Bangkok Week 705 — Mika's Photos

Starting (resuming?) the week -- and Christmas Eve -- with a selfie with Aa Top.

Here's the result - how sweet!

And helping Yaa clean the floors. (It's mostly Bella hair!)

Speaking of Bella: Tong thinks she has some cleaning to do.

And up here on the face as well.

Tong is going to have quite the furball tonight! But Bella doesn't mind.

Time to say goodbye, until next time / next year!

And look who's fallen asleep after less than 30 minutes on the road! (It's not even 10am!)

Back at home, Arlo is ready for Christmas to begin!

Arlo gets to open one present on Christmas Eve -- lucky boy.

What is it, Dad? Is it really for me?

Oh my goodness, it's a Monster Truck!

Look at this Monster Truck, Mum!

And then watching The Snowman. Arlo's first movie!

Entranced would be an understatement.

Looks like Santa's successfully found his way into the house and left a few things under the tree. Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas morning! Arlo is very eager to see what Santa left him... in this Santa bag!

A new book! Mr. Postmouse's Rounds (in Thai) by a Quebecoise author/illustrator.

Wasting no time diving into the book.

And a new "little helpers" book ... this one tells the story of how the little helpers help Santa every year!

Arlo also got a great new book about Construction Sites from Granny... featuring Tom, Jason, and friends.

Wow, look at this bustling construction site!

Arlo, having his (now annual) call with Aunties Jasmine & Julia on Christmas Morning.

Meeting the new doggo too!

But wait, there's more. Baa Wan brought Arlo a Christmas present too!

All eyes on Arlo!

Oh my goodness, it's dinosaurs! Arlo doesn't have any dinosaurs yet. (Baa Wan says he needs to diversify.)

And she gave him Dinosaur Flash Cards, too. Time to study up, Arlo!

Setting up the dinosaurs.

And watching the other Christmas staple: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Equally enthralling!

Christmas continues: opening this nicely-wrapped box from Granny and Grandpa.

Why, it's a classic game of ring toss!

Mum had amazing beginner's luck. Arlo is using the technique of close range.

And Arlo got a new t-shirt from Granny and Grandpa, too. Looks like it'll fit perfectly!

Enjoying our Christmas pumpkin pie!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

But wait, there's more! There's time to pop into the ice rink down the street, to see the "Zamboni".

We found the ice resurfacing machine that does the hockey rink, parked in an accessible corner.

Arlo was psyched. But no, he wasn't allowed to sit on it.

What a great view, with these stadium seats too!

And now, it's time for the big 5pm showing!

Wow! This is what we came for! Zamboni!!!

Unclear whether it was actually doing anything to resurface the ice.

We were the only ones paying attention.

And what attention we were paying!

What a great Christmas Day!

Heading home, we found ourselves now parked amidst a colorful trio!

And one last Christmas hurrah: the party organized by the local housekeepers. Arlo went out to give out his holiday cards.

He also helped them open the cards he was giving out.

Continuing a tradition: Christmas dinner is (really nice) fresh veggie sushi.

Continuing our tradition of seeing Addison and her family on Boxing Day. Here's the nice tree in their lobby.

And at home, Christmas continues. What a great Clifford pop-up book!

Holding up (literally) the helicopter from Auntie Erika and Uncle Chad.

He enjoys it while it's off.

More presents! Arlo can't have too many books, right?

Oh my goodness, and more vehicle stickers.

And a new apron, so he can help P'Noi with her cooking.

If Arlo had it his way, all the stickers would be removed from the sheet already.

Starting a sticker book for Arlo, so he has someplace to put the stickers he so loves to peel.

Arlo can unlock the front gate on his own now.

Going for a Boxing Day walk around the neighborhood.

Finally! P'Noi is back, after a 1-week break. Arlo is happy to have her back -- as are we.

Lucky Bella went for a nice long walk along Ekkamai... only to find herself at the vet, for her annual shots.

Back at home, Christmas continues! A gift basket arrived for Dad, from Plan Toys.

Arlo had a picnic and ate the cashews like a pro.

Talking to Puu, recounting how his Christmas was.

Learning about Mr. Messy, and wondering where Arlo's straw went. Hmm.

We had to take photos of everyone who might pick up Arlo from school, to send to the school. Arlo's photo turned out surprisingly well!

Tuesday morning at the playground with P'Noi, while Mum and Dad run errands.

"This slide is slow!" proclaimed Arlo.

Not sure how to play on the jungle gym dome.

Getting some assistance, but deciding that climbing is not (yet) his cup of tea.

Boing boing boing! This springy whale is quite fun!

Mum had lunch with colleagues (some former) whom she hadn't seen in a long time.

And one of those former colleagues gave Arlo a lovely Christmas present.

Again, holding it up for the camera: a nice, soft Jim Thompson t-shirt. The poshest article of clothing that Arlo owns now.

What's this? Christmas continues!

Arlo opens his slinky!

On Wednesday morning, checking out the nice tin of Danish butter cookies that one of the neighbors brought Arlo. Oh boy, too many to choose.

Then Arlo's friend P'Kate came for a New Year's visit. They are pretty good at playing together.

P'Kate figured out the ringtoss game pretty quickly.

P'Kate was directing Arlo: Stop! Go!

And there was lots of running around!

Water break.

Watching as Dad gets lunch ready.

Pizza time!

And with all that pizza energy, it's bubble time!

Kate had a definite advantage: in part because she's slightly taller, but also much better-coordinated!

But Arlo had the upper hand here: in finding Wally.

Where's Wally?

Christmas shot of the two of them! P'Kate proudly holds up the book from Granny that she just opened on Arlo's behalf.

Dad took the car to the car wash: it's a great time to bike around!

Giving El the Elephant a back massage.

Oh my, the holidays continue: Arlo even got a present from P'Noi.

What could it be, in such an oddly shaped package?

A beautiful new backpack, for when Arlo starts school!! (🤞🤞🤞)

And splashing around in the pool: Arlo hasn't done that in a while.

Enjoying himself.

Aha! We finally know what Japanese restaurant is coming to replace the Hokkaido Seafood one that never reopened after COVID.