Bangkok Week 868

February 13, 2025

It’s a long-awaited visit to Trat, to kick off the mid-term school holiday! It’s a fun-filled couple of days there, and then lots of swimming and playing at home while Mum & Dad still work.

It's the last day of school before the mid-term break... and we're fortunate to have good air!

Everyone's making the most of it.

Lucy and Taiga, the cutest biker gang.

Lucy! What happened to your face?

Looks like this one won't be coming off easily!

Equipped to make a balloon animal!

Building a tall tower, and "standing on a stool like James in "The Snowman"."

What concentration.

Little Miss Diaper Head.

Bonk! A victim of her own bright idea.

Beautiful skies, and we're off to Trat.

Early comfort break... and a broken bench!

This group of big bikes was taking a rest as well.

We found a cute little cafe (with giant croissants!)...

With cute decor, too.

Delicious mint chocolate drink...

... and a very pink drink for Lucy.

We're here! And everyone is happy!

Reconnecting with fun toys...

... and other things.

We picked up Aa Nan along the way, so she's here now too.

Inflating the bike tires with Aa Top.

And taking the Tuk Tuk for a drive. Hmm, these two look like underage drivers.

No really, time for a drive!

Who knew this Tuk Tuk is really a 4-seater!

Arlo's practicing to be a motorcycle taxi.

Hang on, Lucy!

Selling the balls for 20 baht (despite the "%").

Lucy hanging with Bella.

Learning from her brother, these stones are great to dig around in.

Tong, just chilling big-time.

Picking flowers...

... and checking out what fruits are growing.

The lotuses are past their peaks.

Cute little Arlo-sized papaya tree.

Buddies Arlo and Tong.

Visiting the Saturday evening walking street.

Somehow we parked right at the ice cream truck.

Yummy ice cream!

Stopping to check out lottery numbers.

Someone was hungry, and wanted to try every snack we passed.

Group shot!

Tired and needing to rest her legs.

Everyone's favorite time of the day: hair brushing time.

Night night!

Mobile breakfast with Puu the next morning.

Sunbathing Bella.

Enjoying plucking the seeds out of a lotus flower.

Aa Nan kindly helped pick a few more flowers out of the pond.

So many seeds!

Lucy practicing her wildlife photography.

And time for a drawing class.

Great person, Lucy!!!

Hard at work on a multi-page landscape (or should I say, carscape).

Showing Puu the picture she drew of him.

Lunch time!

And then a trip to the pier, where we saw some fishing boats!

Look at all the lightbulbs!

Watching the fishermen clean their boats.

Great sea breeze, with Koh Chang in the background.

Group shot.

And then swinging by Yuttanavi Memorial Monument, which commemorates a naval battle between France & Siam.

Very interested in the missles.

Lighting fire crackers to make merit.

And no outing would be complete without ice cream!

And feeding the fish.

Saying hi to the old tortoises, too.

Arlo took an interest in these "Ngob" hats.

He actually wanted to buy one. Maybe next time!

Bath time for Bella!

And the best hair combing.

Monday morning already? Aww, time to take good-bye photos.

See you next time!

Hugs for Bella, too, of course.

Stopping at our favorite rest stop.

Arlo was very excited to step inside a phone booth! How novel!

Hippo hippo hippo hippo hippo!

And slideeee!

Back at home and wasting no time. Let the school holidays begin!

Taking stock of all the small plastic bead thingies he's made at school.

Arlo's self-proclaimed "busy fingers" exercise: unscrewing the remote control.

Board games!

Delicious strawberries from Dad.

Wednesday is a public holiday!

So Aya and her family came over for lunch...

... and the kids all made sticky rice "dumplings".

Lucy was a ball-rolling pro!

A snowman!

Showing off what she rolled (quickly).

And boiling until they float.

Delicious!

No play date these days is complete without a board game or two.

And a make-up swimming lesson for Lucy.

They each got a new pair of goggles!

How very cool!

Expending energy through a late-afternoon run.

So pooped from the day (and no nap) that she fell asleep like this.

The mid-term break is still on, but Mum & Dad are back to work today.

Playing with magnets.

And sticker art.

Arlo was able to sneak in a make-up lesson.

Look at the beautiful sky!

See you next time!

Bangkok Week 867

February 6, 2025

It’s a very fun, very busy weekend packed with visits and playdates! But then another week of poor air quality. On the plus side, the papayas are doing really well all of a sudden!

Back to Bangkok, but welcomed by more poor air! Another indoor day at school!

Lucy is enjoying Arlo's new spelling boardgame.

Check out the papayas! They've really taken off!

Air is good enough for a quick playground in the afternoon.

Uh oh! Where is Lucy?

There she is!

A very elaborate streetscape that Arlo drew in "Drawing Club" at school.

Reading to herself to start the weekend.

According to the family timekeeper, January is officially over!

Enjoying a big glass of milk for brekkie.

Waiting for our tuk tuk...

... to go to swimming!

Playing Rhino Hero with Uncles Andrew & Ray.

Who enjoyed it more? Hard to tell!

13 stories before it collapsed!

Meanwhile, at Arlo's swimming, it's all about breaststroke these days.

Learning proper technique.

Lucy is slow to get out of bed after her nap.

Even though she knows that her buddy Taiga is coming over.

Very cute, fun playdate with Taiga & fam.

And then Saturday movie night to wind down.

Then it's straight into another busy day, with a playdate with Fuku and Yoshi and family.

First a quick snack time.

And then 3 hours of board games and puzzles!

I think Arlo & Fuku played at least 8 different games.

Yoshi and Lucy going fishing.

Rhino Hero...

... and snakes & ladders...

... and the new shopping game...

... and uno...

... and even Monza!

Here's the Junior board game club.

Relaxing and quiet time with his work book.

Filling up the gas!

Lucy was so pooped, she napped for over 3 hours!

The air cleared up enough to do some very late-afternoon biking & scooting.

But alas, by Monday, it was another indoor day again.

Changing it up, and playing on Lucy's side first.

Tandem sliding.

And emptying our recycling at the school collection bins.

Free to run outside at last (even though the air is still not great).

Her favorite home away from home.

Trying to start a bonfire, Lucy?

It's all the little twigs she collected from the playground.

Roasting marshmallows.

We figured out where the "reflex spot" on Arlo's knee is.

Highly entertaining!

Lucky us! A good air morning!

Can't decide between painting and biking? Well then just do both!

Lilies having too much fun winding up Aynur in the swing.

I'm impressed by her stomach.

Lucy saying hi to Arlo and friends before we head home.

Football Tuesday!

And the newest addition to Arlo's bedroom.

He likes it!

Cooling down with afternoon water play.

Another indoor morning.

Oh! Flat Stanley hasn't made an appearance in a while!

Watching the tennis lesson.

Some of these papayas will be ready for their own pots soon.

It's another good air morning, and Arlo and Fuku are hhard at work.

Making Som Tum...

... and sifting sand.

Meanwhile, Lucy is doing the K1 art project.

A one-person Shinkansen.

Reading with Matteo's mum.

Hello, Arlo & Friends. See you after nap!

Playing with the doll house before bed.

The only reason why Lucy washes her hair!

See you next time!

Bangkok Week 866

January 30, 2025

We bid farewell to Granny and Grandpa after a lovely 6-week visit. And we get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake by … visiting some snakes! Mum’s away for the week, too, but as a consolation, the air is finally good!

Friday morning mark-making over breakfast. Great way to start the day!

Portrait of Granny, by Lucy.

Look who blends right in with Lilies K2.

Turtle-spotting at Nursery pick-up.

An early Happy Birthday to Dad!

What a delicious home-made cake by Granny!

What gift could be better than these two monkeys and dark chocolate?

Just lounging around together.

Getting in some last board games with Grandpa.

Poor Nancy was unable to have her birthday party because of the air, but Lucy got some balloons anyway.

Friday night, everyone just doing their thing.

Lucy the artist.

Arlo is determined to work on his homework assignment, if it kills him!

Lucy and her favorite party trick.

Oh no. Is it finally time to take farewell photos?

Lucy doesn't want to play along. Say it ain't so!

This was the best we could do!

A Saturday field trip to the airport, to see them off personally.

Photo op with the Yag while Granny & Grandpa check in.

Bye bye! Thanks for the long visit! Come again!

Heading back to the car, empty-handed this time.

Wasting no time, and finding a new dress-up dress.

Lucy skipped swimming because of a cold, but Arlo was well enough for his lesson.

And they're working on breast stroke technique.

Looking at Arlo's old learning journeys together.

Lucy's ready to follow right behind Granny & Grandpa.

Saturday movie night!

After at least 15 years, we return to the Snake Farm, run by the Red Cross.

After a few minutes warming up...

... the kids loved it.

To quote Lucy, "aww! A cute little one!"

Snack break.

Hi, snake!

Check out the skeleton!

Feeling snake skin.

And now it's the moment everyone's been waiting for...

... the show!

It was a very informative bilingual presentation, showcasing 7 or 8 different snakes.

But I'm glad we had top-row, back-row seats!

Family photo op afterward. (😬)

Saying bye to their favorite fellow.

A quick visit to the playground in the afternoon.

And again at sunset (pretending to watch a movie).

Here, Arlo is reading his school reader to Lucy before bed.

Taking stock of all his large-scale cars. Too many, if you ask me.

Making the most of some good air mornings.

And getting ready for CNY.

(Being a snake.)

Another beautiful morning.

P'Noi is at school, since Mum is away.

Things are in full swing for tomorrow's CNY celebration!

Three monkeys.

Always a fun time at football.

Celebrating Dad's birthday on the actual day! Happy birthday, Dad!

Never do they smile wider than when taking a selfie by themselves.

It's go time! Happy Lunar New Year!

Everyone's in their best red.

Looking cute, but oh-so-serious.

Hard to pick out who's who.

Making dumplings.

And showing off the dragon paintings that his class did.

Dumplings for Lucy, too.

Ride those horses!

Happy Lunar New Year!

The celebrations are in full swing on Lucy's side, too.

New hair at the end of the day.

Principal Mimi tested the height of the door lock with Arlo.

No Grandpa here to play boardgames anymore, so Arlo's trained a replacement.

My, that's an elaborate railroad network!

These two behaving so well for Dad at bedtime.

Mum's finally on the way home! (Via the good old Picadilly Line again!)

Taking another batch of recycling to school.

Only a brief outdoor play today, because the air is not actually that good.

Wheelie.

Here comes Mum, getting closer to home!

And speaking of home, there they are! We're following that same (winter) flight path we often observe from the balcony.

Here comes Mum!

Not two feet in the door, and they've got my suitcase open to look for souvenirs.

This monkey found a dark chocolate in my bag, and did an immediate number on it.

So good to be home! See you next time!

Bangkok Week 865

January 23, 2025

It’s Granny & Grandpa’s last full week in Bangkok… and unfortunately, the air is still not cooperating. We did have a lovely lunch at INN TRAIN, and one nice day of air. It’s shaping up to be a classic Bangkok January!

We start this week with a nice chewy slice of sourdough!

And we're inaugurating the school's recycling bins with our UHT collection from the past week.

Arlo's very excited to be bringing his contributions.

In we go, into the UHT recycling bin!

It's another lovely air morning, and the garden is abuzz with children. Like these monkeys, riding down the slide on a sled.

Lucy is doing chalk...

... and then getting a sleigh ride herself from Arlo & Mali.

And here we have the world's slowest, shortest Shinkansen.

On Lucy's side, the garden is abuzz and everyone is dancing. (Here, the sleepy dance.)

These two excited readers are sitting next to each other, reading the special books they get to bring home for the weekend.

