Summer Reading

There is a great library here that was built about a year ago, but it is always empty. I decided to go check in out after speaking to a friend and see if I can bring more people to it. In the library there is an ACK room which is a special room called the American Corners Kazakhstan. It is an agreement between both governments to promote the USA and the English language. The room is somewhat air-conditioned and has decent a selection of books, magazines, movies, etc. But it is way underutilized. I thought about having the local children come in from camp or wherever would be fun. After much persistence with the director it finally happened.

The day of the BIG reading time, of course the kids were late and we were told that the kids were not coming, but as we were leaving the room they showed up. Their English was limited, so I started out with the boy's favorite book, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?” The kids liked saying the words out load when encouraged. I then moved on to a Dr. Suess book called “One Foot Two Foot Red Fish Blue Fish”. It was a little more difficult and I sensed the children we getting restless so I had them stand up and we learned parts of the body. After about 30 minutes, I took a second break to think about what would be next and then I guess they thought it was over so they got up and we took some pictures and they left.

We had a good time and I wish the summer reading would be more consistent, but the director said the kids were finishing camp and that was it. Sometimes you just have to except the way things are here. Maybe next summer will be better and it will take hold.

Times Up in Bangkok

Our time in Bangkok ended quickly, but we had a great time and Cameron's teeth look great. For the first time ever we got delayed. The airline actually had everything set up for us. They had a charter bus to a hotel and everything was basically free. I guess if you have to get delayed, Thailand is a not such a bad place. The way home was a long one and I could sure use another Thai foot massage. Here are some random pics from our trip. Khob-kun-Ka "Thank you in Thai" Thailand.

Red Shirt Damage

Our last trip just two months ago, we were in Bangkok just before the Red Shirt Protesters violence escalated. This trip we got to see the damage first hand and it was much larger than expected. Our favorite mall, Central World, was closed and believe me we still tried to get it. The fire has damaged the building and will take almost a year to rebuild. The Thai people are resilient and keep a happy face, but millions of dollars in damage has already been done and who knows the amount in lost wages.

IMAX - Shrek the Third

We always go to the movies while on vacation since we don't get to watch any English movies here in KZ.  We decided to go to the IMAX show of Shrek the Third.  The place was basically empty and the boys are now keeping their classes on most of the time.  Mason tested their strength and guess who one that?  Oh well.

What do you want to do today?

When I asked the boys if they could do anything today, what do you think they said? Video games and swimming. So what did we do? Video games and swimming. Did we have to go all the way to Thailand for this? Of course.

Yummy Yummy

It is always nice to eat the amazing food when we go to Thailand. We especially like the variety and restaurants we are used too back in the USA. The boys like it since they get to indulge in things they normally don't get. As you can see by the pictures, they get into it. Mason is a chip fanatic and could not pass up this meal.

Pampering

Whenever we visit Bangkok we always make sure to get pampered. I can get massages every day and this trip the boys got a taste. Cameron and Mason got their feet washed before the foot spa. Cameron also enjoyed the most meticulous haircut. He smiled the entire time and so did we because everything is so cheap. We even bought some massage tools and the boys practiced on themselves at the same time. So cute!

Siam Park City

I decided to take the boys to Siam Park City.  It is an amusement park that has rollercoasters, water sldes, wave pool, and more.  Since the boys do not meet the height requirement for the rollercoasters (I was happy with that since I don't like rollercoasters), we did lots of water slides.  We got there right when it opened and it was like we had the place all to ourselves.  We never had to wait in line and the heat held off somewhat.  The boys wore out the water slide and we got to go on every right in the park.  We all had fun and now the next trip there has to be a water slide.

Fish Spa

We decided to all do the new and trendy fish spa.  It is where you let the fish nibble at your ankles and feet to eat the dead skin.  You need to keep your feet still, which the boys had a hard time doing and it tickles at first, but man does it work.  The fish were full and our feet were smoother.

Custom Made Suits

We went back to Bangkok, this time for Cameron's teeth, but also did a few things for fun.  I finally decided to try and get a custom made suit and shirt. The tailor was very thorough and Stacey got in the mix and got a suit, dress, and shirt made too. It took a lot of fittings. Try 5. I enjoyed the attention and we both had a great experience and of course look great in our new digs.

Boat Build Off and Race

We had a boat build off and race today at the pool. The boys, well Cameron, brought his ingenuity and Mason just put two bottles together with rubber bands. We all had fun building and testing and of course racing. Let’s just say we will try again to win.

Bike Ride to Victory Park

Today, many of the kids in Dostyk and I took a bike ride along the Ural River to Victory Park.  It was a great short easy ride with the usual dangers like no guard rail to prevent the kids from going off the edge and taking a 15 foot drop into the river.  The boys especially liked seeing the tanks and airplane again. They also enjoyed going down dirt hills and over bumps.  It is easy to think what the boys would like (bikes, dirt, and hills) after it happens.  I look forward to taking them on more bike rides outside Dostyk since they are both getting better at riding.

2nd Grade and Kindergarten Here We Come

The boys finished up their school year today and are ready for 2nd Grade and Kindergarten. On the last day of school the boys got their yearbooks, which everyone had to sign; and who could forget about ice cream.

They both had a great year and learned many new things. Everyday they wake up excited to go to school and literally run there. It is so nice to have boys that are excited about learning. We are very proud of the boys and they have worked very hard. This summer we are going to do many fun things so be on the lookout.