Sat. March 3 & Sun. March 4th

When we went to the orphanage Saturday morning, we knew things were going to be "different" because it was the orphanage director's birthday. Usually Saturdays are very laid back, with not many workers there. This Saturday, there were a lot of people there, dressed up, all excited about the party. Because of the party, all three of the US families were taken to the physical activity room. It might have been a little awkward if we all didn't know each other, but it was fine. Ladies kept coming in and out of the room at first, which totally distracts Caleb. It didn't seem to bother the other two little ones like it does Caleb. About a half hour into our visit a couple of ladies came in and told our translator that we were going to have to leave because they were having a party and the party would be in that room, too. I was NOT happy at all! I asked Assyra who would be taking care of the babies while they were all partying. We all started packing our things up, but we all were moving very slowly! A few minutes later someone came back in and said that we could stay.
I tried to put Caleb in a little swing they have in there, but he got very nervous and began to whimper. We also put him in this swimming pool filled with balls. At first he was fine in there with Brad in front of him, but when Brad went to get the camera Caleb started to cry. It's going to be quite interesting when we do get custody of him, with all these "firsts" he's going to be doing. He did enjoy playing basketball. We would hold him up and he would throw the ball towards the hoop. He made it in several times.

After our visit, we came back to the hotel and ate lunch. Then we walked with Rod to the Russian Orthodox Church. (see photo below) Next, we went to TSUM and bought a few souvenirs, which they don't have very many of here. There are no shirts, hats, etc. that say Kazakhstan or Taraz or anything like that! Brent, we have been looking for what you requested but have yet to find any...sorry!

Today, Sunday, we ate lunch at the hotel again, and then walked with Rod and Kym to the bazaar. It was a beautiful sunny day, so the bazaar was EXTREMELY crowded! Next, we went to GROS to get some groceries, especially some for Caleb who we are expecting to be taking back to the hotel either tomorrow or Tuesday!

We swapped some DVDs with Rod and Kym so that we will have some different ones to watch while still in Taraz. This way we'll have a few left over of our own to watch while in Almaty...if Caleb lets us anyway! (It may be only Baby Einstein and Elmo!)








The gang's all here! (Well, not quite, Austin wasn't feeling well.)