Selfie by Arlo.

Uh oh! Lucy in a box!

Special Friday-night treat: Japanese gelato. But probably over-hyped.

Arlo's latest jigsaw masterpiece.

And Lucy's.

Arlo got a giant drawing book from a generous classmate...

... and wasted no time getting into it.

Here's his passenger plane, complete with stairs for boardin.

Granny bought Lucy a special treat after her swim.

Coming home to draw with chalk.

Posing with her sun.

Playing Uno with Grandpa: one of the many, many games they've played this visit.

Lunch time chat.

We got dry ice for the first time in a long time... and it's as thrilling as ever to Arlo.

Running around pretending to be a steam engine.

In the sun, the smoke patterns are very visible!

Getting a good whiff of the smoke.

Heading to Arlo's swimming lesson for the last time this visit :(

Look at this monkey, biking around the balcony with her koala...

... and her giant cat.

Ta-daa!

Lucy, the well-endowed hula dancer!

And here they are, driving their camper van.

The air still isn't stellar, but after days and days indoors, we're having lunch at INN TRAIN.

We've not been here since Lucy was born.

It's been restored nicely.

Last time we were here, Arlo wouldn't even go on the trampoline.

The tree house has been improved...

... and they both enjoyed walking along the elevated walkway.

Wave to Dad & Granny!

Hello down there!

(I hope this wood is strong!)

Trying the giant trampoline for the first time.

Whee! A fast slide!

Even the cargo pulley line was restored and working today.

Lucy's trying her hand at it, too.

Lunch is here!

Lucy approves of the smoothie.

And Arlo is enthusiastic about the fries.

Trampolining together.

And saying hi to the many, many, many bunnies.

Figuring out how to drive this scooter thing on the sidewalk surface...

... and then chauferring his sister around.

Look at all those bunnies!

Bye bye, INN Train. You've been fun!

Back home, continuing his large-scale drawings...

Pizza night!

And Arlo's getting the hang of blowing up a balloon!

(And of letting the air out slowly so that it wails in pain.)

Look at these twins.

Monday morning energy at school!

And goofing around at pick-up.

Right on queue, Lucy turns two years and 10 months old. Not many months of 2 left!

Arlo's figured out how to use the new cake pan that Granny bought...

And the Academy Award for best acting in a drama goes to...

Lucy, helpfully serving rice to the adults at dinner.

Is that where the diaper goes, Lucy?

Trying on her Lunar New Year dress from Sally...

... it finally fits!

Lounging around together on the stairs before school.

It was another indoor morning, but thankfully, cleared up by football.

Breaking news: we spotted the third turtle!! He's easily missed due to his dark, muddy shell.

Yet another bad air morning...

Lucy found these ginormous overnight diapers that Arlo wore while in Toronto almost 2 years ago... and loves them. She calls them, "the big diapers".

Bedtime with Dad!

Delicious green cream bun - yum yum!

Lucy tries it, too.

New plan: Arlo plays on Lucy's side when the air is bad. (Yoshi is wondering why...)

Look at this cutie and all her hairstyles.

Grandpa with one Monkey...

... and Granny with the other.

Ending this week with some games and fun. See you next time!

Bangkok Week 864

January 16, 2025

It was a busy week, but unfortunately, the air quality has NOT been great… despite the lovely, cool temperatures. At least we had a nice weekend!

We start this week with hippos in pajamas.

And Lucy is getting first-class breakfast service this morning.

Holding her place in the swing queue while bouncing on the peanut ball.

Lucy blends right in with Arlo's classmates.

Rehearsal of the drama club.

Finally got a replacement pig & wolf game.

Coming home by tuk-tuk after coding & robotics.

Spirograph! The one we've been talking about.

Oh, it's harder than I remember.

Future crossword puzzler in the making.

It's a lovely, chilly Saturday morning. What a great time to read outside.

Wearing matching "sweaters" and reading with Grandpa.

Smiley eggs for breakfast.

Happy Saturday!

Photography by Lucy.

Someone's attempting to carry too many things to the basketball court.

A great morning to be up here.

Waiting patiently for the tuk-tuk (and Lucy left space for Mum to sit, too).

All ready!

After-swim snacks are serious business.

Playing the new game with Grandpa.

And looking things up in Picturepedia.

Here's the fashionista.

More of Lucy's photography.

Mr. Chatty and Teacher Big.

Floating around in a boat he made for himself.

It's Children's Day, so Teacher Big has a small snack for each of his students.

Trying the infinitiles.

Another absolutely lovely "winter" morning!

The balcony tiles are too cold to stand on!

Making sure the fish are okay in this chilly weather.

No better way to spend a cool morning (with clean air, I might add!) than at the park!

"Sweater" weather for Lucy.

It's even cool enough to play on the playground that's always in the sun!

Practicing her ball skillz with Granny.

It's a race!

And our traditional lunch at Mother May I.

Where the Christmas season is still alive!

Dad built Arlo and Lucy an impressive house!

Comfortably sleeps two.

Here's the salesman, showing off all the features.

Arlo decorated the exterior really nicely.

Redoing his coding assignment.

Focusing hard on their mark-making before bed.

We're now 3-for-3 for beautiful winter days... except that the air is poor again today!

Lucy just wants to snuggle in bed with bear.

Lovely temperatures, but another indoor morning at school because of the air.

Everyone's eager to run around outside after being cooped up inside all day.

Newest feature of the house: a car ramp!

Posing with her breakfast banana.

Breakfast video? Who did a poop to deserve this?

Another indoor morning...

... and afternoon collapse.

Thankfully, the air is good enough by 2:30 to play football outside.

These days, Arlo rushes home from school to play cards with Grandpa.

And he completed all 3 of these puzzles, too.

A tall 5 year and 4 month old boy. Almost 120!

Practicing his reading with Granny...

... and bedtime antics with Dad.

Lucy insisted on having breakfast with Bear.

Yet another indoor morning.

Thursday is here, but Lucy's having none of it.

Finally! An outdoor morning!

Someone else is a budding puzzle master as well.

Learning from the greatest.

Doing a detailed study of the Honda N-Box.

Similar?

And a Zepplin, from memory.

Good bye, and see you next week!

Bangkok Week 863

January 9, 2025

We enjoy one last holiday weekend, and then return to reality! Back to work! Back to school! (It’s just a shame that the air quality isn’t a little better…)

Welcome back! It's the last Friday of the holiday!

Arlo's excited by this giant pomelo from K. Noi. It's bigger than his head for sure!

Wasting no time opening it.

Pomelo hat!

Excited by his one little papaya sprout. Good luck, little buddy!

Moo Deng menu spotted -- is this not a little creepy?

Meanwhile, this little lady has a bout of enthusiasm for hair clips.

Looking good, Lucy! You should do this more often.

Sneaking in a quick trip to IKEA to try out their couches.

I'll just have a nap here on this shelf, and see you in a few hours.

Back at home, Grandpa is the (board) game king.

Lucy's lining up all her people...

... while Arlo tucks in.

Lucy wants to spend Saturday morning with friends.

(With a little help to egg her on.)

Bye bye, red couch! Off to a new home!

A quick trip to swimming...

... followed by hair cuts for the boys.

Looking spiffy!

Not missing a beat, checking out his big wheels while there at the rink.

Meanwhile, back at home...

Arlo's turn to go to swimming; and this week, he had the brilliant idea to change at home!

And guess who asked to go for a late afternoon swim in the chilly pool?

Answer in exhibit above.

New 'doo allows him to do fun new things with his hair.

Everyone's ready for movie night!

Enraptured. Enthralled. Zombies.

Special Sunday morning activity: checking out the new playground at Benjakitti Forest Park.

This slide was here last time, but the rest is new.

Some fun and less-conventional play equipment.

Navigating the logs.

Lucy impressed us: she was tall enough for the ropes.

Digging for fossils.

Giant chimes.

And a little climbing gym, too.

Enjoying the leg press equipment together...

... and getting their "steps" in.

Couldn't resist trying some of the giant climbing ropes.

Arlo made his way all the way up this one...

... as did Lucy.

Uh oh! Fly stuck in the spider's web!

Water and snack break to reenergize.

Cheese!

And special Sunday stop, at everyone's favorite ice cream shop!

Arlo and Lucy got the kids' sundaes this time.

Someone's happy with his bubble gum.

Chowing down on the cone.

Enjoying the nice, spacious playroom sans couch.

Coloring in his dinosaur magnets.

Uh oh, Lucy! Arm!

Great bulldozer by Arlo.

And a special delivery from Sally & Douglass!

What a brilliant pirate ship.

Aww, Dad's off to Hong Kong. (Honk honk, as Lucy would say.)

But here's the delivery that Mum's been waiting for!

These two played cards and Lucy napped...

... while Mum & Granny tackled the special order.

The finished product, in not much more than an hour!

The new living room! What do you think?

I think Arlo likes it.

And Lucy awoke from her nap to a big surprise.

Playing really nicely together with their new pirate ship, before bedtime.

Uh oh! Lucy amused herself by getting dressed before getting undressed.

Looking for Honk Honk (I mean, Hong Kong) on the globe.

And this group is off to Harborland!

New year, new hair cut for the last of us.

And it was a very unceremonious return to school, with poor air and no garden time in the morning.

So here we are after school, enjoying being back.

It was as if Arlo had never been away.

By Wednesday morning, Dad was back, and he brought some cool souvenirs for Arlo & Lucy!

Happy to be back at school, an with Dad too.

Look! Three turtles now!

Little Miss Relaxed.

Enjoying the games, before Arlo comes home.

Shh, don't tell Arlo about Monza.

Having an utter blast raising and dropping the laundry hanger.

Uh oh, Granny. Wasn't your bed recently made?

Lucy likes bath time with dad, because dad does this!

Excited for school, and to show off her hippo shirt.

Morning exercises.

Mum, too!

Finally biting the bullet and hanging the weaving from Granny Aki.

Collecting leaves...

... and collecting Granny & Grandpa after their massage.

Arlo's new reading spot.

And we close this week in memory of these four friends...

... whose friends stood by their side until the bitter end.

Bangkok Week 862

January 2, 2025

Happy 2025! It was another very busy week, as we wind down our year-end holidays. Arlo finished his Lego masterpiece; we had play-dates and get-togethers with 5 families; went to the park, Happy & Healthy Bike Lane; and celebrated the new year with glow sticks and sparklers. Bring it on, 2025!

Welcome back, from our little narwhal.

Lucy's showing how she can get dressed all by herself. And she's very proud!

Arlo's steadily working away at his Lego fire station!

He built this huge, colorful castle while we were out.

Arlo and Lucy got sweet Christmas cards in the mail from their teachers! How lovely.

It's coming together!

Come hell or high waters, he will finish this fire station today!

Done! What an impressive feat by Arlo!

The finished project!

Taking a break for some physical activity.

Evening hugs (tackles) for Granny & Grandpa.

Lucy wanted to try on her (new) outfit for tomorrow the night before. Dressed herself, of course.

Getting a head-start on the Learning Journeys, having learned the hard way in past years.

Lucy the monkey, was very proud of herself. "Like a swing!"

Enjoying the winter air at the playground.

Lucy was massaging Arlo's face.

And drawing with chalk, while waiting for Nimo to arrive.

Great stomp rocket action shot.

Here's Nimo, for a long-overdue playdate.

Lots of board games!

And of course, some stomp rocket fun.

Arlo was eager to sort through the seashells we brought back from Rayong.

And then he turned (a small subset of) them into Shell People.

Proudly showing his art to Dad.

The two cat ladies.

Enjoying a "Mexican" dinner for a change.

It's Saturday! That means it's movie night!

