Bangkok Week 813

January 25, 2024

Aww, it’s Grandpa’s last few days in Bangkok. So we’re busy getting in the last swims, last meals, last outings. And we had a nice visit with friends… oh, and the giant beanbags finally arrived!

It's Friday, so that means Lucy's swimming. Both Granny and Grandpa came to watch...

Grandpa's last school pick-up this visit.

The biker gang.

Trying out her new pool noodle.

Lucy can't get enough of these noodles!

Arlo insisted on showing Granny where he reads his stories at night before bed.

Lucy, too!

Concentrating hard on assembling the 3D butterfly.

Garbage truck entertainment!

Yum yum: donuts for brekkie!

It's the 20th! Lucy turns 1 year and 10 months today.

Can't do it without the new pool noodle!

Waiting patiently while Mum gets ready.

And helping to un-make the bed.

Pretending to be asleep while Granny spins her around.

P'Rohan and Quinn came over for lunch and some playtime.

Bon appetit, from the new photo spot.

I think I see mischief in the eyes of all 4 of these monkeys.

Package delivery! Very large packages!

Finally, Lucy and Arlo's new beanbags!

Housewarming gifts for these two. Arlo picked the color green.

And if today wasn't busy enough, Arlo has swimming at 2:15 as usual.

Meanwhile: enjoying her new bean.

Arlo *finally* just finished the lollipop from the Toronto Zoo!

And washing the dusty blue car. It's pretty easy with this spacious driveway.

Even post-nap, the beanbag is still a novelty.

And then it's pool time. How long are these noodles that they need 2 people to carry them?!

Lucy is very proficient in the big pool with the help of her noodle.

Nothing like fresh sticky rice to help warm up after a cold swim.

Tub time! A new weekend ritual.

Someone wants to sleep *on* her new beanbag tonight.

Starting the morning with some good books...

... and some good jokes.

At the park! We haven't been to Benjasiri park in a long time!

Innovative Arlo, coming up with exciting new ways to ride the seesaw.

Pretty sure Lucy was on this swing for at least 25 minutes.

Refreshment break.

Offroad scooting and biking.

Last stop: the skate park.

Lucy impressed us all with her fearlessness, and her biking skillz.

Arlo came into Lucy's room to wake her up post-nap, and to enjoy her beanbag.

Brr! Late-afternoon chill!

More fearlessness from Lucy the Warrior.

Last school drop-off with Grandpa!

And bye-bye invasive ficus plants from Ekkamai! Enjoy your new home!

No more plants!

Last bye-bye and night-night with Grandpa, who's heading home tonight.

Safe trip and come again soon, Grandpa!

Lucy is really into books these days, especially with the comfy new beanbag to read them in.

Sharing Granny's yoghurt...

... and banging out some tunes.

Books for everyone this morning!

Lucy went over to celebrate Nancy's 1st birthday.

The windows are going into the new condo behind our development.

Arlo and Aya, the monkeys.

Dad and Granny went off to find some new plants, since we didn't have enough yet.

No privacy in these bathrooms!

Thursday brekkie on the balcony?

Arlo's 6-month dental check-up (everything's fine) right at 9, and then quick back to school!

Uh oh! Look who's made their home in the light fixture in Ekkamai!?

A very healthy, fruitful cactus in Thonglor.

Coming home from Donki in an electric tuk-tuk, with new drop-off point in front of our Moo Baan!

This paddle is brand new: the one that only started to sprout when we moved in. And many new ones in the background. Seems they are thriving here.

Looks like this guy will be blooming again soon, too.

Thursday football.

Arlo found another chrysalis at school! What are the odds?

Wasting no time showing off his new flowering plant after he gets home.

And (briefly) helping Granny with the chocolate chip cookies she promised to bake.

No convincing needed to help eat them though!

Ahem, Lucy!

Portrait by Arlo.

This one, too.

Trying to call Grandpa, but with no luck.

So talking to ourselves, instead!

Bangkok Week 812

January 18, 2024

Our new routine is in full swing: school in the day followed by late-afternoon swims with Granny and Grandpa! We also finally made it back to Mother May I, a favorite of everyone.

Starting a new day and a new week in his new bed. Still liking it!

A special drop-off from Granny today -- lucky Arlo!

Off to swimming, by bike again. Lucy *insisted* on wearing her goggles for the ride (but not in the pool).

And safely home again.

The stairs down to the "basement" are the new snack spot.

Watch out for these two wild and crazy roadsters!

Dinner is delicious Japanese by Granny.

The soft planetary rug is still novel.

Saturday morning: rise and shine early, Dad!

What's going on on the balcony?

These two (decidedly sweaty) ones seem to have made themselves at home on the guest bed.

Lunch at Grandpa's favorite Bangkok joint, Mother May I.

Lucy can't remember being here before, so it's very novel for her.

And bonus: it's still Christmastime here!

Practicing for Christmas Card 2024.

Lucky Arlo and Lucy: it happens to be National Children's Day today, so they each get a free strawberry smoothie -- on the house!

Giving the tough girl in the mirror a good stare-down.

Thanks for visiting, Granny & Grandpa!

Bye bye fish! See you next time!

Have to rush home to turn-around in time for Arlo's swimming lesson.

Lucy's still enjoying her room.

Quick Saturday afternoon swim: constrained to the baby pool, since the big pool is being cleaned still.

Dinner time -- outside on the balcony!

Arlo's making a very impressive tower out of the little blocks!

Mid-morning doctor's appointment, to tend to a rash on his face that popped up overnight.

Got some meds, got some balloons -- good to go home now!

Measuring up, against a new wall!

Some quiet time watching Our Planet.

The soft solar system rug is still a hit.

Nice hugs.

A good hodge-podge dinner.

And trying out the bath tub for the first time!

Lucy's showing off her beautiful new dress from Granny (from the Farmer's Market).

Uh oh, she's climbing to the top of the monkey bars already... fitting for a monkey, I suppose.

Dragon fly on Arlo's lime.

Caught red-handed, eating out without us!

Spying on Arlo during his Ninja ECA.

Granny's smoothies are a hit!

Spinning his noisemaker.

Honing his selfie skills.

(Never one to be excluded...)

Making sure everyone gets out of bed with her!

The beginning of her fascination with spoons.

Enjoying their new kick boards in the pool this afternoon.

Fancy headwear, too.

Mum's doing the drop-off today -- uh oh!

Packing in the late-afternoon swims while Grandpa is still here.

Lucy is very focused on sticking her head in the water these days.

Grandpa's been enlisted to help with Arlo's dinner, too.

Sharing the back seat with Arlo -- that seldom happens.

Visiting Arlo's teacher for a meeting this morning; what a lovely self-portrait on the wall!

Lucy's found that her water bottle has a really big straw!

Lucy's also really interested in a Christmas Card featuring lots of kids and babies.

Spying on Arlo after football.

Swing time!

Honing his paddle skills.

Conveniently, this house came with potato chip stairs. Good thing, too, as these two are really into potato chips these days!

Home Place House

January 14, 2024

Over the holidays, we finally moved into our new home in Home Place Village. Come on a quick tour!

Welcome to the new house, in Home Place Village.

Room for a few plants in the driveway.

The entrance atrium.

Front door and atrium, from the kitchen.

Dining area.

Kitchen.

Back "yard".

Stairs going up to level 1.5.

The playroom, on level 1.5.

Living room, on the 2nd floor.

Living room.

Living room, with sliding doors to the balcony.

The balcony - with view of the community pool.

The balcony - large enough for the kids to ride around.

View inside from the living room.

Stairs going from the living room to the 3rd floor.

Landing on the 3rd floor: office right there, followed by guest room, guest bathroom, and master bedroom.

Office - nice and cluttered already.

Office, 2 work stations.

