Dishy Washy- C Sings While He Works

C has recently taken to doing the dishes after dinner. We make a nice dish-washing duo. He does the vocals.

A Movie & Popcorn

D recently completed some extra reading that I had invited her to do. She knew the reward was an afternoon with friends, watching a movie and sharing popcorn. Today was an early dismissal from ISB so it turned out to be the perfect day to have a few friends over for a fun afternoon.

Sweet little note and gift from Talha.

And, of course, since Jeah joined the fun too, there was some rabbit match-making.

Might have to do this each time there is an early dismissal. Great kids and a nice, relaxing way to get them together.

"Madame Neu-aay"

Today was an awesome day. It was a day that makes me so thankful that I live here and have the good health, time, and resources to do good things. Last week, a friend sent out an email invitation to volunteer with disabled children from a nearby orphange. The email came just moments after I stated just how crazy busy the upcoming week was going to be. But my Tuesday daytime was free...
And so I was on the list to join a wonderful group of ladies and children on an adventure. With 10 of us willing to volunteer our time and energy, we escorted 11 children to the Chatuchak Train Park today.

Such a beautiful place. I was pleasantly surprised by the bicycle rental beside the park. The bikes were in great shape, (Nice switch from the bikes of our Vietnam adventure, though you know I loved that too). We rented 19 bikes for 300 Baht ($9.86 USD). Amazing.

I was partnered up with a young lady named Yoy. She is verbal but spoke no English. I was glad I could speak enough Thai that we had a pleasant conversation on the car ride to the park. She and Khun Bub spoke quite a bit and she took to calling me "Madame" because that's what he calls me. 

Yoy walks with a cane and can't pedal a bicycle so we were sure to find a bike with seats for 2. After a few wobbles and frightened squeals (from both of us), I was ready to pedal us around that park. Yoy was ready to hold on for dear life.

Yoy enjoyed the ride so much she didn't want to stop for the playground, or to eat. But we did need a rest so we sat down with the rest of the group at lunchtime and took a break. Then, more cycling and finally a stop at the Butterfly garden.

I have to give a big hand to our driver, Khun Bub, today. One of the ladies on the list to volunteer was unable to come, which means one of the children all suited up and ready would have to be left behind at the orphanage. No one liked that idea as these children rarely get to take trips out anyway, if ever. So, I abruptly volunteered Khun Bub to ride a bike alongside one of the children. He went along with the plan, smiling the whole time, but did inform me it has probably been 15 years since he's ridden a bike for such a duration. Definately not how he planned to spend his day but he was  great sport...and was probably asleep in bed by 7pm.

He and I were both asking Yoy if she was tired on the drive home. She shook her head, "Mai Neu-aay." (Not tired.) "Madam neu-aay!" followed by lots of giggling. She was asleep 5 minutes later.

Imagination

Such a delight having children with big imaginations...

On Wednesday a package arrived from some dear friends in Iowa. Thank you so very very much Avitt family! Inside were "Birthmas" presents for the kids and boy were they thrilled!

 For D there was a fun craft activity and C received a Melissa & Doug Sushi set. C loves sushi of various types and has been serving the family California rolls with ginger slices and wasabi for the last 5 days. D got in on the fun too and combined C's Japanese restaurant with her own current interests.

ISB kids had Thursday and Friday off from school so we made sure to spend some of that free time in the pool. The kids took their floating pirate island and water toys and had an elaborate pretend-play session going on with pirates and mermaids. T and I laughed at the names they've given to the pirates, "Dave" and "John" were the cleverest of pirate names don't you think!?

Finally, as I was washing D's hair today and offering a free scalp massage, she informed me that she and her friends spent some of their recess time this week playing "spa." 3 of the girls took turns laying on the playground bench and receiving a massage from their friends. Hilarious! I wish I could have been there to take a photo. I wonder if it's time to take D in for her first official foot massage. :) Will be a great way to spend some QT together!

What a Weekend!

Ever heard someone say the need a vacation from their vacation? Well I needed a weekend after our weekend today. It was all really fun stuff, but it was all back to back, only spending enough time at home to make a mess of the place. But boy did we have fun!

Saturday was spent fishing with friends at Bung Samran Fishing Park. This was a fun family excursion and we were all glad we braved the heat to sit by the water and catch some whoppers!

 The bungalow is staffed with 2-3 men that bait your hook (with a ball of bread crumbs, see above) and cast for you. We sit a few minutes, wait for the bite, and whoever cares to have a turn brings the fish in. The bungalow men then help you scoop the fish out of the water with their net and they remove the hook.

We pose for photos and then they toss him back in. Awesome!

The day ended at the Schottlers house with a bbq. 9 happy kids ate, played and watched dvds together while 6 tired (and happy) parents shared beers and laughs. Awesome night guys!

Sunday was church downtown and a great reunioin with a friend from our Oklahoma days. JR was in town for a few days and we were able to catch up with him and enjoy a great dinner out at the Hajime Robot Restaurant. Japanese buffet served by robots! LOVED IT! Order your food on the touch screen and the robot delivers to your table and takes away your empty dishes! We made sure he came plenty of times to deliver our dinner!

Bon voyage JR! Until next time!