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!