Guest room. When no guests are staying, the sliding door between the office and guest room can be opened.

Guest room.

Guest room, with office partition open. (Don't worry future guests, it can close with plenty of privacy!)

Guest bathroom - this is a net new room.

Guest bathroom.

Hallway, showing guest bathroom and master bedroom entrance.

Master bedroom.

Master bathroom.

Master bathroom - complete with bath tub.

Master bathroom.

Stairs going up to the 4th floor.

Landing at the top of the 4th floor.

Lucy's room.

Lucy's closet. One day, she'll appreciate this!

Lucy's bathroom.

And Arlo's bedroom, with small balcony.

Arlo's bedroom - complete with vaulted ceiling.

Arlo's bathroom.

Bangkok Week 811

January 11, 2024

We’re working hard to unpack and settle in as quickly as we can… because it’s back to work and school this week! But not before some fun on two wheels, and LOTS of swims!

Grandpa in the wild after his first night's sleep at the new house.

The unpacking continues: Lucy's closet is looking good.

Grandpa's project: assembling the IKEA kitchen.

One big benefit of the new house: we can get to swimming by bike!

Happy to be here!

And happy to enjoy a banana afterward.

The curtains are installed! This will be an upgrade tonight!

From the balconies in the guest room and Arlo's room, we have a great view of the Sansiri project.

Chris Chrysalis was looking good, but I think he might not have survived the move from Ekkamai. So close.

As seen from a safe distance: Granny and Grandpa trying their luck with Arlo and Lucy in the pool.

Looking through the butterflies that had slightly better luck than Chris.

Talking to Puu and Yaa for the first time from the new house.

The supervisors.

Ooh, Lucy's room looks so much better with the curtains!

And a new life for the bookshelf from Grandpa Zyggy.

Night night, Lucy. Sleep well in your newly darkened room!

Up early, and enjoying his own space.

What's going on here?

Lucy's trying awfully hard to claim the bottom bunk as her own.

Both are excited to see their new kitchen!

Isn't it nice to go for a morning bike ride?

And a morning swing.

Wow! Puffer fish!

Trying on the safety vest he'll be using to ride to and from school.

Piloting its use on the way to swimming.

Someone's learning to write... everywhere he can!

The playroom looks pretty nice now that K. Wan has helped clean it up!

Another attempt to stake a claim to the top bunk.

The pencil, in its final home.

Preparing his own breakfast.

Migrating to boxed milk.

And one last hurrah before going back to school / work tomorrow: a late-morning bike ride at Nong Bon.

Lucy's riding in style.

Up up up the tall bridge we go.

Impressively, Arlo made it up the whole way himself!

All bikes parked while the riders enjoy a break.

This swing is a bit trickier than others, eh Lucy?

Giant leaves on this plant! Big enough to hide behind.

There go the off-roaders!

Enjoying cool drinks afterward - thanks, Granny and Grandpa!

Doing our homework last-minute: preparing our Learning Journey entry for the holiday break.

And talking Grandpa through last year's Learning Journey.

Lucy, are you in there?

It's almost 5pm, but someone could've kept napping!

And the office is ready for tomorrow's return-to-work!

Granny accompanied Arlo on his first day back to school.

Moved the sun-loving plants down to the back yard.

Grandpa setting a record for number of laps in a single workout.

The roller blinds are installed, and they look great!

The sheer curtains are in now, too. Windows are set!

How did you get to Holey Mothership, Arlo?

Do you feel like you're being watched?

Late afternoon swim on a weekday? We can't get used to this!

The potato chip monkeys.

Someone didn't want to get out of bed!

Uh oh! Mum's doing the school drop-off today.

Oh my goodness! Two cactuses blooming on the same day? What are the odds? (Hint: low.)

Even Arlo can't believe it!

Another weekday swim? These kids are being spoiled!

Starting the day by peeking into her brother's bed.

Handyman Grandpa, hard at work.

Turning the page of his 2024 cat calendar diligently each morning.

Another morning, another peek into Arlo's bed!

Finally, the air is good enough for Grandpa to get a school tour.

Lucy's new rug has arrived - her room is taking shape.

And our cheapo Ikea blind for the bathroom - suits the need!

Spying on the athlete during his football training.

And planting basil seeds with Granny.

The guy -- our longest-standing family member, with us since Ari -- is being upgraded. He's going to love this new pot!

Round-and-round go the wheels on the bus -- Lucy's new favorite song!

Enjoying the new rug.

Look at Lucy in space!

Hiding from the toothbrush.

Good night, and see you next week!

1 Second Everyday - 2023

January 6, 2024

1 second for every day of 2023, starring Arlo and Lucy. Made with https://1se.co/

Bangkok Week 810

January 4, 2024

This is it! The week we’ve been waiting for for over 18 months! The week of the big move!

But first: we go biking, go skating, walking; ring in the new year; and do some serious packing!

Arlo's working hard on his penmanship this holiday!

Doing giant puzzles with Grandpa.

The new Sansiri condo, as seen from the Moo Baan...

... and the front entrance.

Showing off his cool new wheelz at the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane.

Not afraid to go around by himself this time!

Here comes Mr. Cool!

Meanwhile, Little Miss Cool is enthusiastic on her bike, too.

And bonus, there are airplanes constantly flying overhead!

Heading over to the balance bike zone.

Woah! Look at that aggressive Thai plane.

90 degrees right out of Suvarnabhumi.

HS-TEN, eager to get to Singapore!

Resting and enjoying some cool drinks.

Good job today, team!

Took all our ATKs apart so that the plastic shells can be recycled. Too many!

Working on his mark-making some more.

This serious cycler only wears the best eye protection.

Sharing the high chair.

Air's not great, but folks are eager for one final ride around the block this year.

Careful, Granny. Let's not spend New Year's Eve in the ER, Granny!

Starting to work on things in the new house, too. Like putting a clean couch cover on this guy, and moving it to its final place.

And unloading some of the more important goods.

And the new mattress has arrived.

Visiting Benjakitti Forest Park: our sandwich outing. We were also here on the 1st of the year!

Great sunsets. Arlo didn't realize we could see sunsets in Bangkok, too!

Are we getting lazy?

Group shot with the last sunset of 2023.

Look at the rays!

A winning portrait of Master Arlo.

Bye bye, 2023!

First lunch of the new year, and one of the last ones in this house.

What great framing.

Arlo has a new style of car now...

... and he's also gotten really good at drawing flowers.

This is how we do bath time.

How many pairs of goggles do you need to sleep, Lucy?

Who brought donuts?

Things are coming together! Arlo's bed is ready to be slept on now!

And the living room in Ekkamai is looking awfully sparse.

Look at this monkey - deceptively cute!

Inventory of all the cars before they make the move tomorrow.

Sticky rice buns. (Or just sticky buns?)

Skating with Grandpa - one last time while it's so conveniently-located for us.

Neither the penguin nor Arlo has forgotten how to skate, even though we haven't been here since October.

At Arlo's request, Grandpa did one loop around the rink with Penguin, too.

For old time's sake, enjoying snacks and the Zamboni after our skate is finished.

Helping Grandpa fold up his sweater after we're done.

Eating ice cream from... mugs!

Last bike around the block in Ekkamai! Aww!

Last portrait on this staircase for these two.

And the last (Ekkamai) supper -- the New Year's sushi we've been trying to have for 3 nights now.

Enjoy your last sleep in Ekkamai, you two!

Everything is packed and ready for the big day tomorrow!

And we can see the color of Chris Chrysalis's wings coming through.

Here we go! Time for the big move! Granny, Grandpa, Arlo, Lucy, and Mum are heading over first.

Bye-bye, Ekkamai house!

And here we are! Hello, New House!

Checking out his new turf.

Don't get too comfy on these couches, ladies.

