So Much the Same

Well, yesterday was the first day we got to meet Alexander in the flesh. It started like most days here in Kras. Buffet breakfast in the hotel (Better than I remember from last time. Sara got her hot chocolate!). Got to talk to the boys from the hotel room (free Wi-Fi in the rooms now!). Went downstairs to wait for our ride to the Ministry of Education appointment. Same cat lounging on the couch in the lobby (how long do cats live?). Nice warm day in Siberia (up in the 40's). Met the same translator (she didn't remember us...what's up with that!). The appointment with the Ministry of Education went well. Same lady there and same inane questions, though most were directed on how Elijah was doing because we had already been through the ropes. Then it was off to meet Alexander. All the familiar sites on the 45 minute drive. The orphanage was updated inside, which was nice to see. The smells were the same though. We were informed that he wears a patch over one eye to correct a "lazy eye" condition, so we only had to wait a little while until our little pirate came into the room (Sara has already nicknamed him "Patchy"). Our 2-hour visit was wonderful! He took to us much quicker than Elijah did, but he is so much like his brother. They look very similar and we just had to laugh that the same games we played with Elijah were the same games that Alexander wanted to play. They are definitely cut from the same mold. Elijah's beautiful blue eyes are replaced with the deepest chocolate brown eyes I've ever seen. He'll be the first in the family! Both of us felt very good about the visit and can't wait to go back today. Had dinner at Cinnabon (more of that authentic Russian fare) and turned in early. Sorry, but I can't post any pictures of Alexander's face. I was going to take a picture of him from behind to post, but I forgot. I will take one today. In the meantime, here's a few pictures of Elmo on his adventures to tide you over. Until tomorrow...

JP