An Adventure to Remember

Bonnie and Ramiro have successfully completed our first adventure race. This was also our first team race which meant we had to stay together for the duration of the race. This particular race took place in Chang Mai and consisted of trail "running", mountain biking, swimming, kayaking for a total distance of about 35 to 50 Km ( about 20 miles). The "map" of the course before we started was "follow the orange ribbons from start to the finish; if you don't see a ribbon go back to the last one and try again". So with high spirits, two camel backs, some gel for fuel, two helmets and off we went into the unknown.

The course "runs" consisted of climbing up the side of a couple of mountains. There was even one point where we were using ropes to pull ourselves up the side of sheer cliff to get to the bamboo ladder to climb the rest of the way up the inverted cliff sections. During the kayak, we had to stop and get out and climb a tree (although Ramiro was tall enough, no climbing was involved), use a cargo net to get up a bank of the lake and even use a sling shot to hit the metal plate in the tree (which from a seated position in a kayak is not as easy as it sounds).

The nice thing was since the course was quite steep, it slowed us down so we could really appreciate the view. There was one part where a waterfall was shooting out about three or four feet from the side of the mountain before falling probably about 50 feet. Then there were panoramic views of the countryside overlooking lakes and vast lush forests.

So after about six hours of site seeing, we finally came out of the woods and back on the road to finish. We are still waiting on the official results, but we think we placed fourth or fifth in the mixed (man and woman team) division.

We did not bring our camera as we did not want to chance getting it wet or damaged. We did take a picture of the map, with our cell phone, when they reveled it the following day. The order went as follows, run, bike, swim, kayak, run, swim, and finally bike to the finish line (the only section we did not do is the red as this was the extra added for the extreme level). When we crossed the finish Bonnie exclaimed "I loved it" followed by Ramiro's "Never again." We see more adventure races in our future!

Funarium

There is a new indoor mega playscape in Bangkok.

First Day of Preschool

Bryce started preschool today, he will go one day a week for now. He was excited to put on his uniform for the big day. Mommy and daddy walked him to class but he broke free of our hands the second we took off his shoes. He ran straight into his class which we previewed on Wednesday of last week. I spoke to the teacher and she commented on how comfortable he seemed, "Most kids cry." I thought, its probably because I am standing right here. Also, he walks by the school everyday, he wants to come in. Daddy and I gawked and took pictures to remember the excitement of the moment.
Daddy had to go start his day. I stayed to ask a few questions and finish the paperwork. After they shut the door I wanted to get a picture of him through the door sign, he saw me, a few seconds later he started to cry. I had to leave and believe that he will soon enjoy going to school as much as his friends do. Four of the kids in our building are in his class and that makes him more comfortable.
The day we previewed his class all his friends came over and with toddler body language, smiling and patting his arm, saying hey buddy good to see you, are you coming to school? . So I know he will fit right in.

Aquarium

Currently at the Aquariun there is a Mermaid show on tour form somewhere in Scandinavia. Bryce loves it. If you ask him what he wants to do today he says "mermaid". They are only here a few more days. Here is Bryce with buddy Jordan as they go through the aquarium. Though, no pics of the mermaid show, sorry.

Swimming

Here are a few pics of Bryce swimming at the British Club. He loves to go there every other Thursday. Bryce is very confident in the water and loves to jump in off the sides of the pool. He is great at kicking, blowing bubbles and paddling with his arms.

The slide is a little fast so he likes help to go down but loves to make a splash at the bottom.

Songkran Traditions

Songkran is the Thai New Year(Sawatdee pi mai). Traditionally a time for cleansing and renewal, to welcome in the rainy season. It has now turned into a large water fight that fills the streets of Bangkok for 3 days, every year it falls April 13 - 15. April is the hottest month of the year, generally in the 100's, this can be considered a welcomed tradition. However, traditionalist usually visit the Wats, to bath the Buddhist image.

Teaching Bryce tradition with out the chaos. He takes it as serious business.

Traditional attire for this time of year is what we know as Hawaiian prints. Not the greatest time to wear a red shirt, but he is a falang baby. The shorts were a gift from Kookai's family.

Looking for someone to spray.

"Maybe I should get mommy!!!"

The Hunt

Happy Easter to our friends and family. Ramiro, daddy, we miss you and wish you were here to hunt for eggs and share the treats. This year Bryce decorated eggs with friends for the experience, but I hid chocolate eggs for him to seek. His basket was filled with goodies, play-doh, lolli pops, granola bars, and a rabbit. Once he caught on that he was looking for the eggs he did a good job. It took the first three to get him to get the concept. Then each one he found went straight into the mouth and the foil sunk in the deep teeth grooves. Bryce had a blast. He is extreamly excited that he has more play-doh.

After he bit into them he would exclaim "um..yum!"

Some eggs were easier to get to than others.