Kidzania: Congrats girls!

As a reward for basically knowing (not all completely, but all mostly), their 80 catechism questions  David promised the girls a big adventure outing. We did remind them that this was all made possible by MeiMei (baby sis), otherwise we would not be in Bangkok!

We decided to try the much touted 'Kidzania', an expensive, but hands-on creative play for kids, to very literally act out grown-up jobs: auto mechanic, airplane pilot, fireman, vet, McDonalds worker (not kidding), Japanese restaurant chef, magician, theater show, Delivery person. And this was not just your card-board box set up. Each activity was sponsored by a real name-brand restaurant or brand of whatever it was they were doing. They spent 4.5 hours at this place, entertained the whole time, and loving it.

Let's back up a bit and start the day's adventures. In the morning they went to get their teeth cleaned, and both girls did fantastic! They came back for a little snack and to start their next adventure.

They left the guest house around 11 a.m. to get to Siam Paragon Mall and eat Yaki Soba. Paragon's Asian Food court is amazing, and their Yaki Soba is the best! I called them around 12:30 just to make sure I had David's correct phone number, as we planned to meet up at Outback steakhouse for dinner, just two malls over from Paragon.

David said Sophia has a story tell you (this is never good). This is what she said: 'we were on the train and then went to the escalator, and it started going really fast, and daddy had both our hands, and the bao an (guard, in Chinese), was running to turn it off, it was crazy'.  David confirmed that indeed their was a real and dangerous mishap with the escalator, it started going double/triple speed and everyone was having to jump on and off (the line up to get on was fairly long, so people didn't realize it until they were already queued with no where else to go). Yes, the guard was frantically trying to stop it. I was so amazed he told me he did not see anyone fall, or get hurt. And all I did was praise God that I was not there with Tobin, we surely would not have been so stable! Later on when Tobin and I did take the sky train and go the exact same way to meet up with them, that escalator was still shut down and mechanics were working on it.
I asked the girls if they were scared, they said it was fun!

Back to Kidzania
These pics were all taken on David's iphone, and it was dark in this place, so none of them are very good.

You start at a very real looking bank (CIMB sponsors this, a real bank here in Thailand), you get a check and cash it here. At some places you pay your 'money' and at other places you make money.

getting their checks cashed.

Next they made real hamburgers at McDonald's. Yes, another real sponsor, logo was everywhere. The beef or pork (whichever you choose), was already cooked. They washed their hands well, and then added all the toppings.

After learning how to do it, they washed their hands, if their hands were not dry they were made to go re-dry them.

then they put onions, pickles, ketchup etc. on the burger and top it with a bun, wrap it up, and get to take it home (I ate if for lunch today, a normal McDees burger). 

Next, the fire station. Training always happens first, at every event.

 dressed and ready, they really got on the truck and it really went to the 'fire'.

 They used real water hoses with water shooting out to put out a 'two story' building fire (not real fire).

Next, they learned how to change a tire. Now, this could prove useful! David said they did it from start to finish. 

The Vet station. Acting like real doctors, with real stethoscopes, they learned how to treat pets. 

Delivering a package!

Becoming Magicians. Both girls said this was their favorite part of the whole thing.

 Sophia showing her magic.

Bella made these flowers appear...

In between they also went to the theater, where they could have participated in the show if they wanted, both opted to watch instead, it was some version of 'The Little Mermaid'. 

Next, they became Japanese Sushi Chefs, making real sushi (David said that Sophia was concerned about 'what can mommy eat, is she allergic?' So sweet. I am very allergic to shrimp and who knows what other kind of shellfish).  David ate this for lunch today, it did include crab meat, probably imitation, but who knows. He said it was great!

 We have actually made Sushi as a family before, it is fun!

The last thing they did was go into a mock cockpit. Sophia said it was not what she expected, but still enjoyed it. Parents were not allowed inside that one....

They had a great day, and it was well deserved. Tobin and I walked up to get a taxi to the skytrain, then walked a ways to get up to the train, and then walked even more (through  2 malls) to get to Outback to meet up with them around 5: 30. He was a trooper with all the walking! We had a wonderful meal (David and I split a burger, the kids split a kids' rib meal, and we all shared the bloomin' onion). Our seat overlooked a park and a picturesque view of part of Bangkok.

Then we walked our half mile (at least) back to the sky train for home!

