Sunday, December 20, 2009
WE ARE HOME!!!

Our travel went very smoothly! We didn’t have any trouble with any of our connecting flights. I was a little nervous about the connection in San Francisco because we only had an hour and twenty minutes to get through Immigration and Customs and then re-check our baggage and get through security again. Luckily we had a nice tail wind for the entire flight over the Pacific and we arrived earlier than expected. We got “lucky” again when the customs agent looked at us and decided to let us through the line without hassling us. We made it through with no problems.

I do have one small complaint for United Airlines! We had planned to buy some water for the long flight after we got through security. The United people checked our carryons IN THE GATE RAMP again and wouldn’t let anyone with water on the friggin plane!! Morons!! Then they proceeded to give me what amounted to about 5 shots of water on the almost 11 hour flight. Needless to say my lips are chapped and I am NOT happy with United. I normally would drink almost a gallon of water in that time period. I got less than 2 cups. I’m going to be writing them a little letter. They are going to get a piece of Fessick’s mind.

We arrived home very tired, but all of our luggage made it safely and we are all in one piece. Brandy got us unpacked yesterday. The girls seem VERY happy with the house and I think they are relieved to be at their new home. There are pictures of them on the walls here. I think they are starting to realize that this is their “forever family”. Opal is getting happier by the day. She giggles and squeaks and gives me kisses. It’s a tough life.

Shane and Leah Heideman were nice enough to bring us some groceries to help us survive the first few days. Dave and Katie Hedrick and their girls Maggie and Anna showed up at the airport and helped us to get all our luggage home. Bob and Val bought the whole crew lunch at Moon’s Mongolian Grill, hauled more luggage and brought us even more groceries for the first few days. Nick and Ali showed up for moral support and hugs. We have SO many people to thank for all their help that it’s overwhelming. We couldn’t have pulled this off without everyone’s support. For that we are truly grateful. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

We’ve had some expert advice that the two newest girls need to work on their core strength. I didn’t realize how much stronger Amalie is than Opal or Sophie until we had them all doing sit ups and pushups. Opal has a lot of trouble doing even one sit up. Fessick gives her a little spot. Amalie on the other hand has no trouble. As a part of her Irish Dance training they work on flexibility and core strength. Amalie has a very strong stomach. The rest of us…………….. could use a little work. We’ve decided to make it a family project.

We are looking forward to Christmas. Right now I think the girls are helping Brandy dig out the tree to put it up. We are all suffering the effects of some major league jet lag, but this too shall pass. It’s going to be a GREAT year!

Merry Christmas To You ALL!!!

Brandy, Ted, Opal, Sophie and Amalie

P.S. We will update the site again in about a month once we get all of the medical stuff done.


“When a child is born, an invisible red thread reaches out from the child’s spirit and connects to all important people who will enter the child’s life. As the child grows, the threads shorten, bringing closer those people who are destined to be together.” ~Chinese Proverb