Bangkok Week 897

September 4, 2025

xxx

Bangkok Week 896

August 28, 2025

Arlo’s got a full week of school under his belt now, and Lucy is settling into the “Big School”. And we head back to everyone’s favorite Swedish store & restaurant to look for our latest furniture addition.

Welcome back! It's house shirt Friday again.

And today, Lucy is up early enough to visit Arlo's school (for the first time).

So off by bike we go!

Lots of new sights -- and so many big kids -- for Lucy to take in.

But she wasn't shy on the playground at all, despite being one of the smallest kids there.

She saw several familiar faces too, including some long-lost friends from swimming school.

Waiting to be met by his classroom teacher.

Stomping in "muddy puddles" back home, before turning around for Annabel's again.

Bouncing with her new bestie.

Queueing up to climb the tree after school.

Enjoying snacks on his favorite rock before heading home.

The orchid that we bought with Auntie Jas & Uncle Josh on the canal tour is blooming again!

Reading the chapter book that Arlo checked out from the library earlier this week.

Swim time for Lucy. She will move up to Four Strokes next term (hurrah!)

Zooming home.

Finishing lunch; they know we have an activity planned for the afternoon.

Assembling the teepees that arrived. They're an attempt at instilling a calm down corner in their rooms.

Where are we headed?

It involves the train.

Surprise! We found (and joined) a parade of pandas.

Figured it out yet?

Our favorite store and restaurant!

Some pre-shopping energy for everyone.

We're here to check out sofabeds.

This one's a winner, and perfect for our space.

Lucy approves.

She's made herself at home.

Dinner break (Arlo's been asking for the *real* chicken nuggets...)

... and a quick stop to catch some zzz's.

Home in time for a late movie night.

Playing camping with his new teepee on Sunday morning.

Off to a make-up lesson, while Mum & Arlo go to piano.

Our new recycling setup is complete!

Concentrating hard on "genius square".

Lucy, are you on the table?

Looking good in the hairband, Arlo!

Mr. Combover...

... and Little Miss Combover.

A cucumber smile.

Monday morning, wasting no time going back to the library.

While Lucy now has ages to kill before it's time for Annabel's drop-off.

Reading club is back!

Hugs for Lucy from her besties, as they part ways for class.

Someone doesn't want to go home.

Impromptu playdate at Clementine's house.

Lucy, is that you under there?

Excitement for all: the new sofa bed has arrived!

Good work, Arlo and Dad!

Parking his bike the next morning...

... and plopping down 3 steps into the library.

Today, he checked out a book all about Lego creations, and is reading it while waiting for his teacher to show up.

Meanwhile, Lucy declares victory.

Working on her arm strength. She's making progress every day!

Morning library with Dad today...

... while Lucy takes breakfast matters into her own hands and ends up with a bit of a mess on the floor.

A few puzzles before school.

Working on her side shuffle.

Two besties, just hanging out.

And the reading club.

These rolling monkeys don't want to go home in the afternoons!

P'Noi comes in for the first time, to see how pick-up works.

Lucy's practicing her badminton skills.

Ice cream under the island.

Hanging out before the bell rings with Vishaan, another Annabel's friend who's one year above.

Practicing her monkey bars at home...

... and at school.

What a day!

Enjoying snacks and heading home. See you next time!

Bangkok Week 895

August 21, 2025

Arlo continues to settle into his new school and new classroom, and tries out a whole host of ECAs after school. And finally, Lucy gets to start her school year, too! She’s so happy to be back with her friends.

It's Friday, which means it's house shirt day.

Lucy is enjoying her final days of summer holiday.

A peek into Arlo's classroom.

After school, it's the "ECA Fair" where we get to learn more about the ECAs (provided by external vendors).

I guess Arlo had never done a baking soda volcano before - this one entertained.

Evening yoga time.

Up early Saturday to play games and enjoy his room.

Quick stop at Makro...

... while Lucy goes for her swim.

Getting practice on her new, big bike.

Speaking of practice, here's Arlo practicing breast stroke arms.

Saturday move night! Back on, after a long hiaitus!

A visit from friends P'Rohan and Quinn, whom we haven't seen in about 18 months.

It was an overcast morning, yet these four had the pool all to themselves.

Driving the bus.

Lunch time for the exhausted swimmers!

Arlo enjoyed playing with an older boy. They were on the same wavelength.

And a stroll around the moo baan to drain the last drops of energy.

Playing in the big car?

Could get a good sleep in here. If only it were safe to drive like this.

Sneaking in another short swim before the end of the weekend.

Nice evening sky.

Ready to start his first full week at school.

Exploring more of the campus every morning.

Today, we discover that the library opens at 7am, and is available to hang out before the morning bell.

We checked out this book!

Meanwhile, Lucy waits patiently for her friend to arrive.

Fun playdate + lunch with Amalia.

Trying out the basketball ECA after school - it was a fun way to get out energy.

Finally, it's Lucy's turn to return to school!

No time to waste: Lucy the doorbuster, arriving well before the 9am start.

Still hesitant to try the monkey bars on her own (watch this space).

Back in her comfort zone.

Exploring the K1 area, and meeting all her good friends after the long summer holiday.

Snack time!

The new friend group.

Proud of what she made.

The fish are alive and well!

Today Arlo's trying tennis after school.

Enjoying the (very sweet!) Turkish Delight from T. Selly. Haven't seen this smile in so long!

Meanwhile, Lucy's comfortable hanging out with the older girls in the neighborhood.

Bedtime yoga.

It's Lucy's first proper day of school... and also the 20th! What a spiffy tree photo, Lucy!

Getting ready with a great brekkie.

First day of school vibes.

Working up the courage on the monkey bars.

Just taking in the scene.

Heading to her classroom.

At pick-up, checking out Arlo's class's self-portraits.

Enjoying his favorite rock.

Consoling her brother.

Heading to school by bicycle ... no more scooter for us!

Here's where we park it!

Reviving morning story time at drop-off.

Rolling around with friends, just like last year.

Trying the football ECA today. It's hot hot hot!

Ready to head home!

Late afternoon swim with P'Noi.

A backward shoulder piggyback. A face bun?

Bedtime yoga. Good night and see you next week!

Bangkok Week 894

August 14, 2025

This week, there are two important events: (1) we visit Trat for the annual family merit-making, and (2) Arlo starts Year 1 at St Andrews! What a brave boy, and a successful first few days (we think…)!

Starting this week with a subtle rainbow. I guess it rained last night!

And we're off to Trat! Watch where you're driving!

Rest stop with this heavy little dino.

Buy one, get one on these sweet strawberry drinks. Why not?

We're here! These two waste no time getting down to business.

Uncle Top saved a pile of sand under a tarp for these guys.

Lucy can now ride the pink bike here without the training wheels.

Shaking hands with Bella.

Watching Aa Top and Aa Nan at work... they probably felt like they were on display.

Someone's almost as tall as Yaa!

New magnetic drawing board.

Checking out the funky lights under Aa Top's car.

Tong embodies the expression "Non Sabai".

Evening hair brush by Yaa.

All ready for the merit-making on Saturday morning.

Trying to sell lollipops (that he was given as a gift) for 3 baht apiece.

What are you doing, Puu?

The monks are here!

Taking a break from the ceremonies while the monks eat lunch.

The moment Arlo's been waiting for - the coin throw!

Lucy needed help and moral support. But next year, she'll be a pro!

Arlo and his loot.

Wai-ing the guests as they leave.

Afternoon endeavour: home-made lemonade (again, to sell).

But it's... just lime juice. Lucy -- customer #1 -- is unsure whether to endorse the product.

Lucky kids! Aa Nan has a crushed ice machine and is making them snow cones.

Arlo's over the moon to see snow!

Putting the syrup on by himself. (A mistake?)

Delish, and right up their alley!

Plain ice is good. Sweet pink ice is great!

So sweaty and unkempt, he needs a mid-day touch-up.

"Do I look like Aa Top?"

Quick visit to the Saturday evening walking street.

These guys can't visit without buying another tiny cat figurine.

Saying goodnight to Yaa.

Sunday morning... swim?

Inflating the splash pool

Half pool, half bath. Lots of entertainment!

Big hug for Bella.

Showing off the hair clips and hair ties from P'Gus.

Who can pass up an 8 baht cone at Makro?

It melted faster than you can say "soft serve". Messy!

I *think* this is the (very healthy) papaya tree that grew the papaya from which we sourced the seeds...

Celebrating Mother's Day a few days early.

Good ice cream cake!

Enjoying bedtime.

Monday morning: is it time to go back already?

Taking all the photos before heading out.

Bye bye, Tong.

Bye bye, Nan's restaurant!

Back in Bangkok, popping down to Decathlon (taking advantage of the light afternoon traffic) to buy new shoes before the school year starts.

Mother's Day treat from DQ.

And a late-afternoon swim.

They brought these rings back from Trat to use in the pool at home.

They're fun!

The prolonged Mother's Day celebration culminates in Krispy Kreme treat for brekkie on the Tuesday itself.

Thank you for the donuts!

Someone (with a lot of patience) drew a chalk line through the entire Moo Baan. (We went to check how long a line it was.)

Late afternoon swim: the last one of the summer holidays for Arlo! And giving a boat ride to Clem at the same time.

The big day has arrived!

Off to school (bright and early) for his first day at St Andrews.

Enjoying the short walk.

After sneaking in through the side entrance, the first step is to collect our ID badges from the Sports Hall.

Officially members of the community now!

And we have enough time to spare, that we can explore the playground.

Checking out the pirate ship and all its features.

Waiting at the canteen - where students need to be seated by 7:45am.

Wait - Arlo wanted to go back to check out the "big rock" that he remembers from his Taster Day.

Take Two! Ready to go for real this time!

Back at home, this Monkey is wearing a pomelo hat.

2:30pm pick-up outside his classroom - he did it!

Seems excited, but we didn't learn much about his day.

Stopping to buy a Broccoli before heading home.

In good spirits.

As promised, Mum made him a flower pot out of pipe cleaners (as seen at the Trat walking street market).

Nice sunset.

Building confidence, and wanting to scoot to school. (He just learned how to ride this scooter the other day.)

Only one more month left of being 5!

Bedtime yoga: can we make it a new routine?

We'll see next week. Until then!

Bangkok Week 893

August 7, 2025

We’re back in Bangkok, and the name of the game this week is: conquer the jet lag! We discovered that the magic key is swimming! Up early? Swim before it gets too hot! Need to stay awake in the late afternoon? Go swimming! How fortunate we are to have the pool right here!

Well, we made it home with all our luggage... but unfortunately, not with two alert children.

These two were out like a light before we got home, and were impossible to wake afterward.

Lucy neither noticed nor minded that Arlo ended up sleeping on her arm.

After painfully rousing them from the dead, trying all the tricks to keep them awake. Including doing all the puzzles we brought back.

Ultimately, swimming proved to be the lifesaver for the jet lag this trip!

Here we are, back at 7 the next morning... since we're all awake anyway.

Quick visit to Makro for Dad & Lucy, to restock on basics.

She's so interested in the "dead fish".

Cockatoo, and his long-lost brother, cockaone.

We're all awake, so why not catch up on our swimming?

Lucky Dad: he's got split-screen viewing. Arlo on one side, Lucy on the other.

Mum's more pained than Lucy, with her chest of steel.

