Tuesday, November 22, 2011

US Consulate and Red Couch

Yesterday (or today in the US because of the 14 hour time difference and the International Date Line thing and all) was our appointment at the US Consulate. Mike and Matthew and the other 20+ families had their swearing in ceremony and got everything ready for the visa to be issued. Since we are a "Hague" family, all of our paperwork has been filed already (and we both had signed it) and submitted it before we our Travel Approval was issued. This saved a lot of time and hassle. All the fees were paid. All the forms were processed already, and Mike did not need to fill out a lot of papers. This is a good thing since I am the one who has done it all for the last 5 kids. I went over everything with him before I left just in case he was asked for something or needed to provide them with one of the additional documents I brought. It was all good. He raised his right hand, took the oath, and once Matthew lands on US soil (and goes through immigration) he is a citizen.


This is Matthew on the steps of the US Consulate. We have pictures of the other two standing on the steps as well. (I am sad that I am not in this one because I am in Owen's and Lily's too.)

Traditionally, the families have their pictures taken on the "Red Couch" at the White Swan Hotel on Consulate Day. We have lovely "Red Couch" pictures of Owen (crying) and Lily (with a scowl on her face) and all their fellow adopted friends. Unfortunately, the White Swan is closed for construction and families are no longer staying there. However, what we did not know, is that the restaurant is open...and the infamous "Red Couch" is on the same floor as the restaurant! What a lucky find!



Mike took Matthew over to the White Swan the other day to get the pictures. Since he is not staying on the island, he decided to get Matthew's "Red Couch" picture when he had the chance earlier this week. I am OK with that! At least we have one!

The visa will be ready to be picked up on Wednesday and then Mike and Matthew are headed home. I can not wait until we are all under the same roof!