Bangkok Week 765 — Mika's Photos

Lucy's at swimming again -- that must mean it's Friday!

Waiting patiently for class to start.

Where is Lucy?

Practicing her tummy kicks...

... and her cup conditioning.

Chasing the ball across the pool.

Getting better going underwater alone.

We had to leave swimming early... but Lucy's looking all better now!

It's Arlo's last day of school before the mid-term break. He's making sure everything is in order before he goes home.

Lucy's obsession with corn on the cob continues.

And Arlo still really enjoys it, too.

Rest stop on our way to Trat... and what do we see? A pickup truck on the back of a flatbed? Double-whammy!

We're here, Lucy!

Lucy wastes no time settling in, even though she was only 5 months old last time she was here.

Trying to remember if she knows this guy.

Arlo definitely makes himself right at home! In fact, he was the first one into the house.

Lucy gets the feeling she can settle in here.

Oh my goodness, the news about the Great Corn Obsession made it to Trat, too!

Lucy, look at all these wonderful toys that await you here.

This is a brand-new car that Aa Top got just for lucky Lucy.

Arlo's teaching Lucy how to look out the front door... and to look for cats.

Checking out the new basketball hoop that Aa Top got for Arlo.

What's this? A robot vacuum, you say? Too good to be true!

There's a wonderful new bedroom setup upstairs, where Arlo and Dad will be sleeping tonight.

And Bella! Let's not forget Bella!

We missed you too, Bella!

Turns out Lucy really missed you too, Bella!

Bring it in, Bella!

Bella is starting to second-guess our visit.

Lucy's settled in, and comfortable walking around by herself now.

Getting a tour from Aa Top. Look at all his hard-earned trophies.

Learning how to ride her new car. Like this, Uncle Top?

The moment Arlo's been waiting for: getting to harvest the baby corn with Yaa.

She's been saving them on the stalks for him.

Excitedly following the expert.

Oh hi, Bella. Are you here to help?

Great teamwork!

A basket of the biggest baby corn in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Lucy's come over to see what all the fuss is about.

This looks interesting!

Arlo is using all his might to lift the surprisingly heavy basket of baby corn.

This is exciting!

He can't help but peel an ear.

Ladies and gentlemen, here you have it: the largest baby corn in the kingdom.

So big, it requires two hands to hold. So big, it's not a baby anymore!

Aa Top has come over to see the harvesting too.

Puu would be happy to tote Lucy around all day.

And then it's off to see the healthy, productive durian tree in the back.

Someone can't help but feel a few spikes.

Everyone's excited for the durian-to-come.

Crossing fingers they stay healthy and hearty!

It's bath time! Lucy, do you feel like you have an audience?

Two naked children (and one cement mixer) enjoying bath time.

Brushing her teeth with Yaa.

Was it the cool, dark room? Was it the one nap the day before? Was it the return to her familiar travel bed? Who knows, but Lucy had a great sleep, only waking at 8:30am!

Meanwhile, Farmer Arlo can't wait to start his day.

Eating breakfast (eggs) while playing with one of her favorite toys (eggs).

Taking a page out of Arlo's book. Except that Lucy can't help but eat the gravel.

Arlo set up his own little cat-watching theater.

And never one to mind her own business, Lucy's here to see what this is about.

Tong, do you feel like you're being watched?

Checking out the tuk-tuk for the first time.

And playing with Tong's (previously Maruay's) leash.

Someone's feeling a little goofy, with 2 limes on his head.

Morning excitement: Puu is planting two new mango trees.

Now Puu is the one feeling watched.

Who's cute, and posing in the little chair?

Arlo asked to have his photo taken with Tong...

... who then proceeded to help clean Arlo's pants.

Lucy's getting lots of carry-time here, since she can't help but put small things into her mouth still.

Inspecting Bella...

... and tasting Bella.

These two will be friends. I can tell.

But first, Lucy will gently poke her eye.

Enjoying some indoor time with Yaa.

