Tea and Cheerios

Last weekend, we received a package from Aunt Sally that delighted our hearts- it was full of wonderful tastes of home! Rhianna has really missed Georgia peaches this Summer, and Sally sent us peach tea, peach scone mix, peach muffin mix, and assorted other goodies including nuts and Cheerios! She also sent a tea set for Emmy's birthday, which she has played with nonstop. Thank you Aunt Sally!

Good Buddies

Every morning except Wednesday, Emmy and PJ play while Rhianna and her teammate Crystal, PJ's mom, study with their Thai tutor. They are just the same age, and have a tremendous time together (most of the time!). It's a real treat for Emmy to have regular playtime with her good buddy, and they're learning all sort of good lessons about sharing and kindness from their time together.

Tea Party!

One day this week Emmy spent the day at Gracyn's. Gracyn's mom, Kim, made a tea party for the girls. Needless to say, this was tremendous fun for them, and they felt like such little ladies! Kim let them help make muffins, made sandwiches and tea, and set a lovely table. We are so blessed to have such good friends and neighbors, and Emmy adores her friend Gracyn!

The King's Park

Last weekend we went on a family outing to a park near our home. The park was created in honor of the current King of Thailand, and it is a beautiful place. It has lovely landscaping, a lake, and the structure you can see in the photo below, which houses artifacts from the King's life. It's quite interesting, and you can learn a great deal about him. He's truly a Rennaisance man- a musician (saxophone), painter, even a sailor and a boat builder! All of this in addition to being the most-beloved Thai King of all time and putting in place many initiatives to sustain both agriculture and industry in this country.

What a treat!

Riding the "swan paddleboats". No life vests here; you just get in the boat and go!

Where's Emmy?

Peek-a-boo!

Chinatown

Tim joined his language school classmates for a trip to China town to celebrate the completion of their first module. They took a water taxi on the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the heart of Bangkok.

Teak Boat on the Chao Phraya River

The infamous durian, Thailand's fruit that has a terrible odor
but is said to have a delicious taste... many public places,
like hotels, have signs that say "No durian allowed!"

Emmy's 3 Year-Old Checkup

Children's Discovery Center

On our first full day in Thailand, Emmy accidentally got a bead stuck in her nose. We had to take a trip to a local hospital to have it removed. She enjoyed replaying this scenario at the Children's Discovery Center...except this time she decided to be the doctor.

Where's the fire?!

Tim jamming in the World Percussion room

Rembrandt in Thailand

We were pleased to view the first ever Rembrandt Exhibition in Thailand. The exhibit was part of the celebration of the King of Thailand's 60 years of reign and featured over 60 etchings by the Dutch master.

Rhianna at 7 and a Half Months

Family English Camp

Gracyn, PJ and Emmy enjoy some time on the beach during the Family English Camp in Cha Am. Seventy-five Thais attended the weekend of fun, sun and fellowship.

Emmy Turns 3

"Thank you for my new Care Bear bed, Papa Jeff and Granna,
and for my new shirt, Uncle Andy and Aunt April!"

Khao Yai National Park

Tim took a trip to Khao Yai National Park
with two teammates, Jack and Paul and 5 interns
from Valdosta State in Georgia. They're here
working with our team for the summer.

Package!

~ Enjoying some grape juice pops ~
Thank you for the package with popsicle sticks
and other assorted goodies LaNell!
Ironically, they were made in Thailand,
purchased in the U.S. and sent
back across the world!

Hello From Thailand

Hello Family and Friends!
In an effort to stay in touch with many of you and communicate about our lives in this far away place, we've decided to begin this online journal. We hope to be able to share pictures and stories that will allow you to be a part of life here in Bangkok. Hope you enjoy...