Thursday, January 12, 2006 We get to the airport without a problem though I was a tad bit late as I was returning some last minute clothes for Brooke that were to small. Once at the airport, we needed to reconfirm our seats. What I spent hours booking was no longer in the system and I refused to fly back to New York in seats that were going to be uncomfortable. Somehow with what little talent I had left in me, I managed to get Howard a window seat and block the aisle so he got two seats to himself on the first lag of the trip. Then for the second lag, the 14 hour lag of the trip, I managed to get us a row of four seats just for us. It was wonderful being able to sprawl out and have more room. The flight was relatively ok. Brooke slept most of the time and so did we. Andrew, Barbara and Lindsey were right behind us. Our lay over in Seoul Korea was fine too. Howard found a Dunkin Donut's at the airport and was in his glory. Barbara suggested taking the babies to the children's playroom and that was a great idea. The airport in Seoul has several indoor playgrounds for children and they were able to crawl and get some exercise before the long flight home. Once we landed we went through customs. One custom's agent asked us if we had two nieces and were surprised - yes we did We told her. She proceeded to tell us that they were anxiously waiting for us outside. After we gathered our bags and officially were going through custom's we were met by another agent asking us if we had two nieces waiting for us outside. Boy - these kids get around. Well I understand how every custom's agent knew Melissa and Lindsay. Waiting for us outside the gate were the two of them along with Chloe our other niece and Matthew waiting for us with homemade signs and balloons. These children waited over an hour for us to come out. It was a really emotionally charged reunion and the tears started to pour down my cheeks. We were met at the airport by Shari, Melly and Lindsay, Leslie and Chloe, Papa June and Matthew and Dee and Lisa. What a great crew. Once we came through those doors the kids flew through the barricade and ran to us. Everyone at the airport clapped. It was truly a wonderful homecoming. We get through the front door and it is close to 11:00 pm. Matthew has school tomorrow so I ask him to get in his pajamas and get ready for bed. We are not home more than five minutes mind you and he say's "It's not fair! How come she gets to stay up and I have to go to bed?" So you see my friends, it only takes a single moment, not years to form a forever family. And my story will continue . . . . .stay tuned. We are home! Love, Mandee, Howard, Matthew and Brooke

Matthew, Melly and Lee Lee waiting at JFK patiently We are home Tears of joy to be back The whole reception committee minus our photographers, Aunt Lisa and Matthew.

Papa June meets his newest granddaughter


Matthew and Brooke ready for bed

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