Happy Christmas Eve!!!!

Last night Steve and I had a big night at the movies. We were up late watching Ace Ventura and The Aviator. Thanks to all who loaned us DVDs they have provided us with our entertainment so far. We also managed to find microwave popcorn over here so it was quite the evening. Today was one of the first days that we actually slept in. I was up at 8:00 am and Steve up at 8:30 am. For those who know me that was late for me. We scurried to get ready for our 10:00 pickup.

Megan was very happy to see us today. We told her that this was the last Saturday that she would be in this place. We hope to have her out of here on Friday. We had our normal playtime, Steve - the aerobics instructor was back and had Megan doing all her exercises. We also read a couple of books and Steve and I even tried singing her a couple of Christmas Carols. We were pitiful - combination of our bad voices and then not remembering the words. We have a lot to learn before next Christmas rolls around. It is sad that we are not going to be home to enjoy the Holidays, but we are grateful that we will be able to be with Megan instead. Our apartment has not one decoration in it. I should have taken a picture of our drivers van today though. When he picked us up this morning the inside of it was totally decorated - garlard all over the place. I wasn't sure if it looked more like a love machine or if it needed a disco ball. We all got a kick out of it. I'll have to take a picture of it tomorrow.

We then went out for the normal group lunch. I knew Steve was feeling better today when the Vodka was passed around. I passed on it - it still smells like nail polish remover to me. (One large shot of vodka costs about 25 cents). After lunch we went to the Tsum Store (pronounced Zoom). We needed more microwave popcorn for our Christmas Eve movie night. Exciting life here is Kokshetau. Outside of the Tsum Store is a bunch of ice sculptures for the New Years celebrations. Life goes on here regardless of the weather. Today it was a little colder - probably in the 20's. People are still walking around like it is 70's degrees. Walking and taking the bus is the norm here.

That's all for now. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! We miss you all!

Here are the pictures of the day:

Megan


Megan with Mom


Daddy's little girl


This is what happens when you start drinking Vodka


Tsum Store


Ice Slide


Horse Drawn Carriage


Ice Wall


A building with a picture of the President on it. His picture is all over the place - billboards, signs etc.