Here's the results of my visa requirements:

For Russia I used the recommendation of Chaika (Thank you!) and went through gotorussia.com

final cost for two people was $470

For Belarus, I applied directly to the Consulate in New York City

Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America - Consular Section - Consulate General in New York

final cost for two people was $420 that includes the invitation ($50) from the hotel we stayed at

Minsk Hotel. Republic of Belarus

The process was straight forward.

When I get my notes together and body readjusted to 8 hour time difference will post about the trip. We were in Russia (Moscow, Suzdal, St. Petersburg), Ukraine (Odessa, Kiev), Belarus (Minsk). To sum it up in a few words - we had a great time!

Scott