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Our Forever Family

2005-05-30T18:41:00.000+06:00

Now that both our children are home, we will be continuing our story in a new blog. Please join us at Our Forever Family.

2005-05-30T03:46:00.004+06:00

After Church

2005-05-30T03:46:00.003+06:00

Father and Daughter after Church

2005-05-30T03:46:00.002+06:00

The Haircut!

2005-05-30T03:46:00.001+06:00

The Fun Begins!

2005-05-30T03:46:00.000+06:00

Hey Look at Me!

2005-05-30T03:45:00.002+06:00

It Takes Time to Get Pretty!

2005-05-30T03:45:00.001+06:00

Beautiful Girl!

2005-05-30T03:45:00.000+06:00

Sunday After Church

2005-05-30T03:44:00.002+06:00

Look at Her Arm!

2005-05-30T03:44:00.001+06:00

Our Newest Brave!

2005-05-30T03:44:00.000+06:00

Home and Lovin' It!

2005-05-16T06:58:00.001+06:00

First Meal in America (Vienna Sausages!)

2005-05-16T06:58:00.000+06:00

Together Forever!

2005-05-16T06:57:00.000+06:00

We're Finally Home!

Our Last Day!

2005-05-13T17:13:00.001+06:00

Today we are saying farewell to Kazakhstan, our second home. This morning was our interview at the US Embassy. It went off without a hitch. If you don't count the fact that I left the credit card in the van, and Tom had to go back to fetch it. We were in and out in just minutes.

Then it was back to the Sisters for our exit meeting with Gulbanu. Gulzhan was out of town with her daughter, who was in a tennis tournament. She had one her first match, which meant extra time for them there.

After the meeting, we met Rhonda & Ian at Mad Murphy's for lunch. The it was to the candy store, where we bought bars of delicious Kazakhstan chocolate.

We are spending the rest of this rainy afternoon and evening getting ready for our departure.

CAMERON! MAMA AND DADDY LOVE YOU! WE MISS YOU!! WE HAVE TEN DAYS OF HUGS AND KISSES FOR YOU. AND A SURPRISE! PLEASE BE GOOD FOR GRANDMA! WE WILL BE HOME SOON!!! AND KATYA WILL BE HOME WITH US FOREVER!!!!!!!!

2005-05-13T17:13:00.000+06:00

Mama's Magnet and Keychain
Posted by Hello

2005-05-13T17:11:00.000+06:00

Katya's Camel (Like Cameron's)
Posted by Hello

2005-05-13T17:10:00.000+06:00

Mama's Doll
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2005-05-13T17:09:00.000+06:00

Katya's Doll
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2005-05-13T17:07:00.000+06:00

At Mad Murphy's for our Last Lunch in Kazakhstan!
Posted by Hello

Take Two Aspirin....

2005-05-12T23:07:00.000+06:00

Today was Katya's medical exam. The US government requires that she be given a clean bill of health and be current on her vaccinations before they'll approve her being brought into the US as our adopted daughter. Katya is now 4'2" and weighs 66 lbs. She did great, although she had to have THREE shots! Her reward was a popscicle at the Ramstore.

After the medical, we met the Tumblesons and the Hicks for lunch at Stetsons. It looks like a western tavern, but the food has a decidly Kazakh flair. I think I would have been happier at Mad Murphy's. ;-)

When lunch was over, we joined Rhonda & Ian at the Tsum store for some shopping. The Tsum consists of three levels. The first level is all electronics. There are individual vendors, each with their own counter selling their wares. I have never seen so many cell phones for sale in one place before.

The third level holds booth after booth of traditonal Kazakh items. Everything from a horse saddle, leather pouch for the fermented horse milk they like to drink to t-shirts that say Kazakhstan to miniature yurts. We bought a doll for Katya, a doll for me, two magnets, post cards and a key chain.

We came home after that and spent the rest of the eveing relaxing.

Tomorrow morning at 11:00 is our US Embassy interview. We will receive Katya's visa then, the last hurdle before getting on the plane for home.

We hope to share one last meeting with the Tumbleson's and the Hicks today. And also perhaps a quick to the Kazakhstan chocolate factory. We had some in the mountains and it is "f'kusna", tasty!

