Happy 2nd Birthday, Jose!

Today we celebrated Jose's 2nd birthday.  We ordered an elk antler and squeaky duck, which he really is enjoying.

 Later, although not for his birthday, we decided to get some outdoor activity with...you guessed it...sledding.  On the way, I saw the snow plows coming and decided to snap a picture.  Only five in a row this time, but it is impressive how dedicated the city is to keeping the streets clear.

 Gracie didn't want to miss out on the fun of being pulled, so plopped on her disc and grabbed hold of Zach's sled.  Poor Chuck!

 Our favorite sledding site!

 Look at Chuck go!

 I took a picture of this guy after going down on a snowboard.  I wish I had gotten a picture of the guy there skiing.  

 Gracie was able to play with a friend from school.  

 Yes, Zach and I walked through this, but I refused to go back in.  There is something alarming about going through and finding wooden beams inside as though they are attempting to provide additional support.  It was creepy for me.  Zach wanted to go back.

 Here is one of my footprints.  I'd love to know just how deep the snow is.  We frequently get small amounts and then the wind also blows it around.  There are clear paths where it is pressed and supporting you, which we mainly stay on.  Here, I veered off the path and sunk to my knees, but you can tell it isn't the bottom.

Enjoying the Slopes

Olympians, we are not.  However, we do have a bit of fun sledding.  This particular sled has officially made its last run though.  Hopefully we get new ones this week.  After watching lots of winter Olympic action, we decided to go have some fun on the slopes.  It was good fun, and only a few degrees below 0.  I admit to testing the other side for safety, only to discover it was TOO steep, after a rather painful and embarrassing face plant I made in the side of the hill.  Good stuff.  Luckily, the kids didn't have any painful wipeouts and only complained when it was time to go inside.

Exploring Astana

We have now been living in Astana for a month!  It has been quite the whirlwind.  Gracie started school, I substituted for two weeks straight for the same teacher, and Zach enjoyed preschool during that time.  Charlie is adjusting well at work.  We are all adjusting to the cold/snow/ice.  Every time I start to complain in my head about walking the dog in -30 temps (and that is not the windchill), I remember that we are blessed to be together and there is no room for complaint.  Since our days are so busy and we have no car while here, we haven't done a great deal of exploring.  And it is cold.  Brutally cold.  In addition, we've been getting shots, receiving our advanced shipment and our household goods arrived last Thursday too.  Gracie slept over at a friend's house over the weekend as well.  She started dance/gymnastics but are switching to taekwondo now.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of some of what we have been up to.

First, we took a taxi to Mega shopping mall.  It was very nice and I understand it was one of the first shopping malls here.  While there, we ate KFC.  It was rather tasty, but a bit pricey.

 Afterward, we went to a play center at the mall which is sort of like Chuck E. Cheese.  It was pretty neat though as you purchase cards, load them with money and swipe the card at each ride/game.  The kids had fun.  I was amazed at the rides though.

 These pictures were snapped from the taxi on the ride home.  There are supposed to be ice playgrounds around here someone, but I'm not sure they are ready yet.

 These pictures are of Gracie's first day at school.  We had quite the adventure of trying to get there as it turns out the taxis are mostly not familiar with the school's new address.  It took a while, several phone calls, chats with pedestrians, etc...but we made it.  She loves school and is doing great.

 We were VERY excited when their package of Christmas gifts arrived.  Nana was such a trooper as these gifts (that I ordered October 30th) were sent to their house as we anticipated a visit before the move.  She mailed them to Estonia, only to have them bounce back for no known reason and then sent them to Astana.  Regardless, we were thrilled and very thankful.  A few extra goodies were included too.  Thanks Nana and Grandpa!

 We have had so much fun with the snap circuits!

 (Yes, we do make our beds everyday and I'm completely aware of how awful Zach's bed looks in this picture.  This was before our shipment of his comforter set arrived.)  These building blocks are awesome though.

 Another weekend we decided to to to the Khan Shatyr, which is another famous shopping mall here. If you want to check out some interesting facts, go here.  All I have to say is that I'm so thankful they have places like this when it is so cold outside.

 Yes, you can ride a monorail around the top!

 We did not partake of any games or rides, but walked around.  We have decided this would be a great place to celebrate Zach's birthday party.  Gracie seemed put out until we reminded her that she would be invited.  We did eat at the food court.  Charlie and the kids had ridiculously priced Hardee's and I had KFC again.

 Of course, we had to stop at the grocery store in the basement before we left.

While I have discovered they DO have sliced bread here, it is not the general rule and is only white bread.  So, I ordered what I needed and have started making whole wheat bread.  My first loaf tasted fine, but didn't rise well.  For some reason, my kitchen is very cold and I think it had something to do with my dough not rising as much as it should have.  Today I am experimenting with my second loaf and letting it rise in the living room, by a space heater.  Hopefully it makes a difference.

There isn't really much left to tell.  We stay very busy.  I've worked very hard to get unpacked and have about 90-95% of everything done.  We are working on placing a consumable goods order and just overall getting settled in.  The time is flying by and I have to get started planning Zach's fifth birthday celebration.