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
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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
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
Sunday, May 3, 2009
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
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
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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
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
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Last Day.. YAHOOO!!!
Well it is our last day in Moscow and we are justing trying to pass the time and wear the boys out before they wear us out. Not sure who is winning right now. Our driver will be here at 4:15 am to take us to the airport and we are off on a really long day. That is 8:15 pm your time (thursday night) and we land in Washington at 3pm your time(fridy afternoon) then drive in Friday rush hour traffic. Yikes. Will certainly be a long day but we are so anxious to get home. WE can't wait to hug our girls and show the boys where we really live. I will post some new pictures and can't wait to talk to everyone when we get home. See ya soon, J&J
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Yeah were done!!!!
We have just gotten back from the Embassy and all went well and we are done the Russia Paperwork!!!! Now just more when we get home but at least we will be HOME!!! I don't care what anyone says Bridgeville DE is one of the greatest places to LIVE!!!
Okay now that we have fixed the problem we can share. We have had one heck of a time getting batteries for the camera. We have bought several but we can't speak Russian let alone read it so buying batteries is a challenge.
Between being in Russia and having the boys Jodi and I challenge anyone to a game of Sherraid's.
Boys are doing extremely well. They are picking up English already. Picture books are great. Travis is really into it and picks up the books all the time.
We have gotten through this step realy fast and now we have a day to spare. Tried to get a flight home earlier but they are all sold out.
You know its a bad haircut whenn I encourage Jodi to cut Travis's hair. It looks better than it did and the long bangs where bugging him.
The boys are taking a nap as well as Jodi (I hope). I came down to the bar for my most expensie Jack and Coke, $35 bucks!!! One is my limit today, but it is the first one in a while and wow it tastes good.
I cannot wait to get home to see my girls!! I know everyone wants to come and see us and the boys and we love you for it. I do ask that you give us a couple of days and call before coming. Not trying to be Bucky Bad but each situation is a new one and we have to figure out one step at a time.
We think the boys are going to adapt easy but we will not know until we are there. Travis is going to go crazy when he sees Pop Pop s farm. Everything is "machina" to him and Blake it is "Beep Beep". Jodi brought picture books and they always go to the tractors. Watch out Pop Pop you have riders on the Rogator.
The boys are fun to watch as they are figuring out everything. They know who Momma is. The just sing and smile in the stroller.
Now for all you hospital folks, who needs Mediafast. Just walk 20 miles a day with your 2 boys. Yeap thats all the boys want to do is walk or stroll. I believe Jodi has lost another ?x? lbs.
What is amazing is the indepence the boys have been taught at such a young age. They dress, brush teeth, go to the bathroom, make beds, and they will walk 5 city blocks and much more. Watch out Allen Household girls, the boys are in the house. But you can have Scotty on your side, lol.
Okay to end my rambling blog. I thank God for my five children and a wonderful wife and great family. I want to get out of a city with 500 million people, yes 500 million people!!! I want be a country boy.
Love all of you and thanks for your support, love and prayers.
JWA
Okay now that we have fixed the problem we can share. We have had one heck of a time getting batteries for the camera. We have bought several but we can't speak Russian let alone read it so buying batteries is a challenge.
Between being in Russia and having the boys Jodi and I challenge anyone to a game of Sherraid's.
Boys are doing extremely well. They are picking up English already. Picture books are great. Travis is really into it and picks up the books all the time.
We have gotten through this step realy fast and now we have a day to spare. Tried to get a flight home earlier but they are all sold out.
You know its a bad haircut whenn I encourage Jodi to cut Travis's hair. It looks better than it did and the long bangs where bugging him.
The boys are taking a nap as well as Jodi (I hope). I came down to the bar for my most expensie Jack and Coke, $35 bucks!!! One is my limit today, but it is the first one in a while and wow it tastes good.
I cannot wait to get home to see my girls!! I know everyone wants to come and see us and the boys and we love you for it. I do ask that you give us a couple of days and call before coming. Not trying to be Bucky Bad but each situation is a new one and we have to figure out one step at a time.
We think the boys are going to adapt easy but we will not know until we are there. Travis is going to go crazy when he sees Pop Pop s farm. Everything is "machina" to him and Blake it is "Beep Beep". Jodi brought picture books and they always go to the tractors. Watch out Pop Pop you have riders on the Rogator.
The boys are fun to watch as they are figuring out everything. They know who Momma is. The just sing and smile in the stroller.
Now for all you hospital folks, who needs Mediafast. Just walk 20 miles a day with your 2 boys. Yeap thats all the boys want to do is walk or stroll. I believe Jodi has lost another ?x? lbs.
What is amazing is the indepence the boys have been taught at such a young age. They dress, brush teeth, go to the bathroom, make beds, and they will walk 5 city blocks and much more. Watch out Allen Household girls, the boys are in the house. But you can have Scotty on your side, lol.
Okay to end my rambling blog. I thank God for my five children and a wonderful wife and great family. I want to get out of a city with 500 million people, yes 500 million people!!! I want be a country boy.
Love all of you and thanks for your support, love and prayers.
JWA
Two days and counting..
It is now Wednesday in Moscow and about 75F at 10 am. When we arrived it was 20F. Needless to say we are somewhat wardrobe challenged. Jeff filled you all in on the medical exam and paperwork yesterday. We have to go to the Embassy today and that should be the end of the formalities here. We tried to get a flight home on Thursday but everything was sold out so we will have to try to entertain two toddlers in a small hotel room for another day. There is a park and a huge mall with in walking distance so we have tried to make the best of it.
We sat down to read books last night and both boys were repeating words in english just as clear as possible (for 2 and 3). They are active and curious little boys. There is definitly no fear left in Blake for Jeff for anything else it seems. He takes off at 100 miles an hour. They are both testing us but nothing unusual for thier age and circumstance. The doctor told us they would both win academy awards someday for their performances. He was great and had quite the personablity to boot. He encouraged us to be firm with the boys.
We will update again tomorrow. We have run out of batteries for the camera and cannot find one as it is a strange size. We will try to get more pictures on asap. We are so anxious to get home and would like to throw these suitcases in the River. Love to all and we will see you soon. J&J
We sat down to read books last night and both boys were repeating words in english just as clear as possible (for 2 and 3). They are active and curious little boys. There is definitly no fear left in Blake for Jeff for anything else it seems. He takes off at 100 miles an hour. They are both testing us but nothing unusual for thier age and circumstance. The doctor told us they would both win academy awards someday for their performances. He was great and had quite the personablity to boot. He encouraged us to be firm with the boys.
We will update again tomorrow. We have run out of batteries for the camera and cannot find one as it is a strange size. We will try to get more pictures on asap. We are so anxious to get home and would like to throw these suitcases in the River. Love to all and we will see you soon. J&J
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