Bali - one last time

We went to beautiful Bali last weekend. We were able to stay at our favorite hotel, eat at our favorite restaurants and play at our favorite beaches. We originally had this trip planned for Chinese New Year in February, and fortunately we were able to move it up. It was a bitter-sweet trip, knowing that it would be our last visit since we are moving to Texas in January!

 

Of course, we travel to most places during the rainy season. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we had sunny, rain-free days. We even welcomed a little cloud cover because it was still HOT.

 



Mason - hamming it up

Dinner at Potato Head

We love the character at the Intercontinental

A cute restaurant just down from the hotel

 

collecting shells and crabs at Finn's Beach Club

Ryan and I also took our 2nd surf lesson. It was so fun and we were better than the 1st time. Sadly, there are no pictures of that (probably a good thing!). But, we were there and we did it. The kids stayed at the kids club, which they loved, but Brady was wanting to learn to surf, too. He loved boogie boarding at the beach at our hotel. The waves are smaller and great for him.

Ryan wanted to surf at our hotel beach, but the waves were too small and shallow. Brady tried too, but decided he'd stick to the boogie board. At least, he got the chance.

I am sad to see our SE Asia experience come to an end. The travel opportunities and experiences have been incredible and priceless. The boys are sad to leave their school and friends, but we keep reminding them of all the good things about moving to Texas and the family and friends that are there. I think they are getting excited and ready to be back. Still, it's hard to say good-bye.

Cambodia - Angkor Wat Half Marathon

I went to Cambodia a couple of weeks ago with my friend, Anissa. My neighbor, Claire and her husband Brian, went as well. We've had this trip planned since May and have been looking forward to it for so long. We put the kids on the bus and left on Friday afternoon. After a short flight, we were quick to get to the hotel, get massages and head to dinner.

Anissa, Claire, me and Brian

Travelling without the kids is definitely different. I missed them, but we were able to see other parts and not have to worry about them getting tired and bored. We explored Pub Street - 50 cent beers! and the night market.

On Saturday, Anissa and I explored some of my favorite temples.

Angkor Wat

Ta Prohm

Bayon

At the start

The race was Sunday morning. A large crowd of 7000 runners and an early 6:10 am start. The weather was beautiful and a little bit cooler than KL.



Ready to run





We called it a "tourist run" - our excuse for not pushing too hard



We passed out candy to kids

And stopped to take pictures!

We passed the Elephant Terrace on our way to the finish line. It was a great weekend and we had so much fun. I'm happy I was able to go back to Cambodia and see it again. Brian said it best about Cambodia, "if you're disappointed in your life, come to Cambodia. These people have very little, tourism is their main source of income and they are SO HAPPY!"

 

After the race on Sunday, we lounged by the pool, got massages, shopped and enjoyed more good food. We left on Monday morning and were back in time to get the kids off the bus.



Where's the elf?

Elliott, our non-existent elf, is still causing problems. Not only do I forget to move him when he's around, he is still a total no-show this year. The boys have been asking, "I wonder where he is? Do you think he got our letter?" Well, Elliott finely got off his lazy rear-end and delivered today. I'm hoping one final good-bye letter and we'll be done with this dude for the year.

Yea! Christmas comes early this year!

River Rangers

The Grade 3 field trip was to River Rangers. A conservation, water-testing area near the school. I was able to go along and see some young scientists in action. The instructor for our group was great - very engaging with the kids and they all were able to perform tests and collect insects.

Matthew, Sam and Brady

Brady was doing a phosphate test, which checks for sewage

 

Thankfully, the water was "clean", as the kids determined by all their testing.

Elliott - The Elf NOT on the Shelf

Dear Elliott,

So sorry you were left behind in Texas. The boys are wondering where you are this year and when you will appear? What's a mom to do?

I'm planning a scheme to cover-up this oversight. I haven't thought it all the way through yet. Hope it works. Any clever ideas or loaner elves would be appreciated. Here's my first stall tactic.

 

So, the great "search" for Elliott begins. This letter did prompt Brady to write a quick letter and let him know our whereabouts. I'm sure it will take Elliott a few days to respond. At least this will give me some time to think about my next move. I'm having doubts about all this...One small lie leads to a bunch more and all....

Flag Parade

This is International Fest Week at ISKL. Today, the kids dressed up in their countries clothes and had a flag parade. Brady was a very proud cowboy! I tried to get Mason to wear his Old Navy flag shirt, but he insisted on the Texas A&M jersey. I guess that's American, too!

at the flag parade

The kids headed into the studio for a pep rally of sorts. The principal called out each country, 55 in all, and the students stood up and waved their flags with pride.

all the flags together

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It was also a special day at Scouts because the Marines from the US Embassy came to visit us. They performed a flag ceremony for us. Poor guys, it was pouring down rain and they got soaked. Well, we do live in the tropics, after all. Then they showed the boys how to properly fold the US flag. Very cool!