Almaty - Updated

We made it to Almaty without a hitch. It was hard saying good-bye to Karina's family and of course the water works were flowing (no surprise to anyone who knows me). The ended up accompanying us to the airport so we were able to say a final good-bye at the gate. We are so very thankful for all the kindness that they showed us.

As for the flight - Serik was pretty good. Poor kid was so off his schedule and was very tired. He cried a bit before take off and we fed him and started his bottle. We gave him the rest of the bottle on take-off and he was fine. He fell asleep for the last half of the flight and again in the car to the apartment. Yesterday we got up and went to the clinic to get him checked out - all good save for his infected finger tip and a small cold. They also did an HIV test, ht, wt and checked out the ears, nose and throat. He weighs 21.9 lbs. and is 28 1/2 inches long. Growing everyday. Went by the sisters office to sign some forms for the embassy appointment and then to the Ramstore to get a few things that we had forgotten the night before. In the afternoon we loaded Serik into the snowsuit and the Baby Bjorn and set out to meet up with Scott,Linda and Katerina Zhana. We managed to find them (had to no idea which way to orient the map and the local police at the traffic intersections were not much help) and we set off to find a coffee shop we had seen and heard about. It's called Bisquit (but obviously in Russian) and we each had 2 cappucinos along with other goodies (crepes, torte and a fruit salad for me). The kids were doing well so we walked around a bit and Serik napped in the Bjorn. Had dinner at Mad Murphy's and were hoping the Lloyds would meet up with us but we didn't see them (Jamie and Geena - if you're reading this we have had a problem with the i-card and the phone but try to call us on our cell or apt number 2727832 or 73332801702). Food was good and the company was better. Serik slept like crap last night - no exaggeration. He went down at 8 up at 9:30, up at 12, up at 3:30 until 5 and then finally asleep until 8:30. Trying to get him down for a nap now so we can sight see in the afternoon. Dad's trying to nap too - neither of us got any sleep - obviously. Enjoy the pics from yesterday.

Above is the Science Academy, Bisquit Cafe, and random buildings in Almaty.