Arlo wanted Joke for breakfast, so Joke he got!

Time for another exciting playdate: with P'It, P'Ut, and P'Kate.

They like to play (board) games, too.

And trying the stomp rocket, of course.

Hungry appetites after all that playing.

Hanging around at the playground.

All the children together - how many monkeys can you fit into one photo?

I think it's been 5 years since this group was last together!

Arlo is impressed by P'It's Rubik's Cube skillz.

And trying our newest game, Cat Taco Goat Cheese Pizza.

And Pigs in Pants.

Winding down the busy day with a visit to Makro.

Thank you for the delicious dinner, Granny!

Tumbling backward into Monday.

Lucy's really into puzzles to start her day.

New outfit. "Like P'Kate!"

Uh oh! Aphids galore!

Expert breakfast-eater.

Everyone enjoying watermelon.

Concentrating on peeling his orange.

Trying the "water blast treatment" to get rid of the aphids from the avocado.

And how timely; here's a lady bug to help.

And observing how the water pools on the leaf.

Dad, Granny, and Arlo went to Dasa Book, and came home with quite the haul!

Enjoying the last of the cookies from Nimo and his mum.

Someone getting ready for the New Years' Eve bonanza.

Inspired by Christmas gift-giving (maybe?) Arlo wrapped this toy all by himself, and labeled it for Mum & Dad.

Happy New Years' Eve! Last morning of the year!

Soon Lucy, you'll have outgrown that step.

No better way to spend the last morning (with lovely weather, no less) than at the park.

No free ride for Granny!

Look at this monkey.

Lucy needs a turn, too!

Sliding together, "like at the waterslide" in Rayong.

Another monkey...

... who's surprisingly strong!

Perched on top of the tunnel, of course.

And saying good-bye to 2024 with a healthy dose of ice cream!

Yum, Swensens!

This boy loves his bubble gum!

Bottoms-up, Lucy!

Hard at work on a very detailed truck drawing.

It's actually a two-page compilation. Beep, Boom!

Playing his newest board game with Grandpa.

Grandpa approves, even though Arlo wins!

And closing down the year with a neighborhood party.

The Last Supper :)

This crazy driver monopolized Thomas & Nancy's car.

The sun sets on 2024.

Disco at Clementine's house.

And sparklers! Wow!

Lucy doesn't know what to think!

Arlo tried writing with his. So cool!

Winding down before bed; bye bye 2024!

Here it is: 2025! And we're off to a rolling start!

More cards with Grandpa...

... and this one is keeping busy, too.

Off altogether via tuk tuk...

... to brunch at Holey Mothership.

Another detailed truck drawing for Arlo while he waits for lunch to come.

Bon appetit!

Neutral (?) about Turkish Eggs.

Peace to the new year!

Heading home...

... and waiting to see the garbage men (whom we just saw at Holey, too).

Since the Legos weren't challenging enough, starting the micro bricks.

And helping dad with the car tires.

Arlo took full responsibility for the tires, and they turned out great!

And we're celebrating 2025 with a trip to our favorite...

... Happy & Healthy Bike Lane!

Arlo wanted to only use the balance bike again.

And Lucy is getting quite advanced with her balance bike skills, holding her feet in the air for extended periods now. (Or resting them on the bike frame, and saying she's "pedaling".)

Although Lucy took comfort in knowing where Arlo was...

... she was often on her own, as Arlo zoomed ahead and lapped her!

Lining up together to take off downhill, before the track is too crowded.

Using the two-foot tandem technique.

Holding her own.

"Pedaling."

Two speedsters.

Trying out the "Adventure Park".

This one is taking a break with Granny...

... while this one enjoys his offroader.

Somehow, the track is still empty!

Here she comes!

Heading off into the sunset.

This guy is showing off his advanced skillz!

Refueling with fries and smoothies (everyone enjoying Granny's) before heading home.

Look at this toilet-trained warrior!

Beautiful first sunset of 2025.

Dad on Lucy wake-up duty this morning, and she suckered him into reading a book.

Taking matters into her own hands, since Mum & Dad keep forgetting to pump the tires.

Lunch with Alba, Ines, and their family! What a treat to see them while they're visiting from Spain.

Lucy & Ines got on well, even though they don't remember each other.

It was impossible to get a single good shot of all 4 together. But we did get *LOTS* of funny outtakes. Enjoy.

Enjoying quiet time with some concentration.

And closing off a busy day with a play date & car wash with Thomas and Nancy.

These two boys independently "cleaned" Chris's car really well.

Meanwhile, the ladies looked at the cats...

... and played with the dolls.

Lucy came over to help the boys, ultimately.

Done! Time to clean up shop, and see you next week!

Bangkok week 861

December 26, 2024

This week had it all! We spent 3.5 fun days in Rayong, and then came back to Bangkok in time to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄🎅🎁

Welcome back, from goofball Lucy...

... who also turns 2 years and 9 months old today!

Here's another goofball, trying on this orange net for size.

Enjoying the last slices of Grandpa's birthday cake together.

And we're off to Rayong! Lucy is happy at this rest stop.

And Arlo is inspecting the bugs in this bromeliad.

Here we are at everyone's favorite hotel! Welcome drinks for all.

The hotel is all decked out for Christmas. Check out this gingerbread house in the lobby.

"Why this fish is sad?" Lucy asked.

And here's the fish. Indeed, it looks like he's having a sad day.

A visit to the Kids Club while waiting for the sun to pass its peak.

Lucy's workin the kitchen today.

Food's up!

Lucy, have some decency!

Arlo's reuniting with his friends, the rabbits.

And here's Lucy's favorite activity...

... swinging!

And they tried this old-fashioned see-saw for the first time this visit.

Grandpa helped make it fun!

And a really nice treat from Grandpa: Guss Damn Good ice cream for all!

Arlo discovered that there's an even larger gingerbread house in the main restaurant! Wowza!

Strong Granny braved the pool with Arlo & Lucy.

Brr! Purple lips upon entry.

Granny also took Arlo & Lucy down the waterslide for the innaugural slide.

One time for Grandpa, too.

Thank you, Granny, for taking the plunge...

... so that Mum & Dad can stay nice and dry on the shore.

Here come the Arlo+Grandpa duo, riding the slide like a luge track.

Onto the beach for a beautiful sunset.

This became Lucy's swing for the weekend.

Playing in the sand; Lucy's clearly gotten lots of practice at school since last visit!

Arlo really enjoyed playing in the waves and the sea.

Beautiful sunset!

Arlo enjoyed collecting seaweed this trip, too.

Group shot!

Sunset shot, take one.

Trying to get one good shot with my children...

... we'll have to settle with this one for now.

Knocked over by the wave!

They really enjoyed playing in the ocean this time.

Family shot.

Look at this cute burrito with purple lips.

Watching the sunset and her brother, from her favorite place: a swing.

Sun down on our first day in Rayong.

Dinner in the bar tonight...

... means it's a great opportunity for Lucy & Arlo to learn foosball.

What a tiring day. Ready to crash.

Up bright and early for brekkie the next morning, after a rough night in bed. (Everyone in the same bed, to be clear.)

Pancakes, whipping cream, and sprinkles: breakfast of champions.

Someone learned from her brother yesterday, and wanted to walk along the stones in the lobby.

Tried to get a Christmas photo in front of the tree. Here's where we landed.

Playing on the obstacle course in the garden.

They had a fun new scoreboard at the football field. And look: the score is Arlo!

An early-morning beachside swing for Lucy, while it's still shaded.

She's not sure if riding on Grandpa is an improvement or not.

King of the morning seaside.

Checking out all the newly-exposed seashells.

The seashell search team.

Lucy enjoyed the ocean, too.

Arlo, wandering off on his own, looking at shells and the waves.

Checking out the crab holes, and tiny crab balls.

Inadvertent yoga move while running from the waves.

Children of the sea.

And of course, someone required a ride back to the hotel building.

Our destination for the morning: Rayong Botanical Garden.

It was even cooler and dryer than when we went in late-May.

Arlo was a great sport, and did the whole 3.5-km walk. Also, despite not feeling 100% that day.

Wefie with the lotuses.

Walking through tall, thick (but slightly manicured) jungle.

Arlo remembered well that this path was flooded when we were here in May.

Made it to the "Rak Samet" bridge.

Arlo enjoyed this bridge again, and was excited to see the kayaks pass underneath.

A sign board about mushrooms! There must be mushrooms around here somewhere.

Walking to an area we'd not visited on the previous trip: the paperbark trees.

It was really very picturesque!

Lucy tried her hardest, too, and did do a bit of walking.

But much of the walk for Lucy looked like this, if not strapped to Mum.

What we walked all this way to see.

And here they are! Carnivorous pitcher plants!

Another kind, growing along the ground.

To the extent that he still had attention to give, Arlo was very interested.

Arlo the mushroom-spotter also found several mushrooms.

Back at the start, and enjoying a well-earned ice cream from a passing Walls cart.

And chillaxing back at the hotel with the Helpsters.

Mid-afternoon dip with Dad and Grandpa -- the brave ones today.

And a few more rounds on the water slide for Arlo (and his luge sled).

Dad, Lucy, and Granny checked out the kids pool area for an oh-so-fleeting moment.

But, rather sensibly, she'd rather sit in the shade and eat cookies.

After trekking half way around the hotel in the hot sun, a few promised runs on the slide to cool off.

And no trip to Rayong Marriott is complete without a swim "with" the fish.

It's almost sunset again; that means it's time for Lucy's beachside swing.

Lucy means business. (Construction business.)

This was *her* swing as far as she was concerned.

Beautiful sunset for Lucy and the grandparents.

Truly an infinity pool here! (With a yacht!)

Dad thought Lucy & Mum were matching. Yes?

This morning, the score is in Lucy's favor!

Another early-morning visit to the beach.

Taking in the calming ocean vibes.

Still at home.

Playing football on the sand with Dad.

Lucy's happy place!

Express trip back.

Checking out and sorting the haul for the morning.

We're heading out for a morning trip, and Lucy's still the score!

At Thung Prong Thong mangrove forest, taking a boat tour of the mangroves.

This is apparently the largest mangrove forest in Rayong.

Great view out the front of the boat.

And we've made it to the open waters.

These birds perched peacefully atop the sticks that break the waves.

These two enjoyed being out in the ocean.

Our resident comic, asked to give a smile. This is Option 1.

And Option 2.

Nice peaceful mangroves...

... with huge communities of sleeping bats!

There were many of them; and they were huge!

Getting out of the boat to walk along the boardwalk for a while.

Look at the roots, and how tall the plants are!

Posing for his Learning Journey.

And a photo for Lucy, too, who was very particular about when she wanted to walk or not.

Heading up to the top of the observation tower.

Beautiful views.

But the railing was dangerously open for Lucy. (And oddly short for anyone taller than Arlo.)

Checking out the "Shinkansen fish with a light at the end of the nose".

Here are said needlefish.

And how the mangroves replicate.

Some Instagrammable photos on our way out.

Mangroves!

And riding in the side car of a motorcycle back to the parking lot. Definitely the highlight of Arlo's day.

Lunch at one of our two "go-to" places in Klaeng.

The head of the table, and she knows it.

They both ordered pink milk. Yummy yum!

"Oh! Ducks!"

Enjoy the feast!

Splurging on a bag of fish food after we finished our meal. (Time to fatten up the fish.)

Look at that momma catfish!

Back at the hotel, poor Granny was trying to rest.

Another afternoon of swings. Lucy's fave!

Perhaps she'll become a trapeze artist.

And having a good time on the traditional see-saw.

"Why I so high?"

An ambitious endeavour: teaching Arlo (and Lucy) how to play pool.