Checking out Arlo's new bed.

No Lucy, this is not Lucy's bed, sorry.

This one is also not Lucy's bed.

Meanwhile in Ekkamai, truck load #1 is ready to head over.

And here it is.

Waiting around for the bus.

Back at Ekkamai, truck loads #2...

... and #3 are ready to come over. That's a lot of plants!

Arlo is excited to see...

... the bike arrive!

Lunch time picnic on the balcony.

Uh oh! No curtains yet!

Lucy, are you ready to try out your new room for a nap? Good girl!

Arlo's helping to unpack his new room.

Closet's all ready.

The guest room feels livable now.

Nap time was a success. And now, it's time for an inaugural swim!

Look at this young lady, just walking over to the pool by herself.

Not quite as cold as Rayong, but not as warm as April!

Well, this room is sleepable! And we can unpack later.

The start of a new tradition: eating potato chips on the "basement" stairs.

Lucy's already figured out that she can supervise the dinner table from up there.

Sitting together in Lucy's new room.

Night night, Arlo! Enjoy your new bed!

The start of a new bedtime routine!

Four days in Rayong

December 29, 2023

Just like last year, we spend a lovely 4 days and 3 nights at our favorite hotel, the Rayong Marriott. We swam, played, ate, kicked, rode the golf cart, climbed, slept, and even saw some fish! Happy Boxing Week!

Road trip! We're off to Rayong for 4 days and 3 nights -- exactly the use case we'd had in mind when buying this car.

Lucy insisted on bringing Dog. Here's Dog, enjoying the rest stop.

And last-mile lunch break.

We're here, at Arlo's favorite hotel.

Still decorated for Christmas.

Welcome, Lucy! Do you remember it here?

We have a more elevated view this year.

Lucy barely still fits in the crib they provide for her.

But Arlo looks just fine in it!

Exploring the property: for Lucy, it's like new. Fish!

Football!

And the obstacle course.

The pool we never use!

Enjoying the Kids Club, while waiting for the last room.

Best part of the Kids Club? The golf cart ride back!

The moment everyone's been waiting for: swimming time!

In go the boys.

Gee, looks pretty chilly!

Lucy's enjoying herself, despite the chill. And what's Arlo doing?

Mum's not sure about this.

I think it's time to get out now!

Lucy is so cold, there isn't even time to take off her water wings.

A burrito up to his eyes.

Heading down to the beach.

Someone's still shivering.

Enjoying the big kids (adults'?) swing very much.

Sun is gone. Soon time for dinner!

Enjoying the hotel's snazzy bath tub before bed.

Looks like Arlo slept well!

Breakfast in our own secluded corner of the restaurant.

Football time!

Granny and Lucy slowly warming up for their morning swim.

And Arlo koala has found the perfect tree fork.

Someone's ready to swim!

Well, it's sunnier this morning. But does that mean it's warmer?

Learning to swim independently.

The whole gang.

Showing Granny how well her bum floats.

Two purple-lip burritoes.

Lucy's warmed up and really found her comfort zone.

Just lounging around, eating Sticky Rice. This is the life!

Showing off the cute, tiny shell he found.

Arlo is leading Lucy back up to the rooms.

Lunch at a funky fishing village. So big! So much to look at!

And delicious food, too!

Spotted in the restaurant parking lot: a Porsche! Just sitting next to it to enjoy its presence.

Ping pong with Grandpa.

This photo makes Arlo look quite skilled.

Spending the afternoon back in his tree fork.

And back to the beach just in time to see another sunset.

Look at all the teeny tiny crabs going for a walk.

Lucy enjoying the seaside swing.

There goes the sun!

Lucy's not so sure about the sea.

Beautiful sky!

And gone!

Fishing boat.

Dinner at our favorite hotel restaurant.

Sleeping on a pillow tonight! She likes it!

Pre-breakfast football.

Can you grab two balls, Lucy!?

The classic right-angle kick.

Arlo's showing his sister the way to breakfast.

And trying the really giant swings.

Someone loves it!

Guess what time it is?

You guessed it!

The ladies hit the water first.

Checking out the shark tank from the pool side.

Hello down there!

Baking burrito.

Looking for shells.

Arlo temporarily adopted a ladybug!

Another afternoon kids-club visit for Arlo, Grandpa, and Dad.

And headed back to the beach for sunset...

... this time for a swim in the ocean, too!

Arlo's really enjoying the waves!

It seems Lucy loves the waves, too!

Another beautiful sunset!

Checking out the crab balls.

Uh oh! I guess Mum's sharing the bed with someone tonight.

These two social butterflies would rather sit by themselves for breakfast.

One last swing on the giant swings for this visit.

Swimming to the very end of the pool.

Time for Lucy to be tossed by Dad -- it's a rite of passage.

And the trademark Cannonball Throw by Grandpa!

Thanks for another great visit, Rayong Marriott!

And that's a wrap - everyone's pooped! See you in 2024, Marriott!

Bangkok Week 809

December 25, 2023

Granny and Grandpa arrive for the holidays, and Arlo and Lucy waste no time wearing them in — I mean, welcoming them. And we wish you a Merry Christmas! 🎄Lucky Arlo and Lucy both got new bikes from Santa again this year!

It’s a short week, because we’re off to Rayong on Boxking Day — see separate album.

Granny and Grandpa have finally arrived! Lucy is delighted.

First breakfast in Bangkok.

Poor Granny hasn't even gotten a chance to finish her coffee. It's going to be a busy 5 weeks!

Our chrysalis, Chris, seems to be settling in well.

Oh my goodness. Look at all the home-made cookies Granny brought from Toronto!

Lucy's two favorite activities: looking through the photo calendar and wearing her sunglasses.

Fried rice welcome dinner.

Bath time! Lucy and Arlo love their baths together.

Showing Granny how to play with the Magnetiles.

Checking out his new bunk bed, mattress and all.

Arlo has a chance to look at his favorite car.

First time parking the new car -- I mean, Rudolph -- in the new house.

Lucy's strolling the new moo baan in style.

Arlo has an audience for this swimming lesson: Grandpa!

And Dad and Grandpa go on an afternoon adventure to HomePro Gateway.

Meanwhile, Lucy is using her potty like a lounger.

Taking Granny for a walk around the block.

Oh wait, that didn't last long!

Enjoying the new play bathtub that K. Wab gave Lucy for Christmas.

Good Sunday morning!

At Suan Rot Fai, to go biking. Someone's excited!

We're a big biker gang today!

And doing a tour around Cycle City.

Group shot.

Hey Grandpa, which lane are you in?

Uh oh, parking lot is full now.

Granny's stopping to look at her friend in the moat.

And a stop at the Butterfly Garden.

Hmm. What are these beetles!?

Continuing along.

Last stop: the playground.

Lucy's on the home stretch with Dad.

Granny brought Lucy and Arlo new jingle bells.

Tornadoes: very serious business.

Another walk around the block...

... that quickly devolves.

Tasty Christmas Eve pizza!

And together opening the last door of the Swedish advent calendar.

Arlo baked this cookie for Santa in school, and has been carefully safeguarding it in the fridge.

All ready for Santa!

Lucy and her baby.

Tucked in tight with all her friends. Let's see if anyone hears Santa come!

Looks like Santa's been here!

Up before the sun, Arlo can't wait to see if Santa came last night.

Over the moon about his new monster-truck bike.

And a transformer, too!?

Finally Lucy's awake and down, to see what all the commotion is about.

Oh my, a new bike for Lucy, too?

And a tiger cub.

Wasting no time reading the new books.

In her holiday best - probably the last time she'll be wearing this dress!

Oh! The tiger did come to tea!

She can't help but try her brother's new bike. Good thing the kick stand is strong!

Wow, Granny and Grandpa got a new calendar, too!