Speaking of Bella: she clearly enjoys her sunbathing, just like Maruay did.

Arlo's doing everything he can to engage with Tong, without touching him.

Lucy's got Arlo's new basket ball, and thinks she's clever for it.

There's quite the construction project underway here.

Now, with a garden shovel and ample water too.

I think it's a pool construction site.

Lucy is watching the endeavour with rapt attention.

And it's snack time!

Delicious black bean ice cream.

Everyone just hanging out, chatting.

Driving around with Aa Top.

Somehow, Arlo looks tiny in this photo!

He could sit here all day and all night.

The monkey's not cooperating with Yaa...

... so she tries her luck with the junior monkey instead.

Lucy, you have another full audience at bath time again.

Arlo's enjoying himself in this bath tub too.

And getting himself ready for bed in the new room.

The next morning, Arlo is sporting the new outfit from Aa Top.

Inspecting Puu's tire for any sign of flatness.

Bella! You're still here!

The two reacquainted pals, just hanging out together.

What's that?

Entertaining herself; practicing her dance moves.

Great portrait lighting, Lucy.

Getting in one last spin on her new car.

Aha! Caught kissing the cute girl in the mirror!

Watching dump truck videos with Aa Top.

And the pre-departure photos have begun.

Arlo again asked to be photographed with Tong.

Lucy is not very subtle about stealing Yaa's necklace.

Puu is testing his back strength...

... and here, Arlo looks like a giant.

Sure, Arlo, you can stay here with Yaa for the week!

It's full family photo time!

Oh good, now Bella is looking too.

And everybody!

With the grandparents.

We struck gold on the ride home: this quirky rest stop with all sorts of old vehicles. Like this classic Mini Cooper!

And a Japanese fire truck golf cart?

Trying his hand at the wheel.

Hold on tight!

A Vespa among old filling stations.

And driving a classic tuk-tuk.

This one is decidedly from a different era: but fun nonetheless.

You see a few like this every trip...

Finally home! And let's not forget that Lucy turns 11 months old today, too.

It was hard work getting her to lie down. Sitting is better, right Lucy?

Can't believe we'll have a one-year-old in less than a month!

Back at home and getting ready for a good night's sleep in their own beds!

It's a big laundry day the next morning... but where's my helper, Arlo?

Oh! Here he is!

One of Lucy's first encounters with broccoli: mixed reviews.

Holding tight her precious water bottle.

Big brother teaching her how to hold her water bottle. (Seems he lost the plot a bit.)

Dad is surrounded by a corn monster and a Pocky monster.

Taking bath time very seriously.

What are these two monkeys doing?

Turning Mr. P's hat upside-down. "Just like Mr. Topsy-Turvy" he said.

Incoming Arlo!

Lucy, are you awake yet?

Blurry wefie with m'kiddos, while waiting for P'Noi to arrive.

After much ado, finally taking Arlo to the rink for (to skate) for the first time since Grandpa left.

Given the holiday week, we thought there would be more people here!

Arlo enjoyed sitting and scraping up "snow" with his hands more than the actual skating.

Using the penalty box as a station for inspecting some large pieces of ice we found.

And sitting in the center of his own private rink!

Someone is making progress! He can "skate" half the width of the rink by himself now.

It was a good 50 minutes of private rink time, and now there's only one thing left to do...

... watch the ice resurfacing machine do its thing!

Oh my! Dad came home with a new plunger -- I mean, baseball bat! -- and Arlo wastes no time.

Arlo's brilliant idea: fruit-flavored milk!

Good Thursday morning, says Lucy. What's the neighborhood up to today?

Nice morning light.

Looking out for the cat she saw walk by right outside the window the other morning.

Nap time wefie!

Taking lunch very seriously.

And having his eyes checked. Nearsightedness!

Arlo was a good sport, waiting patiently throughout the entire process.

We bid you farewell this week with a deep question: tell me, who's about to be bonked on the head?