Kazapalooza 2012

One of our favourite trips each year is to join over 100 families at Kazapalooza, a reunion of families who have adopted from Kazakhstan.  It is a social weekend where adoption is celebrated, our children have the opportunity to form friendships with other children adopted from Kazakhstan, and Kazakh blue and yellow are proudly worn!  In addition, there is a charity raffle each year that supports orphans still in Kazakhstan.  This year we raised an unofficial $7,000!!!

Kazapalooza's location this year was the Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, a mere seven hour drive from Toronto.  Zoe does not like riding in a car but we decided to brave it (after investing in a portable DVD player for a little insurance).  She did very well!  We may have more road trips in our future!



The resort has a distinct African theme complete with a 5-storey elephant mural.

After seven hours in a car, Zoe needed to blow off steam at the water park.  She ran herself silly, all the while screaming "I love Kazapalooza!"   

We have learned to arrive at Kazapalooza a day early and stay a day late in order to maximize our time with friends as well as take advantage of the fabulous locations in which the reunuions are held.  Without knowing who else is coming early or staying late, we invariably run into friends and acquaintances who are doing the same.  What started as a solo lunch on our first day ended in three tables being pulled together as other Kazapalooza people wandered in. 

Our first organized gathering was a pig roast followed by some old fashioned games such as tug-of-war, sack races, and a pie eating contest.

  



This photo is blurry but I love how she is taking such delight in pushing the pie tin onto Mama's face!



  

Posing with Tayler and Matthew

 Saturday's main event is the luncheon banquet followed by the charity raffle.

 

Colouring at the banquet table with Kiana and Miranda.

 Following the banquet, we headed to the large indoor water park for an afternoon of fun.  Zoe and Taylor were inseparable! 

During a mid-afternoon ice cream break, we photographed another reunion of sorts.  Zoe and the three boys pictured below first met in Almaty in early April 2008.  We had just taken custody of Zoe and were spending time sightseeing while her paperwork was sent to Moscow for completion.  There happened to be several other families passing through Almaty at the time to finish up their paperwork before heading home to the States.  We were fortunate enough to be in touch and join them for a wonderful day at Kok Tobe as well as a few other outings during the several days that our paths crossed.  This is the first time all four families have been together since that outing.  They have all grown a bit! 


Kiana, Daniar, Lincoln, Zoe, Gabe

 

Flashback to April, 2008 - L to R: Lincoln's parents (Lincoln is in a stroller between them), Sara with Zoe, Gabe and parents, Daniar and parents.  The photo on the right is of Zoe on the way to Kok Tobe that day.



We had the pleasure of joining Kiana and her family for dinner Saturday night.  Zoe and Kiana are also inseparable!  They had fun colouring on the floor while we waited for food. 

Sunday morning's gathering is a casual time to stop in and say goodbye as families head for home.  With so many families, we soon spilled outside where the kids could spread out and play.

Zoe and Taylor

Zoe and Leeza investigate a bug.

Zoe climbing with Anna, a new friend this year.



Kiana and Zoe


After the Sunday morning gathering, many families hit the road.  Several of us stayed on for one more day in the water park and one more night.  Zoe was thrilled that Taylor's family was one that stayed. 

Zoe woke in tears on Monday morning.  She knew it was time to go and was already missing her Kazapalooza friends.  Luckily we still had the morning to explore the resort's animal park with Miranda.  Miranda is a couple years younger than Zoe, but the two of them hit it off last year and the connection remains.

Miranda and Zoe feeding rabbits

Kangaroos like grapes.

The grand finale was a camel ride.



Two sweet friends saying goodbye.

 We have such fun at Kazapalooza every year!!  We relish the time with our adult friends and love watching Zoe create her own genuine friendships.  Each year we meet new families and make new friends.  We are already looking forward to Kazapalooza 2013 - in Texas!!