3 more days to go!

Only 3 more days until we hop on the plane to go to Vietnam! Today we received our in-country itinerary from our agency. Here's our tentative schedule:

Thurs, July 31 -- Board a plane in Minneapolis ~5 pm

Sat, Aug 2 -- Arrive in Danang late afternoon

Sun, Aug 3 --  Visit Madeleine at the orphanage

Mon, Aug 4 -- Farewell party at the orphanage and 

Giving and Receiving Ceremony

Tues, Aug 5 -- Fly to Hanoi

Aug 6-20 --  Paperwork in Hanoi so Madeleine can come to the US

Wed, Aug 20 -- Leave Hanoi

Thurs, Aug 21-- Arrive back in Minneapolis

The bags are all packed (minus the toiletries and the carry-ons  -- 1 backpack and Andrew's bag). We decided on 3 bags -- they each weigh 2 lbs under the limit. Most of it is dedicated to baby things and gifts for everyone we see. I figure more room to bring things back.

So this time next week, she'll be ours. :) Whew! 2.5 years later . . . it's finally all coming together!

Travel dates and new pictures

Well, I confirmed with our travel agency today that we have tickets to fly to Hanoi. We'll leave Minneapolis July 31, then via Seattle and Taipei, we'll arrive Aug 2 in Hanoi. So our official travel dates are July 31-Aug 21.

One of our agency's staff members was in Vietnam the first week of July. She took pictures of Madeleine. Warning -- I think she was a little tired. Robin - I think you might be right about her having her own mind. :) She's pictured with her foster mom and niece.

We're going to Vietnam!!!

Our agency just called and we're going to Vietnam!!! I don't really know the dates yet but I'll post more soon!!!

YEAH!!!

--Maria