Powell Family Adoption Story: Thanksgiving, Ukrainian style

Although still a bit numb from yesterday's events, today was a MUCH better day. We tried to focus just on today, Thanksgiving Day with the boys and Anya and Den. Anya took us to a large grocery store where we could stock up for our American-style feast. We were also able to buy some decent knives, which is already making cooking SO much easier and safer. Our dinner included a couple of rotisserie chickens, homemade mashed potatoes, canned corn, canned peas, cranberry jelly (!), some wonderful Georgian bread, and some chocolate-cherry cake. Even with limited kitchen facilities, it turned out beautifully and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Den brought over some toys for the boys: those paper models with tabs that you put together to make cars and planes and such. After dinner, all four boys had a great time trying to figure them out. It was a wonderfully relaxed, enjoyable evening with great conversation. Next best thing to being at home.

We also got to Skype with Cassie, Clay, Nana and Papo, so we still got to "see" everyone at home. It's so cute to see Eli and Isaac use their English with Cassie and Clay. They are learning so quickly.

I mentioned to Anya that I was cold in the apartment, so she promptly called the manager and had her bring a space heater. Manna from heaven. I find it interesting that Eli and Isaac are extremely hot-natured. I brought some warm, cuddly footie pajamas for them and they HATE them. Can't stand them. I'll be wrapped up in every layer I have, shivering cold, and the boys will be complaining that they are hot. I'm guessing this is because the orphanage is cold and they've just adjusted? I wonder if they will always be this hot-natured. If so, Oklahoma summers will be brutal for them.

We've all decided that Eli is filling out. The jeans that fit him perfectly three weeks ago are looking a bit snug. I think Isaac is too, it's just not as obvious as with Eli.

I was showing Anya photos from our trip to Uglegorsk in May. We started asking Eli and Isaac questions about their classmates:

Do you miss your friends at Uglegorsk?
No.
Who was your best friend at Uglegorsk?
Illya.
Besides Illya, who were your friends?
Illya.
Do you miss anything about Uglegorsk?
No.

I guess it's possible that they are afraid we will send them back if they say they miss anything/anybody, but it's still sad to hear. They are SO ready to go home.