January 27, 2010

City Snow Park

Sunday evening we had the pleasure of hanging out with our church friends the Petrovich family at Blago's snow park. The evening started out a little rough as we had to wake Havah up from her nap so that we could leave before dark. She was not to happy about being dragged out of bed, but she brightened up at the thought of going on the "big slide."

The snow park is built right downtown on the bank of the Amur river. From the looks of it you might think, "Wow, it sure must snow a lot over there!" But you would be mistaken. We've actually only gotten about 4-5 inches all winter. The snow used to construct the sculptures and slides is made right there by some sort of machine. We asked Zhenya how it was done and he said something like, "Water, zhooop, snow pfoo!" Since he doesn't speak any English, he uses a lot of sound effects to get his point across to us! Haha. Anyway, beside the snow sculptures and slides, there are also small carnival ride, ponies and horses to ride, and ice sculptures that light up different colors when it gets dark outside.

Despite the below freezing temperatures, the snow park is a pretty happening place. Everyone from the babushki (grandmothers) to the toddlers are out walking around and going down the slides on little pieces of cardboard (not the grandmothers). While Mercy was instantly excited to go down the "baby slide" with Jason, we had to coax Havah to even think about it. After about Mercy's 5 time, Jason just picked up Havah and took her to the slide without telling her what they were doing. She loved it!



After about 45 minutes of frozen fun we packed back into the Petrovich's car for some chai and then headed back out for more fun. When it started snowing about 1/2 hour later we decided it was time to head home. Good thing too, since Rachel couldn't feel her toes! We made it home just in time for the girl's bedtime, praising the Lord for fellowship that reaches beyond language. :o)


family photo in front of the 2010 ice sculpture


outside wall of the snow park


one of the snow sculptures (some Russian cartoon characters)


China! (across the Amur river)

1 comment:

The Ruths said...

That is amazing, Micah would really enjoy that! He's come to appreciate the snow this winter (didn't remember it from last year). He'd be out there every day if only I had the energy to bundle him up. :-)