Ballet

Stacey and I's first ballet just happened to be in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.  Before the ballet we went out to dinner and as we were walking into the restaurant I see this sign. 

Brings back memories of college.  They let us in.  It helps to have a great looking wife.  For the ballet we had low expectations and were pleasantly surprised how good the dancers were. We saw Swan Lake and Genghis Khan. Another success was that we didn't fall asleep.

Sleep Over Party

When I asked Cameron what type of party he wanted to have this year he decided on a sleep over. Cameron was able to invite 5 friends (Timur, George, John, Johanna, and Sydney). We started at 5 pm with playing outside in the fort (tree house) and then inside for pizza. I wanted to find a way to get the kids out of the house and burn off some energy so I created an adventure hunt where I gave them clues and they had to find glow sticks around the camp. All the kids said the game was fun and they all enjoyed themselves. After a little drama (as if you could avoid that), they came in to watch the movie, How to Train Your Dragon. Since one friend and gone home we made a call and she came back to watch the end of the movie and have cake and ice cream. Cameron got to open all his presents and Mason even got one too. It was time for bed after that. As you would think the kids did not go to bed quickly, but after another great idea of telling them a bedtime story, Stacey was able to get almost all of them sleeping. They slept about 8 hours and in the morning I made pancakes and chocolate chip muffins. At around 10 am I started sending the kids home. The party was a big success and I am sure Cameron is already planning the next sleep over. 

Check out Mason's face.

That is a funny joke.



I am thinking about a great experiment.



I get a present too!

Lego Builder

Silly Bands



Happy 8 year old



Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.  This year we were all able to celebrate together since there was no H1N1 scare in Atyrau, Kazakhstan.  We had a wonderful time with all the great food.  Did it matter that I got my dessert plate before I finished my food?  Nah.

Eight is Great

Today Cameron turned 8 and what a day it was. We let him choose all the meals and he wanted breakfast for all of them. First it was Lucky Charms cereal. Then waffles with chocolate syrup and maple syrup. For the grand finale he had chocolate chips pancakes and a piece of candy. He declined birthday cake even though he had a piece at school when he shared it with all his friends. Maturity or sugar overload? Who could forget a toast which the boys seem to do over and over again.


Cameron received a 35 dart Nerf gun, 435 piece lego set that shoots, miniature pool table, and a Bakugan DS game. He loved all his gifts, special phone calls from family in the states, and 3 plus hours of playing his DS. Happy Birthday Cameron!!!

I can't wait to eat all of this.



Happy Birthday hat from school.



Watch this Mason.

Good Stuff!

Yeah, these are for me.

Day of the Guardian

Today was a very special day.  I was invited to take place in the 1st ever Day of the Guardian celebration here in Kazakhstan. 

What is Day of the Guardian you might ask?

"Day of the guardian" is on October 29th at the initiative of the Ministry of Education and Science. Reported by the press service department - this is the first in the history of Kazakhstan's charity event for foster families and orphans who are brought up in these families. The Ministry of Education and Science notes that for a long time foster families were left without proper attention and support from both the state and from the public. Today the situation has changed. Thanks to the initiative of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Education and Science, from 1st January 2011 for all guardians and trustees, bringing up in their families orphans and children left without parental care, plans to pay a monthly social security benefit for child support. This measure will be another important stimulus for further initiatives to support the family forms of upbringing of orphaned children.


The children that I teach English to put on a great performance.  There was acting, singing, dombra playing, and of course lots of dancing.  After many costume changes and great music, we were able to give the students treats.  They went fast and much fun was had by all.  I enjoyed taking Mason and he had fun too.



Kalybek Abitov, Shanyrak Director



 

Which one is your pic? Of course the stache

I had never really let my beard grow before and with Stacey out of town for two weeks I thought I would try and see if she liked it.  Well, she did not so it came off the next day.
Which one is your favorite look?  Of course the mustache is popular.  Try not to laugh like I did.



Don't Laugh Too Hard