We tried planting lychee seeds before we left... but we got a bitter melon vine instead!

Arlo disassembled his propeller plane and built the fighter jet instead.

Special Sunday treat (to stay awake in the afternoon, of course).

Another early morning, another early swim!

Racing across the width of the pool.

Trying their new, next-level chopsticks (from Dollarama).

Lucy's got it figured out!

Trying on her new (old) shoes. And nothing else.

Ready to play sports!

Amazingly, Lucy's mastered the larger bicycle. Power up!

Because it's so early on a work day, there are actually people playing tennis in the tennis court this time! What a happy surprise!

And it's not even 7:30 yet, so time for a swim.

Showing off a fighter jet that he made from all the leftover pieces.

After dinner swim (since dinner is so early).

Lucy's getting the hang of Genius Square now.

The new LEGO workshop in his room.

Another day, another swim!

Yikes, talk about goggle rings!

This was supposed to be lap swimming, but I was ambushed!

Still enjoying the toy from Auntie Julia!

Until next time!

Canada Week 3

August 2, 2025

Boo hoo! It’s our third and final week in Canada!

Despite the tornado adventures and loss of power, we have a wonderful last 3 days at the Cottage. And then we have a whirlwind 4 days in Toronto visiting everyone we know! And then, it’s back to the airport to do the long trek in reverse. Thanks for the wonderful visit!

We're back! We survived the tornado, but the trees and the power lines at the top of Fraserburg Road didn't fare as well...

Here, people are using chain saws to cut up the trees in the road so it's passable to cars.

Being the thick-skinned survivalists that we are, we dashed into town, grabbed breakfast from Independent, and landed in Chris's house faster than you can say "tornado".

A little power outage can't put a damper in our plans...

... so off to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary we go.

It was too hot for most of the animals to come out...

... but we did glimpse a bear and this silver fox.

Well, Arlo enjoyed playing with the mud anyway, and we got a nice walk in. And heard some nice commentary!

Back at the cottage, the power is not back yet, but they're working away at it.

Power or no power, it's a nice afternoon and great swimming weather.

Racing to the "rubber duck".

Oh, who's that approaching from the distance?

It's Uncle Peter and his speedboat... which is still running nice and strong on gas!

Uncle Peter's teaching Arlo how to drive. Uh oh!

Fun for everyone!

Meanwhile, Granny & Grandpa enjoy some peace without their grandchildren.

Upon return, Arlo wanted to swim again...

... but what about the ladies?

Ladies and gents, Lucy has learned how to photobomb.

We thought it would be a good idea to eat up the ice cream... but it's already soup! (These cones were a bit too ambitious, as the body language suggests.)

Learning how to deadhead the flowers with Grandpa.

No power? No problem! Enjoying an improvised lasagne (on the barbie) dinner with Uncles Peter & Josh, and Aunts Clearley & Jas.

Pita on the barbie, too!

Delish! Way to pull it off, Granny!

Recreating another photo from 2 years ago. Both Lucy and Mackie look older.

A nice Saturday morning surprise: the power is finally back!

Lucy's getting her first lesson in playing cards from Grandpa. Never too young to start!

Heading over to the other Tomczak cottage... by canoe? Are we being too ambitious?

Here we come!

Wasting no time getting into the water for what would be a full day on the lake!

Cousin Mackie didn't want to miss a second.

Poor Uncle Josh was steering the pedal boat for the first while.

Mackie to the rescue!

These two have the peddle boat figured out.

Chaos in the water!

Finally able to take a back seat!

Arlo's next endeavor: the paddle board.

He got the hang of it in no time!

But somehow, poor Auntie Julia ended up it the tug boat position.

Yes yes, I like having this chauffeur.

Holding down the peddle fort.

Good job figuring out how to do it standing, Arlo!

Although it's probably trickier than it needs to be, using a kayak paddle!

Much-deserved lunch break!

Delicious lunch, courtesy of Clearley & Josh.

Mackie's enjoying lunch, too.

Spoiled by their aunties!

More electric ears.

Back on the water after lunch, and Mackie on the watch. Is everyone okay?

Oh no, the water guns are out now, too!

Laying low with my pal.

With a little time and lunch, Lucy now has the confidence and ambition to try the paddle board, too.

Wishing my children well...

... and sending them off to fend for themselves!

Arlo was kind, and tried to help Lucy stay the course.

But eventually, some intervention was needed.

Lucy's back from her afternoon on the water to wake Granny from her rather lengthy nap.

Working hard with (captive?) Uncle Taylor.

Lucy's concentrating hard on making this contraption taller than herself.

Face of concentration, or frustration?

Buzzing Auntie Jasmine's head.

Dinner buddies.

Another meal already?

If there hadn't been enough water action for the day, these two insisted on taking the paddle boat out for another spin after dinner.

They went all the way to the other side of the bay and back all by themselves.

Good job, team!

Oh yes, we canoed over here this morning. Time to head back!

Lucy's wondering why she, too, didn't choose to go by car.

It's a very overcast, and somewhat blustery, Sunday morning!

Collecting stones, on the dock. Which is the most optimal place for a stone collection, clearly.

Patiently (excitedly) waiting for our water taxi service to take us across the lake.

Here we go: fun on the water, take two!

Mackie's trying on his life jacket... he was a good sport.

Today is much windier than yesterday, so the (water) fun didn't last as long.

Lunch time (again) - this time courtesy of Clearley & Taylor.

Ice cream buddies! (And a new flavor of ice cream, to boot.)

These two have no idea what's about to hit them!

More being spoiled by Auntie Julia & Uncle Taylor.

Mackie's got his eye on the prize: two large bowls of potato chips!

And Arlo manages to eat them in the most appetizing, crunchy way possible.

Heading back to our cottage - thanks to Water Taxi driver Julia!

Thanks again for the ride! Great service!

It's our last night, so we're having dinner with Aunt Chris at her place.

Lucy (and Arlo) were totally captivated by the aquarium on TV. (Clearly, any screen time is good screen time!)

Bye bye, Aunt Chris!

"See" you next time!

Late evening game of Tag.

Sleeping peacefully at the cottage. So dark, so quiet.

Last opportunity to play cards at the cottage.

The lake had an amazing mist (haze?) on it for our final morning.

The photos don't do it justice!

We rescued this fellow from the water. What is (s)he?

Popsicle for breakfast? Why not, it's our last hour at the cottage.

Bye bye, cottage. See you next time!

We needed to make a rest stop just past Barrie - but as a *super bonus* we got up close with a Cyber Truck that was also stopping there.

A quick search for pine cones back in Toronto...

... and then a quick dinner with Uncle Chad, who came all the way into Toronto to see us.

(Watch your head!)

Cheers!

Thanks for making the trip up, Uncle Chad! Great to see you!

Using Granny's old binoculars to spy (not-so-subtly) on the neighbors.

Working on the new sticker books from Val.

And then doing an activity we'd planned since our last visit: the drive-through car wash!

It was as much a hit as we'd hoped it would be!

Mid-day date with Auntie Julia at the Boulevard Club.

After a *long* swim (I think these guys missed the pool) a delicious lunch.

Checking out all the boats that dock at the club (sizing up which one(s) they'd buy in the future.)

A very quick, hot stop at the playground.

And then spending the rest of the afternoon/evening at Auntie Julia and Uncle Taylor's beautiful condo.

Lucy quickly caught on to UNO, and didn't want to stop playing.

The rest of the gang arrived shortly.

Quick, impromptu ukulele concert by Arlo.

And another delicious dinner.

The balcony was a perfect temperature, and perfect lighting, after dinner. So comfortable!

What a nice evening.

The Tomczak ladies.

Arlo and his doting Aunties. (And Mackie.)

On Wednesday morning, we made one last trip to Lucy's favorite playground (with the short monkey bars).

And used the opportunity to meet with Mum's former colleague.

Lucy learned a new trick from Granny while in her care.

And exploring the playground at Grange Park, just below the AGO.

Arlo was much more into the water features...

... whereas Lucy enjoyed the climbing and the slides.

Brave Lucy!

Maple and Uncle Henry joined us as well.

Got these gems of videos / photos!

Thanks for coming up to see us on such a busy day, Uncle Henry!

After a failed attempt two weeks ago, finally getting to see the garbage truck!

Last playground of our visit, and it's in a league of its own: the brand new Biidaasige Park.

The playground itself opened less than 2 weeks ago (thanks for the tip, Chris!) and is sprawling.

(Although this was the only slide.)

There was no shortage of things to climb!

Great traditional wood sculptures (but, made in Germany!)

The owl is the centerpiece.

You can climb up to the eyes and look out.

View from the eyes. Not much shade yet, so good thing we came on a cool, overcast day.

There was also a sprawling sand and water play area.

Hello in there.

Lucy's favorite, hands-down, were the two zip lines.

She showed no fear, and rode them combined at least 10 times.

Eventually, Arlo found his way over and tried them, too.

And was eventually able to try it standing up.

There was a wobbly foot bridge...

... and these stepping logs...

... and a swinging balance beam.

More beautiful sculptures (from Germany).

Flying.

Bye bye, Biidaasige Park.

Seeing a few more family friends... and Granny's spoiling the kids with the too-posh desserts.

The Last Supper.

The ice cream enthusiasts, enjoying the last birthday cake bars.

Going for one last walk around the block.

Doing the maze for the first (and only) time this visit.

Done!

And running out some energy before the flight with a final game of tag.

The last dandelions.

Someone couldn't quite stay awake until 11pm... which is probably a good thing!

Sad farewell.

But there's always Angry Birds to look forward to!

Got a few hours of Zzz's.

A decent appetite for breakfast.

It's always fun to have a Taipei layover, although when we landed before 4am, nothing was open yet!

Lucy, enjoying a second breakfast of Haagen-Dazs in the lounge with Mum.

We're experts at killing time here now.

Back at our favorite LEGO store.

Here's our aircraft!

Final stretch of the journey!

Kudos to Arlo for. making a good dent in his meal.

And, well, Lucy ate all the butter!

Not a lick of sleep on the flight, but fell fast asleep while waiting for the luggage.

Heading home. (It's going to be a tough afternoon!)

Canada Week 2

July 24, 2025

We spent our second week at the cottage, enjoying the lake (in all ways) and the surrounding towns. Bonus: the lake water was warm enough to comfortably swim in!

Up bright and early, and ready to head to the cottage.

Lucky Arlo and Lucy were given brand new LEGO sets from neighbor Marsha.

And we're off to the cottage! Zzz....

Wasting no time at all: setting out to build his new LEGO ambulance the moment we arrive.

Lucy, on the other hand, wastes no time with the indulgent donuts we stopped for in Gravenhurst.

Tea time!

Going down to check out the lake.

Checking the temperature of the lake.

We made it!

Arlo remembers it, but Lucy not so much.

Lucy felt fast at home.

Careful when frolicking on the dock!

Granny & Grandpa thoughtfully saved the box that their new lawnmower came in.

Entertainment for the week!

Enjoying their new LEGOs.

Daring spaghetti bolognese for our first cottage dinner.

Diving all-in to her breakfast.

The Bracebridge Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.

Enjoying the rainbow bench.

Didn't expect to be holding a python there!

Stopping by to visit Aunt Chris.

Lunch at the famous Thai food truck in town, Nid Noi.

Not bad!