2005-05-12T20:25:00.000+06:00

Lunch at the Stetsons, Rhonda & Ian, The Tumblesons, and the Williams
Posted by Hello

2005-05-12T20:23:00.000+06:00

Ian and Blake
Posted by Hello

2005-05-12T20:22:00.000+06:00

Happy Ian with Mama Rhonda
Posted by Hello

Ahhh the Mountains!

2005-05-11T22:31:00.000+06:00

Today was our trip to the mountains. We woke up to a beautiful sunny day, just right for an outing. Vitali picked us up at 10:30 a.m. and then we picked up Rhonda and Ian.

Our first stop was at the Medeo Ice Skating Rink. It's a huge rink, and they had amusement rides on the outside. We then drove a little further up, so we could have a view of both the rink and Almaty. What amazing, beautiful views. I had someone tell me there was nothing to see up in the mountains. That person couldn't have been MORE wrong! It was breathtaking!

At our second stop, we ran into the Tumbleson's with their son Blake. We drove on up to the ski resort. I think we were at least 9,000 feet up. We had lunch there at an outdoor cafe. I had a delicous bowl of borsch, and Tom had pork kabobs.

After lunch, we took the ski lift up the mountain. Oh my! It was much longer than what I thought it would be. I was a little scared! But Katya wasn't. She giggled the whole way! We got off and took some more photos before taking the lift back down.

The wind was in our face on the way back, so it was very cold! I closed my eyes part of the way, and that helped!

A stop at the Ramstore, and then it was back to our apartment for the rest of the day.

2005-05-11T21:23:00.000+06:00

On the ski lift
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:22:00.000+06:00

On the ski lift
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2005-05-11T21:21:00.000+06:00

At the top of ski lift
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:20:00.000+06:00

At the top of ski lift, looking toward Almaty
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:19:00.000+06:00

The Ski Resort
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:18:00.000+06:00

Eating at the Cafe at Ski Resort
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:17:00.000+06:00

Chi Bulak Ski Resort
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:15:00.000+06:00

View from Cafe
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:04:00.000+06:00

A Happy Mama and Papa
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:03:00.000+06:00

The Mountains
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:02:00.000+06:00

Bicycle Race Up the Mountain
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:01:00.000+06:00

The Twins! They have the SAME birthday! Baby Tumbleson and Baby Hicks
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T21:00:00.000+06:00

View of Medeo
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T20:59:00.000+06:00

Father and Daughter
Posted by Hello

2005-05-11T20:58:00.000+06:00

Medeo Ice Skating Rink
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Shopping

2005-05-10T21:10:00.000+06:00

Today was devoted to shopping. We visited the Ramstore and the Green Market. At the Ramstore we had lunch and did some food shopping. We found a video store upstairs and purchased 4 movies and a music CD. We got a Looney Tunes and Stuart Little for Vika and Looney Tunes and Peter Pan for Katya. I'm sure that Katya will lend her movies to Vika, though!

The battery on the play cell phone that I brought for Katya went dead, so we found a cheap play cell phone ($1.10) at the Green Market for her. There was an upscale children's store at the Ramstore, where Katya saw a Barbie portable CD player that she wanted. But it was almost $100!! I know they have them at Walmart at home for much, much cheaper. Try telling that to a 10 year old that wants it NOW!!! ;-D

Back at the apartment, Katya watched her movies, and Mama fixed her some Manti for dinner.

We are planning on taking a drive up to the mountains with Rhonda and Ian tomorrow, weather permitting.

Katya has her medical appointment scheduled Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Then it's the visa interview at the US Embassy on Friday. We'll be leaving for the airport in the wee hours of Saturday morning, probably around midnight.

Still no luck posting photos. I'll have to wait until our return.

We talked to Cameron this evening, as he was eating his Sunday pancakes. It was difficult this time, as I'm really starting to miss him. :-(

Paka!

Victory Day

2005-05-09T18:11:00.000+06:00

I forgot to mention that it was raining when we arrived in Kokshetau and in Almaty. It stopped raining during the night. Since it was only partly cloudy, we decided to get out.

Vitali came to get us at 11:30 and we picked up Rhonda and Ian. We first went to lunch at Mad Murphy's. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Everyone was at the Victory Day festivities.

Following lunch, we decided to join them! We headed over to the park. There were many vendors and a big stage with entertainment. We got Katya an ice cream cone and wandered through the park. It's so much fun people watching. There were hundreds and hundreds of people out, including veterans, wearing all their medals.

