Russian Embassy news

Once again, the Russian Embassy is sponsoring an Easter party and has invited all families who have adopted a child/children from Russia to attend.  We went last year and it was very nice.  I am planning to take Aidan again this year and I think Pat may join us as well.  The event is coordinated by Cradle of Hope Adoption but anyone may go ( we used Bethany for our adoption).  It is on April 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Embassy in Washington, D. C.  Here is a link for the flyer:
[PDF] Easter RSVP flyer 2011.qxdFile Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTML



www.cradlehope.org/easter/Easter%20RSVP%20flyer%202011.pdf
 
I had to laugh last year when we were driving to the Embassy.  I knew where I was going, but had I not, I would have guessed immediately when I saw the Embassy off in the distance.  And sure enough, as soon as I had eyed the particular building (noted for its look, shaped, construction material--you know, a typically Russian building!) and sure enough, a puff of wind unfurled the Russian flag atop the building.  Too funny! 
 
It is also nice because you can meet some of your blog friends.  Joy, Gerard and Anna http://www.becomingamommy.blogspot.com/  went with Aidan and I last year and I think they are coming again.  Plus you can get some good pictures of your kiddo hanging out at the Russian Embassy and use them in your Post Placement Report--I'm using some from last year, even though Aidan was being pretty goofy by picture time. 
 
In any case, it's nice to think we can expose our children to a little of their birth heritage in this manner.
 
In other Russian Embassy news, I aslo found that they have a link on their website to help us American parents with updating and renewing our children's Russian passports.  Pretty cool!  We have two years until Aidan's expires, but I'll probably start working on that in about a year and a half.  As usual, there is some paperwork, that needs to be translated, and a few attachments.  However, I don't think we have to have any of it apostilled--probably notarized, though.  ; )
 
We're getting ready for our Mardi Gras party, which is tomorrow night.  Folks will be coming to enjoy our good company, Chicken Jambolya, Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo and they will be bringing whatever it is that they are giving up for Lent.  The idea is to leave the party ready for Lent and prepared to receive new gifts and insights from God.  It's going to be a blast!
 
I'll leave you with a couple of cute pictures.  The first is of Aidan helping Grandpa blow out his birthday cake candles and the second he is heading off for his last swimming lesson: