Hi Everyone!
Things are going very well here. Our trip is starting to wind down and we are very excited to get home. Jon just reminded me that we take off in 24 hours and 30 minutes ....yes, we're down to the minute count now!
Here's a quick update on what we've been up to....
Most of Thursday was spent finalizing Nick's paperwork and conduct the interview at the US Embassy here. Everything went great. The US agent was very helpful and gave us some tips to help speed up the process when we land in Atlanta. Unfortunately, we didn't fully check out all of the details on Nick's USA visa and immigration packet....until we got back to the hotel....and needless to say, the Embassy typed his wrong passport number on all of the documentation. So....most of my Friday was spent clearing that up and was at the Embassy for the majority of the late morning and early - mid afternoon. The good news is that everything was fixed and we're good to go for our trip tomorrow. Nick and Jon hung out at the hotel and "bonded". We did get some shopping done later....although the prices were astronomical and I understand now why the foreigners have so many shopping bags !! :)
Yesterday was "tourist" day. We toured Red Square and the Kremlin. Very amazing. We witnessed a procession similar to the "Changing of the Guard" and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw Lenin's tomb as well as the burial sight of all of the Russian leaders. We toured St. Basil's Cathedral which was absolutely beautiful (picture above). It was very surreal for both Jon and I to be there..... I only wish that there was some English translation (there probably is but we couldn't find anything) but was still very impressive being there. Lots of good stories for you. Unfortunately, we also witnessed a mini attack in Red Square. Some protestors set off some stink and smoke bombs and were yelling some phrases that apparently didn't impress the Russian police and soldiers. The guys were immediately pounced upon and led away. The police cleared the area for some time and order was restored. Very odd to see it all....and makes me very happy that we're coming home soon. We also toured Christ the Saviour Cathedral. All of the architecture and churches are incredibly beautiful. Got a little more shopping in too.... and ate at Sbarro. Jon said the Mountain Dew was tasty! So, all in all, it's been a very good trip. We've logged many walking miles and the tred on Nick's stroller is virtually non-existent. The weather has been awesome as well.... low 60s. He still has to wear his snow suits or the natives would get restless! What little down time we've had has been watching a lot of movies (thanks to Karen, Julie, Shawn and Jason)!
The streets are rather quiet today....Sunday is definitely a day of reflection in Russia. Although we're told that things will pick up later...which is good as we need to complete some last minute shopping.
Nick is doing great. He's adjusting well, eating very well, still sleeping great (YEA!) and making both of us laugh. We are incredibly blessed and look forward to getting him home (do you sense a common theme here?!? :) )
We hope everyone is doing well and can't wait to see you all very soon.
Love,
Beck, Jon and Nick
Things are going very well here. Our trip is starting to wind down and we are very excited to get home. Jon just reminded me that we take off in 24 hours and 30 minutes ....yes, we're down to the minute count now!
Here's a quick update on what we've been up to....
Most of Thursday was spent finalizing Nick's paperwork and conduct the interview at the US Embassy here. Everything went great. The US agent was very helpful and gave us some tips to help speed up the process when we land in Atlanta. Unfortunately, we didn't fully check out all of the details on Nick's USA visa and immigration packet....until we got back to the hotel....and needless to say, the Embassy typed his wrong passport number on all of the documentation. So....most of my Friday was spent clearing that up and was at the Embassy for the majority of the late morning and early - mid afternoon. The good news is that everything was fixed and we're good to go for our trip tomorrow. Nick and Jon hung out at the hotel and "bonded". We did get some shopping done later....although the prices were astronomical and I understand now why the foreigners have so many shopping bags !! :)
Yesterday was "tourist" day. We toured Red Square and the Kremlin. Very amazing. We witnessed a procession similar to the "Changing of the Guard" and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw Lenin's tomb as well as the burial sight of all of the Russian leaders. We toured St. Basil's Cathedral which was absolutely beautiful (picture above). It was very surreal for both Jon and I to be there..... I only wish that there was some English translation (there probably is but we couldn't find anything) but was still very impressive being there. Lots of good stories for you. Unfortunately, we also witnessed a mini attack in Red Square. Some protestors set off some stink and smoke bombs and were yelling some phrases that apparently didn't impress the Russian police and soldiers. The guys were immediately pounced upon and led away. The police cleared the area for some time and order was restored. Very odd to see it all....and makes me very happy that we're coming home soon. We also toured Christ the Saviour Cathedral. All of the architecture and churches are incredibly beautiful. Got a little more shopping in too.... and ate at Sbarro. Jon said the Mountain Dew was tasty! So, all in all, it's been a very good trip. We've logged many walking miles and the tred on Nick's stroller is virtually non-existent. The weather has been awesome as well.... low 60s. He still has to wear his snow suits or the natives would get restless! What little down time we've had has been watching a lot of movies (thanks to Karen, Julie, Shawn and Jason)!
The streets are rather quiet today....Sunday is definitely a day of reflection in Russia. Although we're told that things will pick up later...which is good as we need to complete some last minute shopping.
Nick is doing great. He's adjusting well, eating very well, still sleeping great (YEA!) and making both of us laugh. We are incredibly blessed and look forward to getting him home (do you sense a common theme here?!? :) )
We hope everyone is doing well and can't wait to see you all very soon.
Love,
Beck, Jon and Nick
9 comments:
Dad and Nick look happy! What a great picture! The cathedral is breathtaking!
It's warming up in Iowa. It hit 65 and we all busted out our summer gear!
Hurry home!
Good Luck on your journey home!!!!! You are almost done!!!! Talk to you soon....think of you often.....Bumby
We are so antsy waiting here at home. You guys have had some great photo ops. I love the pic of Nick and Jon. The "do" seems to fit him well! Have a safe and speedy trip home. Love, Julie & the Gang
Well, you are almost done! Nick looks so cute. I love the spiked hair. We cannot wait for you to get home. Have a safe trip! Tina
Hopefully by now you are just a few hours from home - Just wanted to drop a quick note to say that we have been thinking of you often, hoping that the long flights were as easy as possible, and cant wait to see a picture of the Sipes family of four! Thanks again for sharting all the pictures and stories. Cant wait to see and hear more.
Kim and the pankie boys
Jon, Becky & Natalie,
Just got the web blog info from Pam and spent some time reading thru it.
Congratulations to all of you. He is beautiful.
You all are truly special people. We will continue to hold you in our prayers. God Bless!
Love you, Cuz' Lynda
Congrats on a quick trip through Russia. We are still hanging out at the Vlad Inn. We'll be here until the 17th. Yuck.... Anyway, we are also having a blast with our son and we are looking forward to going home too.
We can't wait to read about your adventures back at home!
God's Blessings.
What great pictures! He is such a cutie and a very lucky little boy.
We enjoy reading about your travels, how amazing.
Jen (& Ted) Francois
It looks like you're knocked up.
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