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After finding out we were going to have to go to France, Russia, and Israel we didn't know where to start. We ended up going clockwise starting in Russia. When we got to the orphanage Ally (once Alyona now Allison Tamara) and Leah (once Larisa now Leah Marie Theodora) pounced up on us. They were very glad to be going home with their "mama" and "papa". Igor (once Igor Aleksey now Igor Alexander) was a little more hesitant but soon followed in his sisters' footsteps. We all happily left the orphanage and went to a hotel where the rest of the kids were wating for us. The kids felt right at home with their five siblings but felt it was still two quiet. Three days later we headed to Israel to get Yonatan (once Chaim now Yonatan Chaim) and Zachariah (once Maor now Zachariah Maor). When we got to Israel we put the kids with my parents immediately went to the orphanage. Ally, Leah, Cara, and Tallie played dolls, Igor took a nap, Julie, Tim, & Andy played a game of soccer. At the orphanage we were handed Yoni and Zach and told we could leave right away. On the way home from the hospital we picked up a few presents for the kids. The kids were delighted as they were told these were presents from the boys. After about a month of bonding Julie, Igor, and I flew to France. Everyone else went back to our home in Amsterdam. When Julie, Igor, and I arrived we went to our hotel for the night. The next morning we set out to pick up Maggie (once Celine now Margaret Cecelia). Maggie was confused when she saw us because she'd been told that we had ten children. After getting an explanation she happily went to the hotel with us. We spent about two days in the city and they took a train home. Now six months later I can't imagine my life without them. Soon we will be leaving for a contintent wide adventure. If you want to be kept posted just let us know. We would love to adopt a little boy (5 or under) from anywhere in europe while we're on the trip

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--Thanks so much Gabby