Welcoming Party

Phew… It is way harder to get time to blog now that we're home, but I have so much to say. 

Let's see how far I get before my time is up. 

We had the BEST welcoming party. Don't you love this sign?!?! Thank you Russamano family. :)

We were greeted first by Grandma, Grandpa, Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Chrislyn, Uncle Michael, cousins: Andrew, Sara and Kaylin. I had prepared Irina for the welcoming and she was so excited! Grandma and Grandpa live in Pennsylvania, but it worked out that they were in Virginia for Thanksgiving. Do you see another special treat from God? Grandma and Grandpa were able to extend their visit by one day so they could be there for our arrival. I love that it worked out that way. It was so special for Irina to see both sets of her grandparents and one set of aunt/uncle/cousins. She hugged them sweetly. 

As we came down the escalators, this is the awesome crowd that was shouting and clapping for us. 

Talk about feeling loved! It was overwhelming in a good way!

Sweet friends eagerly waiting to welcome a girl Smith. 

A friend commented that Irina was very poised with all the attention. She loved it! She immediately went over to the Scoggins family (whom we hosted alongside last Christmas) and gave Tracy a hug. So sweet. Irina then proceeded to go down the line and hug everyone. 

Our warm welcome didn't end at the airport. When we got home, my mom had shared a little Christmas cheer -- a Christmas tree and a poinsettia (not pictured). Her delightful neighbor and friend baked us delicious Christmas cookies. 

Our garage fridge was stocked with some necessary groceries to put off a grocery trip and dinner for Wednesday night. (Amazing fruits, vegetables, salad, homemade bread, muffins, homemade minestrone soup, eggs, milk, lunch fix-ins, etc. ) We are so loved!!!!! Thank you Pilsons, Beckers, Schwarzs, Perrys and Fogartys! 

God has blessed us richly with wonderful family and friends. You have prayed for us, listened to us, supported us, served us, encouraged us and reminded us how much we are loved by our heavenly Father. Thank you!