One last dip in the pool, and the requisite hotel shot.

And here's Arlo with purple lips...

... and Lucy with purple lips.

Smile, Lucy!

The cold burrito enjoying himself.

Time for one last splash in the ocean at sunset.

Beautiful colors, Arlo.

Poor Dad, there's no letting go now.

Searching for the tiny little crabs again.

One last sunset shot: better luck than the first evening!

Our last beach sunset for 2024.

Here's our little comic, entertaining over breakfast again.

(That's more like it, Lucy.)

Last hotel brekkie!

Arlo wanted to take a photo with the giant Santa set up outside the lobby.

Lucy and Granny headed to the giant swings for one last go-round...

...while we headed to the beach.

Arlo can't help himself; he needs to head into the water, swimsuit or not.

Arlo, that's awfully deep for normal clothes!

Our winning sibling shot for the trip!

And our winning family photo.

Happily skipping along the beach.

Checking out our shell haul for the morning...

... the unicorn horns were the focus.

Arlo was making a mushroom out of shells, but later decided it was actually an umbrella.

Surprise treat on our way out: Arlo's new car!

Back to Bangkok in time for Christmas Eve dinner: Indian food, that is.

And it looks like Santa has come, so we're all set for tomorrow morning!

Merry Christmas! Arlo is up early, and the first one downstairs.

Oh my! Santa brought the Tesla Cyber Truck that he asked for!

Genuinely happy! (Bonus that all the doors, the trunk, and the hood can open!)

And what did Santa bring for Lucy?

The airplane she asked for!

Looks like it's a Thai Airways 777-300, the same plane Lucy flew to and from Tokyo.

Arlo can't help but "help" Lucy open her gifts.

It's a beading kit!

Everyone, let's get beading!

Lucy has enlisted Granny's help to open this one.

Teamwork!

Giant Tokyo metro puzzle for Grandpa! (Only 1000 pieces; a breeze.)

And a new 2025 wall calendar for G&G.

Wasting no time playing Lucy's new board game.

Hey, Granny got the thermos she was looking for!

Merry Christmas, P'Noi!

(Now, come bead with us!)

Uh oh! Arlo's decided to start working on the 843-piece Lego fire station from Granny & Grandpa.

Learning how to read the instruction booklet...

... and he's off!

Oh! There's one more unopened gift.

A stomp rocket!

It's an instant hit!

Mum couldn't resist trying... for the first, and last time.

Lucy modeling her new Moo Deng shirt. Stylish!

And trying Arlo's new board game -- Ticket to Ride.

Arlo's already completed his Lego fire truck, so he's using it to rescue people from the burning house.

Going for a late-afternoon Christmas walk/bike.

Lucy is getting very confident on the monkey bars now.

"I don't need help!" she makes clear. And can get herself down.

Merry Christmas from this duo.

The peanut gallery.

The completed fire engine, plus a veterinarian offering cookies... as they do.

Christmas feast of sushi for all.

Pulling the Christmas crackers with all his might. It's the first time to have the loud ones.

The three Christmas queens.

And here's Lucy, showing off her new penguin pajamas. She loves 'em!

This guy's up early to play with the fire engine that he built yesterday.

And completing three large puzzles. Cause why not?

Arlo got his first, very own bank book!

And a boxing day dip. Brrr!

Little Miss Blue Lips didn't last very long.

The shivering duo.

Wrapping up this busy week with our evening dance. See you next time!

Bangkok Week 860

December 19, 2024

The day has arrived. The moment has come. It’s the annual Christmas Show at school! And what a show it was! We also had our last swimming lessons of the year; a nice cycle around Rot Fai park; Grandpa’s birthday; and lots of Christmas cookies.

It's the day we've all been waiting for -- the Christmas show!

Everyone is up early to head to school early and ensure we get a parking spot.

One small problem: it's pouring rain!

After a short rain delay... the show must go on!

The famed grandparents' seats: Granny & Grandpa got the best seats in the house!

Meanwhile, back stage...

... the kids are waiting patiently, and getting into their holiday best!

The nursery kids especially were great sports.

Waiting patiently for the show of their lives.

Arlo's class was the second performance: a ballet "March March March".

Hey, that looks somewhat coordinated.

After waiting patiently, Lucy & class performed "The Winter Hokey Pokey".

And here's Lucy's (now infamous) performance stance.

What's that I see? A little smile?

And a jump! Someone turned Lucy on for the final seconds of the dance.

Bravo to the Buttercups, Teacher Preeti, and P'Kattie.

And the dance we've all been waiting for: I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

If nothing else, the costumes win for best dressed.

Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian!

Way to go, Lilies! The cutest hippos in Thailand (no offense, Moo Deng).

Waiting for the full-school grand finale.

A decent rendition of "Silent Night".

And here's the famous Annabel's snow! Falls every year, without fail!

And every year without fail, Arlo doesn't like it!

Lucky Lilies though: they're the only ones who got the snow this year.

Lucy and her nursery classmates were very intrigued.

Trins and Arlo, trying to run away.

And a quick pic with Santa, before the patience runs out.

Merry Christmas!

No sign of rain by the time the show was over.

Time for lunch!

Lucy's doing really well for her first Christmas show.

Showing her nursery classmates around the big campus.

Christmas photo with Arlo's favorite Teacher Selly.

Cooling off after a busy, intense morning.

And rounding off the first term of the school year with a healthy serving of Christmas cookies.

These two will sleep well tonight!

Saturday morning monster truck rally.

Oh! Lucky Lucy is being roused by Granny this morning.

Grandpa's getting rid of a stash of old coins. (And true to form, Arlo's trying to hoard them all.)

Lucy has an audience for her last swimming lesson of the year.

Teaching Grandpa new games.

Someone turns 5 years and 3 months old today!

And so someone else needs to take a tree photo, too!

Back to Baby Pool for Arlo's lesson this time.

Closing out the year with Teacher JA, instead of Teacher Big.

Waiting patiently for the Tuk Tuk home.

Granny enjoying her afternoon "quiet time".

Saturday evening "movie night" with Granny & Grandpa. Look at them, staying awake for it!

Special Sunday morning excursion to celebrate the start of the holidays: biking at Rot Fai park!

We haven't been here since the peak of the summer heat.

Lucy still enjoys riding in the back.

First stop: the playground and exercise equipment.

So many different pieces of exercise equipment to try!

And then a few rounds on the slide.

Next stop: the butterfly garden! Arlo thinks he's found Shin Shin.

There were lots of beautiful butterflies and moths out and about this time.

And detective Arlo brought his magnifying glass to look at them all.

This one even landed on Mum's head. (Look at all the grey, it said.)

Group shot in the butterfly house.

Lucy liked the different flowers.

This blue beauty was hanging around *outside* the house.

And continuing along.

Next stop: Cycle City (which was under repair last time we were here.)

And Lucy insisted on swinging at the playground just next door.

Arlo's just tall enough to use this balance beam.

Back at home, Arlo covertly took this photo of his sister.

Naptime story time with Granny.

More Genius Square with Grandpa...

... and then teaching his grandparents how to play Rhino Hero.

That's a tall one!

Pizza dinner!

Up early for the first Monday of their holiday break.

Arlo kindly let Lucy play in his room.

Not only is it Monday... but it's also Grandpa's birthday.

So here's Arlo, making a Shinkansen card for him.

The finished card (it's double-sided).

Lucy brought Granny to the pool, to watch Mum do her laps.

Grandpa's festive birthday cake.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Deeply concerned by the candles, but Lucy stayed in her seat this time.

What a color!

Lucy, too!

Grandpa and his colorful grandchildren.

Celebrating Grandpa's birthday with an afternoon swim.

All was suspiciously quiet upstairs while the adults dined: this was the scene.

Working on "The Christmas Pig."

Oh, good thing Arlo found his reading glasses.

Saying hi to the koi in the mall next to the US Embassy, before renewing Arlo's passport.

My impulse buy at the Tops there: Moo Deng elephant pants!

Lucy's learning to charm (a story in 4 parts).

And then a holiday visit from Baa Rat.

Enjoying the leftover birthday cake.

It may be days old, but it still stains as well as on Day 1.

Bangkok Week 859

December 12, 2024

The week is spent in anticipation of Granny & Grandpa’s arrival. But first, a lovely Christmas lunch with Arlo’s closest school friends at Martin’s house. And lots of colorful Christmas cookies, for the staff & teachers at school.

Lucy is happy to have the entire garden to herself, since we're there so early.

Crazy swing!

Enjoying the entire bag of seaweed on the way home.

Someone was so tired that he fell asleep in the tuk-tuk on the way home.

The mischief duo, sharing a chair at dinner.

Saturday morning swimming: Lucy is planing her own lesson.

Somehow, she's very speedy on her back.

Now it's time to make our Christmas cookies. Look at all the helpers!

"Measuring" the flour...

... and ensuring that there's no question that these are holiday cookies!

My little helper, putting the sprinkles on top.

And checking on the oven.

Looking good in there!

Christmas cookies for all!

And checking out a neighborhood baking goods store, to pick up packaging for the cookies.

Watching our "new" TV.

Inaugural Saturday movie night!

A Christmas classic!

Getting into the Christmas spirit.

Huh. Playing board games together.

The party Arlo's been waiting for: Christmas lunch at Martin's house.

Leg massage for Dad.

Checking out some of Martin's many car collections.

Their dog, Aubrey, was enjoying the party too.

Pileup of the boy's gang.

Height check-in. Actually Martin and Trins are quite tall, too.

Martin has a lovely playroom on the 4th floor of his house, too.

Practicing fine motor skills...

... and gross motor skills needed for every good monkey.

Lunch time.

Trying the impossible: a photo of all 6 kids.

Time for some arts & crafts.

And then time for the raffle gift exchange: Arlo volunteered to draw first, since he's the oldest.

He won a very cool book from Trins.

And Lucy picked...

... the gift from P'Boss.

Lucy showing off her piano skills.

Most successful group shot! (Minus one person, who really didn't want to be in the photo.)

Everyone! Thanks for having us!

Back at home and exhausted after a very stimulating morning & afternoon.

So tired, in fact, that she didn't even make it to her bed.

Embracing the holiday spirit, and off to school with her antlers.

Breaking news! Stop the presses! Shin shin came out of his cocoon over the weekend!

Here he is, homely little guy. His glory days are definitely behind him.

Making more ornaments at the start of the day.

Checking out the stage for the Christmas show, which went up over the weekend.

Zoom zoom!

Lots going on here! A bike race, and a basketball game.

Trying to hula hoop.

Reindeer and her horse.

Someone had fun doing water play after school.

Arlo, Trins, Fuku, and Seoyun made a volcano together, and made sure it wouldn't get taken down overnight.

Very keen on practicing his writing.

And drawing a picture for Teacher Selly, to include with her holiday cookies.

This kool kat is ready for another day.

Whoops, that volcano didn't last long!

Road trip!

Saying hi to Flip & Flop before heading home.

Special day! Going back via tuk-tuk.

(Many angles of) purple lips after swimming in the chilly pool!

Going on a morning drive.

Painting while riding a bike.

It was a surprisingly precise painting though!

Another critter at school.

Lucy hanging up the special ornament she made at school this year. Her first contribution to the tree!

Checking in on Granny & Grandpa's flight before bedtime.

The (tall) boys of Annabel's.

Working on their Christmas tree.

Enjoying the nice winter weather!

Here they are!! Our VIP guests!

But... someone is shy!

Not sure how to react.

Better to run around with Patton instead.

Showing Granny her learning journey. What are we going to add this holiday break?

And time to pick up monkey #2.

