Bangkok Week 742

September 15, 2022

Can you believe it? Our little baby Arlo turns 3 this week! And what a nice birthday he has — with cakes, gifts, family, and trucks aplenty! Happy birthday, Arlo! Oh yes, and Granny arrived this week, too. Welcome back, Granny!

Breakfast with Puu: sharing some of his rice porridge.

Well, at least one person seems to like it.

A portrait with 3 generations.

Oldest and youngest.

Arlo accompanies Puu to the bus station.

Waiting with him, for the bus to arrive.

Big hug! See you next time, Puu. Thank you for coming to visit.

Back at home, trouble's brewing. Looks like someone's ready to take a dive.

Lucy looks concerned.

Playing badminton with an origami ball. This didn't last long.

Big hugs for big brother! Love, Lucy.

Getting out of the house, and trying the new (gourmet) ice cream shop around the corner.

They've got about a dozen flavors, and (unlike other ice cream shops in Thailand) you're allowed to sample as many flavors as you'd like before deciding. Arlo tried several.

Arlo decided on Salted Caramel, and seemed to be pretty pleased with his choice.

Lucy was very well-behaved, but couldn't help but feel she was missing out on something.

High stools and a great view of all the passing traffic. What could be better?

At last, Arlo found the perfect neon sign.

Indulging: watching then 1971 animated "The Cat in the Hat" musical.

And getting out of the house to shake off a tantrum.

This balance bike is soon too small for Arlo! Better figure it out soon!

Special pizza dinner tonight: Pizza Mania now offers plant-based pepperoni.

What a treat!

Meanwhile, Lucy is enjoying special attention from K. Wan, who's flooded in.

Another record downpour, with record flooding.

So the next morning, Arlo can't believe his eyes: an empty living room, with endless possibilities.

It's the perfect place to scoot, among other things.

Helping to clean up the rug, before putting it back on the floor.

Take two: we didn't make it to our swimming lesson yesterday, but the mood is better for today!

Cheering on his sister from the sideline as she bounces away in her Jumperoo.

Lucy's trying to contain her excitement...

... but she can't help it! This Jumperoo is just too fun!

Portrait of a girl, and her ride.

Newest form of entertainment: sharpening pencils.

And Arlo discovered the floral head gear in the office (i.e. his new bedroom).

Trying on all the bits and pieces.

Can an ice cream cone help to temper the temper of this boy? Let' see.

Hiding out together upstairs.

Cheese, she says!

Arlo and Dad enjoy a normal Monday morning before school...

... when suddenly, Granny appears!

Hi Granny, says Lucy! I recognize your voice!

Someone's happy to see this masked lady. But why won't she take off that mask?

And Granny is happy to see Lucy, too.

Quick check: how's the new cactus flower doing? It's getting bigger fast!

Arlo enjoys his afternoon milk with Granny, who brought an all new stack of books!

Lucy's practicing her best airplane.

The big (birth) day is approaching! And the cupcakes are ready for school.

The novelty of having Granny around still hasn't worn off for Lucy. And vice-versa.

It's time to try some pumpkin, Lucy! Yum yum!

Arlo's practicing his coloring... with pen?

Oh my! It's Wednesday morning, September 14th! That means our not-so-baby Arlo turns 3 today! Happy birthday, Arlo!

The day of birthday surprises starts by assessing all the decorations. Look, A-R-L-O balloons!

Excited by his new snowplow from Grandpa. And new storybook from Granny.

Zoom goes the snowplow! (Eat your breakfast, Arlo!)

And oh-my-goodness, Arlo also got two Matchbox vintage cars from P'Noi and P'Natalie.

Lucy's not sure what all the fuss is about.

The birth of a cactus cake, in 3 parts.

And it's cupcake time!

We're fortunate to have been allowed into Arlo's class to celebrate.

Blowing out the (first of a few) candles. Happy birthday, Arlo!

Showing off his giant birthday hat -- how smart.

Someone's been eyeing the sprinkles all week. Finally, time to dig in!

Eating from the top down.

Well, no complaints about the frosting.

Arlo's appetite seems fine here.

Back at home, the celebrations continue. Oh no -- more present!

Arlo looks excited by what's inside.

It's a tow truck and a car to tow...

... and a crane truck with stabilizers!

"Holding up" the crane truck with stabilizers, so I can get a good look.

And as a bonus, they all fit onto Arlo's railroad tracks.

A picture of Lucy with the birthday boy, for the record.

But the birthday boy wasn't too keen to hold his sister. "She's too drooly."

Well, Lucy has hugs for her big brother, anyway.

And measuring up. We'll find out his official height next week!

Relaxing with Dad, and reading his new book, Troll.

It's action time! Second round of birthday cake for the day!

Granny's set on making the cactus cake a surprise.

And what a surprise it is! A cactus cake!

Arlo's gotten good at blowing out the candles.

Look! Spikes! And flowers.

Arlo seems to like the cake.

The novice decorating attempt doesn't seem to bother him.

Can't believe this boy is 3 years old already!

Digging in already? Who taught this boy his manners?

Suddenly, Arlo's really good at using a fork.

And his appetite seems to have come back!

Everyone, open wide!

A birthday kiss for P'Noi.

What's this!? More presents for Arlo? Oh no!

A colorful card, hand-decorated by Auntie Erika.

Oh my goodness, it's a backhoe loader.

And a dump truck, too?

And a matchbox skidsteer? How cute! Arlo is over-the-moon. Let's end the birthday now!

Lucy's pretty excited by the bright yellow dump truck, too. Yum yum!

Thursday morning, Arlo indulges: leftover cupcake for breakfast!

Lucy's inspecting this book. Anything good to eat here?

Hi Dad! Where have you been, Dad?

Lucy's nice and awake now...

... so that means, time for some more pumpkin!

Reading another new book with Granny. How many new books are there?

Patiently waiting her turn to read books with Granny, too.

What? Cactus cake for an afternoon snack? Lucky Arlo!

Granny can babysit Lucy all day, when she loves her Jumperoo so much.

And Arlo finally gets to play with the keyboard he's been talking about.

Someone's too tired to sit in her own chair through dinner. So here's the next best option!

Uh oh! It's an Arlo sandwich!

And trying out his brand new PJs from Granny. Good night, and see you next week!