Bangkok Week 703

December 16, 2021

An exceptionally busy week for Arlo: two swimming lessons, a birthday party, brunch with Uncle Simon, a trip to the farm, and two visits to his new school! Oh, and his Puu even came up from Trat to say hello!

Arlo's very happy to be talking to Granny and Grandpa on this holiday Friday morning.

And then it's off to swimming! Here is Arlo!

Kicking on his motor boat... but totally distracted.

And practicing kicking with the noodle.

Jump from the edge and swim to Mum!

And practicing our back float. Still need some practice!

Afternoon walk around the Moo Baan.

Couldn't have timed it better: the ice cream man is here!

Stopping at home to enjoy our ice cream, before resuming our walk.

Special dinner: Indian, from a new restaurant (since our old go-to has recently become a fancy vegan restaurant).

Swimming on a Saturday? This must be a make-up lesson!

This teacher is really working the kids.

Arlo's kicks don't meet this teacher's standards yet!

Practicing kicking and paddling with the noodle... and drinking all the pool water too.

Teacher Big shows Arlo how to paddle with his arms.

Time to swim to Mum!

And a standing jump! We've moved on from belly flops. Now it's just a walk off the edge.

Back at home, resting up and reading some books.

And then Busy Arlo is off to Dante's 3rd birthday party, at Inn Train.

Trying the (very fast) slide, on his own accord.

And trying to play tennis with Dad.

Hanging out with the (slightly) older kids.

Happy Birthday, Dante!

Blow out the candles! (These professional-looking photos are by Dante's dad, who is a professional photographer!)

Arlo's always hamming it up for the camera.

Passing around the cake, for all to try.

Arlo finally found a working car. No way he's giving it up now!

And walking along the elevated rope bridge with Dad.

This is an improvement since September, when he didn't want to go near it.

Hi, Mum!

Happily -- but cautiously -- walking along.

Checking out the rope pulley with Dad.

Continuing along.

And finally at the end!

A few last rounds on the car before we go.

Family photo, to document the joy Arlo felt at the party.

Waiting for the bus to go home.

And on Sunday morning, Uncle Simon came for a visit! He hadn't been over in more than a year.

Cheese!

Reading a book, at Arlo's request.

Cheese! See you soon.

And a late-afternoon trip to the farm nearby, to run around and get some of our afternoon energy out.

A duck!

It's much quieter than the other weekend.

Baby duckies! Oh-so-cute.

Arlo checks out one of the full-grown ducks.

And -- aww -- then takes a good look at the babies.

So cute and fluffy!

Very interested in the pinwheels today.

And checking in on his chickens.

Trying to grab the bananas.

Here, this one is within reach!

Lots of mulberries ready to be picked.

Stopping to enjoy a picnic of fresh bananas and mango.

These pebbles are really something! Have to bring our shovels and construction equipment next time.

The Monkey in Arlo is really coming out.

Arlo said it was easier to hang fancing in, so this didn't last long.

Arlo the barista: here he is, preparing coffee for everyone.

And he was invited to play chalk with the neighborhood kids.

Not totally sure what's going on. Why are we drawing on the road?

Interesting. But fun?

It's December 14th! Time for Arlo's measure-in.

And setting off to visit Arlo's new school.

Taking our temperature and checking in.

Scoping out the place.

Well, it's neat because it has a big sandbox. Too bad the sandbox is filled with icky sand!

These pans are fun to bang on.

And not long after Arlo got back from his school visit, Puu arrived!

Popping bubbles together.

And enjoying the special sticky rice dessert that Puu brought.

Puu helps Arlo drink his milk, before nap time.

Back at school for a second morning: trying more activities this time.

Two new opportunities for Arlo: using Markers, and drawing on an easel.

Arlo's contribution to the class art of the day.

Scoping out the giant sand box. If only those trucks weren't so deep inside.

Maybe it's easier to get the trucks from up here?

And taking a trike for a quick stroll, before heading home. We'll be back next month (we hope)!

A farewell hug with his Puu. We'll see him again next week!

And speaking of grandfathers, Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!