Afternoon down by the lake.

Brave Arlo is the first of the Thai contingent to go into the lake.

The two brave men.

Swept up by the momentum, Lucy thinks it would be a good idea to go in, too.

As far in as Lucy would get for her whole cottage visit.

(Action shot.)

A cold burrito recovering from her lake encounter.

Still recovering.

Coloring break.

Delicious, sweet Ontario corn for dinner.

It's a hit!

A beautiful, still morning down on the lake.

(Until these two arrived, that is.)

Checking out a beautiful, wet spider's web.

More watercolor painting, this time on solid ground.

Going out for our first canoe ride, to further disturb the calm.

Through the lily pads.

Brief stop at Aunties Jas & Julia's cottage, even though no one is home.

We made it back!

Working through a reading file.

Visiting the playground across the river from Chris's condo.

It's decently shaded, with lots to climb, slide, and swing on.

Another dandelion opportunity.

Learning that it's fun to "fly" on the swings.

Granny bought very bright, colorful popsicles for these two lucky ducks.

The horse and deer flies are loving our heads... so it's time to bust out the cottage hat collection!

Enjoying the cottage time with Chris (including learning a lot more about what it's like not to be able to see...)

Lucy turns 3 years and 4 months old today; this is her "tree" photo in front of the door that Arlo has decorated.

Brr! It's a refreshing 15 degrees out this morning!

Fresh!

This eager beaver wants to swim, despite the air temperature.

Lucy will help by handling the noodles. (Note: she's wearing two layers of swim suits.)

In goes brave Arlo - brr!

Brrr!

Lucy is dressed the part, but has decided for the better.

Here is as far as Lucy's going today.

These two polar bears were much braver than wimpy mum!

Despite being cold, it's never too cold for radioactive popsicles!

Going for a nature walk on McKay Trail Private.

Are these bluebells? Snowdrops?

What a wonderful mossy rock!

Electric ears!

Paddington and his doppleganger.

A pile of grandchildren.

The Fraserburg Road is like a roller coaster!

Going on a second nature walk...

... But this time we're visiting May Chutes, in the South Muskoka River.

Beautiful afternoon to be there.

Arlo was very interested in the chutes and the nature surround them.

Looking for skipping stones.

Here we are, representing all the primary colors.

Back at the cottage, more fun with the lawnmower box.

Lucy's helping Granny with the BBQ...

... but Mum is wholly unqualified to be doing this.

Delicious hodgepodge hotdog dinner!

And pudding for dessert. Two thumbs up!

Another good night's sleep at the cottage.

Another calm water morning at the cottage: with mist on the water and everything.

Walking carefully along the rocks to the "beach".

"Fishing."

Double trouble!

Cottage vibes.

What a relaxing morning on the dock.

Another banana that's larger-than-life!

The tiniest spider has landed on Arlo's arm this time.

Quick trip to Port Carling, to see the Locks in action.

Patience required.

The ever-picturesque Lake Rosseau.

Stopping for an ice cream treat... but regretting his choice of flavor.

Lucy's is good to the last drop! (And gone, baby, gone!)

Admiring a boat he hopes to one day own.

And trying on the town's Muskoka chairs for size.

One last dash over the locks before heading back.

Fast asleep in the morning cottage sun.

Enjoying milk in these magic mugs.

Visiting Aunt Chris at her house again.

Hooray! Delicious lunch at Harvey's!

What a crime on so many levels!

Any resemblance? (Probably would be more if Lucy still had her bangs...)

Oh no! Is it time for Mum & Granny to swim, too!?

Well, the old ladies are in!

Lucy the modern monk.

Lucy's dancing on the table... and Granny Aki is rolling over in her grave.

Enjoying an ice cream cone with sprinkles - how deluxe!

(They didn't realize you could eat the cone...)

First encounter with a Daddy Long Legs.

Ants on a log: a moderately successful snack. The celery was deeply rejected.

How exciting: a tractor drove by (twice) and they got a wave each time!

Delicious pancake & berry breakfast courtesy of Granny.

And then it's a morning in Bracebridge, while Granny & Aunt Chris go to Huntsville.

We spent almost 2 hours at the playground on the river.

They climbed on all the things.

And Arlo even played helpful big brother, catching Lucy at the bottom of the slide.

Look at our little climber go!

Pushing each other on the swings - what a lark!

And building sand castles.

Digging the deepest holes that have probably been dug at that playground, in order to reach wet sand.

Success!

Snack break.

Heading along the historic walking trail, toward town.

Look, berries!

The tiniest wild raspberries.

Posing with the falls and several Inukshuk.

Plenty of water going over the falls! (And under the structurally unsound Silver Bridge!)

Enjoying the TV at Chris's house afterward.

Adventure for the afternoon: helping Uncle Peter get the motor boat ("speedboat") into the water for the season.

How many grey hairs does it take?

Meanwhile, Arlo and Lucy's interests were piqued by the pedal boat.

Last step: the gasoline.

And done! (With the benefit of lots of added supervision.)

And we're off to take the "speedboat" for an inaugural spin.

Unsurprisingly, these two are having fun!

So many things to see! (Everything looks different at speed.)

We're back!

And there's just enough time left to go for a short swim back at our cottage.

In such a hurry to swim, there's no time to change into his suit.

Lovely water again today!

But all of this was foreboding... ominous weather to come shortly! Stay tuned!

Starting supper outside...

... and finishing in indoors, by candle light.

Canada Week 1

July 17, 2025

Our first week in Canada in 2 years. Primarily spent exploring the playgrounds of Toronto, and spending time with our favorite fam!

Here we go on our long adventure! Off to the airport!

Riding the broomsticks we're about to check in. Hope they make it!

Hungry already, and we haven't gotten anywhere near our flight.

Waiting (somewhat) patiently to board.

Here we go!

Coloring... and the plane hasn't even pushed back yet.

In no time, Arlo rediscovered Angry Birds... and proceeded to play it for the next 19 hours.

Remote gate in Taipei - our first time!

Large aircraft; Arlo for scale.

We love Taipei! So family-friendly.

Some kind of interactive exhibit at our gate...

... and the output.

Then we discovered the LEGO store, where we hung out for the rest of our layover.

Here we go, the biggie!

Arlo made a commendable attempt at his meals (by his standards, anyway).

Yes, we packed watercolors for the flight.

Catching a few hours of Zzz's. (But not too many, because we need to sleep once we get there!)

The boys.

Nosy Lucy popping through.

We made it!

Excited to have arrived!

Someone's hungry: she scarfed down a whole (giant) banana upon arrival.

Wasting no time on the first morning, discovering the LEGOs that have been lent to him.

Yoghurt is more delicious when it's Granny's.

The inaugural "we're here" photo on Euclid.

Helping Grandpa check the car's tire pressure.

And Lucy is waiting to whack any local wrongdoers with her t-ball bat.

Official LEGO workshop in place now.

Helping Granny shop for berries.

First playground of many. And we quickly learned that shade is important!

At least the splash pad was open and (slightly) shaded!

Doing a better job balancing on this thing than 2 years ago.

The first of her many monkey bar practices throughout the trip.

The much-anticipated sprinkle cookies by Granny. They lived up to expectations!

Dead by 5:30pm. A valiant first-day effort by Lucy.

And up before the sun the next day.

Several books are "reading files" that Arlo can read himself.

Verdict is in on grapefruit.

The giant plastic bag that the brooms came in, courtesy of EVA.

Two lilies!

Lunch date with Auntie Jasmine and Uncle Josh.

How did our car get here?!

Short visit at a playground next to their condo... but it, too, was hot and sunny!

Continuing to work on her arm strength and coordination.

A ladybug landed on Arlo and seemed to enjoy him.

First dandelion - there were fewer ready for blowing this time, because it was a month earlier.

Delicious lunch from Cheese Boutique.

Auntie Jas, working her muscles in practice.

Arlo's thrilled with his new many-pocket backpack. It'll also serve him for many school years to come!

Ice cream time!

Checking out a brand new playground nearby: this one is fairly shaded for 4pm - bonus!

Lots to climb and slide on!

This one's a winner. Not huge, but packs a punch. And has shade.

Mr. Sprinkle Cookie.

Attempting to visit High Park, but the weather had other plans.

We got a few good minutes of play in at the castle playground, but never made it to the zoo.

This pretty much sums up the visit.

Warming up with some (herbal) tea.

Tea cheers! Arlo feels like a big boy!

The day turned into a beautiful afternoon! Can you spot the crowds at the Christie Pitts baseball game?

Much better luck with this playground, weather-wise.

These two were the first into the freezing (yet full-sun) splash pad after it was refilled for the afternoon.

The lunch-buster.

Another valiant attempt by Lucy!

Operation Morning Lego: Day 4.

11-steering-wheel digger.

Waiting patiently for our ferry to Centre Island.

Here we go!

The PM 2.5 levels were high, even by Bangkok standards!

Can you make out the Toronto skyline?

Waiting in anticipation for the rides to open at 10:30.

Arlo's favorite ride from 2 years ago is still a hit.

And this time, Lucy (in the passing car) was old enough to enjoy all the thrills, too!

"Driving" the antique cars herself.

More fire engine.

And the flying bees.

Antique wooden carousel - almost 120 years old.

It rotated deceptively quickly!

And then the open ferris wheel.

This, too, rotated faster than it should have!

One of the highlights of the day for Arlo: the bumper boats!

Arlo had a blast, and was a natural.

BUMP!

At the same time, Granny, Lucy, and Dad tried the swan boat (whose steering was apparently equally unintuitive).

And the ever-popular log flume.

Brave kids did this twice.

Then the cable car which gives a lovely aerial tour of the island.

And the Ford antique cars. (Neither wanted to share a car, despite two steering wheels in each vehicle.)

Frog Hopper - which Lucy ultimately rode 5 times (and mum, too).

A change of pace on these boats.

Everyone's excited to ride the roller coaster!

I think we have a new coaster enthusiast in the family!

Choo choo train after lunch. (This wasn't operating when we were here 2 years ago.)

And Arlo's other highlight of the day: the bumper cars!

Rough and tumble; Arlo lost his hat and Grandpa lost his watch.

(Arlo's rendition of the bumper car experience.)

A bit of cooling off in the splash pad.

More frog hopper...

... and more antique cars. No need to change out of our swim suits!

A few more spins on the Ford cars before calling it a day.

We barely made the 4:40 ferry, although these guys would've happily stayed longer.

Still energy to do some veggie shopping once we got home.

Early morning strawberryfest - they're a hit!

More LEGO!

Showing Granny his creations.

It's a real squeeze for wide-shoulder Dad in the back seat.

Duffrin Grove Park playground: a hidden Toronto gem (but sadly, soon to be completely redone).

This became our favorite playground by far (and Lucy's especially)...

... because of the short monkey bars that gave her plenty of confidence and security to practice.

So proud of her achievement!

We also found this *giant* yellow mushroom - very exciting for Arlo!

There's also a giant splashpad.

I hope they keep some of the equipment, even though it's definitely dated!

"Swinging by" Nations grocery store "on the way home".

Little bananas from Thailand.

Lucy wanted a shopping cart too... and then we ended up filling both of them!

Watch out for Lucy and her bat!

Refuelling for the afternoon.

Retaking another photo from 2 years ago.

Back to our new favorite playground at Duffrin Grove Park.

