Victory Day!

We had so much fun today!! We picked up D and the social worker and headed down to the river. It was his first time riding in a van and he was pumped about that. On the way there, we passed a camel on the road…seriously, I can’t make this up! I couldn’t get to the camera in time…too bad!! Once we got there, we were given Victory Day ribbons (black & orange) by a really nice Russian lady. She was very happy to see Americans joining in celebration with them. We were a little late to the parade and it was packed, so we didn’t get to see much. D was up on Dustin’s shoulders and probably got to see the most. He was interested to see all of the soldiers, but admitted that he was a little scared of them. Every time he saw a soldier he asked if they had a gun.


After the parade, we walked to the park by the river with the fountains and D was amazed by them and thought they were beautiful. It was his first time seeing the river and he really liked it. They had horse, donkey and camel rides and we asked D which one he wanted to ride and he picked the closest donkey! The donkey ride salesman whisked him up and on the donkey and took off before we even knew what was happening! Dust threw me some money to pay for it and ran after the donkey to try to get some pics! After the ride, we asked if he wanted to ride a different animal, but he said no, that was enough!! We took lots of pictures and walked all around the park. Lots of people were flying kites and just enjoying the day. Victory Day is a very important holiday here and a BIG celebration.

Our social worker’s family was all there for the celebration and she wanted to take us over to meet all of them. She is one of 10 siblings and they were all gathered in the park. They were very nice and extremely hospitable. They invited all of us to join them for a picnic lunch. Dust and I LOVED every minute of it! Everyone was happy and cheerful! There was all of this delicious homemade Kazakh food and fresh fruits and veggies that they grew. We all enjoyed the food, but none more than D; he chowed down!! They raised their glasses and gave many toasts, to Kazakhstan, to Victory Day, to family members that have been lost and to their new American friends! They were fascinated with us and asked many questions and introduced us to their children that learn English at school. When it was time to leave, my face hurt from smiling so much! The people were so happy and full of life and it was infectious! They invited us over for a traditional Kazakh meal and we can’t wait for that!!

He held our hands the whole time and got soooo tired! He wanted to be carried a lot and was affectionate, even though he was mesmerized by everything all afternoon! On the way back to find our driver, we finally found the coveted airplane shaped kite! D is a very happy boy now and can’t wait to play with it tomorrow…pray for wind! He had his first tastes of cotton candy and caramel popcorn today…both were huge hits! When it was finally time to take him back, he took fistfuls of popcorn back to his house!

SMILES, SMILES, SMILES – it was a great day for all of us!

                                           

WWII Memorial in Memorial Park

Flames & Flowers at the base of the Memorial to remember those lost.  There was a huge line of people waiting to lay flowers and pay their respects.

Kaz Flag

Some girls on the camel ride of a lifetime!

Riverfront Park

Family Picnic (Our Social Worker's Family)

Our new Kazakh Family - The Ladies (our SW is in the aqua jacket)

Our new Kazakh Family  - The Men