Gracyn's dinosaurs

Gracyn got a new drawing book and markers today at Emmy's birthday party. There were dinosaurs on the marker package which inspired her to draw. Here are some of the shots!

Mossie attack

Look at my poor baby! He looks like Dumbo. While we were out at the playground one evening, some mosquitoes nibbled his ear. As you can see, his ear got quite swollen. It was very itchy and bothersome, but he handled it well. Don't forget your OFF this summer!

Bejewelled Bangkok

Festivities celebrating the King's Diamond Jubilee are coming to a close. It has been interesting to see the Thai people so proud of their nation and their King over these last few weeks. People have been wearing yellow as much as possible and in every imaginable shade. TV sets have been showing montages of the King's life and are being shown all over the city on the many sets dotted around town. It is touching to see the people stop and watch the live footage of the King's celebrations with huge smiles and looks of admiration and appreciation. People have had tears in their eyes and made many declarations of living a better lifestyle in honor of the King. Dignataries have flown in from all over the world to pay homage to the King and there have been ceremonies and dinners given in his honor. The Bangkok Post has printed neat stories of the accomplishments he has made. The city has been decorated in lights and bejewelled arches in certain parts of town. A new 60 baht bill in a yellow shade has been issued in honor of the Diamond Jubilee and people have lined up at banks to get a hold of these commemorative notes. I haven't gotten any yet, but do have the commorative banknotes of his 50th year on the throne celebration. Have I been hear that long to witness 2 jubilees? I guess so. Wow! I wish I had pictures to share but check out the Bangkok Post link for pictures.

Welcome Back Veldhorsts

We'd like to extend a warm welcome back to our team leader and his family returning from Home Ministry Assignment. The Veldhorsts have been in the States for 1 year in the cool Wisconsin climate. They returned yesterday to a very warm Bangkok! Our team is very excited to have them back.

Wear Yellow for the King

I told you last month that Thailand is celebrating the King's 60th year on the throne. Last month was the annual Coronation Day observance. This month will be full of festivities to mark the King's reign on the throne. For the next two weeks the public will be encouraged to wear yellow for the King. Because of this, one would be hard pressed to find a yellow shirt left in stores and markets and there has also been a huge demand on yellow cloth. Homes are flying the Thai flag as well as a yellow King's flag. Downtown streets are dotted with yellow orchids planted in the medians. The Royal Barge is scheduled to make a royal procession down the Chao Praya River. This is quite a sight with tons of oarsmen rowing ornate barges down the river with the King in his special barge. The Royal Barge procession doesn't occur except for very special occassions. The last viewing of the Barge was in 2003 during the APEC conference in Thailand when world leaders gathered to discuss economics. Thais look forward to the procession and will gather along the banks of the Chao Praya hoping for a glimpse.

I haven't been blogging much these days because we have been so busy. We have entered into a super busy stretch of time with welcoming 2 new career families to Bangkok and with preparing for our team leader and family to return in a week and a half. We also have 7 people joining us as interns this summer starting next week. There is much to do. The girls are going to the Night Bazaar tomorrow and who knows what interesting sights we will see. Stay tuned.

Snake Saga part 2

I did a search on the web tonight to see if we could identify the snake. I found out that it was a Golden tree snake and it is not very dangerous. It is considered to be in the non-poisonous category. I think they do bite if provoked but are harmless. Nice to know.

Here are a few action shots.

Snake Saga

The Snake Saga continues at our house. As I was washing dishes today I saw a snake slithering through our backyard where Gracyn planted a little pumpkin patch. I quickly scooped up Aidan, put Gigi in the house and went to find our security gaurd/snake handler. Of course he was out on rounds. So I waited and waited, hoping he would soon come back. I kept checking on the progress of the snake to make sure this one didn't get away like last time. He was still there moving around in the garden. Finally, a security gaurd came by our street on his motorbike and I was able to flag him down. Then, our regular security gaurd came back to his post. They armed themselves with my rake and went to find him. He wasn't there! I was starting to wonder if I might develop a reputation for crying snake. The security guards did a quick search aided by Gracyn telling us from a watching window where the snake went. He was up in a tree. Our back yard neighbors came out to see what all the fuss was about and saw the snake. One guard went to their house to help knock the snake out of the tree into our yard so that the other guard could club it with my rake. They were successful and said snake is no longer with us. I then asked my guard to pose for a photo shoot! He didn't know what kind of snake it was but said it was not a run of the mill garden variety!

Welcome Henry Family!

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Paul, Crystal, PJ and Calvin Henry on their move to Bangkok! The Henry's have been in Thailand since June 2005, but have been studying the Thai language in Lop Buri. Today, they will move to Bangkok to be with the team. They will continue to study Thai and work part time. We give thanks for their arrival.

More of the same.

These are for my Mom, so indulge me please. My Mom bought this dress for Gracyn's Easter. She's been dying to see these. Have fun Mom.

Stir Crazy

I'm feeling a bit stir crazy. Maybe it's all the rain we've been having. Maybe it's because Jack threw his back out and I'm pulling more of a load than I normally do. I don't know what it is, but I'm sooo in the mood to be laying by the pool of some beach resort flipping through magazines and watching the kids frollick happily. I want to swim in some beautiful ocean waters and drink some froo froo tropical fruit drinks. I want to walk on the sandy beaches and see beautiful sunsets. I want to build sandcastles and collect seashells. I want to snorkel and see rainbow colored fish. I want to eat amazing seafood and be carefree for just a few days.

Welcome Mills Family!

We are thrilled to welcome Tim, Rhianna, Emmy and baby Mills to the Thailand team! They will be arriving in Thailand in about 15 hours. Thus begins their adventures in "The Big Mango".

Gracyn by the pond.

These guys grill over discarded Shell oil drums.

Let's feed the fish!

This place sure is interesting!

Bung Ma Ruay

Near our house there are several outdoor restaurants on bung (ponds). We decided to try out a relatively new one. There are about 10 near our home. We went to Bung Ma Ruay...the "come get rich pond". This is the literal translation of the restaurant name! This bung had some of the best Thai food we've had in a long time. Thais love to eat at these bung for the atmosphere. You can sit at a traditional table or eat in a thatch roofed bungalow by the water's edge. Kids love to buy loaves of bread to feed the fish. It is quite an experience. Some of these places even host Karaoke parties, but we normally eat too early for this fun.

The finished product

For dinner I also tried to make Cashew Chicken. It turned out well. We were all pleased, except for Aidan who thought it was a tad spicy. I actually made it pretty tame. After dinner, we had our mango and sticky rice dessert which also turned out well. Cooking Thai food is fun!