Shy and excited at the same time! (And eager to show off the beautiful calendar that he & his classmates made together.)

Arlo putting his own special ornament on the tree.

Welcome dinner.

And slowly warming up... to be continued!

Bangkok Week 858

December 5, 2024

A very special week, with a visit from Puu; a Christmas fair; Lucy’s first cycle at Nong Bon park; and the Father’s Day holiday on Thursday. On, and we got a “new” TV!

Welcome back! It's Funny Face Friday!

Thank you for sharing your chair, Lucy. Very kind of you.

There goes Lucy with her best friend.

Long-awaited visit from Puu, who's here for his annual eye check-up.

Lucy and Arlo were thrilled.

Nice smile!

Wasting no time on Saturday morning.

Enjoying their traditional congee breakfast with Puu.

And showing Puu all the plants in the back yard.

Farewell photos.

(Lucy wanted to do it her way, not sit on Puu's knee.)

And a hasty good-bye at the bus terminal, since we were very tight on time.

Bye bye, Puu.

Safe drive!

Enjoying some pick-me-up ice cream at 9:30am.

Back at home, trying on his Halloween eyeball for size.

It's finally time! Time to ring in the holiday season and put up the decorations!

Arlo is now a pro at decorating the tree.

And he finally understands that you need to look high and low, not just left and right.

Happy Holidays!

This little monkey had a tiny yellow bruise on her forehead -- which clearly called for a bandaid!

Wakey-wakey sleepy head! Time to get going!

We're off to the Bangkok Prep Christmas fair!

We arrived just in time to see Aya's sister, Doreen, perform.

So many children! Such a big school!

The crazy bull had Arlo entertained.

But this one was more their speed.

Driving the little train, first two cars of course.

It went around many times; they got their money's worth.

Popcorn break.

(Lucy's serious about her popcorn: no eating and walking, let's sit and enjoy it.)

Arlo saw a friend from school doing the wipe out, so he wanted to try too.

We ran into neighbor Yuri, so Arlo and Yuri went in together.

And ice cream cones to celebrate surviving their wipeout.

Time to relax; it was very overwhelming!

Lucy really enjoyed all the giant bubbles.

And so did neighbor Artem.

Back at home after a long afternoon, enjoying our Christmas lights.

Good job, team! It's a nice tree.

Bedtime story on the floor.

Heading to Nong Bon park for a bike ride on Sunday morning.

It's Lucy's first time biking by herself here.

There was lots of stopping-and-starting along the the journey.

And lots of beautiful birds out enjoying the nice weather too.

There goes Arlo on his off-roader (zooming).

And here come Lucy & Dad.

Lucy spotted one of Granny's friends high up in a tree. "Squirrel! Squirrel!"

Arlo pointing out that we made it all the way to the end of the Isthmus (or is it a peninsula?)

Sitting and waiting for Lucy & Dad...

... who were actually sitting and waiting for us to come back!

Stopping for snacks before heading back.

This bird has a particularly long neck!

The helmet gang, walking back. Lucy didn't quite have the energy (or rather, attention span) to bike the whole way back.

A giant friend of Granny's hiding in this tree.

It's also December 1st, and this marks the start of the advent calendars (from London).

A chocolate gingerbread man!

The doors on this year's calendar are tough to open (since Mum bought the cheapest one) so Lucy needs a hand.

Putting up some solar-powered lights on what is now a Christmas tree.

All set for the holidays... even the Toyota!

Beautiful sunset.

Monday morning: hair done up like Koala ears.

Arlo, in his matching shirt, got to hang out (indoors) on Lucy's side while Mum & Dad met with Teacher Preeti.

The monkey who is too excited to go home.

Looking for the turtles.

Almost ready to get her license.

Peek-a-boo! Arlo's special Christmas tree ornament. How clever!

Hmm! Turns out the wreath is a great package delivery spot as well.

Someone has rediscovered her Halloween candy stash.

Procrastinating again; the turtles, the turtles!

Lucy is upping her driving game today.

Now she can see far!

Watch out for the "crazy woman driver!"

Last football of the year!

So fast, he's a blur.

The only fun way to slide down the slide these days.

Very carefully taking stock of her Halloween candy.

It was only a matter of time until they decided to wear the stockings.

Looking good!

And now, we have a fireplace in our living room!

Happy Holiday Thursday! It's Father's Day!

Special bagel breakfast for Dad!

And following the bagels with a round of ice cream.

What a special day!

Lucy's not wasting a drop of her ice cream.

Time for some holiday chalk!

This stenographer is very carefully crafting his message.

And there you have it: Merry Christmas!

A bird, a bear, or Santa?

This is a Cyber Truck, in case you couldn't tell.

Meanwhile, Lucy is keen to start riding the pedal bike.

She's not pedaling yet, but it fits her now; so that's a start.

Time for a make-up swim!

Waiting patiently for class to start.

Meanwhile, this guy is practicing his lettering.

The culprit, who knocked over the cactuses on the balcony.

Special afternoon activity: enjoying the "new" TV.

Enraptured!

Chomp-chomp-chomping away on her halloween gummy candy.

And closing the holiday evening with some puzzles. See you next week!

Bangkok Week 857

November 28, 2024

Mum’s back from London, and things are as busy as ever. We visited two parks over the weekend; and the holiday season is officially here! 🎄

Swinging into Friday be like... whee!

And Mum's coming home soon! Just doing a fly-by past Suvarnabhumi.

Clear shot of the satellite terminal, which is now very heavily used.

Great view of Mega Bangna.

And Ancient Siam (although we've never gone).

And greeted by this friendly face upon landing. Where are we, anyway?

Mum couldn't even get two steps into the house before being tackled (for souvenirs).

Showing off her new undies from M&S.

And jumping right into his maze book.

One of mum's team members gave Arlo & Lucy some Peppa Pig activity books, too. That was so kind!

Quick fish-feeding, and then time for bed!

Up early to play on Saturday morning.

Starting the day with some fishing.

Lucy made this tall Taipei 101.

And time for our Saturday morning swim!

Arlo's turn!

Rhino Hero still entertains.

Someone was fast asleep and didn't want to wake from her nap.

But we had plans! Off to Benjakitti Forest Park to meet Aya and her family.

We hadn't been there in ages, and have only brought bikes once before.

It was Lucy's first time biking there.

Checking out the lotuses.

Watching the water bead up and roll off the lotus leaves.

Surprisingly huge flower for such a small center.

These city kids are fascinated by the nature!

All the kids (no adults allowed!) on top of a viewing point.

Smile!

And just Arlo and Lucy.

The sun sets so early now!

Running around the amphitheater after dark.

Taking the express route back: via the elevated walkway.

More fishing the next morning.

Arlo kindly let Lucy play in his room on Sunday morning.

Checking out the stars.

It's Team Cereal!

A lovely Sunday morning at the park: another place we've not been in a while.

This monkey is at home here.

Arlo chose to practice his volleyball skills.

Playing together (briefly).

And heading back to the car via the Christmas displays at Emporium and EmQuartier.

A roller coaster in the walkway.

That's one giant, colorful tree!

Special late-afternoon treat: Ba Noo, a neighbor from our old house, came to visit.

She lives in Sydney now, and was back in Bangkok for a few weeks only.

Back to school on Monday; new games set up for the kids.

This monkey has graduated to hanging from his legs.

Lucy was happy to see Amalia after the weekend.

Someone doesn't want to go home!

Just lounging around on Tuesday morning.

Letting the coach know that he won the game.

Bath time hairstyles by Dad.

Someone wants to take bubbles to school...

What is this monkey up to?

Teacher Preeti said that Lucy really likes beading. Although we don't have any beads at home, we were able to improvise.

Ta-daa! Done in no time!

Arlo with his hedgehog purse.

Mum and Lucy are watching a movie.

Lucy is really keen to use the monkey bars on her own, and insists that she can...

... until it's time to come down!

Baby Ellie is cherished by all the kids in the Moo Baan.

Uh oh, Arlo! You have a bubble in your hair!

Lucy's school was having a morning dance party to Christmas tunes. The holidays are officially here!

Bangkok Week 856

November 21, 2024

Loy Krathong - one of our bigger annual festivals - is here! Celebrated on the full moon night of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, the kids (and adults too, I suppose) wear traditional Thai dress and make floral krathong to float on the river (or other waterways). Fun for all!

We also celebrated our favorite year-end tradition: the Piñata 🪅 party hosted by friends Ronan & Carson (and their parents).

Then Mum dashed off to London, and Dad heroically held down the fort for the rest of the week.

Happy Songkran!

The school is all prepared with a morning full of activities for the students.

Arlo is hard at work making a banana leaf propeller boat.

Comparing boats with Martin.

Watching the propeller boats go!

Meanwhile, Lucy is painting with banana leaf stems.

And making a quick diversion to the monkey bars to show how strong she is.

Supervising Lamar while she makes som tum.

Then Arlo joined Teacher Selly to decorate a traditional fish.

Lucy too!

Another minor distraction.

The main attraction: making a krathong.

Lucy with some professional assistance.

Posing with her first-ever Krathong.

Now off to float it, with some guidance from P'Mali.

Here comes Arlo with his. (Actually, this might have been his 3rd.)

Off it goes!

Lucy had an enjoyable time on Arlo's side, but ended up missing all the activities on the Nursery side.

Bye, Lucy! Have a good Loy Krathong day at school!

Arlo got a new turn table for his train tracks, which he's excited about!

Saturday morning pillow crashing.

Lucy playing train and demonstrating her flexibility at the same time.

It's the first time Arlo's joining his designated swimming lesson in several weeks.

And after battling the traffic, here we are at Ronan & Carson's annual pinata fiesta.

Arlo's waiting in anticipation.

He's much better this year than in previous years!

Much stronger... and didn't end up hurling the stick this year either.

They had massage chairs set up for the adults.

Lucy just made herself part of the big girls' group.

We mark the passage of years by the photos on this play structure.

This year, both of them are much more adventurous.

Lucy would've happily climbed to the top if she could figure out how.

Mum's turn!

And playing with Sally, one of his longest friends.

This condo has gotten a great new playground since we were last here!

One final set of swings before heading home. It's almost dark!

A lazy Sunday, after a long and busy Saturday.

Arlo ran home to get a broom to help sweep up the leaves at the playground.

Swinging together nicely.

At a make-up lesson. But the rain is so heavy and loud in the pool area that you can't hear anything. So we're waiting in the front.

Meanwhile, Arlo & Dad get some Rhino Hero under their belts.

Arlo has a make-up lesson with technically-focused Teacher JP again.

(Very subtly) eavesdropping on Teacher JA's class.

With a burst of creativity, Arlo came home and drew...

... a very detailed "Jumping Tank".

Inventorying (and opening) our entire bandaid collection.

Starting a new week of school, while Mum is off to London.

Lucy, whose clothes are you wearing? (She went through all her outfits at school today.)

Playing his new game, "Genius Square". (I love it!)

We learned about this game at the Toy Museum in Tokyo.

Some after-nap wrestling.

Time to kill before school, so hanging out in the back.

Arlo still likes football.

Waiting patiently for her turn on the swing.

Hiding in the tree house.

The boy gang; just missing one member.

The tree is up at Lucy's school! Christmastime is here!

Uh oh! Where is Lucy?

There she is!

Celebrating 2 years and 8 months today.

This monkey enjoys climbing over her seat into the front now, to play.

What are these natural-looking bananas?

They're banana bread with a chocolate topping. What's not to like?

Mr. Train engineer.

Uh oh! Lucy bonked the back of her head.

What a stylish way to recover.

