We are still alive!!!! We are sorry that the blog has not been updated in awhile but we have been kinda busy enjoying life and getting it done!! When we hit the 3 and under group goes to bed we are ready but then we have the 11 and over group to assist. Then try to recover the house.

This week has been much better. Everyone in the Allen household is getting a routine established. Seems kinda hectic but so far it has been fun.

The boys are understanding us as well as we are understanding them more each day. Who know are Russian tutor would be 3 years old.

Jodi has spent alot of time with the boys and it is showing. We (especially Jodi and Branagh) are constantly told I love you.

The farm seems to be a hit for the boys. the other day I was planting corn across from the house and Travis went ballistic. Climbed out of his car seat and yelled MACHINA!!! The three and under group took turns cutting grass and washing cars today.

Hard to believe but we have celebrated Devon's 2nd birthday!! She is in love with her brothers and has to give them kisses and hugs before going to bed.

Where would we be without the older girls??? They have been a great help and have proven to be as special as we know they were.

We appreciate everyone being patient with the visits. It seems like the boys do well outside or with short visits from friends. Just makes it hard to have everyone at once.

Thanks to all those that have made the phone calls, sent cards and e-mails. The supports has meant alot to us.

Hope to get some new pictures up soon. There are just so many to choose from.

Love YA

J and J plus 5

Hello from Delaware..

Hello to all,
Sorry it has been a few days since the last post but things have been so busy. We are trying desperately to establish some new routines. They boys are doing really well and even experienced thier first shopping trip to Target. It was short but they did really well. We also went to get some desperately needed new shoes. They were both troopers. Mommom Marge went as back up and support for Jodi "just in case".

The girls are feeling thier way around the new form of "busy" that fills our home. We are counting down the days until school is out and we can all relax a little more. Devon was probably the hardest hit but now wants to hug her "brodders". They are not to sure about that but she does not give them much choice. She is still the queen bee and as Branagh says "have you ever heard of a king bee??".

Thanks for all the calls and support. We are slowly inviting visitors and really appreciate your patience. Any disruption in routine right now is felt by all but we promise to welcome you all in time. I will try to post some new pictures when I can stay awake long enough to get everything done. Lots and love, J&J

First Day Was Good

Well the first day was good. Jodi and I have been up since 4 discussing about today and the upcoming week. Jodi has always had the theory Schedule Routine for the kids and she it right it makes the Allen Household better.

Devon was a little surprised when she woke up yesterday to find what that the "brother fairy" had been. She was so excited to see that her Mommy and Daddy where home.

Nina made breakfast and Mom Mom made dinner, they are spoiling us. Like the maid service and especially the cost, lol.

The boys and girls played hard all day, including the big girls. They enjoyed being outside and loved the farm. Both boys loved the horses and took their first ride. Any sponsors for the Allen Equestrian Team?

We appreciate all the phone calls.

I think the washer has run non stop for the last 24 hours but the end is in sight, YEAH!!

Maybe Jodi will get a minute to post some pictures today. Nap time was enjoyed by all yesterday.

More to come later

J and J

WE ARE FINALLY HOME!!!! Words cannot not explain what it felt like to see Bridgeville's sign "If you lived here you be home now". Heck just to be able to read a sign in English.

The trip home was pretty uneventful and exhausting. We left the hotel at 4 am Moscow time and got home last night about 7:45 pm. When you calculate all the time zones we were traveling over 24 hours. Oh do not for get the 1 1/2 hours at airport/immigration and the Friday traffic jams on 495.

Both boys made out incredible. The one flight was over 9 hours and both boys played, woke everyone up and sang. Yes the people boarding had to be saying "Please don't let me be seated by them.

The boys were anxiously greeted by sisters and Grand Parents, oh and Scotty too. When we drove up the driveway we told Travis he was at his dome (Russian for House) and he lit up like a light. Now remember last night made bed number six that the kids have slept in in the last week.

They went to everyone and gave hugs and played with Scotty. Ate and went to bed.

It was great to be home and see the girls/family. Devon did not stay awake for the big home coming so we anxiously await her waking up. Don't think she would appreciate our jet lag at 4 AM.

It was a great feeling to come home and see the grass cut, house cleaned and everything in order. Nina, Mom Mom and Pop Pop have done a great job and we cannot thank them enough. No I don't think they are for hire.

Well the washer is done the first load of many for the day.

Jodi will post more later in the day.

Love you all and thanks for your support.

J & J