Up to Chymbulak

We finally made a second attempt at going up to Chymbulak, the big ski resort near the city that is popular tourist spot. (The first time we were turned back because the road was closed.) We went with our good friends, Dake and Amy. However, halfway up our car overheated (it's a very steep climb) and we had to stop. Fortunately, we were all able to squish into Dake and Amy's van and made it to the top where the resort is.

We then took two chair lifts up to where there was still large patches of snow and had a bit of a walkabout and some snowball-throwing. It was amazing how much the temperature changed from the city (around 1500 meters) to the top of the second lift (around 2600 meters). The kids didn't hesitate at all getting on the chair lifts and really enjoyed them. And when we got back down to our car, it had cooled off enough to drive home (although we had to get a gasket and a hose replaced).

Pool Party

Ever since the weather got hot, the kids have been asking for a pool. After a bit of hunting we found an inflatable pool for a reasonable price (for here, anyways). We don't really have a great place to put it (since our backyard has no level spots at all) and it's not easy keeping it clean, but the kids are really enjoying it. And it's a great relief on these hot afternoons!

Cherry Picking

Derek and the kids spent a couple of hours today harvesting our cherry crop. (Thomas actually spent more time eating than picking.) Our yard is full of fruit trees. We have two cherry trees, a plum tree, a pear tree and three apple trees. Our neighbors have what we think is a walnut tree that hangs over into our yard too. The cherry trees seem to be different varieties because only one is ready for picking now. Last summer we didn't have much fruit on the trees -- there was a late frost here in Almaty and most of the cherry and plum blossoms perished. But this year, there are a lot! We have already taken some cherries to two other families and still have lots left over from the first tree. We may have to learn how to make jam!

Our Outstanding Students

Last night was the all school awards ceremony. Will and Kate both received the "Outstanding Student" award for their classes. The award is given to the student in each class with the highest overall average. The award consisted of a certificate and 1500 tenge (about $12); needless to say, the kids were much more excited about the cash than the certificate.

Today, after the last day of classes, we went to celebrate at a newly-opened restaurant here in Almaty: Kazakhstan Pizza Hut! The pizza was very normal, the manager spoke English, and the menu was in English (and Russian, of course) so we felt quite at home (sort of).