Bangkok Week 855

November 14, 2024

The week started with Shin the giant caterpillar, and included a fun long-weekend in Trat. Big boy Arlo did a Taster Day at St. Andrews, and everyone is gearing up for Loy Krathong. Stay tuned!

Happy Friday, says the girl in her pajamas.

On the way out the door, met the largest caterpillar we've ever seen!

He was as long as my pointer finger, and almost as fat!

He came to school with Lucy and Arlo, and entertained the kids.

Arlo went to school for an hour...

... and then popped out for his assessment at St. Andrews.

This large boulder left an impression with him.

Showing off where she stores her dinner.

Stretching and ready for an exciting day ahead!

We're off to Trat, for the first time since July.

Everyone was happy that we were there.

Lucy approves of Bella's digs.

Oh my. New toys (and new old toys) to go around.

Dumping a shoeful of pebbles into Yaa's hand. How did those get there?

Checking out the trees in the back.

Just like in Ueno Park, the pond here is full of lotuses, too!

Yea plucked this flower for them to look at. (It's surprisingly light, which makes sense I guess.)

And then Dad managed to snag a flower in full bloom.

"Helping" Yaa cook dinner.

And a quick trip to visit Yaa's brother (and his family) down the road.

It's a rodeo in the house tonight!

Hang on, Lucy!

Can't call it a night without going fishing.

Up bright and early the next morning.

It was a fight for the trike all weekend.

The two little "helpers" are back, this time eager to "help" sweep.

Both Lucy and Arlo enjoy having Yaa brush their hair.

Prancing around upstairs.

"Hi, Bellllla!"

Visiting the family's rice paddies.

Most of the rice had been harvested, but a few stalks on the edge were missed.

Two city girlz.

Next stop: the rubber plantation.

Lucy and Arlo both were very interested in how the latex was collected.

It does eventually harden, but it's a sticky liquid when it first comes out.

Looking down over the river that's right below the land.

Someone else has planted pineapples on the land immediately next door... but none were growing yet.

Stopping to visit Puu's sister (can't you tell?) on the way home.

There's a new cafe, ice cream shop, and (tiny) hotel just down the road.

The ice cream was home-made, tasty, and inexpensive!

They were also home to two giant tortoises...

...and lots of fish.

10 baht to feed the fish? Why not.

Enjoying the fruit back at home. Orange season is starting!

Here goes the dangerous duo again.

As if one ice cream a day weren't enough...

Lucy figured out the pedaling motion this trip.

Taking a quick trip around the yard with Aa'Top on his new electric bike.

This hairbrushing routine reveals how easily tangled Lucy's hair is!

Monday morning already?

Bella knows something is up.

Saying bye to their up-country sister.

See everyone again soon!

Bye bye, Bella! See you soon!

Quick stop at everyone's favorite Shell on the way home.

This one is new (or more prominently positioned).

Captaining the rocket ship.

The cafe backs onto this pond, with a two-story seating area overlooking it! Who knew!

Back home just after noon, in time to splash in the sun (and for Mum & Dad to work).

Lucy's Loy Krathong outfit arrived from the north.

Arlo's getting ready to make his Krathong later this week.

Tuesday is another special day! Arlo is spending it at St. Andrews, in what they call a "Taster Day".

We can bike to school in no time.

This will be so convenient!

Lucy is missing her brother, and insisted on coming to his side to play first.

Arlo was back at Annabel's in time for Thai class and football.

What a long day! But he had a spring in his step throughout, and hasn't stopped talking about St. Andrews since.

Uh oh! Arlo's stuck!

Jumping from hill to hill with Amalia after school.

Playing with a game he made in Thai class.

The air is bad these days, so there's no garden time before school.

Caught red-handed!

Enjoying a cake pop after school while waiting to be picked up... the traffic was so bad, no tuk-tuk could be found :(

And someone turns 5 years and 2 months old today!

Halloween continues: these two ghosts were spotted running around Lucy's room.

And if that weren't enough, someone really wants to wear this dress for Loy Krathong tomorrow.

Bangkok Week 854

November 7, 2024

Halloween may be behind us, but the fun is not over yet! We had a lovely Halloween celebration within the Moo Baan on Saturday. The last of the family got long-overdue hair trims. And Arlo and Lucy did great while Mum was away in KL for most of the week.

Halloween is behind us, but that doesn't mean the fun is done!

On Lucy's side, the face paints are still out, and open to DIY.

She surprised us all with an uncanny ability to paint her own face.

Someone's going to be a make-up influencer!

Fortunate to have a chance to pick up Arlo on the way home from work.

Friday night photos.

It's a beautiful Saturday: not too hot, not too humid. Perfect for Halloween (part two).

Spotted a mushroom growing in the bricks at the playground.

Arlo helped mum put up a spider web in front of our house.

Arlo wrote out 'Happy Halloween' all by himself!

Enjoying the empty driveway for once.

Selfie with Dad.

We've got some time; why not make Halloween cookies!?

Arlo was a great helper at first.

Approximate ingredients are fine.

The sugar cookie dough is a perfect halloween orange now!

Arlo lost interest, but Lucy stuck around for the good part.

Helping put on the sprinkles.

Great work, Lucy!

How convenient! Someone came back for the taste-test.

The cookies pass with flying colors. (Orange and brown, to be precise.)

Playing Rhino Hero again.

This tower is getting tall!

Arlo needs to stand up to take his turn now.

Arlo finishes his cards first, and wins in a landslide!

It's not yet 5pm, but most decorations are up now. So let's do a quick tour.

All the houses in the Moo Baan just put out tables (or car trunks) with candy, in a 'help yourself' model.

The Moo Baan's setup is still under construction. Will check back later.

Arlo and Lucy's friend Lamar, and her mums, came over to join us for trick-or-treating... in their halloween best!

Getting ready to go.

It's 5pm! Game time!

Well, it goes without saying: there were no other hedgehogs in the neighborhood.

Starting by trick-or-treating at their own home.

Larissa's house had a really nice chocolate offering!

A few former Annabel's classmates were there, too.

It took Lucy about 2 houses to get the hang of what was going on.

The streets got crowded quickly.

And the Moo Baan's decorations are up and ready.

Although they were pretty grim and creepy this year.

Definitely not to toddler tastes.

12-year-old Anais baked and hand-decorated beautiful Halloween gingerbread cookies. Lucy took the biggest one.

Trick-or-treat!

We didn't have many cobwebs, but the Christmas lights worked well enough.

Daisy was a hot dog!

Crowded streets!

Oh boy!

Picking from the trunk of the car.

Sticking their hand inside the surprise box. What's in there!?!

Not even 6:30, but we're all cleaned out! Time to call it a night!

As if the Halloween candy weren't enough, there was leftover fairy bread for breakfast.

And a limit of two candies per day.

Big brother hedgehog came back on Sunday for an encore.

And Arlo & Lucy's restaurant.

Lucy's turn for a hair trim!

And lunch on the balcony....

... while Arlo and Dad go for a haircut at the barber in the train car.

Looking much tidier, Arlo!

Lucy's pleased with her laser-straight new bangs.

This orchid has new blooms, too! Knock on wood, I think we've found the magic spot for them!

More Rhino Hero, while Lucy's at her make-up lesson.

Lucy's lesson is a bit before Arlo's make-up, so they can enjoy snacks in the lobby before Arlo goes in.

Watching her big brother carefully.

Teacher JP is very technical, and makes Arlo work hard!

Someone is too tired to get up from her nap.

Crazy dancers before bedtime.

Back at school on Monday, and sporting her new bangs.

Why take the easy route, when you can take the hard route!?

Lucy making the most of her time on the older side.

This is a differentiator: som tum made while biking.

Breakfast is served.

Lucy the daredevil.

Working on her balance...

... as well as her art.

Chatting with P'Mali, and Khru Kul, the Thai teacher.

Meanwhile, Mum's in KL and out to snap a few pics (and pick up a few souvenirs).

The skyline has changed so much since I was last here in October 2018.

The Petronas Towers *are* beautiful at night.

Two little daredevils.

Lucy is a very strong monkey.

Hooray! Mum's finally home!

Looking at his new fungi book with Teacher Selly.

Flying his friend Brooklyn around.

It's an evening of blindfolds.

A car with 3 steering wheels!?

Lucy's enjoying her new book.

The lines are everywhere, not limited to just the pages.

Bangkok Week 853

October 31, 2024

Fresh off the plane, it’s a slow recovery and reintegration with Bangkok life. Arlo’s still really into trains (especially Shinkansen). And after much preparation, Halloween is here… as are our two hedgehogs! 🎃🦔

And we're home! After a week in the train capital of the world, Arlo can't wait to play with his.

And he really wants to draw what he saw in Japan.

A giant 100-yen coin.

And playing with his new card game, Rhino Hero.

Lucy, meanwhile, is clearly exhausted and had a 3-hour nap on Mum's bed (with Mum) around 9:45am.

Someone needed some real cajoling to be woken up after 3 hours.

Nothing like a little water splashing to re-acclimate ourselves to Bangkok weather.

The Moo Baan has put up this year's halloween sign. This will be good!

This swing can't compare to the Tokyo playground swings. But it's not nothing.

Halloween is upon us... and the hedgehogs aren't finished yet. But here's Lucy's nose!

Sunday afternoon make-up lesson for both of them.

Arlo entertainment.

Mum's turn trying her hand at Rhino Hero (which teaches both strategy and fine motor skills).

Family dinner of Mac & cheese and broccoli (both slightly fancier for the adults).

Arlo's recreated the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in blocks.

Helping his sister put on a bandaid.

And back to school after a week away; wasting no time drawing Shinkansen.

The Australian surf board & wave are still there.

Drama outside our house: a smoking electricity pole!

Delicious ice cream!

Over the break, the school got several new balance bikes.

And there's a maze set up on Lucy's side. Take a ticket first!

Lucy the rock star.

Literal rays of sunlight at school this morning.

Halloween is tomorrow, so it's time for the final fitting!

Well, I can't say she looks pleased. But she looks good!

Arlo's final fitting that evening. Nose straps need tightening!

And it's go time! Here come the hedgehog siblings!

Clearly they are thrilled to be here, and be dressed like this.

Well, the nursery teachers appreciated them!

It's hedgehog Arlo and Ninja Selly!

Back on Lucy's side, she's discovered the magic of face paint!

Uh oh! Hedgehog got tangled in the cobweb!

Hedgehog getting some halloween tattoos.

And a new Halloween 'do for Mum.

Last stop of an eventful day for Lucy: the doctor.

Here for her second rabies vaccine.

Making the most of her visit.

See you next week!

One week in Tokyo!

October 26, 2024

A jam-packed, exhausting, eye-opening, fun-filled 7 days in Tokyo! Arlo and Lucy had a wonderful time observing the differences, taking in the sights, trying the food, riding the trains. Tokyo packs a punch, and we’ll be back for sure! Just need to rest our legs a bit first. 🗼⛩️🍙🚅

It's the trip we've been waiting for, and Arlo is ready!

Enjoying Hagen-Daaz ice cream in the lounge. Turns out kids under 6 can get in for free (with a gold card holder).

Arlo and Lucy get to take the new underground shuttle to the satellite terminal for the first time.

At the airport, we ran into Arlo & Lucy's friends, Brooklyn & Boss, who were also off to Japan.

Settled into the flight nicely (although we managed to get the only window seats without a window).

This peaceful image lasted for about 3 minutes.

Lucy proudly didn't sleep a wink on the flight, and was thrilled to receive this 3am breakfast.

Got our luggage, got our children; and waiting for the Keikyu Express into the city!

Lucy loves to hold onto the handles!

No wasted opportunities collecting the Eki stamps.

Pointing out where we just came from.