Practicing her new skill.

Starting our pinecone search.

The shortest park bench... and Granny's on the short end.

Fun with a talking Paw Patrol book.

Oh no. Someone found the old trumpet.

Fun dinner with Auntie Julia, Auntie Jas, Uncle Josh, Auntie Clearley and Uncle Peter.

Nothing beats Toronto Chinese food!

Getting used to giant Cousin Mackie (again).

Someone has claimed for years that he no longer sucks his thumb...

We're off on a day trip to...

... Niagara Falls!

(Eating from the giant collectable spoon.)

Here we are!

The weather was ominous, but it turned out to be a good day.

We'd be on that boat in a few hours.

Very unenthusiastic about his delicious lunch (with a view).

Lucy's all for the potato chips.

Ready for the big attraction!

Lucy's right to be anxious about this.

With the American falls.

Calm (smiles?) before the "storm".

It was a wet experience, they weren't wrong.

It turned into a beautiful day!

Catching up on sleep on the ride home.

Just enough energy left to watch one of the Porch View dances.

Can't believe we've been here a week already!

Bangkok Week 889

July 10, 2025

It’s our last week before we head over the Pacific for the big T.O. But that doesn’t mean it’s a restful one! Arlo has his first piano recital; both kids have long-overdue haircuts; Arlo attends a few days of sports camp at St Andrews; and we have lots of last-minute visits and playdates while friends are in town.

Attacking his breakfast milo balls.

First professional haircut since the Christmas holidays!

Looking tidier than Mum could do!

Friday outing: ice cream from around the corner.

Enjoying their cocoon.

At the court for some basketball practice.

Not sure where they learned this spiderman skill.

Their bouncing skills are improving.

Showing off his tricks.

This one knows how to pose for the camera.

See?

Saturday morning swim with Dad today.

This one looks like Wat Arun.

The playground (in its entirety) is for monkeys.

Getting comfortable on the monkey bars.

And time for a late afternoon swim.

(Waiting patiently while the pool cleaners finish up. I'm not convinced that Saturday afternoon is the best time for them to come...)

Riding her magic broomstick.

Arlo's favorite bedtime game: car store.

Sunday surprise: donuts for breakfast!

A quick stop at Makro...

... before Arlo's piano recital. Moo Deng came too!

Showing Lucy what happens before Piano class starts.

The audience is waiting with anticipation.

Especially this one!

Here come the students, marching to everyone's favorite Parade song.

First was the singing (Arlo deliberately chose an easy Solfege...)

And then the playing. Arlo played two pieces, one of which was not actually part of the class's repertoire.

And finally some singing and dancing altogther.

The proud little students after their first recital.

Our next project: lychee seeds. Let's see what, if anything, happens.

Trying on his new uniform, before sports camp tomorrow.

Late evening journaling before bed.

Having a good breakfast before sports camp.

And then off to school.

We have to walk the long way, because the side gate isn't open during the summer.

Taking in the large gymnasium.

Some professional photos that the sports camp took and shared later.

Arlo said he enjoyed the tennis.

Meanwhile, back at home, it's unfortunately the annual lopping down of our beautiful trees.

Thankfully, we know they'll grow back quickly. But it's a sore sight until then.

Before and after.

2pm: pickup from camp at the hight of the heat.

Special ice cream treat from the cafe just outside school.

Chomping on ice.

Lucy and her favorite shoes (which she's never actually worn out).

Time for Arlo's annual heart checkup.

The technology always astounds me.

Posing with what's left of our papaya farm.

Special afternoon visitor!

The stomp rocket works really well now that there are no trees left...

Trying on Mum's funny glasses.

Piggy back - with assistance.

Lucy made a "snake" with the straws and the fridge doors.

Our last full day in Bangkok: heading to Sports Camp for a second time.

Enjoying the special tiny birthday cake for somebody somewhere from T. Selly.

Auntie Noi, from Australia, and her family came for a late-afternoon visit. We haven't seen them since Arlo was 3 weeks old.

Hope it's not another 5 years!

Lucy took a stomp rocket straight to the eye. Showing off the potential bruise.

Standing with our accidental pong pong tree (made famous by White Lotus Season 3). Let's see how tall it is when we get back!

Will any of these little buds turn into fruit?

Documenting our Papaya corner to see the change while we're away.

Excited and ready to go!

See you on the other side of the ocean!

Bangkok Week 888

July 3, 2025

It’s the first week of Arlo & Lucy’s summer holiday … and it feels like a month!

It's the first day of summer holidays, and Arlo is wasting no time.

He's set up his own little office...

... and is off to work.

Very proud of the frame-in-frame illustration he's made...

... his hand, drawing a picture of his hand drawing a picture.

At breakfast, the focus continues: concentrating on coloring.

Making larger-than-life deep sea art outside.

New toy from dad: TV remotes for each of them!

Make-up swimming lesson for Arlo.

My receipt for "one blue hippo".

Morning trip with Dad to a very important bakery.

No trip to Holey is complete without a gourmet cookie - the most pricey Oreo out there!

And then onward to Makro. (Thank you for all the frozen bread.)

Lucy says thank-you for the gourmet Oreo.

And another swimming lesson for Arlo: this time, in his normal slot but with a stand-in teacher.

And then an afternoon playdate at Nimo's house. So many new toys!

Concentrating hard on their slime.

The three of them are taking a trip down to the 8th floor common area all by themselves...

... because Nimo has a new set of industrial-grade walkie talkies that easily travel the distance. Over.

The parents followed a few short minutes later, when reports of a leak and water all over the floor came via the radio waves.

Heading to dinner across the street in the aftermath of what turns out to have been a very rough storm!

These two were hungry!

Nevermind that it's super late: move night must go on!

This big girl is peeling her own breakfast egg with skill.

No supressing the climber in her.

What now, Lucy?

Meanwhile, at piano, Arlo has brought his new favorite accessory.

He wanted to bring a keyboard to keyboard class!

Well, the keyboard had a fun morning out.

Riding the lift back down...

... and home safely in his lap.

Meanwhile, this one had a make-up lesson of her own with Dad.

Big hug from P'Octopus.

Playdate with Juma, a good friend from school.

Doing origami together: Arlo and Lucy definitely need practice.

Heading to the playground, hand-in-hand.

Playing ball and on the jungle gym together.

You can't tell from the photo, but this is one *HUGE* mosquito. Positively massive. (I thought it was a type of bee.)

Hurrying home before the rain, and carrying the ball bag together.

Quick, run!

Bathtub bath! We haven't had one of those in a while!

The plant from Arlo's graduation was being munched up by 3 (three!) giant snails one morning.

I guess it's a tasty plant!

Looking through his learning journey to calm down.

This one needs to enroll in climbing classes!

Practicing for his upcoming recital.

Giving Arlo some space to practice.

We figured out that whiteboard markers make great tattoo pens!

Dressing herself with confidence.

Challenge accepted: Arlo wrote his name so that it faced the right way for me, standing outside the shower.

Jellyfish, by Arlo.

Popping over to the St Andrews uniform shop, to make sure we have the essentials in hand before the new year begins.

It's not a big shop, so we're lucky to avoid the crowds.

Looking good, Arlo!

One PE uniform, too (although we'll likely need a second soon).

Folding more paper boats.

Enjoying his first durian of the season - what a real Thai boy!

Reading to himself before it's officially time to wake up.

Annual eye check-up. Arlo brought his deep sea textbook to read while waiting.

This year, he could read the letters with much more confidence. (Because of his phonics lessons, not his eyesight.)

No worse than last year! Come back in a year!

A hastily drawn coloring job for his room.

The stomp rocket has been a hit during this first week off from school.

Good action shots!

One last make-up swimming lesson for Lucy.

Whole entire facility to herself!

Mum's learned the hard way to suit up when consuming khao soi and khanom jeen.

Preparing eggs in the kitchen.

And one last make-up lesson for Arlo before we go.

Lucy calls his her "unicorn" hair.

Matching unicorns. See you next week!

Bangkok Week 887

June 26, 2025

At long last, the bitter-sweet moment is here: Arlo’s last day of Kindergarten and Annabel’s, after 4 years. What a 4 years it’s been!

Oh, and we also went cycling, took an outing to IKEA, had a pajama party, and more.

Welcome back! Exhausted from last week?

Something's afoot in the garden this morning - watch out!

Lucy is ready to take on the big kids' side.

Friday afternoon energy-buster with Juma.

The last time doing the Friday afternoon tuk-tuk ride home from school / work!

Lucy drew a (surprisingly) wonderful bear.

It's the last day of school for St Andrews today, so the families threw a neighborhood party.

Pointing out a mushroom.

Squabbling over Clementine's toy.

A quick game of duck-duck-goose, before the rains came.

Taking good care of the flowers he received at graduation.

Practicing piano. It's two hands now (but not yet at the same time).

Self-tracing of her foot.

The house at the entrance of the moo baan has cleared out all the growth. You can actually see a house now!

Lucy's favorite way to get to swimming.

Two monkeys taking apart Lucy's chair. (Rather successfully, I might add.)

Practicing for the thank-you card that we're going to make later.

Waiting patiently for 2:15.

Practicing their breast stroke arms altogether.

Fun afternoon outing on the train...

... to Dasa Book! Where Lucy spotted an author with the same name!

And then playing at Benjasiri: we've not been in the late afternoon before.

They know that IKEA is right next door: so up we go, for dinner!

"Teacher Selly has this water bottle!"

Arlo comes for the chicken nuggets, and Lucy for the rice and fries.

Gourmet Nordic dining!

A new calm-down corner?

For 84 baht? Who can resist?

These guys were well-behaved (and agreed not to get another stuffed animal) -- so ice cream it is!

There's only one place to eat the ice cream cones.

Last leg of the journey home. It's very dark, and well past bedtime.

Reading some of their new books from Dasa over breakfast.

Lucy monkey, showing that she knows how to get dressed by herself (but chooses not to).

Still working on that card.

Practicing her yoga.

How many flowers can you wear, Lucy?

Headed to Max Valu in style.

All of Lucy's favorite things: marshmallows, gummies...

Very interested in the frozen (dead) fish.

No trip to Max Valu -- I mean, the "ice cream store" -- is complete without ice cream!

Queen of the MuvMi.

This game of Jenga is going to go well.

There you have it!

Dad found this giant guy munching through the garden.

Even though we happened to have a ruler on hand, it doesn't do justice to the size of this snail.

Lucy is amazed!

We're back to Nong Bon park, for a ride around the lake with Aya and her family.

Let's go, Lucy! You should be familiar with this one now.

Stopping at the western edge of the lake, while waiting for Lucy and Dad to catch up.

Coasting. "Do like this, Mum! Lift up your legs!"

Feeding the fish, after crossing over the giant bridge by foot.

There were *a lot* of fish!

Capturing the exact moment when Arlo slipped and fell in the mud.

Hooray!

Lucy and Aya checking out a giant (fresh water?) shell they found.

Cheese! Say, "cycling!"

Everyone seemed famished by the time we returned to the car park.

Snack time!

Is this a sign that it's time for a haircut, Arlo?

Chocolate dorayaki for breakfast. Yay!

Enjoying inflating all the balls.

Heading home via tuk tuk (one last time, for real) and starting to clear out his cubby.

Writing practice at shower time.

Reading to himself after lights out.

Tuesday morning, the bike repair shop is open.

