Courtship: A Tickled Tessa

Today has been eagerly anticipated by Tessa...

...and attended by the curiosity of Tessa's new siblings, especially Alexander.

Not because Santa was coming to town, but because Aaron, Tessa's fiance, was.

Aaron's trip here has allowed him to meet Daria, Alexander and Oksana. In March, when he and Tessa wed, they'll become family. Alexander must have a clear understanding that the men are terribly outnumbered in our clan because his excitement that his soon-to-be brother-in-law was coming has grown and grown.

Tessa and Alexander haven't been the only ones to look forward to Aaron's arrival, Princess Bink knew there'd be an extra hand to hold.

While we were at the airport, we stopped in to say hello to our favorite Delta agents. They were pleased to see Daria, Alexander and Oksana, the end result of the aid they'd given us at the check-in counter last month. Their patient help had been the very starting point for our nine children and me on our trek to Moscow to bring "Papa" and the newbies home. Once again today I was touched by their kind interest in our family. Having the support of so many during this adoption, even our new friends at the airport, has been such an encouragement! We feel deep gratitude to the Lord for giving us enthusiastic supporters. What a blessing you are, Dawn, Jody and Cindy!