Bangkok Week 755 — Mika's Photos

It’s the day we’ve been waiting for for weeks: Arlo’s Christmas performance. It was nicely done, but everyone was warm and fatigued by the end. We celebrated Arlo’s friend’s 3rd birthday, and then went into the last school week of the year. The holidays are coming!

Friday morning: first order of business for Santa is to open the advent calendar!

Lucy is excited, too.

It's Arlo's school Christmas show today! First up is one of the younger nursery classes.

And Teacher Irene's nursery class, dancing to Feliz Navidad.

Third up is Arlo's class, marching to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker march.

They've been practicing for weeks.

Shh!

Some of the older kids did ballet!

Like this class

This was probably the most notable dance: Bollywood jingle bells!

And some good use of props.

The grande finale with everyone. Although we cannot find Arlo in this picture.

Done with the performance, and out of costume.

So proud of our performer!

Looking through the book that Santa brought him.

And eating a cake pop from the lunch table. (Good lunch!)

Scrutinizing the donut he just picked. Planning which bits to eat first.

Checking out this fireplace. How can Santa fit?

Arlo decided that outside was too much. He'd rather play in one of the classrooms.

But all roads lead to a sand pit!

Arlo climbed this tree by himself!

One more shot with the fireplace before heading home.

Santa gets all strapped in for his sleigh ride home.

Back at home, Lucy wonders: where have you all been?

She's happy to see everyone.

And is more than happy to spend her days standing now!

A big Saturday morning smile.

Uh oh, Lucy. Don't pull Arlo's hair: it's attached!

Another innocent smile.

Spending the morning resting; and watching Madeline (the 1988 animation).

Lucy! Is that where your diaper goes?

A late afternoon birthday celebration: wishing Arlo's friend Ronan a happy 3rd birthday.

Enjoying a cupcake...

... and a fruit kebab.

And oh-my-goodness, a piñata!

Arlo's a bit shocked by the behavior, but happy to give it a try himself.

Watching the other kids in fascination...

... and a little bit shocked and worried when the adults take a swing!

Arlo was not shy at all when it came to snapping up the candy.

I daresay he made out like a bandit!

Running back to empty his hands and go back for more.

Go, Arlo! Go!

Next time, Lucy, you'll be ready to play, too.

Sally (and Doug) came with their grandparents. Arlo hasn't seen Sally since his birthday in September.

Ronan's building has a great play area. Many slides...

... boo!

Lucy's first time on a see-saw. Arlo might have been on the rough side.

Lucy enjoyed crawling around on the rubber playground floor.

This is a great surface to crawl on.

Lucy stood mesmerized by the older kids climbing the ropes.

Making sure she wasn't missing any of the action, anywhere.

Meanwhile, Spiderman was getting his climb on.

Figuring out how to balance on the ropes.

Good job, Arlo!

A fun afternoon and a lovely birthday.

Sunday morning; Lucy is energized!

Arlo is enjoying M&Ms from the piñata for breakfast. Hmm.

Would you like some M&Ms for breakfast too, Lucy?

And following the M&M course with an advent calendar chocolate. Great meal!

Practicing his spelling with the letters for the stockings.

Playing together.

Arlo is lowering himself to Lucy's level of play.

Wow! Dad made another meal of gourmet fried rice for lunch!

The dining room chairs are great for pulling up and standing because they're so heavy and stable.

Smile! Mum and Lucy have a make-up lesson on Sunday afternoon, since we missed Friday due to the Christmas Show.

And voila! The stockings are ready for Santa now.

Oh my. Santa is looking a little winded from his bike ride around the block.

Monday morning - another holiday for Mum and Dad, but Arlo has school. So this chocolate ball is a consolation.

Lucy is confused as to why Arlo has to go to school today.

It's Uncle Simon! It's been exactly a year since we last saw him.

Lucy's first time meeting him, obviously.

Uncle Simon brought this beautiful orchid for us; Arlo loves it.

Looking cute in her jumperoo.

And standing comfortably.

Assessing the fountains on a late-afternoon walk around the block.

Lucy's pretty chill.

Oh my! Arlo got a new car -- an original Mini Cooper -- from the auntie in the next soi. Lucky Arlo!

Peeling his own egg for breakfast.

Hamming it up at school. Someone knows the term is almost over.

Back at home, Lucy's on the run.

Doing laps around the dining table...

... and leaning on Spike for (moral) support.

Hey! Who's that cutie in the mirror?

Mum! There's a little girl staring at me!

Getting some early morning reading -- I mean munching -- done before Arlo comes downstairs.

Looking cute.

Hi Dad! This is delicious dinner!

Arlo's coaching Lucy on how to eat her crackers.

It's December 14th. Time to measure up!

Lucy is up and ready for Thursday.

Doing some shopping on behalf of Santa.

Checking out her new favorite living room accessory.

Someone's on a mission.

Meanwhile, Mum is at the office for the first time this year! This is the development (ONE Bangkok) going up on the site of the old Suan Lum Night Bazaar.

Down below in Lumpini Park, the *giant* Red Cross Fair returns after a 2-year hiatus.

Great view; but this may be the last time. We're moving office in the first half of next year.

Lucy has found a great new place to stand: the dining chairs. Heavy and stable. See you next week!