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Mike Here.

Tomorrow is the big day. At 8:30, Sveta and Alexander pick the three of us up to go to court to finalize Mia's adoption. I've written my speech, and Sveta has reviewed it. There's really not much else for us to do today -- especially since we've decided (on Sveta's suggestion) that it would actually be better to pick Mia up the following day instead of right after court tomorrow.

This means one more drive to Shchuchinsk, but it does give us another day to finalize our gifts, photo albums, etc. It also means another chance to get our apartment together. Perhaps it means a chance to breathe -- our last breath before we dive.

Our visit with Mia today was chaotic, as it was all with many other children. The tricycles were out in force, and there was much competition for them. Tucker loved pushing Mia on her trike -- she hasn't quite figured out the pedaling thing yet.

At one point, Mia and Nina were playing in the playground -- chasing each other. It was cute. One of them would shove the other, and then the chase was on. Tucker chased the both of them around and around until he figured out that he was the third wheel. Then he got pretty jealous and needed lots of hugs from us. We had to explain to him that sometimes girls like to play with girls, or just that sometimes people like to play with other people. It doesn't mean that Mia doesn't love him.

We also took a short ride in the car today, just to see what it would be like with the four of us. We remembered that Tucker was a little afraid of the car, so riding in it with us was pretty scary and we did this joyride thing with him to break the ice. Mia had no such fear, and was impatient when we would get going fast enough. It was very sweet to see Tucker with his arm around Mia, holding her steady, saying "watch out Bacha, lots of bumps!" He's such a good big brother.

Tonight, we went to the Louca's (the cottage) for a feast of takeout Shashlyk (kabobs) and various salads and stuff. We also got beer on tap for takeout -- you just bring in an old bottle and buy it for 130 Tenge per liter. You do the math. We bought four liters worth by the end of the night. Darn good beer, too.

I got a chance to talk to Chris Marker, the male half of the Chris and Suzie, the other American couple. I really enjoyed talking to Chris. He's got a pretty eclectic background. We laughed a lot. I certainly admire them for the task they've chosen -- that of adopting a 10-year-old girl. Little Nastya is unfortunately having a hard time. This is a tough age to be all by yourself with a bunch of Martians like us. Grown-ups, no less.

I am so, so grateful to the Loucas for opening up their house to the whole gang. It's a lot of work, and they're very generous. Onissus (probably spelled that wrong) is awesome with the kids, too. He's a chiropractor by trade, and clearly has a very grounded, patient demeanor.

Whoa. Big day tomorrow.