Happy New Year in Kazakhstan

A balloon release at the celebration

An interesting contest! Competetors had to climb up this pole the fastest to

win a washing machine. Uummm...notice he is wearing nothing but his briefs!

Me and Sveta in the Yurta

Me with a woman dressed in a traditional Kazak outfit

Everyone sharing a meal in the yurta

The children had car rides in these motorized cars

I think I caught the middle of "Dada" in this picture!

"Yes Daddy ~ this is still my favorite toy!"

Here I am cracking myself up!

"Don't you think I am sooooo funny Mommy?"

"We miss you sooooooooo much Daddy!"

Uuuughhh ~ they put the green medicine on my boy's forehead!

"Wow...you are so talented Mom! You are holding me and taking pictures...amazing!"

Thumb sucker by night (yes, I know it is daytime)

And it is not limited to thumbs...any finger will do!

Today is the Kazak New Year. Sveta took me to their celebration which is in the middle of town. It was very crowded and festive! There were many Yurtas set up by different organizations and we went inside one of them and enjoyed a bite to eat. It was great to see the inside of a traditional Yurta and share some traditional Kazak food with Sveta and others. Her husband came along as well! He is a nice guy and they are a cute couple. They will have fireworks tonight and I am hoping I will be able to see them from the apartment. I have a great view, but in the wrong direction. I miss my hubby soooo much! Stephen is still saying “Dada” and seems to enjoy when I say “Nyet (No)– MOMMA!” He just sticks his tongue out and says “Dada.” It is too funny…all the caregivers are trying to get him to say “Momma,” but “Dada” is all we get out of him :-)

So, I am struggling over my blog invites. I truly want to continue the journey with the support from the adoption community that has helped me and encouraged me so much. Yet, someone out there gave information to that crazy lady and I am just uncertain who is out there that may wish to inflict pain and suffering on me and my family for some sick twisted reason. Aahhh – the internet…such a blessing and a curse all at once.

So since, in my opinion, the “reason” for Orson not wanting me to post pictures has now been eliminated I see no reason why I can’t post away. Our little cutie man cracks me up. He cracks himself up! He is ticklish EVERYWHERE and laughs so hard…he squints his eyes closed and puts him head down. Way too cute!