Ft. Lauderdale

We landed safely in Ft. Lauderdale at 5:40 a.m.  The kids were all able to sleep on the plane, so they were refreshed.  Dave caught a couple 40-minute sections of sleep and I was unable to sleep at all.  We deplaned, heading in the only direction available: Customs and Border Protection.  Each time we turned a corner we thought, “well, that’s not so bad” until… we entered the big room filled with many lines.  Fortunately, every window was available, so it moved rather quickly.  We headed to the window with our unopened adoption packets and passports.  They stamped what was necessary and then escorted us into the Homeland Security office to have their Green Cards processed, which will be mailed to our house.  After opening and verifying said packets, they stamped more documents, had the children sign their new names and took their fingerprints.  We then waited in a small room for about thirty minutes.  Finally, they declared our kids U.S. citizens!  Next, we headed to gather our bags, which were all together and no one was around except for an airport employee who helped us retrieve all our things.  Then, we walked through Customs – no line – we were congratulated, and told to pass through – no checks!  And… we’re done!  We found a cart, grabbed a shuttle to take us to the car rental, and loaded up our Chrysler Town & Country.  We made it to the Marriott successfully.  Dave took Xavier and Lizet swimsuit shopping while Angela and I stayed in the hotel.  After a lunch of Burger King, Xavier, Lizet, and Dave headed to the beach after being slathered with sunscreen.  I hope if Xavier collects any rocks, he won’t take a bubble bath with them this time.  While they were at the beach, Angela took a bath and I knew she was happy because I could hear her singing the whole time.  Dave and the kids returned having played in the ocean and burying Xavier in the sand.  Xavier brought his mamá seashells.  They had a great time.  We got ready to go to dinner and asked the downstairs receptionist for suggestions.  We went across the street to Dave & Buster’s, per one of her many suggestions.  After dinner, the kids got to spend their arcade cards.  We are now in our room; the kids are happy sharing one bed right beside us.  We are also introducing the kids to one of our favorite cartoons, King of the Hill.  They seem to be enjoying it.  They are quiet.