The bike is safely up on the jack.

Working hard.

Somehow, the tree looks smaller. Or have these kids just gotten bigger?

Happy birthday, Teacher Selly. Actually, it's a thank-you gift, but that's the only wrapping paper we have!

One of the last Nursery pick-ups for this monkey.

This one knows how to pull a good face for the camera.

Folding an envelope.

Uh oh! Arlo is almost as tall as P'Toi!

No, we didn't just forget a step this morning: it's pajama day for Lucy.

But first, I think someone is up to no good.

Drawing a diagram of his bike repair shop (see next photo)...

... "Don't come". Yes, as expected!

Over on the Nursery side, the Pajama Party is in full swing!

Full PJ attire (for Mum) supplied by airlines.

"Bananas in Pajamas" march.

Storytime...

... and snack time with friends.

What a fun way to wrap up the Nursery year.

Oh no, oh no! It's another bitter-sweet milestone: Arlo's taking home his final learning journey today!

But what a wonderful one it is. (Complete with Atelier book this year.)

Lucy decided to take Pajama Day to the extreme.

Can you find Arlo?

Here's a hint!

Ohhhh no! It's finally here! The last day of school!

Lucy will see these bikes again...

...but I'm not sure Arlo realizes this is his last morning in the garden!

Making the most of it.

First day of school, last day of school.

Going out with a bang: one last Lilies shot on Pajama Day (but Arlo didn't want to get his sweaty, so he'll change later).

First day vs. last day of school for Lucy: what's changed is the sass (I mean, confidence).

Walking out with confidence... and a worn tiger.

First day / last day! (If nothing else, the school introduced her to face paint!)

Climbing the walls? I think it's time to move up to the big campus.

Waiting patiently for Arlo's side to let out.

1 o'clock: the kids are free for the summer!

Arlo *finally* let's P'Toi pick him up. After 4 years.

Getting in one last swing.

Too sad to smile.

This was cute. Everyone trying to lift everyone else.

These boys will miss each other.

First day at Annabel's (January 2022) vs. last (June 2025). What a difference ~4 years make!

Wrapping up the year with a K2 party, before the kids go separate ways.

There was a (professional) face paint artist.

Lucy got this beautiful rocket...

... which she can't stop admiring.

And Mum got a cute bumble bee.

Going in for another one (totally on her own, I should add).

Having some quiet time by themselves.

What a fun way to end the year! Thanks to the parents who organized.

Big hug!

Wait. One more face paint for Lucy.

Looking good, Lucy.

Exhausted from the day (the year?) someone fell asleep on his own, well before bedtime.

Bangkok Week 886

June 19, 2025

This week probably takes the cake for the busiest, most fun-packed, emotional week in the books. We started with the final school assembly & performance of the year; woke up early on Saturday for the Rainbow Run (and completed the 3k altogether!); had a playdate with Fuku and family on Sunday; attended the St Andrews new student orientation on Wednesday; and then attended Arlo’s Annabel’s graduation on Thursday! What a journey this week represents!

It's Friday, and Lucy is bring her emotional support menagerie to school.

Taking the time to check out all the displays and projects... including the Year 1 woodworking.

Professional photo of Arlo's class's airplane work.

Waiting for the assembly to begin.

At long last, here come the bees!

Brave Sehej, to start the show.

Here comes Arlo the bee, who looks rather like a hornet.

Talking about how bees see colors.

Do they see colors like we see colors? No...

And here comes the rest of the colony.

We love our bees! Save the bees!

Singing the bee song.

There they go, posters and all.

I can see why performing in front of this crowd would be intimidating!

Quick peek in to see his latest flying contraption.

Lily bees family photo!

Taking great care while feeding the fish, one bit of food at a time.

And now, it's a super early [6am wheels up] start on Saturday morning for the Rainbow Run.

We're here, and it's rainy - but Arlo and Lucy both exceeded our expectations by getting up and out on time!

Warming up on the way across the park, to the start line.

It's a much greyer day than last year, but hey - that means it's much less hot, too!

Look who's here! What a surprise!

Looking fab - but are we ready to take on 3km?

It's early. It's wet. It's raining. Let's go!

(Lucy lasted about 10m out of the stroller. Better to call it early, I guess!)

Arlo made a good attempt at running.

This trio stuck together (at a good jog) for most of it.

And these two alternated running and walking.

We made it!

That's the farthest I've "run" in years!

Getting her medal - Lucy looks like a VIP!

And here come the other two, a few minutes behind.

It was pouring when the crossed the line - but all the more refreshing.

Proud smile! He completed 3k!

With K. Rose, the founder of the Rainbow Room.

Fist bump.

Ice cream break. Nothing better than ice cream at 7:30am!

With Joe, the featured musical act - whose family didn't quite make it in time for the 3k.

And finally, lining up for the 50m dash.

(As if one 3k race wasn't enough for the day...)

Little kids first...

... so it's Dad and Lucy in this first heat.

Go, Lucy, go!

And now it's time for the "big kids". Arlo wanted to race with the big kids.

He was probably the smallest (or certainly the youngest) "big kid" on the starting line.

Ready?

Go!

Granny cheeks in the background, as Arlo sprints the 50m.

He did well, finished nowhere near back of the pack. And didn't scrape any knees either!

Proud of my big boy!

Meanwhile, Lucy is on her 2nd ice cream of the morning.

Arlo really wanted a 'pacer' balloon (from the 10k).

The band is finally on!

Watching Nari's dad play.

Enjoying her *third* ice cream...

... and dancing along with the music.

Colorful family photo!

Look! Lucy featured in the Ete (Ice Cream supplier) facebook post.

It's not a bad picture of her. But they missed her 2nd and 3rd ice creams.

Now that we're here, and we have the whole day ahead of us, let's enjoy the wildlife.

Lots of critters were out, thanks to the rains.

Watching extremely moss-covered turtles swimming around.

Walking through the 'Asian Garden'.

Energy left to do a rocky scramble.

King & Queen of the hill.

Why hello there, little millipede buddy.

Home by 10am - with the rest of the day ahead of us!

This provides exactly the right level of entertainment we need right now.

Lucy doesn't want to nap (even though Mum does) so we'll keep ourselves awake with a trip to Makro.

Here we go, all geared up!

Eggs, rice, peanuts and M&Ms. Looks about right.

Using his problem-solving skills to recover the pacer balloon that floated a little too high.

Almost forgot: today is the 14th! Someone turned 5 years and 9 months old today!

Ready to tackle Sunday; although Mum is decidedly not.

Gerald and Piggie have very similar PJs to Arlo and Lucy. What a coincidence.

Found at the bottom of the oven: French Fries that have probably been in there for too long.

Working judiciously on cookies...

... that turned out to have probably been a bit rancid. (they were from a mix that was... expired.)

Off to her make-up swimming lesson, while Arlo goes to Piano.

And if that weren't enough, it's a playdate at Fuku and Yoshi's condo.

A compact but highly functional living arrangement, designed for Japanese families.

Enjoying a dip at their pool. It had a great view of our old neighborhood!

The big boys.

And the Nursery monkeys.

Enjoying popsicles that Lucy wanted to buy at swimming (for everyone)! A very smart choice, Lucy!

And winding down the day at the playground at home.

His elaborate city.

This is what happens when he bathes himself.

More stencil work before bed.

It's the last full week of school for the year: bring it on!

Hanging out with P'Mali, who's encouraging Lucy to improve her skills.

More dainty feeding of the fish.

Working hard and keeping busy.

Another special creation, from multiple angles.

Bouncing together for one brief moment in time.

Have we mentioned that a bird couple made their nest in our bathroom exhaust fan, and they seem to now have babies?

This guy hasn't bloomed in ages.

Special evening out on the town -- parents get-together and farewell drinks for Principal Mimi.

Starting his day on the right foot. I mean, right cactus.

It's a special morning for all the St. Andrews-bound kids: orientation!

We met Aynur & parents at nursery, and drove them back with us.

So cute, and so grown-up now.

Putting on a test uniform shirt, so he can have his ID photo taken.

So cute seeing them all in uniform.

Feeling grown up: helping themselves to the snack table.

Cheese! This one is important!

What a great little Annabel's gang - so glad to be moving over togther!

Speaking of Annabel's, time to head back to the Nursery!

This big girl is taking home her first learning journey today.

Happy that the whole nursery gang will be staying next year.

Very proud of her leaning journey, and happy to look through it together.

The cards for Teacher Selly and P'Toi are done! (Just in time...)

Taking herself very seriously this morning for school.

Lots of recycling to take care of.

It's the big day -- Graduation Day -- and so the garden is empty (and cordoned off).

Lucy floating above the trampoline, enjoying the empty garden.

It's Dad with Lucy's head.

The exceptionally bitter-sweet moment has arrived: Kindergarten (and Annabel's) graduation.

Can't imagine a better class to have wrapped with!

Here come our Lilies.

Everyone's looking so cute and grown-up.

(And we've made good use out of Arlo's wedding outfit.)

Wouldn't want to be too serious.

The two bowtie boys, having some fun.

Here they come, parading in.

Lilies waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin.

To the school's credit, they waste no time.

Getting the little "diploma" from Annabel herself.

And final handshake with Principal Mimi.

Yay, Lilies!

Waiting patiently while the (decided larger) class of Tulips goes.

Having their very cute poetry slam / battle of the words.

Tossing the hats: clearly a highlight of the day for them.

A million thank yous to Teacher Selly and P'Toi for the amazing year!

Extended Lilies family!

Giving the giant card from the whole class to Teacher Selly.

And to P'Toi.

So excited to point out what they each made.

Got to sneak into the Lilies class photo.

With buddy Martin, who will be going to Bangkok Prep next year.

And Brooklyn, who will be going to yet a different school.

Relaxing with Fuku after a high-octane morning.

Oh, we almost forgot to take a photo with Arlo!

The two bowtie boys.

And then, it was time to pick up this monkey, who's wearing 4 socks...

... and wanted to ride home like this.

Arlo's final board game ECA: he made his own puzzle.

And that's a wrap on the uber-long, uber-busy, uber-fun week!

Bangkok Week 885

June 12, 2025

The year-end activities are in full-swing now, and the countdown is on! But first, we celebrate Amalia’s 3rd birthday, and have a fun playdate with P’Kate, whom we haven’t seen since Christmas.

Oh hi, Lamar!

Big operation going on here. Why doesn't this wheel roll more smoothly?

Lucy and BFF Taiga.

Concentrating hard.

A new use for the football goals.

Mush those doglseds.

Crash! Catostrophic finish.

Trying the new IKEA popsicle molds.

Airplane in progress.

Playing "car dealership" before bed.

Playing her own version of Codebreaker on Saturday morning.

We're headed to Amalia's 3rd birthday party. Arlo kindly wrote this card.

Spotted on our way out of the Moo Baan. Is that a baby monitor lizard?

Half of Annabel's is here at Conkey's to celebrate Amalia's birthday.

Wearing gloves to catch snails.

Musical chair mats.

And pass the parcel.

Focusing very intently on opening her layer.

Arlo, moving ever closer, is ready to help at a second's notice.

And finally cake time!

Opening her prezzies. Lucy is on supervising duty.

The K2s - most likely up to no good.

What's going on under there?

Testing their lung capacity.

Playing with bubbles.

