No, we didn't get lost

It took us awhile to find a way, but we managed to get online so that y'all wouldn't think that we wound up lost in Siberia.

The kids adjusted to the four hour plane ride from Novo to Moscow fairly well. Probably nothing more than just a car ride for them. Ruslan slept the first two hours, Yana the second two hours after some fussiness and whining ... I'm learning what I heard so many other parents say when kids act up "Looks like somebody is ready for their nap." Couldn't be more true. Their behavior seems to get a bit more unruly the longer they are up.

We're staying in the Hotel Ukraine, which is a huge old-style Russian hotel with massice ceilings, chandeliers, ballrooms ... just gorgeous. It got high marks for being very affordable and nice ($125) and it hasn't disappointed. Thankfully the room, with their tall ceilings and larger living space, give us all the feeling of space here so that it's not quite as claustophobic.

On Sunday, our driver and translator took us out to get photos in the Red Square with the children, and do a little shopping. Today, we did very little except play in the room. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we have a 2 p.m. appointment with the officials at the US Embassy, to get their VISAs etc...

And on Wednesday, we leave for the US. It will take us more than a day to get home, but it's one trip I can't wait to take.

I'm ready to come home.