the support you can possibly harness. Again, many thanks.

Our next big hurdle will be the court date next week with the local judge that will finalize the adoption. That will be our Gotcha Day. Please think of the kids as they must continue in the orphanage until that final stamp.

Good night and have a great weekend all.