Firsts!

Today was the first day Anya had ever been in a hotel, ever been to the Peter & Paul Fortress and we learned that she has not had her beloved "bleeni" since we were here in May (which might explain why she has ordered it at every meal). Anya was full of excitement today as we explored the history of St. Petersburg at the Peter & Paul Fortress - she even got to see them shoot cannons at noon. We threw snowballs at each other & nearly froze! The wind blows the snow into your face so hard that it feels like little rocks hitting your skin. As you can see from the pictures, we've had quite a bit of snow. The highlight of the day had to have been watching Anya swim in the hotel pool. Fortunately, we were the only ones there because she sure did make a splash! She told us that she had only been swimming once before she came to our house last year. She was a little afraid at first, but after putting on an inflatable life vest & a set of swimmies provided by the hotel, she finally started letting go of the wall. Once she did, she was swimming all over the place. She was so excited and proud of herself! When we get home, we'll try and post video of the experience - it was so much fun! She also enjoyed the hot tub. As soon as we took her back to the orphanage she started telling them all about the hotel. They were all so impressed... she always gives them a detailed report of everything we do, what we eat and where we go. They all start talking and laughing - it is one of the neatest parts of the day. Anya said she was the only child in her group who has ever been in a hotel. Most days we take some "treats" back to the other girls. Today it was gum. They are all so excited to see us coming and try to keep us there as long as possible. We all cram into Anya's little room and it's just constant chatter... I think Jack thinks it's a little odd and doesn't understand why girls start acting that way, but even he thoroughly enjoys watching them have so much fun. I have posted a slide show from today showing all the excitement!
Tomorrow we have court at 1:00PM (5:00 AM EST), but have been told we could be called in a little early if the previous family finishes early. Anya will be brought to the court by a driver along with another child and several orphanage workers. We will meet her there and then after court, we will take the orphanage workers back and then take Anya out to eat and say our good-byes. It will be a bitter-sweet day. It will be so exciting to be officially declared Anya's parents. Her name will be changed and she will truly be our daughter. I think she is a little nervous about court, but she is very excited. I can't wait to let you know how things go. If you wake up at 5AM tomorrow, please pray for us. We have peace that it will go smoothly, but have some jittery nerves. Talk to you all tomorrow!
Jack & Stephanie