Time to try our new bikes!

Ready, set, go!

Looks like it works well!

And here comes Lucy, pulling up the rear.

A very fancy Christmas dinner of Submarine Sandwiches! Well, they are tasty.

Showing off their new Christmas PJs.

Thank you, Granny and Grandpa, for all the gifts!

Night night, Christmas. Until next year!

Bangkok Week 808

December 21, 2023

Unfortunately marked by illnesses, this week marks the real start of the holidays! We took a record-breaking trip to Trat (there for not even 24 hours). After Arlo recovered from his gnarly fever, he and Lucy met Santa! And then began preparing for Granny and Grandpa’s arrival!

We begin this week in the car, headed to Trat for the last visit of the year.

Our new go-to pit stop about 3 hours into the drive.

We discovered it has a small koi pond.

We're here!

Looking at the 2024 calendar that Lucy and Arlo brought.

Enthralled by the sliding duck toy from Aa Top.

Hanging out with Bella in one of Aa Top's cars.

Just practicing.

Long lost friends.

Helping prepare the offerings for the monks tomorrow morning.

And then, Lucy rediscovered the giant water pot.

And it was very quickly downhill from there.

The fun culminated with a very early bath for Lucy (and she'd worked up an appetite.)

The next morning, we decide to turn around and head home already. Poor Arlo is really feeling unwell (despite the photos).

So it's time for some farewells...

... and a quick merit-making.

Checking out all of Aa Top's trophies.

Group shot, this time also featuring Auntie Nan.

And can't forget to say goodbye to Bella!

And to the cats.

Off we go!

We knew Arlo must've really felt unwell because he had no energy whatsoever to check out the cars at his favorite rest stop.

The entire rest stop was decked out for Christmas.

Well, Lucy enjoyed herself!

We returned to Bangkok and headed straight to the hospital, where we happened to come upon a classic car. But even this, Arlo barely batted an eye.

Couldn't even sit up while waiting for the doctor.

Back at home, Lucy really wanted to see Puu and Yaa again.

The next morning, Arlo's fever is still here and so he's back at the hospital...

... to see his normal doctor.

This time, he was feeling well enough to pose with the Christmas props.

Standing up to the cleaning robot.

But the fever isn't gone yet, and Arlo still had to battle through a few more bouts of total lethargy before he was done.

Feeling better after a long sleep.

Lucy, is there any room left in the bed for you?

A comprehensive house update: the glass in the office is in!

The closet in our bedroom is done.

We moved the ginormous bed into the master bedroom, to give more space in the guest room. (And, so we could have a bigger bed!)

The master bathroom is finished, too.

Arlo's mattresses have been plopped down onto his bed.

Arlo's toilet is finally reinstalled.

The downstairs bathroom is done.

And the back yard flooring is done, too!

Lunch time! Slurping up her noodles like a pro.

Arlo's not had a haircut in many months. Time to change that.

He's a new boy!

And Lucy turns 1 year and 9 months old today!

I came home from the office, and Arlo had learned to write his name all by himself.

Lucy and Arlo really enjoy bath time together these days.

Dunk!

On Thursday morning, it was a quick trip over to Nest (Lucy's playgroup place) to have photos taken with Santa.

Waiting patiently in the yard.

Here's Santa, traveling Bangkok-style.

Arlo's sizing him up!

Smile! Merry Christmas!

Insisting on inflating his own air mattresses.

Good work, Arlo! All ready for Granny and Grandpa's arrival now.

Lucy got a Christmas headpiece from the neighbor down the street. It's probably the longest a headband has stayed on her head!

Wall-facing toilet.

All ready for bed in his new room!

Closing this week with Chris the Chrysalis, our accidental new family member. Let's see if he ever emerges a butterfly -- stay tuned!

Bangkok Week 807

December 14, 2023

It was a busy week! Arlo hosted us for his wonderful Christmas Show at school; P’Kate and her family came to visit; we swam; went to the farm; checked out the new downtown IKEA; had a visit from Uncle Simon; everyone got sick; and Arlo turned 4.25 years old!

We start the week with the much-awaited Christmas Show at Arlo's school.

The stage is set, and the audience is waiting with bated breath.

Behind the scenes, the K1s are waiting patiently togther.

Our snazzy little Christmas Tree, waiting for the curtains to open.

We present K1 Snowflakes, dancing to "Christmas, Christmas".

And all the classes on stage for the finale.

Someone was not at all happy about the "snow" atop his head.

Looking cute in his Christmas Tree dress.

Group shot.

What a wild Christmas Tree!

Checking out the fire place with Martin.

Helping to tidy up, so that the staff can enjoy their own Christmas party.

Saturday morning: a make-up lesson for Lucy, since we were all occupied during Arlo's Christmas show.

She can't wait to go in!

Here's Lucy!

Getting better at paddling and kicking.

Look at Lucy swim on her own!

Resting up after an exhausting lesson with Teacher Big.

Sunday afternoon: back at the pool.

The big fish is working on both front crawl and backstroke now.

Playing together on Mum & Dad's messy bed.

Checking out the new house. It's coming along!

The ground floor AC has been installed. I'm sure this will come in handy in April!

The ground floor bathroom is almost done, too.

The new awnings.

Arlo the artist, practicing his fine motor skills.

Oh my goodness! Two demanding customers asking for foot massages from K. Wan!

This is Lucy. She's supposed to be brushing her teeth. Do you think she wants to?

Oh no. Spiderman has *finally* figured out how to get things off the high shelves.

P'Kate is over for a pre-holiday visit. It's been almost half a year since we last saw them.

She brought a fun matching game.

Then everyone tried their hand at drawing... the same picture.

Lucy's supervising.

It's a drawing competition. "Complete the picture". Let's see who can be more creative.

Arlo's completion.

Now it's block time.

And nap time.

P'Kate's house...

... and a stage where P'Kate and Arlo recreated their Christmas performances.

Annual line-up photo.

Unintentionally visiting the farm! (We'd meant to visit the Bangkok Prep holiday fair, but got the day wrong.)

Checking out the touch-sensitive plants.

Bananas!

Still lots of ducks.

The food-du-jour for the sheep and goats are carrots now.

Lucy wasn't so sure, but Arlo was confident as ever.

Picnic dinner.

Very impressively peeling an entire orange.

Who wore it better??

Public Holiday Monday: checking out the brand-new EmSphere mall, and brand-new IKEA.

The elevated walkway connecting it to Emporium and EmQuartier is a surprisingly long walk.

Minimalist interior.

Large atrium in the middle for stalls.

Great views of the BTS!

And the attraction we came for! Good thing we arrived right at opening time.

Trying out a desk chair for kids.

This dog was calling Lucy's name from the moment we walked in.

Two urban shoppers.

These two worked up an appetite. So let's enjoy the view, and an 8-baht ice cream cone before the long trek home.

Great view of the neighboring construction site in the elevator ride down.

Rudolph is backing into our house.

And a visit from Uncle Simon, after over a year!

Arlo's taking great case of his new cat, recently adopted from IKEA.

Dog is accompanying Lucy everywhere these days, including into the bathroom.

Having fun with the air filter!

The mattresses for Arlo's bunk bed have arrived.

Enjoying soup for lunch.

Snatching all of Arlo's favorite friends when he's not looking.

And enjoying some ice cream.

What a life, Lucy!

Saying bye-bye to the giant ball. It's off to a new home, that will make better use of it.

Sunset over Ekkamai.

New baseball cap for Lucy.

Measuring up with her brother.

Someone is turning 4 years and 3 months old today. 4.25!

And Arlo brought home quite the bundle from school, including his Learning Journey!

Night night from the two monkeys. See you next week!