And we emerge in down town Tokyo (Kuramae)! Blue skies, and beautiful Japanese buildings.

First stop: breakfast from 7-Eleven.

And then we stumbled upon this view.

Tokyo, we made it!

Our first stop of the morning is Senso-ji Temple.

And that seems to also be the case for everyone else in Tokyo today.

Everyone else was touching the lantern, so Lucy had to, too.

Arlo really wanted to get a fortune.

He got the best one!

Our first giant koi spotting. They were hungry!

Lucy waiting patiently, while Mum & Arlo got the commemorative calligraphy in the stamp books.

Wafting the incense (as observed).

Continuing on to the shopping galleries behind Senso-ji.

Don-don-don quijote! With the same catchy music as in Bangkok.

Arlo was enthralled by this street performer.

So many bikes!

Continuing through Kappabashi.

Stopping at a tiny park for a swing, and a bite to eat.

And finally to our AirBnB!

The tatami room, which proved to be a great play space...

... and the bedroom for Mum & Lucy.

View out the (little) balcony.

There was a nice playground only ~3 minutes away (which Lucy spotted through an alley).

And dinner from our (soon to be) go-to grocery store, after a very long first day.

Night night from down here!

Good morning! Seems like someone slept well!

Very well-rested, refreshed, and ready for another (much cooler) day!

An emerging fascination with manhole covers.

And this one can spot a slide from a mile away.

A refreshing morning walk, and our destination is there in the background.

Walking along the scenic Sumida river.

Getting closer!

So many funny, different vehicles here!

Almost there!

We made it! Tokyo Sky Tree!

What's this? A glass floor!?

Say "cheezu!"

Next stop: Sumida aquarium, at the base of Tokyo Sky Tree.

It's not a big aquarium at all, but very beautifully curated.

The jellyfish exhibits were stunning.

Giant sting ray...

... and daddy shark!

Taking attendance. Making sure all the penguins are there (by name).

Arlo was really fascinated by these cute little garden eels.

And Lucy liked this giant guy (who's not a puffer, but looks like he should be).

These jellies are only 2-3 days old!

Lunch time, at the food court in the Skytree mall.

Yummy tempura, udon, and soba.

And we stumbled upon an official Tomica store!

Can't leave empty-handed. (Actually, the prices were really good!)

Really happy with his new Isuzu dump truck.

Comparing vehicles.

Now walking along the JR Chuo line.

Our first vending machine encounter.

Lucy spotted another fun playground.

This one had a great, fast (staticky) slide.

And some good climbing equipment.

This is a 5-star ramen restaurant! The line never got shorter.

Made it to Akihabara, for the Sunday walking street.

Chaotic and windy, but a great opportunity to stroll down the middle of the road!

Abbey Lane vibes?

A common, but still funny, site!

Old amidst new.

Exhausted by dinnertime for a second night in the row.

Up early, and ready for another exciting day.

But not without some tatami tumbling first.

Today is Monday, and so it's our first rush hour experience.

Really cute Toei trains for sale in the station.

We've come to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Complex, but it's not open yet...

... so we've come to this awesome playground next door first.

The have the widest slide I've ever seen.

Similar to slides in Taipei, it's made of polished concrete. And it's very fast!

Lots of ninja obstacles.

And a very neat-looking, but extremely slow, slide.

Here, Arlo is smiling... and stuck.

Riding another airplane. The flight the other evening was not enough.

Two monkeys.

Heading back to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building now.

Nice views from up here, too!

Back on the train (this time after rush hour).

Quick nourishment break (but so much single-use packaging!)

Dad's herculean effort pushing Arlo in the stroller up this hill.

Here we are! The Tokyo Toy Museum!

We ended up spending almost 4 hours here!

Playing alongside school groups.

Arlo really liked this game. (We ordered it once we got home.)

Recognize this cactus?

Toys for all ages (and foot sizes)!

A soroban play area.

Move the abacus around inside the giant vat of beads, and see how many you can pick up.

Lucy knows to roll the die, and match the color.

Playing magnetic football. They both got it.

Even the construction site next door was interesting.

Lunch break in the school yard.

And then back to play with more toys - including the classics.

Gathering mushrooms.

That was a fun afternoon!

Too tired to stay awake for the interesting manhole covers.

We made it, by foot, to Meiji Jingu.

Coming from the back entrance, you walk through absolutely enormous trees.

Lucy was awake for it, but someone else wasn't.

Lucy knows the drill before entering the shrine.

What's he doing?

Someone's awake now, but not in the mood for photos.

We're in the neighborhood, so we might as well check out Takeshita Street in Harajuku!

It's famous for its crepes, so we'd better try the crepes.

These go-karts (on the main roads) seem to be a new tourist fad.

Stumbled upon the Yamanote line!

And back at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for its evening light show.

What a spectacular show!

Someone doesn't know how to control her voice indoors. (Or, more likely, chooses not to.)

Another dinner after an exhausting 22k-step day.

Today's the day Arlo's been waiting for!

We're heading to Tokyo Station...

... to buy our Shinkansen tickets!

And we're ready to go!

To say that someone is excited would be an understatement.

And we're off to Odawara.

Here we are thanks to our N700, Kodama service.

Hanging back in the station to wait for the next Shinkansen to shoot through.

Nose!

Lots of cool manhole covers in Odawara, too!

Our first stop (accidental) is a Ninja experience.

The ninjas played a big part in the history of Odawara; and here, we had a chance to test our ninja skills.

Arlo found a sword hidden below the floor boards.

Carefully trying to slide along a wall.

Hiding - pretty subtly, I must say.

And now, onto the castle.

Here's how the castle would have been constructed.

These two were still in Ninja mode, and looking for places to hide.

Made it to Odawara Castle.

Nice view from the top, and only a few stairs to get here.

Enjoying a well-earned ice cream. (Or is it lunch?)

Lucy spotted this cone from all the way at the top of the castle.

Heading back to Tokyo.

Posing with our train.

A few tracks over, Arlo spots the real Sinkansen of his dreams.

A clear shot of the E5, in all its green glory.

Heading home on everyone's favorite Yamanote Line.

Stopping at Ueno Park. We thought we might do the pedal boats, but the entire pond is a massive lotus garden right now.

On the way home, stopping at this park we'd spotted a few days earlier.

The roller slide was a big hit!

The diameter of these rollers is much smaller than the one we tried in Taipei. I think that helps.

As if we hadn't ridden enough Shinkansen yet today!

And the funny 3-way slide (banana slide?!) that we'd seen from the street.

Vegan ramen for dinner.

They have really great children's programming on TV at dinner time (smart!). Lucy loved dancing along.

It's never too young to start learning about flow charts!

Today, we're heading to Odaba.

Look at all these school kids walking to school by themselves.

Here we are, on the Yurikamome, heading out to Odaiba.

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge.

And walking to our first destination.

Lucky that this fire truck was here to give a fire safety training session to the business next door.

Our first stop: Small Worlds miniatures museum.

It's one of the largest miniatures museums in Asia, apparently.

Watching a space shuttle take off.

The exhibits were interactive; pushing buttons triggered trains to drive, lights to turn on, things to move.

But the clear highlight was...

... an operational replica of Kansai International Airport!

It cycled through days (daylight, sunset, night time, sunrise).

With planes taking off and landing throughout.

A night time departure.

And a Qatar flight landing.

In the workshop, a technician is fixing a broken finnair aircraft.

Interesting place to visit once.

Enjoying a small playground while Dad goes to find lunch.

Next stop, the Tokyo Water Science Museum.

This museum - run by the Bureau of Waterworks - was perfect for their age.

Watching fish swim by.

Making water tornadoes.

And standing in a giant bubble.

Learning about how water makes up plants and animals...

... and how water gets in, and out, of our bodies.

Installing some water pipes.

It's turned into a stormy day in Tokyo Bay. Better hurry back to the train!

Stopping at Hakuhinkan Toy Park on the way home; Arlo woke up just in time!

The Shinkansen train that he'd like to buy.

Nissan concept car on display in Ginza.

Udon & tempura for dinner from the grocery store.

And more wonderful dinnertime programming.

Tonight, the flow chart is about monkeys picking fleas.

It's a beautiful day to head back across town and check out Shibuya.

First stop: Hachiko -- and Arlo had the shirt to match.

Next, the stamp.

And then, the scramble.

Looking at the scramble from above.

Then, our favorite shop: Hands.

How do you like your eggs?

Lucy enjoyed the shopping!

Delicious ramen for lunch.

A kids' set for these two...

... and a few delicious vegan options for the adults.

And then we hopped into Mika Otake's car!

And these two were asleep in a flash!

Playing in an art exhibit at Tokyo Midtown.

Finally meeting Mika after all these years.

Good thing all the Mikas got the t-shirt memo!

Last stop for the day: TeamLab Borderless.

It's an interactive art x science x technology exhibit.

Checking out their tummies.

Going for a slide.

Walking through fields of light.

When you catch the birds, they turn into flowers.

This room was filled with orbs running along tracks. Very neat.

If you have enough patience, you can create a fish, and it will join in the swim.

Fortunate that we were able to secure tickets! They sell out weeks in advance.

Great view of Tokyo Tower on our way home.

Stopping back at the toy store, this time with passports in hand, to buy the Shinkansen.

Arlo was thrilled!

He wasted no time drawing his and Lucy's together.

How convenient that they fit perfectly inside the sliding door track!

Matching the E5 with the one on his sweatshirt.

Well, that's one way to sleep!

It's time to check out of our AirBnB! Lucy's helping to chug all the Yakult in the fridge.

Heading down to Yokohama for the day.

Leaving our bags (and sweaters, boo) in a coin locker...

... and heading out to explore.

First stop, the Nissan Gallery, in their global HQ.

All the latest cars on display, in a huge showroom.

And some classics, too.

Can't get enough of these boxy Japanese cars.

This one is cute, too!

Next stop is the small transport museum in the headquarters of the Keikyu Corporation.

Stand back, everyone! Arlo's driving the bus!

Stopping at another playground: this might be the smallest one yet.

Trying their mouthes at a drinking fountain.

Good thing we brought a spare shirt, Lucy!

Yokohama Cosmoworld!

Of course, stopping to ride the ferris wheel.

There goes Diving Coaster: Vanish!

Spotted a duck boat (actually, they called it a duck bus) coming out from the water.

We're almost at the top of the 112.5 meter wheel -- formerly the world's tallest.

Tempted to visit, but decided to skip it.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, fixed up and filled with neat shops and restaurants now.

Actually, the whole waterfront is very nicely done.

I guess it's a deep sleep... on his side!

And here we are in Yokohama Chinatown, Japan's largest Chinatown.

Again, Arlo woke up just in time.

A neat dragon made of lanterns overhead.

Lucy kind of got the manhole cover plot... but not quite.

Despite it being a brisk, overcast day, and we left our sweaters in the locker... these two still wanted ice cream!

This one is a nicer one!

Finally learning to share the stroller... on Day 7.

Our last Japan sun is gone. Time to start making our way back to Haneda.

Taking the subway back to Yokohama Station. This is the last stop on the Minatomirai line.

Stumbled upon a plant-based curry restaurant in the station. The last supper!

And heading straight from Yokohama to Haneda.

I think Japan's had enough of us.

We've got hours to kill. Thankfully Haneda Airport -- land side -- is an attraction in itself!

Hey! Who knew Hakuhinkan Toy Shop had a Haneda branch, too! We could've just come here!

Enthralled by the ops video.

So tired, but can't sleep.

Getting their last drops of energy out in this kids play area airside.

Arlo hoarded all the play pieces (including logs and a tree) to make a Shinkansen...