Tobin Speak

Yesterday David took the girls to their Dentist appointments and then on a crazy adventure as a reward for them learning their catechism questions (a different post). Basically, it was Tobin and me all day. 

As I pushed him on the swing, he said something about daddy and then completely unprompted said: "I love Daddy." 

"what did you say?"

"I love daddy"

"Aww....I love your daddy too!" 

Today on the swings he pretty much did the same thing. He does love his daddy. 

He loves to swing and I could push him for hours. But I can't stand or stand the heat that long, so I say, mommy is going to take a break, play with something else. After I rest and ask if he wants to swing again he says: 'did you take break mommy?' 'you need a break mommy?'

I was singing also while we he was swinging, and he said: 'sing uncle Spencer mommy!' To which I reply, 'I don't know all the words to that song'. He said: 'I need a paper to sing uncle Spencer' and I said: 'Yes, I need a paper to sing Uncle Spencer' (at home we have a song sheet we use sometimes for morning worship).

 

Last night as we got ready for bed, he was pretending to be Bella's daddy, she laid down on the floor, he found her baby doll, gave it to her, kissed her good night, prayed for her (he whispered it, but I heard: 'in Jesus, Amen' and said, 'don't call anymore!' 

(yes, we are laughing constantly at our house).

This morning during an outdoor break, The girls were playing house in a big wooden tree house type thing, that has attached swings. Tobin was driving his 'car' the same kind we have in China. He was a taxi driver. Sophia taught him everything, it was hilarious. He would go pick up Bella and take her back to the 'house'. He would get off first and hold out his hand to help her off. It was so gentlemanly and precious. If he forgot, Sophia would say, you have to practice your manners!

BKK days, no normal yet

 

Kids playing house. Sophia put them down for bed in the closet...they obey her pretty well. 

Our first week in Bangkok was scattered with doctor's appointments, settle-in type shopping, and a few fun adventures. But we are ready for more routine. This is hard without a real space to call our own yet, but we are finding ways here and there. 

In the last 6 days we have done a few days of homeschool and the bare minimum of that. But for now, I am pleased with it. We try to have PE daily by going to the pool in the late afternoon (3:30-5:30ish). David finally had a work day today, and we hope to really continue with his office hours until the baby comes. 

It is hot, but overcast a bit, which makes things cooler. 

Today at the pool Tobin hadn't yet put on his floaties and started going in. And then he really didn't want them. We could have forced them but we decided to keep a close eye and see....he can't swim, but he is learning. He flops himself under the water and comes up fine as he stands on the steps. This inspired Bella to do the same, she has made progress too. Sophia's progress has been in her ability to swim the length of the pool (she can't touch), by taking only a few breaths, and really being able to swim to the bottom and pick up stuff.

We met a beautiful family at the pool today, with four kids of their own. They are from Dubai, and will be here a few more days. They have two girls and two boys all 8 and under!

Tomorrow I am taking Bella on a mommy date with me to my weekly check-up, and next week it will be Soph's turn. This was recommended by a friend with many kids....taking every opportunity to spend quality time with the other kids one-on-one leading up to the birth. 

That is the low-down from here.

BKK: Destination Ferris Wheel, Asiatique Market

This was an evening outing. The market where we were headed didn't open until five. The kids were pumped about the 60 meter high ferris wheel. We checked it out online, and decided Tobin and I would join in too!

 This is the kind of boat we were on to get to Asiatique market.

 This barge was being pulled by a pretty small boat, to the amazement of the kiddos.

 

This riverwalk market area is fairly new, very clean, and is a little bit of an upscale night market.

We didn't shop, but what we did love about it was the safety feel of it, and lack of 'adult' stuff you find in almost any night market in Thailand. We had walked just 20 feet of one night market to get to eat at subway and were thoroughly disgusted, though not surprised.  This place, Asiatique, was the opposite.

Seems pretty high! let's do it! 

The gondola was enclosed in glass, and had AC! So nice.

Bella was a tad scared at first, while Tobin didn't know that he should have been. I told Bella that it was just like being in an airplane, and she really got that and was comforted. (She is the one that says 'wee' during Turbulence while  I clutch the armrests).

 I really think Tobin was singing in this picture.

 Sophia helped us take this picture. 

