After flying with my kids for 15 hours, number 3 clearly stated a time-honored motto “it is impossible to be comfortable on airplanes.” Despite that, we made it to Russia. I headed to the diplomatic passport line and then waited. I waited…waited…and waited some more. For the first time during the trip, my kids started getting cranky, rude, and whiny. I felt like whining myself but I knew it wouldn’t get me anywhere.

After two hours, we got through the line to see my hubby on the other side. After collecting all the baggage, we flagged our driver who took us home. It felt so good to finally be there.

A friend made us dinner and we all managed to stay up fairly late here so as to avoid jet lag. We went to bed last night and woke up 13 hours later, which was 11am here. Hubby went to work at 6 (actually I have no idea when, I am just guessing). I found myself some pants among the suitcases, got the kids breakfast and then they went outside to ride their very own bikes.

Shortly after, repairmen arrived to fix something upstairs in the attic. They carefully explained to me in broken English that they had to replace the emergency heat which still runs in case of a power outage. What a good idea. They were here a little while when number 2 came running to tell me his bike tube was flat. I know I shipped extras but I can’t tell you where since Daddy unpacked the shipment. I went outside to look in the garage. I removed the tire and an English speaking worker came over to help me. He was very kind. He said to me “I glad you here. Your husband miss-ed you.” I explained that I miss-ed him too. If anyone has heard number 4 speak, she always emphasizes the ‘ed’ sound in words. It’s great.

A little while later, the foreman of the crew asked for my help. I agreed and we went upstairs. He needed me to turn on the dryer. I know this sounds simple. It probably is, but I haven’t been here 24 hours yet and haven’t done laundry. I tried everything and he was getting frustrated. Then he told me to call my husband and I realized, I have no idea how to get in contact with him at work. The foreman started looking through my kitchen for the manuals muttering to himself in Russian and I just stood there. He said, “We always keep in drawer. No move them.” I explained again, I have only been here one day.

My husband will be home soon. He will fix the tire and find the manuals. My friend offered to keep the kids so he and I could get some dinner alone. Number 1 told her “you are such a good person.” She is. I’m going to get washed up, if I can only find the shampoo…..