Swearing In and One Last Dinner at Lucy's

Yesterday was a big day for Ava. We rode a bus with a lot of other families to the U.S. Consulate and had our swearing in ceremony for Ava. They do not allow cameras there, so we don't have any pictures. She is now a U.S. citizen on paper, but it doesn't become official until she crosses into the U.S. at our port of entry. So... Ava will officially be a U.S. citizen at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday night in Los Angeles! We will definitely get pictures of that! We took a picture with Emma in front of our hotel when we got back from the consulate to mark the day.

 

To celebrate, we had one last dinner with the Linder's at Lucy's. Ava enjoyed one last bowl of chicken congee. If anyone has a good recipe for that, please let me know! Ava has gained an entire pound since we've been here, and I know it is because of the way she eats that congee! When we said good-bye, Carter gave Ava about 10 hugs. They are too cute together. It will fun to get together with the Linders over the years and watch them grow up.

 

We've spent the day today (it's Friday afternoon here) packing and shopping. It's been a rainy day, so we've been in the room most of the day. We are definitely coming home with more than we arrived with. We had to buy an extra suitcase just to fit it all in. Good thing they allow 2 checked bags per person on this flight! My next post will be from L.A. if we can find an internet connection. If not, see you in Ohio!!!