... and then rounded up all the other midnight travelers to ride with him.

This pretty much sums up our flight back. (In that same windowless row 35!)

And the final leg of the journey! Thanks for traveling with us!

Bangkok Week 851

October 18, 2024

This is a long week — literally. We’re including an extra day (a second Friday, or International Day). But even before that, it was a busy week: with swimming, Lamar’s birthday party, a trip to the park, and Dad mightily holding down the fort while Mum was away for a short trip to Delhi. All this finally culminating in International Day Friday, before the school break. Enjoy!

Friday morning stretches before school.

Lucy's doing arts and crafts on Arlo's side again.

Strong girl!

And now Saturday morning stretches, too.

Donuts for breakfast - what could be better?

Enjoying her post-swim Yakult.

Lucy periodically enjoys wearing this jester hat.

We're off in the same tuk-tuk: but Dad & Arlo to swimming, and Mum & Lucy to Lamar's birthday party.

At the party, Lucy wanted to swim, but got distracted by the giant bowl of popcorn.

Arlo (and Lucy)'s first time playing the marshmallow game: eat the hanging marshmallow using only your mouth!

Lucy really can't believe her eyes.

It's harder than it looks!

And then it was time for the piñata, with a frightfully life-like dog as the victim.

Lucy enjoyed Lamar's trampoline.

Pin the horn on the unicorn!

Lucy was considerably off-target.

And cake time! Happy 4th birthday, Lamar!

Delicious home-made cake.

Lucy was ready to spend the night on the outdoor daybed.

A beautiful new plant for the balcony.

A Sunday morning traffic jam.

Our first trip to the park in a while -- Lucy's running for it.

Starting with the see-saw.

Peek-a-boo!

In comes Lucy!

Stopping in emSphere for a quick IKEA visit - but look at this life-size stylish giraffe!

While Dad shops, Arlo and Lucy treat themselves to ice cream.

The machine is half the fun!

Ice cream with a view.

Playing with a high-tech toy: magnet underneath and paper clip on top.

Two flowering cactuses today!

Arlo's helping Dad clean the flower tables in the back.

Looking good!

A fire truck.

And Lucy's trying on her hedgehog costume, which is nearly complete!

So cute.

Two little hedgehogs, almost ready for halloween.

Reading the Lucy fairytale book.

Pasta dinner for everyone!

And a bathtub bath - the first one in many weeks.

What? The weekend is still going? It's a holiday Monday!

And Arlo turns 5 years and 1 month old today.

Showing off his newly tidied and organized bedroom shelves.

Meanwhile, Lucy is ready for Tokyo!

Getting in one last swim before the long weekend is done.

Selfie with Mum before she heads off to India in the morning.

Back to school with a splash (of paint).

Looks like Dad's managing well.

Diligently practicing her mark-making.

Arlo was very excited to bring P'Noi to school.

Lucy's trying her hand at somtum too.

How many people does it take to clean the balcony?

A natural photographer.

Mum's home! What goodies did she bring back this time?

Special gel pens, among other things.

Painting on the older side is more fun than on the nursery side.

Sibling painting.

Doing gymnastics with Patton.

Things are almost ready for International Day!

And the purple bloom is back.

Here we go! International Day! Best seats reserved for the grandparents, as usual.

Arlo's excited.

And there's Lucy, on a giant airplane.

Ready to go, in our snazzy new shirts from Granny.

The crowd is waiting with bated breath.

Here comes Arlo's class.

And here come the nursery children.

Straight to the stage for Lucy and her classmates.

They all put on brave faces, and there were surprisingly few tears. Most just looked stunned.

And wouldn't you be, with a crowd like this!?

Arlo the lurker.

Finally it's Arlo's class's turn.

They did really well with their drums and rhythm.

And now it's time for the activities to begin!

Getting our Taiwan stamp (like Lucy is used to doing).

We love Taiwan!

Ice cream for a snack? What's not to love.

Let the fun begin in Canada.

Lucy's modeling what the craft is about.

Lots of customers for moose antlers.

And back to Taiwan - Lucy can't stay away for long.

Lucy and Aya.

Arlo trying out Chinese "stilts". He got the hang of it pretty quickly.

Lucy was enjoying hanging out with Aya and Doreen.

Lucy won this fun whistle (blow the ball up and catch it again) at the Thai booth.

Representing Canada -- Year 3!

Another international day in the books!

And winding up the extra-long week with a preemptive tree photo for Lucy, since we'll be away on the 20th. See you in Tokyo!

Bangkok Week 850

October 10, 2024

It’s a long and busy week! At school, there was a charity event; pancakes and maple syrup as part of Breakfasts of the World; a new passport for Arlo; a visa renewal for Mum; Lumpini Park; and someone’s 40th birthday… I think we need a rest after this week!

Welcome back! This morning, Lucy is modeling the Canada Day activity for this year.

We're bringing it to school today so that the school can help prepare the materials.

But first! The Annabel's Charity Fun Fair, to fundraise for the floods in the north.

Arlo's class baked cookies, and were also selling iced coffee and tea alongside them.

The K1 classes made a bunch of games to play, like this one.

Guide the wooden spoon through the track and dump them in the bowl without spilling!

Lucy had a solution of her own: pull the spoon out entirely and just carry it over to the bowl.

Fishing for frogs with a tissue net.

And an obstacle course.

Toward the end, Arlo helped Teacher Selly sell the coffee and cookies.

And last but not least, giving Trins his (slightly belated) birthday present.

After all the fun on Arlo's side, Lucy didn't want to go back to her school for the rest of the day.

Checking out the two new turtles who live on the Nursery side now.

Arlo went to rouse Lucy after her nap, and she was thrilled.

Painting her own face. Unclear if she thinks it's face paint or makeup!

Lucy looks just like the Lucy in her fairytale book from UncleJasmineJosh.

Goofing around before bed.

Arlo just cleaned Dad's clock in his new game, Pigs in Pants.

Cycling to swimming in style.

Dad and Arlo went to play some ball while Mum & Lucy were away.

This purple plant has been with us for years -- since our time in Ari -- and this is the first time it's blooming!

Two matching monkeys playing in the couch.

Drawing fashionable watches on their arms.

Swimming time for Arlo!

Still a ways to go on his racing dive.

Some sunset shots in their new matching shirts.

And pizza dinner! Trying our good old friends at Soho for the first time in years.

An early Sunday trip to the passport office for Arlo, now that he's 5.

We hadn't been to MBK in years. But many shops were the same - including this with the giant mango that Lucy liked.

Stopping by Lumpini Park on the way home, since we were already in the neighborhood.

After 10am, cycling is allowed.

Granny's friends were out in strength this Sunday morning. We saw over a dozen.

Arlo was really into lizard-spotting this time!

Lucy, on the other hand, was enjoying the duck boats.

This was the biggest one we saw all morning.

There's a new pump track for balance bikes at Lumpini Park now, too.

Waiting patiently while his sister played.

Arlo's hedgehog costume is coming along!

Practicing curling up.

Dressed in patriotic outfits today for Arlo's class: we'll be doing pancakes and Canadian maple syrup!

But first: Lucy has started to enjoy the art projects set up on Arlo's side every morning.

Taping her rain drop to the umbrella.

Next, climbing the rope ladder.

And playing the guitar.

Practicing drawing (and erasing) in chalk.

And trampolining with Amalia.

And now, it's time for maple syrup (and pancakes).

... but eating the pancakes & syrup were the highlight.

Almost everyone came back for seconds (and thirds).

Arlo insisted on bringing "If you give a Pig a Pancake" to read with his class as well.

Lucy looking at a (dead) bee.

After-school doctor's visit for Arlo: 5-year checkup and vaccines.

This big helper helped to transfer the rice into a container.

Tuesday morning sand play...

... while Lucy is busy painting.

Quite pleased with herself.

Annual visit to Immigration to request an extension of my visa.

Enjoying their last Kinder Eggs from Uncle JasmineJosh.

Someone's got a plan for breakfast.

Oh! Lucky Mum! Tim Horton's for breakfast! This must be a special day.

Arlo's quite pleased with himself for putting the candles in.

Happy birthday, Mum!

A big hug from my big boy...

... and my big girl. All I could ask for!

And treating myself to a special birthday swim...

...in a whopping 25m pool!

Special treat from Dad: lunch out at Mother May I.

And enjoying the traditional blizzard cake after nap time.

Got a brand new wall calendar for the next year. The best!

Lucy's studying it intently.

Thank you for the birthday prezzies.

Not to be forgotten: a stylish skirt from Granny.

And a matching shirt to go along with it!

Reading Lucy's library book (and everyone's fave): Llama Llama Misses Mama.

The next morning, this sleepyhead is fast asleep because she couldn't nap the day before.

Looking for P'Noi's motorbike key, which accidentally got dropped in the drain last night.

It's Thursday, which means Lucy's favorite shirt is clean to wear again.

Not sure where my driver's taking me, but boy is it bumpy!

Playing with friends. See you next week!

Bangkok Week 849

October 3, 2024

We had another busy weekend this week: a posh birthday party on Saturday, and then a playdate with P’Kate on Sunday. Plus swimming and swimming meant that when Monday rolled around, it was time to rest! And the Halloween Hedgehogs are slowly but surely starting to take shape…

We thought, yay! We have the whole yard to ourselves!

Playing in the "garden" before saying good-bye.

Lucy's entertaining herself nicely after school.

Albeit messily.

Arlo's getting a first look at his hedgehog costume, which is still very much work-in-progress.

Two blooms today! Almost missed them!

Oh my! That is a very messy tooth-brushing, Lucy!

A new balloon for the new weekend.

Off to swimming in style.

Arlo's writing birthday cards for Brooklyn and Bona.

Lucy is driving the Zamboni!

Looking at the wildlife photography book together.

Wake up, sleepy head! Time to go party!

It was a pool party...

... plus a magician and balloon artist.

Lucy was very pleased with her cat.

Everyone's lined up to watch the magic show.

Arlo and Martin are entertained.

Where did that bird come from?

Lucky Brooklyn, got his own BMW!

Lucy really couldn't wait to sneak a peak. And a ride.

Getting ready for a morning ride around the Moo Baan.

And then, P'Kate and her family arrived.

Lucy and Arlo haven't seen P'Kate since February.

Playing games altogether...

... and having an early lunch.

Three monkeys.

Lunch was so early, there's time to get another round in at the playground.

Boo! Look at this little monkey who snuck up behind me.

Mimicking the photo on Mum's keychain.

Arlo, just hanging out.

Yuri found this beetle at the pool side. So, putting him back in the garden.

Special treat! Mint chocolate chip blizzard!

And fresh broccoli.

Nap time for everyone!

And a quick dip before dinner.

Lucy enjoyed the neighbor's unicorn, which they accidentally left behind.

Captain Underpants, and his apprentice.

She's learning from the finest.

Japan, here we come!

To start the week right, Lucy's partaking in the art project on Arlo's side.

They're decorating rain drops...

To attach to this umbrella.

Rain rain, go away!

Strong Lucy! Using the bridge like parallel bars.

And swinging on two rope swings at once.

Now playing with the new water toy on Arlo's side... and we haven't even made it to Lucy's side yet!

Ahoy matey, one outfit change later.

This morning, Arlo's coming to Lucy's side to drop her off.

Practicing her monkey swings.

Home after a long day.

Working on his coloring.

Playing in the sandbox, next to 18-month-olds.

Here's Tarzana.

Lucy! What happened to your clothes!?

And a quick trip to the doctor for her 2.5-year checkup and vaccines.

Brave Lucy, heading home.

And our flags for international day have arrived in the mail. Almost ready! Stay tuned.