Relaxing altogether after a long, hard morning of partying.

Coming home to find the most mysterious dead frog outside our house.

We are very curious to know how it died in this position!

Arlo is very happy with the party favors he brought home (unofficially?)

Time to focus!

Time for movie night!

Helping with the housekeeping...

... while Arlo heads off to Piano.

Lucy has a make-up swim, since she missed it during Amalia's birthday yesterday.

What a delicious popsicle. Could they find a more convincing poster child?

Guess who's here for a visit? It's P'Kate. We haven't seen her or her family since Christmas!

Despite the 2-year age difference in all directions, everyone plays really well together.

Their hiding spot during hide-and-seek.

So many tired, red cheeks.

Trickster.

These three are going to sleep well tonight.

So many papayas are taller than this boy now.

These two worked up an appetite!

A new set of legos. Lucky Lucy & Arlo!

His first creation with the new set.

Bring it on, Monday!

The trickster, pushing her luck!

Afternoon bike ride.

Arlo's really into the new stencils from Dad.

And Lucy has decided to self-learn graphic design.

The last boombox in Bangkok!

Here's that pesky wheel that won't roll again.

And supervisor Lucy, on the job.

Practicing her balance.

Breakfast is served!

Lucy's wearing her octopus shirt today... so of course, her octopus had to come to school, too.

Hanging out with the K2s.

Anything you can do, I can do better.

The stage is set up, and ready for the assembly this Friday!

One of Arlo's last football ECAs.

Someone's been getting up multiple times a night... and it's finally taking its toll.

Lucy had her shampoo at Dad's salon tonight.

More careful stencil work.

Example output.

Meanwhile, Lucy's created an airplane: the body pillow divides the adult section from the kids section. And the animals are divided into adults (large) and kids (small).

There she is, in the appropriate place.

Piggie is getting ready for school.

Focusing hard on her artwork.

It's only taken 10 months to realize she can climb this tree. (That was a staple at Blu Bam Boo!)

Here comes the backdrop for the stage!

The prickly cactus is blooming again! But this looks like it might be the last flower for a while.

Another restless night, another tired afternoon.

To Mika, on the first floor.

The garden is set up for tomorrow's assembly.

The theme is sustainability, and Arlo's class did a focus on bees.

The stage is all set, too.

Lucy likes to imitate P'Mali.

Someone's into tree climbing these days.

Busy workers Arlo and Fuku, helping Teacher Mhel scrape the sand out of the pond.

The new parking elevator on the way to school. (Photographed for Arlo.)

Special treat: Tuk Tuk home.

No umbrellas in the car, but thankfully a poncho.

Working hard on...

... Dad's EKG!

And Dad's medical book.

The diagnosis? Dad is not well.

Nerd Lucy.

We end this week with a self-made mohawk by Arlo.

Bangkok Week 884

June 5, 2025

It’s a 5-day weekend (ahh) - wish us luck! We go on two separate bike rides; attend a beautiful wedding at the all-new Dusit Thani hotel; and return to Benjasiri Park for the first time in a very long while. Happy June!

Starting off the 5-day weekend with some gymnastics.

Helping Cat and Koali be tall.

Still have a good number of papayas left - how did that happen?

Little flowers trying to grow on the biggest one.

It's going to be a long weekend!

Heading to the basketball court to play some football.

Bye bye, P'Noi!

In our boat.

Fancy dance / tai chi moves.

It's an octopus kind of Saturday morning.

Cat's inspecting Arlo's throat.

Painting her own nails & toe nails.

Mobile snack for cockatoo.

Doing gymnastics yoga.

The fish are doing well!

Off to swimming in a MuvMi.

Interested in the "dead fish".

Amalia was in Lucys' class today, doing a make-up. So that calls for popsicles for all.

It'll fit soon!

The lotus has another beautiful bloom. Kind of random.

Swimming time for Arlo (and his mini oreos).

It's a different teacher today, and so a different teaching style.

Meanwhile, Mum & Lucy tackle a long overdue project: replanting the babies.

And then it's time for a bike ride at Benchakitti Forest Park. Because it's a long weekend, the traffic was actually quite decent.

Lucy's a pro at biking on this track now.

Stopping to admire the flowers...

...and then stopping to run around the amphitheater. (It's like a Decathlon ad!)

Wildlife in downtown Bangkok.

The whole Amphitheater to ourselves!

The pink lady is too good at posing for photos now. Where does she get it?

The water levels are high right now.

Checking out the tiny fish, dragonflies, and moss in the water.

Little red helicopter.

Photogenic all around.

Exploring the top seats...

... and the (surprisingly large) fish in the small canals.

Continuing along.

The new playground was in much better shape than when we were there over the Christmas holiday.

The blue slide is fast today!

Made it back to the car right before a giant rainstorm.

Exhausted, but Movie Night must go on!

Sunday morning, creativity by Mr. Arlo here.

And so someone else has to try, too.

Taking the blue car for a spin while Mum & Arlo are at Piano.

Running errands at Big C Ekkamai.

So many toys to choose from...

... but she happily leaves with only bubbles.

This Royal Enfield bike looks like the one in the Snowman, says Arlo.

Enjoying their new whistles!

Somehow, these are made in Canada!

Playing with their new, giant bubbles.

Definitely larger than life!

Concentrating hard, but still very good at it.

Getting ready for our big evening: a fancy wedding!

Everyone is ready to play ball, and looking fab!

Off to the (brand new) Dusit Thani.

Preparing Arlo before we head upstairs.

We're early, so there's time to take some photos in the lobby.

Lucy can't get enough of herself.

Or of the hand dryer in the bathroom.

Checking out the model of the new property. The hotel building is done, but the residences are still very much under construction.

These two are looking good! Deceptive!

(Working on his poses.)

Photos with the bride (a former colleague), groom, and Uncle Mick (MuvMi founder) and family.

It's an outdoor wedding -- a rarity in Bangkok.

But the view of Lumpini Park (and skyline beyond) is spectacular.

Seating chart, and customized place settings - so well-planned.

Is someone getting hangry?

The music is rather loud (even for adults).

The beautiful couple.

Time to eat!

Checking out the beautiful (real!) flower bouquets.

Getting ready for the photo booth.

Looking sharp!

The result! Not too bad!

Uh oh! Strong winds knocked over the tallest of the pomelo trees.

Not yet ready to seize the day.

Holiday Monday - so why not go for another bike ride?

It's Lucy's first time biking by herself at Rot Fai park.

Good job, Lucy! It's a very long, windy 3km track.

Look at these two scaly giants!

They would make Granny proud.

Stopping at the playground.

With determination, Lucy is working her way toward the monkey bars.

Someone's going to be a competitive Ninja Warrior one day!

Meanwhile, Arlo's running quickly nowhere.

Back on the path.

Stopping at another playground (this one with swings)...

... and of course, Cycle City.

Lucky riders get a balloon each to bring home.

Helium balloons require very long strings in this house!

The OG avocado is doing well now - rather snake-like.

Riding on an airplane.

Special night out at IKEA (hah!) after dropping into John & Patyon's farewell drinks.

What? The holiday's not over yet?

Enjoying the huge fruit delivery from Yaa.

Look! Same rambutan!

Delicious and fresh (from the tree behind the house).

And heading to Benjasiri Park: we've not been in months!

This climbing structure has moved again.

Nevermind that both playgrounds were in the sun.

Lunch for the exhausted at IKEA.

Chowing down on his (real) chicken nuggets.

Pride month is coming!

Taking in the very (larger than) life-like cat in EmQuartier.

Caught red-handed (and clothless)!

It's 7:20am on Wednesday, and you know what that means... back to school!!!

The school got new toys...

... and new sand over the long weekend.

Lucy insisted on bringing her new whistle to school.

Arlo's textbook finally arrived, and he's thrilled!

This ought to keep him busy for hours (years).

Playing with her little people.

Uh oh, Lucy. Watch out for that boa.

Lucy, watch your foot!

Yummy mint chocolate chip ice cream from Dad.

Wrapping up a very long week with some attempts at flight.

No children were harmed during this filming (or this long weekend) - please congratulate us!

Bangkok Week 883

May 29, 2025

Another busy week in the books! Lots of football practice at home; a 4km bike ride (for Lucy, too!) at Nong Bon Park over the weekend; the Art Auction at school; and most importantly, the papaya bonanza! 🌱

Lucy's breakfast of champions: one boiled egg white with enough salt for a Canadian winter road.

She has the whole garden to herself, because we're here early for a meeting.

Looking up at the two sky bridges that received a lot of social media coverage during the earthquake. (Both broke.)

Special treat for Lucy: at her request, a tuk tuk ride home from school.

Arlo asked for a new, bigger backpack: so bigger he gets!

Friday evening football.

Lucy enjoys playing in the goal as much as with it.

Saying good-bye to P'Noi.

Lucy, perhaps that's not the best place to lie down.

Still pleased with his new backpack.

Lazy Saturday morning in bed in Lucy's room. (In Lucy's bed, to be exact.)

Arlo decided he wanted to start the solar system kit that he was given a few years ago.

Starting with Earth, of course.

Heading to swimming...

... while Arlo and Dad do their weekly Makro run.

Arlo came to pick up Lucy... and probably also to enjoy a popsicle.

Playing with some tiny papayas we found on the ground beneath a papaya tree.

Hmm! How did this little guy end up inside?

Just toodling around the kitchen floor.

The last of our papaya problem... to be transplanted!

Lucy's turn to work on a solar system mobile -- this one completely home-made.

And swimming time for Arlo.

Rainy afternoon indoors.

Nice sprawling housing estate that Arlo's built.

Doesn't it look like they're playing nicely together?

And Saturday movie night makes a comeback, after a 3-week hiatus.

Sunday morning golf cart ride.

Reading Lucy's Peppa book to himself over breakfast.

He got on pretty well (since it's a story and characters he's familiar with).

Lucy and Dad ran a short errand during Arlo's Piano.

To the little corner store around the corner.

After the rain passed, it was a lovely time for an afternoon bike ride around Nong Bon.

We've not been here since early December, when Lucy attempted to use her balance bike.

Lucy was a champ, and did the whole 4 km loop (despite definitely getting tired / distracted toward the end).

This is a nice track because it's so wide.

Water break!

And stopping to watch a millipede cross the road.

One of Granny's friends taking a swim in the pond.

What a healthy jackfruit tree!

XL human head for scale.

We cycled around the bridge this time, but Arlo and Lucy still wanted to walk up it.

Photo at the apex.

The exercise zone had these dangerously fun roller treadmills.

Yes, they are exactly what they look like.

Making good use of our giant car, and folding bikes. 4 bikes inside, with a bit of room to spare!

If that weren't enough cycling, Lucy wanted to go for a bike ride when we got home.

And checking on the tennis court behind us. (Her newest obsession.)

Testing out what he would look like as a one-eyed boy.

Bathtime fun.

A tired, tired girl.

Recharged and reset for the week!

It's Art Auction week at school!

This "calm down corner" that Arlo's class made is the object of everyone's desire.

Pointing to the angler fish he drew...

... and some other details as well.

Excited to have found a four-leaf clover.

The skies opened, and so Lucy used that as an excuse to bring us inside.

Remember this mask! It will make a reappearance.

End-of-day fun with Patton.

Heading across the street together.

Monday evening football practice.

Why play football, when you can sleep in the goal?

