Monday - Court Date Set

We were given our court date this morning - Monday, 9/19 at 11:30am with a more agreeable judge.  Though it was a relief to get a date, we were not happy that it is a week away.  It was a tough morning for us as we walked downtown, realized we had seven more days here and contemplated our options.  We both miss the kids very much and would like to see them but know that one week is not long enough to fly home and back for court.  Mark's 12th birthday is Tuesday 9/20 and we decided that we will pull out all the stops to make sure we are home for his special day.  Details forthcoming but we may have a long car ride on Monday afternoon versus a train ride...it will make for an interesting post on next Tuesday!

We had a short visit at the orphanage this afternoon.  We watched Maria practice a dance program she is performing in.  I have attached a video and a photo.  She had to complete her homework so we did not stay long in her room today.  She wasn't very happy that we left but she wouldn't listen to Katie, her caretaker, while we were there...let the parenting begin!

Kelly received word tonight that we had to delete any photos posted on facebook or in this blog that do not have Maria in them.  I guess it is an issue with the director of the orphanage to have kid's photos posted.  Going forward, we will try to make sure she is in all the photos we take.  If you have tagged any of the photos and put them on your page, please delete.  For all those on their way, beware of this newly discovered rule!

Maria and the rest of her dance class rehearsing what we think is the entrance of the performance.