Pointing out some cool sites. I did not admit it until we were off the Ferris Wheel, but on the first go round, my palms were a little sweaty, after that I was fine. It was pretty high, and I have never been afraid of heights, but it had been a long time...

This kid....cracks us up. 

Mei Mei (baby sis) really started moving and kicking while on the ride, So the girls came over to feel!

Are your ears popping Tobin? Mine just did!

The 'market' streets. We ate pizza for dinner, it was yum.

Tobin started walking with his hands behind him, like the little big man that he is.

Dessert? Dunkin' donuts of course! This was a really cool place, with their decor all ancient style. 

I, of course, loved their stools:

Altogether we had a terrific evening! We decided to try a taxi back, but about 15 minutes in and stand-still traffic, we opted out. Where to? You guessed it, back on the Skytrain!

BKK: Getting around

Waiting for the BTS Sky train. While this is a great way to avoid traffic, it can get super crowded, so with three kids in tow, it can get a little scary trying to keep up. But they love the sky train. From where we are staying we walk down the street a little ways to get a taxi or tuk tuk, if available. We take these the shortest distance possible to avoid traffic.

On this outing we were headed all the way down to the river, which meant a taxi, two different skytrain lines, and a boat ferry to get to our destination. It actually was a blast, and the kids loved it.

The girls squatted down to wait, and I commented to David that they were so Chinese.

We switched train lines and got on the one going to the pier. Then we headed to the dock. 

Our kids, like all, are curious, and point and talk about things they are seeing. Sometimes it may be about someone (like why is that guy wearing pink finger nail polish). David started speaking in Chinese to me, telling me to tell them to speak in Chinese if they start saying something they shouldn't. We happened to be sitting on the sky train, and the guy standing right in front of us, said: 'oh your mandarin is so good', he was very friendly, and told us he was radio DJ in Taiwan, and insisted we look him up if ever in Taiwan, and promptly handed us his card. He is one who in no way looked Taiwanese, but he did look like a radio DJ (whatever they look like). After he got off David said: 'here is what we learn from this situation: whenever we speak Chinese to talk about something, there are people who can still understand us'. We laughed about this for a few minutes and headed down to the line for the boat.

 while waiting in line, the ladies in front of us were speaking Mandarin. I just gave David a knowing smile.

 

 David, and his 'mini-me'.

 The girls were plastered to the edge, taking in all the sites on the water.

 It was pretty crowded!

BKK Day 3 or 4, or what day is it?

On Saturday we got out early, hit Toys-R-Us and Big C. I am trying to knock things off of my list, baby prep things (like newborn diapers), and then things to take back to China (like a good skillet and digital kitchen timer). The kids enjoyed playing some games in a play area, and all three loved the Yaki Soba (Japanese Teriyaki noodles). Thai food courts are AWESOME and cheap! We went swimming that afternoon and walked up to Subway for dinner....

We hope NOT to eat out so much, it is damaging our budget, but we still have no idea when/if we will get our apartment. There is a main kitchen here that I can use for any meal but breakfast, but the stove is a huge gas one that looks very intimidating. Come Monday we hope to settle to some semblance of routine. These 3 days of fun settling in and good eats have been good for us though....

Today (Sunday), we had a good time of family worship (Tobin went to bed the previous night singing: "His lovingkindness Oh how good"), and Bible reading. We then headed out to a mall early to let the kids go to an outdoor park before it got too hot and for me to hit a local used bookstore about a 7 minute walk away. We did all of that and I was set to get my haircut. However, there were no available appointments until noon. I eventually found the fam at Krispy Kreme, my blood sugar had dropped so low that I was feeling faintish and glad I found them! We ate an early lunch. I got my haircut, while trooper dad took the kids around and we met up in the bookstore.

We didn't get Tobin down for his nap (and me) until almost 2. David took the girls swimming without us from 3-5 and Tobin and I slept until past 4! Bella let David take her floaties off! And apparently she made real progress in swimming. Sophia bribed her to go underwater by promising her the rest of her bag of skittles. It worked. Bella is our timid girl, which is fine by us. When she got back she said: 'I am brave at swimming!'

Tomorrow I have promised that we will do some sort of school, CC review at the very least...David has doc appointments all day. And we may just hit the latest and swankiest market in BKK for dinner: Asiatique, check it out here. Everyone really wants to ride the ferris wheel!