When we'd had our full, we headed to the Ramstore again. We got Katya a couple CDs of her favorite artists while there.

We're now back at the apartment, listening to music, and getting ready to made dinner. We don't have anything on our agenda. We've been told that Kata's medical might not be until Thursday, which means we'll have Tuesday and Wednesday open.

2005-05-09T17:59:00.000+06:00

At Mad Murphy's
Posted by Hello

2005-05-09T17:58:00.000+06:00

At Mad Murphy's After Lunch with Rhonda and Ian
Posted by Hello

2005-05-09T17:57:00.000+06:00

Happy Ian (Taken by Katya)
Posted by Hello

2005-05-09T17:56:00.000+06:00

Performers at the Park on Victory Day
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2005-05-09T17:55:00.000+06:00

WWII or The Great Patriotic War Memorial
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Leaving on a Yak 40

2005-05-08T18:02:00.000+06:00

Today we left Petropavlovsk for Almaty. Who knows when we will be able to return.

We met Marina at the hotel restaurant for lunch at noon. Mama tried Borscht for the first time. She is happy to report that it is "f'kusna". Tasty!! I didn't even really taste the beets. Mostly the tomatoes, onions, peppers and the creaminess from the sour cream.

1:30 p.m. and we loaded up our luggage for the ride to the airport. We left with less luggage, one duffle bag rolled up and put inside the other one. At the airport, Tom gave Sergei, our driver a UGA cap. He's already given him an Atlanta Braves cap a few days earlier.

We had a smooth flight to Kokshetau and landed safely. Katya did great, she didn't seem the least bit scared. She enjoyed seeing how small everything was. We were able to sit in the front row, which gave us much more legroom.

In Kokshetau, Rhonda Hicks and her son Ian joined us on the plane. We were so glad to be there to help her out. Ian is such a cutey.

After we got to our apartment, we went to the Ramstore for supplies. After shopping, we went to the food court and got a pizza to go. We chowed down we got back to the apartment.

Bedtime came way too late, after 10:30 p.m., and we were all worn out.

2005-05-08T17:59:00.000+06:00

Like Mama, Like Daughter
Posted by Hello

2005-05-08T17:58:00.000+06:00

Den in Apartment, Where Katya Sleeps
Posted by Hello

2005-05-08T17:57:00.000+06:00

Living Room
Posted by Hello

2005-05-08T17:50:00.000+06:00

Kitchen in Apartment
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T19:00:00.000+06:00

Katya Handing Out Gifts
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:59:00.000+06:00

Children Receiving Gifts
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2005-05-07T18:58:00.000+06:00

Looking at Gifts
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Saturday, in the Park

2005-05-07T18:39:00.000+06:00

Today was a funfilled and busy day, but very relaxing too! We started the morning with breakfast in the hotel restaurant. At 11:45 a.m., we met Marina to return to the Shelter.

We had gifts for Saule, Galina, and Katya's caretakers, not to mention Marina herself. From there, we made a stop at our favorite pizza place, where Katya devoured four pieces of pizzas.

Returning to the hotel, Mama took a nap, while Katya and Papa played together. Papa lost two card games and a paper football game as well.

At 4:00 p.m., we walked with Marina over to the amusement park. Mama and Katya rode a roller coaster and two swing type rides. All three of us rode the bumper cars. Mama had fun, although she kept thinking about her brother's missing tooth!!!

After cotton candy, we walked over to the red brick restaurant for an early supper. Katya, Marina, and Papa had pork kabobs, and Mama had lamb kabobs. 'fkusna!

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at an ice cream vendor for some ice creams to eat later.

We're planning on watching "Finding Nemo" in a bit. Tomorrow morning will be spent packing, as we leave at 1:30 p.m. to drive to the airport for our return flight to Almaty.

2005-05-07T18:38:00.000+06:00

Bumper Cars
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:37:00.000+06:00

Roller Coaster!
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:36:00.000+06:00

Weeee!
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:35:00.000+06:00

Gothcha!
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:34:00.000+06:00

A Day at the Park
Posted by Hello

2005-05-07T18:33:00.001+06:00

Riding with the Wizard of Oz
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2005-05-07T18:33:00.000+06:00

Swinging!
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Back IN Kazakhstan

2005-05-06T20:30:00.000+06:00

We're back in Petropavlovsk and we have our girl!

