The Kazapaloosers take Milwaukee

Last weekend Jaime (Aunt Jaimima), Hannie, and I flew to Milwaukee to hang out with 80ish other families with children adopted from Kazakhstan.  It was sooooo amazing and wonderful to get to meet great friends in person whom I had only known online up until now.  The weekend was amazing well coordinated and the organizers deserve a GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!!  My new friend Lisa said it perfectly when she said the weekend not only brought friendship but also "brought a renewed sense of Kaz community and spirit."  Friday evening was a fun night at the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. This was fabulous.  We got Kazapalooza gift bags, had a yummy dinner, and got to get to know everyone while the kids ran wild.  Hannah, even at 11 months, LOVED it.  She played on the slides, in the sand box, and with the other kids.  She was the youngest Kaz kid there, but it didn't stop her.  She is 11 months going on 4.  That night, Jaime was nice enough to offer to watch Hannah (okay, she didn't offer.  I waited until she was distracted and then left for 4 hours) while I hung out with some awesome Kaz mamas.  It was so cool to get to know Kim (my fellow Gleek), Alaina, Stacy, Muriel, and everyone else.  It was also really nice to get to spend some time with other Shymkent families, including the beautiful Nurai, handsome Jacob, and the sweet Harmon girls.  Saturday was a special day as well.  We had a wonderful luncheon and slide show, with the pictures of the kids "then and now."  Since Hannah has only been home a few months, her pictures weren't that different.  Still cool to see her on the big ole' screen!  They also had a silent raffle and Hannie won a ton of stuff!! She got a tutu, potty training books (it can't come soon enough), a Kaz flag onesie, photo albums, a bath set, etc.  She is my lucky charm.  We took naps and then headed out to dinner with the Single Kaz Mamas group. This was a great time (a very LOUD time) as well.  Got to hang with the wonderful Christy and Z, and they were aweeeesome.  So were Lori, Quaintance, Melissa, and everyone else.  We are kindred spirits.  I crashed that night, and the next day we had the buffet, went to the SPOON foundation meeting (it was all about nutrition in KZ.  My little piglet sat there eating fruit loops and a chocolate doughnut) and then had to leave to the airport to come home.  All in all, an exhausting but amazing weekend. The Kaz adoption community has been such a blessing in my life, with all the support, encouragement and love I have been given.  We Kaz families bond over the shared experiences and histories of our children.  We are excited to see everyone again at the Midwest Meetup in August and the Walk for a Kaz in Sept.  I am having so much fun being Hannie's mom, and I know in my heart, the best it yet to come!

Dixie Chicks 

They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up.

 

Midwest Family Kazakhstan Adoption Picnic Weekend (and new pics of Hannah Banana)

Hannah has been home 2 months!!!  She continues to be the heart of my heart, and I love her to pieces!!  Having said that, this kid is balls to the wall crazy as a bat.  You cannot take your eyes off her for even one second.  She spends most of her day destroying anything and everything we own, and tormenting the dogs.  Since Jaime and the kids moved in with us, she constantly wants to do whatever the Big Kids are doing.  She crawls like crazy, never stops jabbering, and is totally a performer.  She knows all kinds of tricks, I will have to post video soon, but she blows kisses, does How Big Is Hannah, Peek A Boo, Waves Bye Bye, and she is a dancing fool!!!  We are so excited for Palooza this weekend, and can't wait to meet all our Kaz friends!!!  We also have a special event coming up right here in Cincinnati August 13-15....
A Midwest Kaz Adoptive Families Picnic and Meetup!!

Join us for a picnic on Saturday and super fun weekend!!! More info on the midwest Kazakhstan families yahoo group, let me know if you need an RSVP form. Hope to see many of you there!! (sorry to all of you who don't live in the midwest who are getting this!!)

Please contact Karen Ballinger at kballinger1@yahoo.com or Erin at cincyswimgirl@yahoo.com with any questions, we hope to see you all there!!

Hotel-- Residence Inn by Marriott, Cincinnati
11689 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45246
See “2010HotelResidenceInnMarriott” document in yahoogroups Files area. You MUST book by July 16 to get the group rate. Each family should ask for a room in the Kazakhstan Adoptive Families Block. You can call 513.771.2525 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              513.771.2525      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (800) 331-3131 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 331-3131      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to make reservations

Some weekend details:
8/13 - 6:00 get together in hotel lobby; swimming @ pool – please bring snack/beverage to share.

8/14 - 11:30 - 3:30 Winton Woods
Park’s entrance fee by car: $2
10245 Winton Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45231
Park entrances on left and right.
· We will stake out a shelter in the WEST entrance, NOT where the playground, water playground, main concession stand, lake, etc., are. Look for signs.
· Catered lunch ($7.50/person): Smoked Ham or Turkey Sandwiches on a Fresh Deli Bun or Croissant, Garnished with Lettuce, Tomato and a slice of Cheese. (Vegan Options and wraps available). Also includes: pasta or potato salad, fruit, bag of chips, home-made cookie, soft drink or bottled water
Please submit RSVP form and lunch pre-payment to Karen Ballinger by August 7
Karen Ballinger 4490 Spikerush Lane West Chester, OH 45069

Optional activities with prices— you pay on the day of the event:
Winton Woods:
· 10245 Winton Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45231 Get Directions
· Outdoor playground: free with car admission fee/sticker
· Water playground - $2.00 per person or 3 kids for $5 so we can group them together
· Concession stand
· Pedal Bay pedal boat is $11.27 per hour
· 2.6 mile paved multi-use trail
· Golf - 1515 West Sharon Road, 45240
http://www.greatparks.org/rec_golf/tmc.htm
Parky’s farm (approx. 3/4 mile south of Winton Woods):
· 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH Get Directions
· Outdoor playground: free with car admission fee/sticker
· Indoor farm-theme, accessible playground - $2.50 per child ages 2 to 12
· Pony rides for children shorter than 48" - $2.50
· Wagon rides - $2.50 (children under 2 ride free)
**HORSEBACK RIDING must be reserved ahead of time and is available from 4:30. Details. Please indicate on the RSVP form by August 7th if you’re interested. You will pay them on the day of the event.

8/14 evening – Champs restaurant (changed June 11, 2010)

8/15 – possible activities
Cincinnati Museum Center, The Beach water park, Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, King’s Island
 
Hope to see everyone there!