Looks like we made it...

Sorry we haven't updated in a few days. We totally expected to give one last entry from Bogota but the last night we were there the hotel was having issues with the internet connection. We couldn't even print out our e-tickets and had to deal with that at the airport. Also I want to apologize that today there will be no pictures posted on the entry. We haven't gotten everything unpacked and I really wanted to get this post up.

Traveling yesterday went really well. The kids were awesome considering all the new experiences they were dealing with. The day started off at 4a.m and ended at 9:30p.m.. 17.5 hours total (We flew from Bogota to Atlanta. Then From Atlanta to Pittsburgh). Our driver was picked us up at 5:45 - so Donna and I got up first and got things organized. It's good to know that the kids can sleep through pretty much anything because we were definitely making a lot of noise. It was 5:30 by the time we even started waking the kids up...and they were in the car in literally 20 minutes and no crying whatsoever. We think that they actually knew what was going on and realized they just had to get through the day. We got through the Bogota airport with little difficulty and had an hour to wait for our flight.

You know how sometimes you are on a plane and there is that one kid that the parents just keep having to constantly keep them in check? So the child's name becomes a mantra and by the end of the flight EVERYONE knows the kids name? We had 3 of those kids...but seriously they really were just being kids. and they were making friends and putting on a show for everyone. So by the end of the flight EVERYONE knew who Anji, Carol and Jhon-Fredy were...but in a good way. And we did meet a lot of nice people who were ready to pitch in and help translate or lend a hand with the kids.

Ok...I need to stop right here and say one thing. Our experience in the Bogota airport was BY FAR more pleasant than in Atlanta. Not to be unpatriotic but dealing with the government officials in Bogota was infinitely easier than in the US. The customs procedure in Atlanta was ludicrous. We got through every checkpoint (lugging 3 children and 6 pieces of luggage) and finally to homeland security which was the final payoff for all the paperwork we did in Colombia. We had about an hour and a half to spare when we first got there and the woman we were told we were supposed to meet with was sitting at her desk. Between the time we got there and one hour later the woman at the desk had gone to lunch - before processing us - and we saw a total of 2 people get processed while most of the officials were just standing around shuffling papers. At this point we had about a half hour t make our flight and were told we probably would not make it. When she did return, the woman took her time opening the children's packets after which she finally called us up and took no more than 3 minutes to do what we needed to do. Yes...3 MINUTES! At this point we had about 25 minutes to make it through security again...get our baggage re-checked in and then to the plane.

Getting the shoes and jackets off 3 kids, Anji in and out of her stroller, 2 laptops removed from their cases and then everything back together to continue on was a true test of our family bonding but we did it. We got the bags re-checked and literally ran through the airport to get to our gate. Carol did a stellar job of manipulating Anji in her stroller through the crowds, while Donna ran with 3 of the 4 carry-ons and I had Jhon-Fredy and one carry-on. Seriously I was really proud of us - we actually were working as a team. When we got to our gate they had held the plane for us and we just made it.

Bottom line though - it was so unnecessary. Back in the homeland security office - they were seriously causing multiple people to miss their flights - people all around us were calling and making other arrangements for other flights - we were just lucky. While the officials were dong absolutely nothing. Processing no one. I'm a little ashamed to admit that I think Donna and I had the biggest meltdowns of the day at this point - especially since anytime we asked any questions (for example - "Can you tell me where the bathroom is?") we were treated as if we were a bother and received pretty curt responses...I was not impressed...and honestly really shocked that we had received better treatment outside our country than within.

Ok I'm done. I just had to say it. That really was the only snag of the day. When we got into Pittsburgh the kids were so excited...and we were greeted by our friends, Mark and Caara and their children Carlie and Zachary. They were great for coming out and helping us get all our luggage home. They even picked up dinner for us on the way to the house from the airport!

Well the best part of the ride home was when we were coming through the Fort Pitt tunnels and the kids got the grand view of the city. Donna and I built it up as we were coming through the tunnel and started the countdown from 10. When we got to zero - we came out of the tunnel and the kids just screamed at the top of their lungs - even Anji - "YEAH!". That was the best.

It was way cool bringing them into the house for the first time too. Carol actually said "WOW!" when she saw her room and Jhon-Fredy yelled "PAPI HOCKEY!!!" when he saw all the Penguins stuff in his room then started to run from poster to poster pointing out Sidney Crosby and yelling "SIDNEY!". They followed it up with a bath and totally crashed when they got into bed - Jhon-Fredy preferred to sleep on the floor.

Today we just sorta hung out and got used to life together. Donna's sister Linda came over and helped Donna with laundry and unpacking - while I took Carol out to get some gates for the top of the steps for Anji - she was having a tough time with the steps today. I gotta say it was pretty cool taking Carol out in the car. We talked and sang and got her a new pair of sunglasses so she can cruise in style.

When we got home I did the lawn while Carol and Jhon-Fredy played outside. Then Jhon-Fredy and I played a little soccer. It's just the greatest feeling having them in the house. I don't know why - but it just feels right. Like they were meant to be here.

So day one is over and as I write this Anji is upstairs throwing a fit because Donna made her put her diaper on - for the second time - because she took it off in her crib.

Thanks to everyone for the continued support in this endeavor. We really couldn't have done this without your prayers and everyone continuing to cheer us on day to day while we were away.

We'll keep you updated.
Scott