Bangkok Week 806

December 7, 2023

It was a busy week! We went to a birthday party (the signature piñata party!); hosted two of Arlo’s school friends over for a play date; celebrated Thai Father’s Day; went to a new bike park; checked in on the house; and got the car all ready for Christmas. Phew!

It's Friday, so it's swimming.

A quick selfie before we lock up the phone in the locker.

It's also December 1st, so that means start of the advent calendar!

Swapping the lights on the tree for some that work.

Big hug sandwich!

Saturday morning painting. Lucy doesn't mind paint hands at all.

In fact, she applied the paint to her face like sunscreen.

The finished product.

Meanwhile, Dad and Arlo took the car for a wash.

Posing with a Porsche at swimming.

Teamwork!

Enjoying cupcakes at his friend's 4th birthday.

A new jungle gym to climb.

And the signature pinata.

Enjoying their spoils right away.

It's the first year that Arlo's had the courage or interest to climb this thing.

And Lucy's not far on his heels.

I must say, Lucy was impressive in her own right.

Next year, Arlo will be at the top.

Lucy's first time in a sandbox. She left absolutely coated in sand. Rather like a breaded fish fillet.

The children are gone, but I feel awfully full. Better sleep it off.

Working on his countdown calendar.

Lucy's enjoying her chocolate too. So far, this is the only door she's been allowed.

Going for a Sunday morning walk.

Puddle-splashing.

The calm before the storm: doing some coloring...

... and some magnetiles.

And then came Arlo's school friends, Martin, Brooklyn, and his younger brother Boss.

It was about as fun and chaotic as you'd expect.

Christmas pose.

Boss is about 9 months older than Lucy.

Martin's family brought a toy raffle with them. So the kids are lining up to draw a number out of a hat.

This is where Arlo and Lucy's new ukulele came from!

Crawling over Arlo...

... and pushing this car that can miraculously hold three 4-year-old boys.

Lots of traffic around here today!

Arlo made sure to get a good look at their Tesla before saying good-bye.

Someone's really into her brother's goggles.

They even stay on after all the clothes come off.

Our car is all ready for the holiday season now, too!

We had a parent-teacher conference on Monday morning, so Mum got to spend a few minutes with Arlo before class started.

Apple FaceID worked on this face! It's either really great technology, or a hoax.

Serenading his sister with his Ukulele and singing.

Lucy's turn to try.

The next morning, the jam session continues.

Lucy wanted to take a picture of herself with the tree. So here we are.

Happy Father's Day, dad!

Taking a holiday trip over to the house.

Scaffolding is up in Arlo's room to close off the hole where the old ceiling fan once was.

That new Sansiri condo is going up quickly.

The mirrors are up in the bathrooms.

Mesmerized by the garbage truck.

Lucy's bathroom is more or less done now.

The cabinets are in, too.

The closet in Mum & Dad's room is coming together.

These are the IKEA drawers that will go inside.

Mirror in the guest bathroom.

We salvaged the giant mirror that used to be hung in the big room, and have mounted it in the office.

The ground floor bathroom is coming along.

And the scaffolding to paint the exterior is still up.

Lucy lying amidst quite the scene.

At long last, visiting the Happy Healthy Bike Lane at Suvarnabhumi.

Lucy waited patiently while Arlo tried out the course for pedal bikes.

She was more interested in the airplanes flying overhead.

Now over to the balance bike zone. Watch out for this serious biker chick.

Arlo rented a large balance bike, and was off to the races.

Stopping to point out a plane.

The sun's almost below the horizon.

Juice box break.

Enjoying the balance bike zone.

Determined to return the scooter on her own.

Time to head back to the car.

Zoom zoom!

Someone's got a case of helmet head!

Back to school the next day.

Uh oh! What's that chimney doing there?

Long winter shadows outside the post office.

Kicking back and enjoying Mum's ice water.

Serenading us with one last Ukulele song. Bye for now!

Bangkok Week 805

November 30, 2023

Tis officially the holiday season! This week, we put up the tree; celebrate Loy Krathong (which is quite late this year); enjoy a visit with friends; and just get into the holiday spirit! 🎄

Welcome back! It's Friday, and Lucy is continuing to hone her kicks.

The ring is Lucy's favorite toy now, and she tries to hold onto it for the entire lesson.

In she goes, with spectacular form!

The cactus is in bloom again. Catch it before it goes!

We reassembled the play pen to take photos and sell it, but Lucy's enjoying it like new again.

She's also discovered the balancing cactus toy, and is quite good at it!

Enjoying breakfast in their "hedgehog house" the next morning.

It's November 25th, so you know what that means! It's time to bring out the tree!

It's Lucy's first year really absorbing what's going on... and she's wondering what that tree is doing in her living room!

The conductor.

And it's up!

Then, P'It and P'At -- in town from Khon Kaen -- stopped by just in time to put the finishing touches on the tree, and join us for lunch.

Lucy's supervising the boys.

Learning piano from P'It.

Milk race!

Memorializing this visit with a class tree photo.

Evening hugs.

Another Sunday morning trip to the park.

Lucy could easily monopolize a swing for her entire stay.

No qualms swinging with the big kids.

Arlo's here to practice his volleyball skills today.

Milk break!

Why play in the tunnel when you can play on it?

Building her confidence on the unfamiliar jungle gym.

Here I am!

Enjoying his weekly dose of "Our Planet".

Quick stop at the new house; Arlo's first time seeing his new bed assembled.

Cabinet is in under Arlo's sink.

And the back yard has been painted.

Wondering where the floors are.

Arlo insisted on some basketball before heading home.

Happy Loy Krathong!

Lucy's owning this outfit.

Lots of exciting Loy Krathong activities going on at school.

Making Som Tum with Kru Kul (the Thai teacher).

Very impressed by a wind-up toy.

Riding a traditional horse.

And finally making his own Krathong.

Group shot.

With his buddy, Martin.

Bravely standing right in the middle of the dance circle!

Lucy enjoyed Loy Krathong activities at playgroup today, too.

Big day at the new house! The scaffolding is up to patch the cracks and paint the front...

... and the fiberoptic cable is being run to the house, too. We now have internet!

Enjoying some evening snacks and a laugh.

Sizing up the opportunity...

... and making her move!

Lucy, you look cute in pigtails! Leave them in!

Making a spiral pattern as he puts the beads away.

Looking good in floral shades, Arlo!

Eating cereal is very serious business.

Sporting a sparkly skirt from Marlies.

Lucy's bathroom's cabinets are going in...

... and the master bath will be next.

Fixing the paint inside the driveway.

Ice cream is also serious business.

This pretty much sums things up.

Cute hair, Lucy. Now keep it like that!

The countdown to Christmas is finally on!

25 more sleeps (and 2 additional Christmas trees...)

Staged hug...

And good night kiss.

Lucy's new favorite plaything.

See you next week!

Bangkok Week 804

November 23, 2023

We enjoy a few lovely days of cool, low-humidity weather and spend it with friends, at the park, and generally enjoying the outdoors. Lucy and Arlo also finally got their own sunglasses, and Arlo a new bike helmet. And our not-so-little girl Lucy turned 1 year and 8 months old this week.

Happy Friday!

Spotted this watermelon helmet on the way to Lucy's swimming.

Lucy has so much confidence and independence in the water, she walks right in on her own.

Getting better with her kicks.

Jump!

Afternoon ice cream for everyone.

It's a beautiful 21-degree morning!

Not only is it cool, but the air is green.

Breakfast with one of Mum's ex-colleagues.

"Helping" Ba Wan with the laundry.

Setting up her observation point on the balcony.

Waiting for Dad to return.

Lunch and playdate with one of Lucy's first friends.

Watching a very serious "our planet" video.

Very, very serious.

Someone is being deceptively cute.

Sawatdee krub! Another cool Bangkok morning.

Checking out the citrus plants.

