Spring has Sprung

Well, It is officially spring!! I won't say that it is my favorite season, summer gets to claim that right, but longer, warmer days are definitely an improvement in my book. This past weekend was the Nauryz holiday in Kazakhstan. I love learning about the traditions of Kazakhstan and I store away each little piece of info that I collect so that in the years to come we can pass these traditions onto Baby G! Our way of welcoming in spring is a camping trip. We went a little earlier than the first day of spring, but we had a fantastic fews days. Our spring trips are always some of our favorites because the state parks (that is where we usually go) are pretty empty, there are really no bugs to speak of and you can REALLY enjoy the fire in the evening.This is me, Jeff and Inga, and my brother on a clifftop over looking the stream that runs out of Bennett Springs.

This is the four of us at our campsite. My brother is doing his best impression of the squirrel that ate our chocolate chip cookies! It was an evil squirrel!

We spent the last night listening to my brother play song requests as best he could on his harmonica. It felt like we should have been laying our heads down on saddles and listening to the wolves howl in the distance. It was very soothing and relaxing.

On the adoption front, Kazakhstan officials have temporarily suspended processing of adoptions that are at the consulate. Upon first hearing this I felt like I should be upset, but I really feel quite calm about it and figure it will happen when it is meant to happen and me getting anxious about it isn't going to help matters. Besides, I applaud the Kazakhstan government for wanting to review the inter-country adoption process. It highlights their care and concern for the children, which is what is most important. Last we knew our paperwork was still at the Consulate and that is a-okay we are here for the duration so we might as will enjoy the trip!