Our KLM flight to Amsterdam went very smoothly. We loved the airport! We found a lounge near the meditation center on the upper floor and took a nap. After a little window shopping, and lunch at McDonald's, it was time for our flight to Almaty. That flight also was very smooth. Having flown both Lufthansa and KLM now, I think I prefer KLM.

After clearing passport and customs, we walked over to the hotel airport. We checked in a little after 2:00 a.m. We set the alarm for 6:00 a.m. so we'd have time for showers before going back to the airport at 8:00 a.m. We didn't get very much sleep as it sounded like jets were taking off over our heads the entire time!

We had a slightly bumpy flight to Petropavlovsk, but a smooth landing. We met a lady visiting her inlaws in Kokshetau, who is from Florida. It was interesting speaking with her.

Marina and Sergei were waiting for us at the airport. They whisked us away to the Birth Certificate office for Katya's BC and adoption certificate. Then we had to get documents notarized. Then finally, we were on our way to the Shelter.

When we arrived, I could see Katya waving to us from the upstairs window. She was just as beautiful as she was two weeks ago. We hugged, and hugged and kissed. We brought in the suitcase so we could get her a change of clothing and get the gifts out for the children.

I think Katya enjoyed handing out the gifts, toy cars, watches, purfume sets, and Polly Pockets.

We said our goodbyes and headed back for the hotel. It was a little after 5:00 p.m. by that time and we had to wait until 6:00 p.m. for dinner. Tom and I were quite hungry as we'd only had 2 breakfast bars all day long.

Finally, a little after six, we headed downstairs and had dinner with Marina. After supper, we went back to our room and an early bedtime. Mama and Papa were exhausted!

We set up the sofa bed for Katya in the living room, and we slept in the bedroom. That was some good sleep!

We're now getting ready for breakfast. Here's hoping there are blineys on the menu!

Today's itinerary calls for a return to the Shelter to hand out more gifts, a visit to the amusement park and dinner at the red brick restaurant.

My upload program is down right now, so I can't upload any photos. I took a few of the airport hotel and handing out gifts.

Paka paka!

2005-05-06T20:29:00.000+06:00

Our Airport Hotel in Almaty
Posted by Hello

2005-05-06T20:28:00.000+06:00

View from Airport Hotel
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2005-05-06T20:27:00.000+06:00

Airport Hotel
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2005-05-06T20:24:00.000+06:00

Airport Hotel
Posted by Hello

2005-05-04T21:51:00.001+06:00

Packed and Ready to Go

2005-05-04T21:51:00.000+06:00

Katya's Room

2005-05-04T21:50:00.002+06:00

Katya's Dresser

2005-05-04T21:50:00.001+06:00

Katya's Bed

2005-05-04T21:50:00.000+06:00

Cam and His New Truck

2005-05-04T21:49:00.000+06:00

See You Soon Katya!

2005-04-30T18:20:00.000+06:00

Mama's New 'Do

2005-04-29T21:34:00.000+06:00

Friday Dance Night

2005-04-29T21:20:00.000+06:00

Friday Dance Night

FIVE More Days!

2005-04-29T17:01:00.000+06:00

I have gifts now for everyone but our beloved Marina. We want to get her something truly special. I'm hoping I'll have a little time after my haircut on Saturday to look around some more.

I woke up this morning to discover that our travel visas are on their way back to us. Now if we can just get our airline tickets. I email our agent on Sunday, phoned him on Monday, and Monday evening he said he'd send them out Tuesday morning. Well, they haven't arrived yet. We have today, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday for them to arrive. Guess I'll be phoning him again...

A week from today, and Katya will be with us forever.

Six Days and Counting....

2005-04-28T17:56:00.000+06:00

The time before we return to Kazakhstan is growing shorter. I'm still playing Super Shopper, buying gifts for everyone in Kazakhstan. Okay, that's an exageration.

I just finished up buying gifts for the 49 children at the Shelter, and Katya's 6 caregivers. I also bought a Braves cap for Sergei, our driver. I still have the director, the assistant director, Shaisada, Marina, Katya's ex-caretaker and the Dept of Ed rep.

Then I have to buy a few more items for Katya and start thinking about packing!

I have a hair appointment for this Saturday, my first haircut in about 7 months. So, I might look slightly different in my next photo.

My mother arrives Sunday afternoon. I've been talking to Cameron about how he's going to play here with Grandma and Dante while Mama and Daddy go get Katya.