Taking advantage of the cool morning by spending time at the park. The new IKEA is soon going to open!

Lucy spent at least half an hour on the (big kid) swing!

At least Arlo explored other parts of the playground.

One of Arlo's schoolmates happened to be there, too.

Lucky Arlo! They just re-paved the roads in the park, and the equipment was still there.

Posing with the paver.

And the compactor.

Look at the funny little wheels on the paver!

Milk break.

Lucy, I'm not sure that's going to work.

Everyone on the swings.

And a quick stop in the volley ball courts (we remembered to bring our ball!)

And then a make-up lesson for Lucy in the afternoon.

Arlo's "fire gun".

These monkeys had a ball rolling around the bedroom on an office chair.

Not only is Lucy strong, but she's clever: she totally understood how to steer and turn.

Picnic dinner!

Watch out for this stylish lady with a fire gun!

Monday mornings are tough.

Happy 1 year and 8 months, Lucy!

Learning how to use chopsticks.

Morning at the house, while they install the hobs and hood. Arlo's bathroom's cabinet has been installed.

And the hobs and hood are in!

Testing to make sure it works.

Looks nice!

More door knobs are in.

And trim around the base of this new wall.

Sneaking a peak into the end of Arlo's Ninja lesson.

That's right, Lucy sleeps with all sorts of things: water bottles, tooth brushes...

Demonstrating how the water pump at school works.

Lucy enjoying another Tuesday playgroup.

Arlo's showing off his new skills.

Good night hug! (Arlo's the one who asked to have it photographed.)

See, Granny? Plenty of friends for Lucy already.

Oh wow, look at this cool dude!

Lucy's cheeks are so big, the sun glasses can hang down from them.

Arlo sporting his new shades and helmet.

A face-off.

Another evening hug show.

It's a helmet kind of morning for Lucy.

Two cool dudes, in a hot place!

And closing off the week with an Arlo-sized blizzard. See you next time!

Bangkok Week 803

November 16, 2023

This week, we enjoyed a nice cycle at Rot Fai Park, assembled Arlo’s bunk bed at long last, removed the awnings at the new house, and said good-bye to the rainy season! (We hope.)

Happy Friday! Starting the day with a good laugh.

Popsicles are very serious business.

"Arlo, smile!"

"Arlo, pretend like you just heard a funny joke!"

Someone was really pleased to wear her headphones (into the bath).

What? A slide down to the couch?

Swinging like a pro.

They replaced the old sand with brick, because the stray cats were using it as a giant litter box.

Checking out the basket ball court. (Rather, checking out the neighborhood from the elevated vantage point.)

Looks like a new low-rise condo going up right behind the new moo baan.

The project, from the front.

Climbing the neighbor's fence.

A quick trip to Donki to run some errands.

Elevator-spotting before coming home.

Riding in our new 4-row car for breakfast!

And then time for a spin around Rot Fai park; we haven't been in a while. Lucy's trying the rear seat for once.

Not so bad back here!

Spot our friends!

The boys can't believe how many lizards there are.

Taking a break at one of the playgrounds.

Arlo enjoyed the various exercise equipment and obstacles.

Slide, Lucy!?

The cycling team!

Balloon stop! Arlo had his heart set on a balloon from this seller since our last trip to this park.

One airplane and one octopus later, we're ready to resume our cycle.

Wait, I thought *Lucy* was sitting back there!

I guess we left Arlo and Lucy behind at the park. But at least we're coming home with two cool new balloons.

Ice cream is serious business, too.

Posing with a water meter.

She can't help but take a peek.

Picnic dinner on the balcony.

Spaghetti and meatballs for the adults. (The kids were uninterested.)

But here they are, eating aged parmesan cheese off a skateboard, "like a cat".

Cream on her bum, and cream all over her face. Wonder how that happened.

Monday morning project: assemble the bunk bed.

And done!

Now we just need mattresses for this thing.

They've started to install the door hardware.

Moving this set of wall plugs, so that the giant mirror (that came with the house) can be installed on the office wall.

The kitchen faucet; I think we haven't taken a photo of it yet.

We had a heavy storm the other night; and it got the better of the awning over Arlo's balcony.

The little red Jazz is back from the shop, and ready to be sold.

And we have our first bidder!

Lucy is very talented: she can walk around, while drinking her bottle and holding a balloon.

She wanted very badly to bring Bear into the bath.

Daintily washing her toes.

Mr. Science exploring the new setup at school.

And Lucy's morning walk...

... to harvest the purple flowers around the corner.

Guess who's 4 years and 2 months old today!?

The awning people came...

... and removed all the awnings for replacement.

Lucy is very cute with her hair tied back. If only shew could keep it that way!

Arlo has some milk on his face, somehow.

Helping Dad take the restraint bar off her chair.

Hiding under a blanket turned out to be a very popular activity.

Be careful, Arlo! What goes around...

... comes around!

And trying on her Christmas dress. It still fits... barely! See you next week!

Bangkok Week 802

November 9, 2023

Lucy has recently acquired a new stank face, and she’s trying it on at every occasion. We all enjoyed a play date at the home of one of Arlo’s classmates, and experienced a series of late-afternoon storms almost every day! Mum worked from the office all week, so there may be fewer photos than usual.

Excited that it's Friday!

Waiting patiently while Dad drops some things off at the new house, on the way to swimming.

Everyone kick the mat together!

Lucy had a really good back float today.

Modeling one of the dresses that Marlies gave to Lucy before they left.

Also trying out her newly-found stank face.

Helping herself to "red ant egg curry". Yum yum!

Selfie.

Lucy really likes the tiger in this book of poetry.

Watching the robot glide by at the fancy new Tops in Tonglor.

It's so fancy there's a dedicated Tesla charging area in the parking.

More stank face.

Good lighting for photos!

Dad and the monkeys.

Sunday morning breakfast fort!

What do you mean, K. Wan just cleaned the room yesterday?

Taking a tuk-tuk to Aya's house for a long-overdue playdate.

Their apartment building has a nice rooftop garden.

Aya's sister, Doreen, did a great job taking care of Lucy.

Aya and Arlo trying their hands at table tennis.

The new condos in Ekkamai 5 / Thonglor 10 are almost ready to move in.

Lucy and Doreen.

Arlo and Aya.

Back inside, some nice cold juice to go around.

And some arts and crafts...

... before heading home.

Mum's colleague, Cory, was in town from Germany and stopped by for lunch.

He brought this lovely box of chocolate...

... which Arlo couldn't wait to start in.

A quick visit to the house, during a heavy downpour!

The steps for Arlo's bunkbed have been brought up, and we'll attempt to assemble the rest next week.

The bed frame that we'll use in the master bedroom has been brought in, too, and it's plenty spacious still.

The doors -- including this bathroom door -- are painted and installed.

The king-sized bed is firmly planted in the guest room; the closets are in their final place, too.

Office door is in.

And an assortment of furniture is clustered in the living room.

Kitchen is coming together.

The sink, and the fancy faucet.

The cupboard doors are in and painted now.

The box makes the fridge look larger than it really is. It won't jut out quite that much.

Lucy's graduated to footless pajamas (also called, pants) and so she's sleeping with this light blanket now.

Popsicles are serious business!

Arlo's helping Lucy wipe her nose.

The monkey? Koala?

Pretty sure that's not how they envisioned the bridge would be crossed.

View from Mum's office: I'd say that's a big storm out there!

Lucy's taken to crawling and sitting on the table in recent weeks. We'd better nip this behavior in the bud!

Arlo the helper.

I see, he hones his cooking skills at school!

Fighting a smile while doing her stank face.

Ice pop for lunch...

... and ice cream for dinner? Oh my!

Stole dad's dinner seat.

Night night and see you next week!

