I am going to try for a two part blog on this one for two reasons; A. The passport situation was long and arduous (and at moments hilarious) and B. I found out some things in the Visa situation that I wasn't expecting and I'm not sure how much I am willing to share at this point (really, nothing major but I am usually a full disclosure person, so right now I am letting my feelings settle).
First things first, I made an appointment at the post office for the AJs passport processing. The Friday before, I realized that I did not have AJ1's birth certificate (a must for minor passport application). I had to cancel the appointment and reschedule.
The next appointment was two weeks later on a day that JJ was post in-house overnight. I took all three boys to the post office (I didn't realize at the time they would all be SICK within 12 hours) where they screamed for the 45 minutes we waited while JJ was stuck in the OR and we were finally told we would have to reschedule, AGAIN! The next appointment wasn't available for three and a half weeks -- now we were in trouble -eeek!
Somewhere in the middle of this mess I had to get the boys photos taken. I went to CVS where we had a total breakdown of parent-child-CVS manager communications and three surly photos were produced! Unfortunately for the CVS manager I had a horrendous experience right out of college with a condescending boss who resembled him so each time he became more annoyed at my kids, I was a little more in cahoots with them (probably not the best parenting moment), rolled my eyes at his face and giggled (bad, bad mommy)! Aren't these photos LOVELY! I am fully expecting the State Department to send them back (we actually had to have AJ1's retaken because the post office wouldn't accept it -- more below).
Our solution was to drive about 45 minutes over the mountain to Grottoes, Virginia where you do not have to have an appointment to process passports. We walked in shortly after lunch to the small brick building and the clerk at the counter about passed out, I kid you not! She was so very overwhelmed by us that I thought she was going to cry at one moment. If she had been kind I wouldn't have had to use the extreme manners I have learned during my short time in the south. AJ1 had his photo retaken, I paid them an arm and a leg (but they made me do it on no fewer than SIX checks -- weird!) and we were on our way!
A quick note of disclaimer, although it may sound as though I am completely complaining in this post and maybe I am to some extent, I think this situation is quite funny and am feeling so very blessed that it has all worked out to this point!
