We're HOME!!!

Sorry that this post is WAY delayed, but we've been HOME enjoying spending time with our SON!

Let me fill you in on a little of what's been happening here...
On Saturday, June 9th we flew to Washington D.C.  We stayed the night there and left the next morning for Ethiopia.  We arrived in Ethiopia on Monday, June 11th around 7:30.  Our Embassy appointment was on Tuesday, June 12th.  We arrived home in Nashville with our son on Friday, June 15th.  So, it was definitely a quick trip, but we were so blessed to spend a few more days in our son's birth country. 

We had a wonderful trip, but were definitely excited to get home so he could meet all of his friends and family.  But it was definitely an emotional ride to the airport.  I cried as we drove through the streets of Addis Ababa on the way to the airport. I made sure Hayes could see out the window (not that he will remember that ride like I will).  We definitely want to bring him back one day when he's old enough to remember it. 

Hayes did WONDERFUL on the flight.  We were fortunate (thanks to our amazing travel agent Erica Shubin!) that I had a seat on the Bulk head (with more leg room-the hubby was a couple of rows back).  We also had a bassinet that the flight attendants anchored to the wall after take off.    It was about 16 hours from Addis to D.C. (with a short stop in Rome to refuel)   He slept almost the entire time! After an 8 hour layover in D.C. (NOT fun!) we were so excited to board our flight home to Nashville. 

I can not even begin to explain the rush of emotions that I felt as we walked through the area where our friends and family were gathered.  I immediately started bawling at the sight of so many who had supported us throughout this journey. 

I'll post more pictures of our aiport homecoming when we get them, but for now, here's a few of our favorite photos from our trip!


 First picture of us reunited (Rebecca, just for you I'm singing "reunited and it feels so good" as I look at these!)

Hayes with his sweet nanny.  It broke my heart to see how she cried when we left.

First picture again with Daddy!

View from our guest house.

We took many a stroller ride up and down the hallway of our guest house!

Happy boy after bath time!

Family picture: take 1.

Family picture: take 2.

Snuggle time!

Nap time with Daddy!

Ethiopian sunrise.

One happy boy!

So glad we got to visit with friends from our first trip!

 Looking at videos with Daddy!

Ready to board the plane!

The bassinet on the plane was a lifesaver!

Nap time during our 8 hour layover in D.C.

All smiles with Daddy!

The hubby wanted a picture of us under the Ethiopian flag at the Dulles airport, so I happily  grudgingly agreed!

Hayes is happy to be on U.S. soil!

We have been so overwhelmed by the amount of support we've received throughout our journey.  I'll post more soon on how Hayes is doing now that he's home, but I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for your support along the way.  We appreciate it so much! 

Happy Tuesday everyone!