Spring in Kazan was a busy time- organizing and packing up our stuff, end of the year school events, visiting favorite places, and spending time with our Kazan friends. There were a few special ISK springtime traditions that we missed in our first year for obvious reasons but that were celebrated this year- Spring Ball, Sports Day, Sviyaga Staff Party, and the graduation ceremony.

Last year, right after buying and tailoring a ball gown for Mila and weeks of rehearsals,  ISK’s Spring Ball was cancelled. Spring Ball is a rite of passage at ISK marking the end of first grade, normally held in the City Hall. This year, grades 1 and 2 participated and the event was held outdoors on a stage adorned with elaborate floral displays. It was a sunny, hot day so the dress rehearsal was cancelled due to concerns about the kids’ wellbeing in their suits and multilayered gowns. It was a beautiful performance!

Sports Day- The kids and I had fun at Sports Day which was held outside on a beautiful spring day. Our house team (the Leopards) did not win, but we did have fun.

ISK celebrated the end of the year in a beautiful country setting in Sviyaga. The kids had fun riding bikes and relaxing with friends. Alden rode a horse and Mila and I took a short kayak ride. Like most staff events, we ate plov, watched performances, listened to speeches and ate cake.

Graduation- It’s hard to believe but Alden has graduated elementary school! He celebrated with his classmates ISK-style with a song and dance performance, certificates, and a confetti cannon. Simon had his Sports Day that day, hence the casual look at the graduation ceremony.

We will miss this city that was our home for two years- the parks, lakes, rivers, and all the natural beauty, the Kazan Kremlin, Bauman Street, the Old Tatar town, the embankment and all our other favorite places to walk and play. The food- chak chak, pelmeni, echpochmak, cheburek, kystyby, and all the sweets. But most of all we will miss our friends!

After saying our farewells, and a long trip back we were reunited with family and friends back in America. Summer is flying by too quickly and the day of our move to Abu Dhabi will be here soon- August 4th. We are trying to squeeze in as much fun as possible- pictures coming soon!