Bangkok Week 801

November 2, 2023

What a fun-packed week! We celebrated international day, went to 2 birthday parties, had 3 Halloween celebrations (and missed a 4th), made multiple house visits, and even did some painting! Phew!

A year's flown by; it's International Day at Arlo's school again.

Quite the turn-out today.

Here comes Arlo's class, parading out.

And now, going up to do their performance.

It was to an Italian song.

Huge thanks to Lamar's parents, who were on the correct side to get good photos!

After the performances are done, it's a quick flip to set up the Canada booth!

We had lots of customers throughout the morning...

... making these cute little maple leaves.

When Dad applies for Canadian citizenship, we'll submit this photo.

Visiting the Netherlands...

... and Lamar's Mums. I mean, Australia.

Quick trip to London.

And making a cactus in Israel.

But the US was the winner, with a sand pit full of Monster Trucks!

Arlo giving a tour of some of the things he's working on in class.

Meanwhile, lots of customers at the Canada booth!

Even Teacher Kamila stopped by.

We even got some customers for the ice skates.

The boys representing Canada.

Lucy, is that the right way to sit on a stool?

Dad and Arlo spent Saturday morning assembling this paper lantern from Taiwan.

Taking after her brother, Lucy likes to lie on the floor and push cars around too.

Swimming on Saturday instead of Friday this week, thanks to International Day.

Taking her ice cream very seriously.

They've created their own chaise lounge.

And then it was off to Ekkamai 20 to celebrate Lamar's 3rd birthday.

Lucy wanted to swim so badly, but it was really quite chilly (compared to the water she's used to, anyway).

The party was a nice opportunity for Arlo to see his friend Mika, who moved to a new school this year.

We think Mika's sister Maki looks similar to Lucy.

Cake time!

Of course, here's Arlo with his finger up his nose.

Lucy enjoyed the cake, and did impressively well for having skipped her nap!

Heading home via e-tuk-tuk.

Someone insisted on sleeping with Spike!

Another day, another round of celebrations.

This time, Halloween at K-Village.

Well, Arlo and his monster truck look a little bit out of place.

Nemo's going with the flow.

It was really just a market, with Halloween decorations up.

Getting her first Halloween candies.

May as well enjoy the small playground while we're here.

Wow, Lucy! That's some impressive climbing for a little clown fish!

Driving home.

Dad had prepared small buckets of treats for them at home.

Arlo asked to do some painting; so here we are. Using up the last of the paint that the school sent home 2 years ago when there was a COVID exposure.

And at long last, preparing "Cloud" to be hung up.

New art in the living room!

Our weekly visit to the new house. The new wood floors are uncovered, and look great!

The mis-installed glass in Arlo's bathroom is now in the right place.

Lucy is personally testing the new wall and banister on the top floor.

The floors in Lucy's room.

And Lucy's bathroom (we'll need to order a nice IKEA mirror for this wall.)

The master bedroom, although this bed will be moved into the guest room.

And the new book shelf is installed in the playroom!

Ceiling fans are in, too.

And the kitchen is coming along nicely.

The island lights are installed and working.

Sink is installed...

And backsplash tiles are in, too.

The corner for the washer & dryer.

Arlo asked to take this photo.

Finally, stopping down the street at Thomas's 3rd birthday party...

... just in time for the cake.

Lucy really enjoyed this car...

... and this water table.

Impromptu Monday playgroup at Nest.

Lucy was enjoying the Halloween theme, with her buddy the orangutan.

This single cactus paddle really is trying to set a record.

Lucy's new popper toy.

The bubbles are kind of hard to press!

And finally, on the real halloween, Baby Blue Monster Truck gets his encore.

It's also appliance delivery day at the new house.

The washer and dryer are in.

And the squat fridge is in, too.

The climbing monkey.

Wearing his new bedside lamp shade.

Another bowl of ice cream for the monkey (who now associates sitting at the dining table with ice cream - how's that for good parenting!?)

Washing off all the vanilla. See you next week!

Bangkok Week 800!

October 26, 2023

We take our first trip in the new car to Trat. (And it’s proving to be a great investment, I should say.) Arlo and Lucy had a very fun time, as always, and were far too spoiled while there. In other news, the house is taking shape!

It's Friday, and Lucy is happy to be back at swimming.

Walking along the floating mat like it's no big deal..

Lucy had a wardrobe malfunction, but prefers to hang out sans vetements anyway.

And for real this time, she celebrates a milestone today: 1 year and 7 months.

Coming for a Friday make-up lesson, since we'll be away this weekend...

... and enjoying the whole pool for himself.

Here we go: ready to hit the road!

New car, new view, new adventure.

Lucy's still awake, but probably not feeling her best.

Once arriving, Arlo wastes no time.

Lucy gets a welcome paw from Bella.

Lucky Arlo: Aa Top had a brand new car waiting for him.

And for Lucy, a singing, flashing steering wheel console. They both love it.

Sneaking up on Bella's bum.

Having fun with water!

Wardrobe change 100% necessary after this.

Eskimo kiss for Bella.

Eating dinner with Satang.

Lucy wants to peddle so badly, but doesn't quite have the movement yet.

Bath time is always fun, but especially in this big tub!

This is probably the only time Arlo gets his hair brushed.

The monkey who doesn't want to sleep.

Setting out the next morning...

... and trying all 7 seats on for size.

Visiting the city pillar...

... to secure good wishes and fortune for the new car.

And a quick stop at Lotus's, at Arlo's insistence. (The balls were on sale.)

Wasting no time.

Very pleased with his new grapple truck.

And lots of fun with bubbles.

Tong can't do anything wrong in Arlo's eyes.

Stopping by the Trat Provincial Botanical Garden.

There's a walking (and biking?) path around a small reservoir...

... and a (double) rainbow.

Someone gave us a bucket of fish food that they got bored of. The kids were happy to finish it up.

Arlo posing with his long-lost pet horse.

If she can't stay on a stationary fiberglass horse, I worry how it would go with a real one.

First time driving the new car! (And so focused, didn't even realize this photo was taken!)

Oh no, is it time to head back to Bangkok already?

Last hug for Bella.

Group photo; see you again in December.

The highlight of any trip to Trat for Arlo: the Shell station on the way home.

Lucy's looking real annoyed that someone jumped into her racecar.

Riding a hippo.

A natural in a tuk-tuk.

Got home with enough time to check out the new house.

Most of the rooms have been painted now.

The bathroom glass has been installed, although in Arlo's bathroom, in the wrong place!

The wood on top of the new safety wall on the 4th floor has been applied.

The office is coming together.

They really enjoyed playing tag in the guest room.

The guest bathroom (the new one) is looking really good.

The master bedroom gets the afternoon sun.

Glass - and sliding door - have been installed in the master bathroom.

The kitchen is shaping up really nicely.

This corner is where the washer & dryer will go.

The cutest clown fish (and clown of any sort) in Bangkok.

Freshly-cut pomelo peel hat.

What a cutie inside this blanket.

A neighbor brought over some beautiful halloween cookies (that she made) for the kids. Gone in 60 seconds, as they say.

Bangkok Week 799

October 19, 2023

We reach the end of the 700s! Arlo’s school is on mid-term break this week, and unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) he’s also feeling pretty under-the-weather. But Lucy is in top form, and ready to enjoy the week at home with her brother.

Happy Holiday Friday!

No photos of excited Lucy's lesson today, because Dad and Arlo are shopping.

Excited to eat the enoki mushrooms that he picked out at the store.

Afternoon arts & crafts.

Late-afternoon walk.

What a one-in-a-million coincidence... Lucy's leftover pasta fell onto the plate just like this!

Someone wanted to wear Mum's old bathing suit to bed.

Two climbing monkeys up on the forbidden chair.

At least it yielded some cute photos.

