Annual Shipment

It is always great and exciting to see all the things we bought make it to Kazakhstan in one piece.  This year I got a new coffee table (the one they give us cuts off the blood in our legs) and a new recliner.  In the 1,750 lbs we also received the essentials (toys, clothes, and food).  46 boxes of cereal later I had it all in order by expiration date.  You tend to live like that when you can't get this kind of food.  Got to go, food is calling me.

Ice Hockey Game

Atyrau had a new ice arena built last year so the boys and I decided to go to a semi-pro ice hockey game.  It was a typical Atyrau experience in that it was colder inside the arena that out.  The attendance was okay and the boys enjoyed high fiving the players, eating popcorn and candy, and listening to the load music.
During the first period some of the lights went out and they had to stop play until they came back on.  You have to remember where you woke up as some people stay.  We had a good time and will do it again next year. 

Mason Rollerblading

Sometimes you need to push Mason to do things and sometimes he pushes himself.  This is a classic case of Mason growing up and wanting to do things on his own.

We have had these rollerblades in our garage for a year now and they were for Cameron and he used them a little, but I guess Mason just kept looking at them and said, I can do that.  I put all the pads (helmet, knee, elbow, and wrist) on him, but forgot his jacket until he said, "Papa, were missing something.  My jacket."  Mason amazes me everyday with what he has learned.  What will he learn next?

The Tooth Fairy is Coming

Cameron finally lost one of his teeth (naturally).  Well, he has had this tooth that has been just hanging around so I kept telling him to pull on it.  Then finally I decided to pull it until he said it hurt.  I did and then he said it hurt.  Next thing I knew Cameron is pulling it out.  I like to think I helped it along.

I asked Cameron what he thought the Tooth Fairy was going to give him and he said he wanted a remote control car.  I said that it couldn't fit under his pillow and he already had an answer for me, "Just put by my bed".  I then told him that I got a nickel (had to start low) when I was his age.  Cameron then said, "How about a dollar".  He is learning how to negotiate quite well and tonight he got that dollar.

Happy Nauryz

Nauryz is the holiday to celebrate the Kazakh New Year and this year the president gave everyone 3 days off.  While Stacey worked (someone has to) the boys and I went to the celebration in Makhambet Square.  The boys love to eat Baursak, which is similar to a donut (without the hole) and made every Friday in Kazakh homes.  We also tried the local favorite, Beshbarmak.  It stands for five fingers and is eaten with your hands.  It contains noodles, onions, potatoes, and beef.  I also tried another traditional food in Sorpa, the liquid left over from the Beshbarmak and also horse sausage.  I liked the Beshbarmak, but the others not so much.

PowerPoint Presentation by Cameron Offner

Cameron is in 1st Grade at the Dostyk American International School here in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.  I can't believe he is already giving presentations in front of his class and parents.  His first PowerPoint presentation was on Rain and he did a wonderful job navigating the computer and delivering a clear and understandble presentation.  Where will he be in 20 years if he is already doing this now?  I can't wait to see.

Mr. Flexible

You probably already guessed who Mr. Flexible is and you were right, Cameron.  His P.E. teacher says he is the most flexible in his class and due to his long lean body he can do amazing things.  Mason even tried, but Cameron reigns supreme in this category.