Okay, trying herself now, too.

Ominous sky...

... but really, that was a photo of a bird!

Arlo and Lucy have taken to zapping the mosquitoes themselves.

A "train" that had pulled into the kitchen station.

All aboard!

Another morning at the art auction.

Everyone wants this calm down corner!

Wearing a shirt that only left Arlo's rotation recently. Looks good on you, Lucy!

Football Tuesday!

Someone knows she's not supposed to be sitting on Mum's chair while Mum is working!

Monkey!

Floating one of their many paper boats in the bath. The largest one they could find...

Lucy, I think you might have outgrown that tub.

Today is a big day! It's finally time to re-home all the papayas!

Here are the signs that Arlo and his classmates made, with key information and care instructions.

And there were bags ready for those who couldn't take them back immediately.

Although hard for Arlo at first, he eventually got into it.

Offering several options to his classmate.

The papayas became quite the conversation starter.

Lamar is pleased with her choice.

And yet somehow, we found another 10 or so at home that missed the initial van.

Remember that mask that Lucy was making on Monday morning?

Well here it is, and she doesn't want to take it off.

This is how we arrived home.

The last of the papayas heading to school, so the Thai staff can have their pick, too.

Everyone waiting to be taken to their new homes!

Arlo drew a treasure map to guide you to the treasures he hid in his room.

Lucy wanted crazy hair to start the day. So here it is.

It was a wild morning, but she found a quiet corner for herself...

... painting with some K2 girls.

Pleased to have 3 of her paintings hung up next to Jordan & Rei's.

Lucy, what have you been eating?

(Answer: M&Ms -- special snack to celebrate the upcoming long weekend.)

Arlo created a board game in school today. (He clearly worked hard on it.)

Impressed by the growth of the original group of papayas. They're almost all taller than him now!

Dessert special to celebrate the end of the week!

This girl and her poses.

Ready for bed, complete with jelly sandals.

Bangkok Week 882

May 22, 2025

This week, as rainy season kicks into full gear, the mushrooms are on the rise! And it’s a busy week: we hone our grip strength; re-home the papayas; re-home some fish; and welcome home some friends we’ve not seen yet this year.

Another week, another lazy Friday morning!

Arlo's found a renewed interest in the monkey bars.

Hanging out with the Year 1's.

Making special potions together.

It's a rainy morning over Bangkok, and the office affords a great view.

Someone is thrilled to be given a *whole bag* of gummy bears... but demonstrates commendable self-restraint!

Working with Dad...

... until Mum & Arlo come home.

Lucy, what are you doing in the closet?

Arlo's cactus garden.

I think there's more than a slight resemblance between Arlo and the new Meiji mug.

Have I mentioned we have a papaya problem? The good news is that a solution is in sight!

Ride-sharing at its most unique!

A surprise guest in Lucy's swimming lesson today!

And enjoying orange popsicles afterward. (And one to bring home for Arlo.)

Time to clean the fish bowl! It's been several months.

Lucy's a pro at scooping out the fish now, too.

Too many fish!

Quick trip to Max Valu -- by foot! -- while Arlo & Dad go to swimming.

She seemed tired, but came alive when we reached the gummy aisle.

And she insisted on picking out an ice cream for herself.

Someone is really into practicing piano these days. (I'm not complaining!)

Finally playing the 3D snakes & ladders game he made last term.

Saturday night special: bathtub bath!

And doing what everyone does before bed.

Read!

Happy, Sunny Sunday!

What a treat, donuts for breakfast.

Hanging out with Dad and all her friends.

Meanwhile, at music...

... Arlo is finding his "voice".

It's definitely rainy season, and so we've spotted so many mushrooms growing.

Here they all are, photographed, printed, and labelled.

Lucy is into playing trains now, too.

Sally, Douglass, Ronan & Carson (and their families) came over for a swim & dinner.

No room left in the pool!

Lucy's got crazy hair - even without any hair ties!

Excited to start his school week with a giant bowl of milo balls. (And another, and another.)

It's a(nother) rainy, rainy Monday morning.

Arlo is happy to spend these mornings at Nursery...

... where Lucy settles in comfortably!

Playing playdough with the littles.

Out-playdoughing the 2-year-olds.

Getting the papayas ready for their next big adventure.

Lucy is building up her grip strength on the monkey bars, too.

And her balance.

This cactus flower is fascinating. It has stamen within the stamen. (I'm sure there's a name for those.)

Football Tuesday!

Playing with new, colorful stones.

(These came with a small fish bowl that we got second-hand, for Arlo's classroom.)

More crazy hair for Lucy!

More treasure for his treasure box.

Effort #1 for the day: procuring some fish for the classroom.

And effort #2 for the day: loading up the school van with papayas!

Here are the fish, happily in their new home! (Plants to follow later this week.)

Thursday, already? Lucy celebrated with the final slice of her birthday cake for breakfast!

Working on those monkey bar skills!

Ta-daa! The amazing grip-strength Lucy!

Wrapping up the week the same way it started.

So many beautiful cactus flowers abloom!

Arlo left me a secret note, and a corresponding code on the red (orange) chair... to come sit with him and practice piano!

Lucy. Have you been eating M&Ms?

Taking inspiration from her brother, Lucy is really into the piano now, too! Same music and everything!

Bangkok Week 881

May 15, 2025

It’s been unseasonably rainy this week! Downpours all day, every day. Nevertheless, we have fun! A great play date with Fuku and his family on Saturday; a special after-school treat on Monday; and the K2/Year 1 field trip on Thursday that everyone’s been looking forward to!

Welcome back! It's Day 5 of the white cactus flower.

But this little piggie is not ready to get up for school.

Arlo came in to help rouse his sister, and now they're playing cars.

A big crescent smile!

She wanted "hair like Clementine's" -- which means, a high bun.

Who's taller?

Time to check in the Lilies!

Someone's had a good Friday at school, and is ready for the weekend.

Meanwhile, the little purple cactus flower is still blooming.

Heading home on Tuk Tuk after a Friday at school/the office.

Bedtime with Dad tonight.

Did Arlo lose a tooth? No! That's just a messy chocolate breakfast!

Lucy wanted to sit and watch the baby lesson immediately after hers. We sat through about half of it!

And then as we were leaving, we ran into Arlo's friend Brooklyn (and his entire family) who were there for a make-up.

Lucy kindly brought popsicles back for herself and her brother.

Learning how to use their lungs.

Hanging out with Brooklyn (who's still there) before Arlo's lesson starts.

Riding their bikes...

... while waiting for Fuku's family to arrive.

Waiting patiently at the front of the Moo Baan.

And wasting no time, the boys set off to work.

Concentrating hard on this 100+ piece puzzle.

Coming along.

Almost done!

Mission accomplished!

And now, it's time for dinner (and a very, very heavy rainstorm).

Lucy played with Yoshi more this visit.

All the monkeys (except the littlest), trying to wait out the rain.

Sunday morning special: breakfast with Peppa.

Have we mentioned that we have a papaya problem?

Heading with Dad to the doctor's, to check on her nose...

... while Arlo goes to Piano.

He enjoys playing the grand piano in the lobby.

Inspired by Lucy's balloon bear, Arlo decides to make his own creation.

After discussing photo copiers over lunch, demonstrating what happens when you copy items.

The attitude is starting.

It's been another super rainy afternoon; but at least we can tromp through some muddy puddles now.

"I like walking in muddy puddles."

It was a good idea that fell apart in execution: she thought she found a hiding spot for hide-and-seek.

Here are these two, "hiding" from Mum & Dad.

Lucy rediscovered her baby bathtub.

The first positive bath time in days.

Making a transformer out of entire cars.

It's Monday! Welcome back to school!

And it's a special Monday to boot: a holiday for almost all the parents!

But again, it rained all morning...

... and so the yard was filled with muddy puddles.

We have less than an hour until we have to go get Arlo: so let's practice our face painting!

Dog? Cat? Bandit? Black eyes!?!

And then, another after-school special at Swensen's.

It was mint chocolate chip for everyone today!

Since when did puppies like mint?

And then the storms came back, and we got stuck in front of the house in the red car.

Lucy got her revenge.

Although I must say, she's a natural at doing face paint!

We need to bring in a labeled lunch box for Arlo's field trip on Thursday.

So Arlo's making the name labels himself.

Ready! (Although Meeka will pack her own lunch, since it'll be chicken burgers.)

Then he realized these label papers are fun, so it turned into a band-aid production.

Home-made band-aids for all!

An indoor water balloon - this will end well!

Somehow, the face paint really adhered to Lucy's eyebrows, making them darker than ususal!

Bedtime with Dad, whose poor glasses frame just snapped mid-arm.

Another soggy and rainy morning, so we're playing on the nursery side.

Arlo does not remember this water column from Blu Bam Boo.

Making our way across to Arlo's side.

Thankfully, the rain stopped in time to do football outside.

They played a very cute game, where the scoring team needs to "huddle" after each goal.

The bathtub has not lost its holding power yet.

Matching monkeys.

Lucy's grabbing about 5 pairs of tops, 5 bottoms, and 5 undies to bring downstairs. "I need all the things!"

Arlo's found a new favorite breakfast -- milo balls in milk -- while Lucy cant stop inflating balloons.

Practicing his Thai, slowly but surely.

It's the 20th today! How old does that make this big boy? I'm losing count!

Of course, Lucy needed a tree photo too.

Special evening: mini-Magnum for dessert!

Another rainy night and sleepy morning.

But once up, Lucy's ready to seize the day.

She's conquered her fears about dropping off the bar, and so can now go up and down all by herself.

Just hanging out with Arlo's classmates.

And climbing the tree house.

It's the big day! The day we've all been waiting for!

Lilies are all ready to go!

Lucky Mum gets to chaperone this time; this may be the last time you see us!

And we're off - in our van of Monkey Boys!

We've arrived at MOCA - the Museum of Contemporary Art.

"Waiting" "patiently" for everyone to check their bags and line up!

The first exhibit was a temporary show by "MRKREME" of colorful sculptures and videos.

Everyone was transfixed by the melting sculpture video.

Not letting these 3 boys out of arms length - poor them!

The bum that captured the imagination.

Drawing one piece of art of their choosing.

Checking out the bum one last time.

And then it was upstairs to the traditional Thai masks & puppets.

Drawing the masks.

Perhaps this parent was an immature influence on these K2s.

Got a good work-out lifting almost all of the 30 children to look through the mask.

Taking in the giant bug in the entrance, on the way out.

And finally, a picnic lunch at Rot Fai Park.

For about 7 blissful minutes, it was silent.

And they all claimed that the chicken burgers were better than in the classroom!

A few minutes to run around until the skies opened up.

Heading back to the vans, after camping in the toilets for the heaviest of the rain.

We made it!

Meanwhile, it turns out that Lucy was the "teacher" today at school.

She read a book to her class(mates), while no one paid attention.

Special treat waiting for Arlo & Lucy at home.

What turns out to be a very fun motorcycle toy.

But there's nothing like a good old game of marbles.

Bangkok Week 880

May 8, 2025

What a busy week + long weekend! We start with book character day (cue Piggie, Gerald, and Pigeon); and then enjoy a weekend playdate with Nimo; a trip to the Aquarium (the first time in 5 years); and the start of a very early rainy season!

It's the day we've been waiting for (for a week): book character day!