Someone turns a month older today, and is really into making birds with his hands.

So Lucy had to try, too.

Someone's all ready for her swimming lesson.

Dad's here to drop her off...

... and then check on the red car.

Someone's all grown up, and doesn't need Mum's help drinking her milk anymore!

Showing off his new bathing suit.

No room left in the bed for Lucy!

Someone's starting to feel unwell.

Lucy kindly went for a 45-minute walk to keep from waking up her brother.

Practicing her modeling poses.

Arlo's contemplating being a swimmer for halloween.

Lucy asked to play in the shower this morning.

Face time with Granny and Grandpa. In Japan now!

Have you ever seen such enthusiasm for ice cream?

Now that's more like it.

Check out this classic car, parked in front of the donut shop. Believe it was a Bentley.

Lucy's fresh new bangs. She can't believe it.

When the camera's in selfie mode, she knows how to ham it up!

The new bangs the next day.

You'd think Lucy's another month older today too... but no. She just wanted her photo taken in front of the tree.

Looking at an ice cream sprinkle under the magnifying glass.

Someone's looking a bit droopy.

The pomelo is taller than Arlo now!

Everyone playing house.

Lucy is practicing for body-surfing.

This is some very serious popcycle eating.

Peacefully reading a book together.

The next morning, picking up where we left off.

What it would look like if Arlo and Lucy were the same height.

Eating a scrumptious bowl of ice.

Ice cream for dessert: a story in 4 parts.

Arlo's reward for a good week off: a new car.

It's a classic BMW convertible (from Dollarama).

Lucy is one-upping herself, and enjoying a bowl of spicy soup for lunch.

Quick house update: the railings are white now.

The walls and door frames are being painted.

The wood has been added to the new banister on the top floor.

The kitchen cabinetry is going in. Here's where the washer & dryer will go.

Arlo, with a car washing sponge in his pants.

Good night, and see you next week!

Bangkok Week 798

October 12, 2023

Lucy’s battling another cold this week (but thankfully, with no fever whatsoever). Arlo celebrates his friend Sally’s 4th birthday; we all enjoy a morning at the park; and Arlo, Lucy and Dad spoil Mum for her birthday in more ways than one 🍩🎂. Thank you, everyone!

It's a drizzly Friday morning.

Lucy's having fun with their new target-throwing game.

Last day of school for the week...

...and then off on a special adventure with Dad!

To Dasa Book!

Coming home by BTS+Taxi combo.

Annual family photos for Mum's visa.

This picture is not half bad!

Lucy monster!

Lucy's been working on her arm strength; this is why she's so good at climbing.

Yup, very soon there will be no room left in the bed for Lucy herself.

Lucy's feeling under-the-weather, so she's staying home today...

... while Arlo & Mum head to Sally's birthday party.

Their condo has some fun, old-school playground equipment on the ground floor.

Sally chose the theme: Unicorn Tea Party!

The kids decorated their own mini-cupcakes...

... and drank giant cups of tea (pink lemonade).

Playing some dancing games.

Trying to get a photo line-up.

Photo courtesy of Arlo.

Happy 4th birthday, Sally!

Meanwhile, Lucy and Dad are finding ways to entertain themselves.

Lucy couldn't make it to the party, but Sally kindly sent a goody bag home for her anyway.

It was a busy day for Arlo: right home from the party, and a prompt turn-around to swimming.

Working on his dives.

They've refinished the roof at the new house.

And the glass panels along the stairs are done.

And the floors have been polished, just need to wait for them to set.

Checking out the land rover parked in front of the donut shop.

Back at Benjasiri Park on Sunday morning: they're getting ready for IKEA to open on December 1st!

Watching a basketball game.

Lucy has figured out how to swing on her own, on the big kids' swings!

She kept going until I stopped her.

Milk break!

Escorting his sister back to the picnic area.

And a late-afternoon shopping trip to Tops.

4.5-lb bags of Kirkland chocolate chips on sale (and later, reduced even further).

Waiting patiently outside while Dad and Arlo pay.

Watching dog videos on youtube, while having her diaper changed. It's the only way!

Face full of diaper cream, thanks to someone.

What a nice birthday surprise! Tims for breakfast!

Someone couldn't wait to dive right in.

A great way to start the day, as far as Arlo is concerned.

Talking to Granny & Grandpa.

Looking through my beautiful birthday present: a customized wall calendar with a roundup of the best photos from the past 12 months.

Thank you, Arlo, Lucy & Dad!

Arlo's school week is off to a good start, on the new swing.

In case you're wondering, that's the donut receipt that he's wearing still.

Not just donuts, but a blizzard cake too! Today really is my lucky day!

Correction: it's Lucy's lucky day.

Lucy really likes the color-changing lamp in Arlo's room.

The next morning, getting an up-close look at the photos in the birthday calendar.

Scrutinizing every photo.

At long last, getting our permanent plate! No longer a new car.

Lucy, attempting to clip her own fingernails.

Proudly showing off the collar he made for Clifford from his Chirp Magazine.

It's a stormy Wednesxay morning, so Arlo's heading in by car!

Looks like someone's got a pimple on his eyelid.

Jumping high at school!

Flips for Lucy.

And all the faces. Good night, and see you next week!

Bangkok Week 797

October 5, 2023

Happy October!! 🎃🍂 Everyone is relatively healthy this week, what a nice break. Arlo goes ice skating to use up the last of the vouchers we bought over the summer; Lucy goes for her 18-month check-up (and vaccines…), and Khlong Ekkamai 12 makes its return!

Just hangin' - it's Friday!

Lucy's favorite day of the week.

Lucy really enjoyed herself today, and had made a noticeable improvement in her kicking.

Special treat while walking (not biking) home from school.

Someone emulates her brother in every way.

Surprise!

Saturday make-up lesson for Lucy - last one, and then we'll be settled!

And normal Saturday swimming lesson for Arlo.

Taking Baby for a walk.

Baby's buckled in nice and tight, too.

Garlic knot for breakfast - delish!

Lychee popsicles - the best!

(Lucy agrees.)

Uh oh; I smell trouble!

Back at the rink for a Sunday morning treat; we have vouchers to use before the end of the week.

With the help of Penguin #1 this time.

Resting right next to a hockey lesson. Watch your back, Arlo!

Heading straight down the middle!

Enjoying a garlic knot and ice resurfacing show.

Visiting the new house. Does this little car look familiar?

The new bench outside the front door.

Show installed in the guest bathroom.

Outdoor light in Arlo's balcony.

Down light in the stairs installed.

In fact, all the down lights are in now!

Also in: the new sliding glass doors that separate the office and the guest room.

Too bad the bed is on the wrong side!

The back is ready for the new floor to be laid.

They've patched up the wall where the super heavy art piece used to be.

Enjoying the swing set before heading home.

Well, Lucy's made herself at home quite quickly.

Someone really wants to sleep with Arlo's Chompy tonight.

Not just with, but ON.

Monday playgroup for Lucy.

Spying on the end of Arlo's Ninja class.

Very excited to show off what he learned at Ninja.

There's a fun new swing at school.

It's time for Lucy's 18-month check-up and vaccines.

Thankfully, not too fussed by all the weights and measures today.

So many great tree forks at school.

Checking out the damage after a very heavy late-afternoon downpour.

Uh oh! Looks like Khlong Ekkamai is back.

Eating dinner together.

Heading off to school bright and early Wednesday morning, because Mum & Dad have an update meeting with Teacher Kamila.

Showing off his new skills.

The lime plant is doing really well right now. But still no sign of limes.

Taking a tuk-tuk home with Dad at the end of the day.

Door-to-door service!

Taking inventory of everything in the cupboard.

New dress from the North.

Lucy has figured out that toilets are for sitting.

Good night, and see you next week!

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