Now we have an email from Gulzhan asking us where we want to stay Friday morning when we arrive in Almaty. I have to let Jim know by the end of the day. We thought we were going to stay at the Hotel Peking, but it looks like we have a few options.

Safely Home

2005-04-23T21:12:00.000+06:00

We arrived safely home yesterday evening. We figure that door to door, it took about 28 hours to do it!

For those bringing your adopted children back to Kazakhstan, upon exiting, have both US and Kaz passports avaiable. The airline wanted to see Cameron's US passport to show that he had permission to enter the States. Otherwise, show the Kaz passport when going into the passenger area and when going through passport control. In Amsterdam or Frankfurt, show the US passport, as once again, you are proving that your child has permission to return to the States.

Cameron slept a good 3 hours on the flight from Almaty to Frankfurt and then about a few more hours from Frankfurt to Atlanta. This gave us some time to rest and sleep as well.

When we arrived at Frankfurt, we made a beeline to the McDonald's, so that Cameron could play. From there we did a little shopping and then when to our gate. We finally boarded our plane to Atlanta.

There was a huge thunderstorm moving through Middle Georgia, so our landing was delayed by over 40 minutes. My BIL Burl was waiting for us at baggage claim and my SIL Linda was at our house, with a hot meal waiting for us.

We had some supper, and put Cameron to bed at about 8:50. Tom and I both took showers. That shower was like being in heaven. Sweet smelling water, ahhhhh...

Now, we have to start getting ready for trip number two. We already have our letter of invitation, so I have to get our visa application in the mail on Monday. We've purchased our plane tickets, but I need to let our agent know we are home, so he can mail them for us.

We leave again on May 4th.

Our Last Day Here or...

2005-04-21T14:38:00.000+06:00

Top o' the Morning to yee!

This is our last day in Kazakhstan. We started the morning with a trip to the Sisters' for a last meeting before heading out. We filled out some forms and then drove to Mad Murphy's to have lunch with Lauren and Claire Sumner, and Lauren's mother.

Cameron was delighted to see another baby, especially a girl, as you can see by the photos. The is a nice play area outside the restaurant, so Cam got to run in the grass for the first time in weeks. We had a yummy lunch of chicken fajitas.

After lunch, we went to the park and walked around the grounds. Workers are busy all over town preparing for Victoria Day, which they celebrate on May 9.

Returning to our apartment, we realized that we are in the apartment across from the one we stayed in on our arrival in Almaty 2 years ago. This is the apartment we saw another family with WPA come out of our first morning here. We discovered that we already knew them through email, as they live in Macon, near us. We have come full circle.

We're now trying to get Cameron to take a nap, so we can rest up for our flight home, early tomorrow morning.

It's been a truly wonderful, incredible experience here. But we are anxious to get home and prepare for Katya's homecoming. We'll soon be back...

2005-04-21T14:36:00.000+06:00

Enjoying the Tulips

2005-04-21T14:35:00.000+06:00

By Rose Bushes

2005-04-21T14:34:00.000+06:00

Russian Orthodox Church, with Workers Preparing for Victory Day, May 9th

2005-04-21T14:33:00.001+06:00

Looking Throught the Park Toward the Cathedral

2005-04-21T14:33:00.000+06:00

Michele, Cameron, Lauren with Claire

2005-04-21T14:32:00.000+06:00

Their First Kiss

2005-04-21T14:31:00.000+06:00

Cameron and His New Girlfriend, Claire Sumner

2005-04-21T14:30:00.001+06:00

British Telephone Booth, Outside Restaurant

2005-04-21T14:30:00.000+06:00

The Famous Mad Murphy's

2005-04-21T14:29:00.000+06:00

Playing at the Restaurant

2005-04-21T14:28:00.000+06:00

Hanging Out at the Restaurant

2005-04-21T14:27:00.000+06:00

The Stadium That Has Never Been Finished, Near the US Embassy and the Sisters' Office

2005-04-21T14:25:00.000+06:00

Scenes Around Town

2005-04-21T14:24:00.000+06:00

Local Pub

2005-04-21T14:23:00.001+06:00

Scenes Around Town

2005-04-21T14:23:00.000+06:00

Front of Apartment Building

2005-04-21T14:22:00.000+06:00

View from Apartment

2005-04-21T14:21:00.001+06:00

The Refrigerator