Originally, these two were going as a duo...

... but we added Piggie & Gerald's distant cousin, Pigeon, at the last minute.

Thanks to the official school photographer - we got some good photos!

Piggie, Gerald & Pigeon.

A few more photos while the hats stayed on.

The K1's have been reading Elephant & Piggie, so it's possible they recognized Gerald.

Piggie and a friendly mouse!

Four friendly animals.

Meanwhile, the pink cactus flower is about to bloom.

And there it is!

Piggie showing it off; it matches her outfit.

Enjoying dessert on the stairs like the good old days.

Dancing with the little LEDs from Taiwanese lanters.

Hiding on Saturday morning.

Spotted a new art kit, and wasted no time busting it open.

Glitter glue, pompoms, sequins, and more!

Arlo made himself into an angler fish!

A quick swim for Lucy (her worst one yet, for sure; she did exactly the opposite of what the teacher asked the whole time.)

Helping herself to snacks.

Meanwhile, Arlo had the whole pool to himself.

45 minutes of non-stop swimming!

That popsicle is surely well-earned.

Relaxing at the playground...

... before the rains came!

Sleepy Sunday: someone doesn't want to get up!

Inspecting her egg really well.

Cheek full of egg, while Arlo enjoys his joke.

Enjoying the playground, while Mum & Arlo get ready for (and go to) Piano.

Off to the "ice cream store" by tuk tuk.

(It was really Max Valu, but as far as Lucy's concerned, it's an ice cream store.)

Oh my; that went south quickly.

In a freak incident, we found one fish swimming by itself in this plastic container! So, Arlo's pouring it back in with its friends.

A late-afternoon playdate & swim with Nimo.

Lucy's idea to "ride the horse" together.

Cheese! (Long weekend!)

It's Monday, and we're going on an adventure!

Taking the BTS all the way to Siam.

(Enjoying her seat privilege; good thing there were no monks on the train!)

And waiting patiently for Paragon to open at 10.

Door busters at the aquarium!

We hadn't been since the height of COVID...

Arlo's super into deep-sea right now, and so he definitely enjoyed the whole thing (even though it only featured sunlit zone fish).

Touching a starfish.

It took Lucy two tries, and a *lot* of observing other kids, before she was ready to do it herself.

There's a nice jellyfish zone, which is new since we last went.

They enjoyed the giant tank...

... but like last time, the shark tunnel is the star attraction.

The Sawfish (a.k.a. Carpenter Shark) was our favorite.

This guy's got his eye on Arlo.

A little bit homely, this shark.

This particular shark is much cuter.

These penguins used to have nice deep water in their enclosure; wonder what happened.

Listening to the sounds of the various sealife.

And then it's part-way back on the BTS, to have lunch at IKEA.

But, sigh. It's impossible to leave IKEA empty-handed. We should know not to go there.

Someone is very, very pleased with his snake. (Whose name is Boa...)

Boa's first tuk-tuk ride.

Who's taller?

In other news, this spiky cactus is blooming again! These fabulous white flowers stay in bloom for days.

Finding and identifying Boa in Picturepedia.

These bubble guns from Auntie Jas & Uncle Josh have made a real comeback!

And enjoying some late afternoon cycling in the sois around our Moo Baan.

Reading his phonics book to Lucy before bed.

Playing a game of Code Breaker with Boa on his team.

Dad rescued the papayas from these 6 munchers!

Can't get ready for school without playing a game of memory with her octapus.

It's a soggy, rainy morning; so we're playing indoors on Lucy's side instead.

Queueing up for breakfast.

Someone hides in this nest and refuses to leave school at the end of the day.

Doing the recycling we forgot to do this morning when it was so wet.

Day 2!

Thankfully, the grass dried up enough to have football outside.

Enjoying their ice creams.

Shh, don't tell Arlo!

I didn't realize that school was clothing-optional today!

Adopted two new children today.

This cactus might finally be too tall for itself!

Day 3!

Delicious new mango popsicles.

Comparing and analyzing.

Peeling their own eggs for brekkie.

Potato chips for breakfast!? (Why not!)

The neighborhood squirrels now queue up as well.

Have I mentioned that we have a papaya problem?

Day 4!

Enjoying their fresh chocolate bananas.

A very serious painter...

... and a very thoughtful student.

Smirking at his own idea.

"Get betr Tichr Selly" who was out sick today.

Bangkok Week 879

May 1, 2025

May is here! And it’s another busy week! At school, it’s book week, so there are lots of morning activities and stay-and-play on both sides. Plus, operation papaya continues in full force!

Matching undies!

Standing on the swing? Maybe we've gotten too comfortable at school.

Lucy would be happy to attend school on this side.

End of school, end of week energy!

Lucy also likes to peek into the school van to see her friends and say good-bye before it leaves.

Friday afternoon tuk-tuk ride to head home.

The aftermath of her updo.

Had to trim a branch off the giant tree, so that the awning could be opened properly.

A tiny bloom on an already nicely purple plant.

Off to swimming!

Inventorying all the rubber "duckies".

Getting confident climbing the gate.

Arlo's invitation to the stay-and-play event next Tuesday.

Showing off all the cool stickers he's gotten at piano class.

And Lucy's got a new bike! She still needs to grow another 2-3 cm in order to use it safely, but I'm sure that'll be soon enough.

Energizing before swimming.

Lucy no longer naps (her definitive decision). So there's a lot of time to fill during Arlo's swimming lesson!

Enjoying the popsicles that Arlo brought back from swimming.

Operation papaya continues!

Most of the big-ish guys have been repotted into their own pots now.

Light puppet show in Arlo's room.

And Saturday movie night, with special guest!

Playing with cars early on Sunday.

Who dares catch the cockroach stuck on its back?

Arlo managed to do it!

Off for a new adventure while Mum & Arlo are at piano.

The "ice cream store"! (She means, Max Valu.)

Sitting near the window and watching the rain.

Watching a new Apple TV show, while Mum works on the Book Day hats.

These guys finally realized that they missed Songkran...

... and so they've brought out the big guns, and are heading to the pool.

Luckily for us, there was another family there with the same idea.

One on each shoulder? Maybe too tall a task.

Chocolate dorayaki for breakfast?

Another week, another recycling dump.

It's book week at school this week; so expect busy mornings!

The reading tents are set up...

... and the costumes are out.

Jordan is kindly helping fix the ears of this little red panda.

Mali and the Red Panda, helping to check in Lilies class.

Uh oh! Caught red-handed!

Another papaya height check.

Is this entire crowd heading to P'Noi's house tonight?

Octopus hugging two hedgehogs with his many arms.

Spotted on the counter late at night.

On Lucy's side on Tuesday morning, where the entire "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" story had been reconstructed.

Happily posing with the giant "frightening" bear.

Splish splosh, splish splosh!

Stumble trip, stumble trip!

Quick! Under the covers!

And then it was back to Arlo's side...

... for the annual Stay-and-Play morning. (His forth and last!)

So much to look at in the learning journey... and not nearly enough time!

Looking at all the planes they made last week.

Getting our hands dirty with clay.

All parents getting into it.

Performing their class poem.

Aww, we will miss this class!

Papayas from above!

Someone doesn't want to go home.

The lotus is somehow still alive... and blooming!

On a whim, made a costume for myself for book week this Friday. Recognize this cheeky pigeon?

We're all set!

Trying on the hats to make sure they fit.

Arlo really wants his to be a mask.

Everyone face-painted each other.

No naps means a much tougher Lucy to wake up in the morning.

Someone got an idea!

Why not draw an emoji on his banana?

Ta-daa!

This morning, it's Stay-and-Play in Lucy's class...

... so it's only a quick 15 minutes on Arlo's side, before we switch sides.

The honorary member of Lilies.

Looking through Lucy's learning journey (which is almost full up!)

She really wanted to show us the dark room.

Enjoying mangoes together.

And then it's showtime!

Four of Lucy's classmates performed the "3 little pigs" for everyone.

And then we all did the "Bear Hunt" course, before heading home.

Biiiiiig hug good-bye, after this special morning!

Uh oh! These two have rediscovered the bubble guns from Auntie Jas & Uncle Josh!

Bubbles galore!

It's (unofficial) Moo Deng day!

But it's also an indoor morning, thanks to the very heavy rains that lasted until about 7:30am.

Lucy's getting pinched by a beetle!

Oh no! The tiger is back! And what has it done with Lucy?

The tiger seems surprised to see herself in the camera, too!

It's a holiday for Mum today, so we're celebrating with a special after-school treat.

Ice cream...

... and a bike ride.

(Thomas and Nancy are giving Lucy a really good stare.)

We're ready for book character dress-up day tomorrow! See you then!

Bangkok Week 878

April 24, 2025

The best thing about traveling is coming home! While they miss Sydney, these two are also happy to be home, and have slotted back into routine so well. It’s back to school, back to work, back to fun!

Back at home, and enjoying (Dad's) muesli. It's good to be back!

But oh my, how the papayas have grown!

Refamiliarizing themselves with their toys.

Back to swimming for Lucy!

Arlo's happy to be back, too.

And a short detour to the post office, to send souvenirs to Trat.

Stopping for a selfie with the transformer along the way.

Making poor K. Wan read about deep sea creatures, while she's meant to be ironing.

Lucy's discovering novel ways to wash her hands.

Reconnecting with their bikes.

No sooner are we back, than it's Easter!

Look at these cute koalas, safeguarding the eggs.

That's a clever place for an Easter Egg, bunny!

Lucy doesn't want to wake up; and she doesn't remember what Easter is all about so that's not enticing.

Arlo was quick to pick up from last year...

... and Lucy was quick to catch on.

Excited by her find.

Counting the eggs and putting them in a communal cup.

Arlo wanted to know why ocean water is salty, if we can't see the salt. So here he is, dissolving some himself.

Lucy! Time for a haircut before we go back to school!

The finished product! We took a good couple inches off.

This week, while Mum & Arlo went to piano...

... Lucy and Dad headed to a plant store, to buy some more pots for the papayas..

And then stopped at the peacock cafe on the way home.

Lucy also turns 3 years and 1 month old today.

These are the most mature of the papayas. The ring leader is getting tall!

And it's time for a swim!

Diving for rings, and discussing midnight zone, with the next door neighbor.

What a look, Lucy!

A week's worth of recycling to get rid of.

And then it's back to school, at long last!

Jumping right back into the swing of things.

Knock on wood, but Lucy is much less clingy than she was at the end of Term 2.

Here she is, bouncing on the trampoline while riding a bike.

She scored herself in the goal!

Hanging out with her new BFF.

Rockin' the stylish nursery look.

Beautiful sunset.

Arlo's trying to repair a stuck wheel on one of the bikes.

Just hanging out... but oh-so-sweaty after only a few minutes!

Fun at football.

Still working on home renovations.

Showing off the collection of airplanes he made at school earlier in the week.

(It's quite the collection for only having been back a few days.)

The tall papaya tree is taller than Arlo now!

Playing with the neighborhood kids.

A queue for the bird feeder.

A car carrier?

Drive carefully.

Lucy brought home a library book that we have already (Peppa Goes Ice Skating) and is comparing the two copies.

Meanwhile, this guy is excited for the new gummies.

Special ice cream for dinner.

Sneaking in an evening bike ride.

It's millipede season!

Good night and see you next week!