Christmas Kicks off in Singapore

The weather hasn't changed, but the mood sure has as Singapore kicks off the Christmas 08 season. Orchard Road (like Rodeo Drive of Asia) is all decked out and most of these photos were taken in front of the Tanglin Mall which is the beginning of the Orchard Road drive. At this corner they are decorating with a Green Theme, with all the decorations made from recycled materials. The added fact that most of them were made by mentally challenged adults makes it even more impressive. The kids are enjoying Singapore's only "snow" made from soap flakes mixed with water and then forced out into the air through fabric tubes. Although it was kind of gross to think about and way gross to smell, the affect was rather neat. The kids had a great time and are begging to do it again. The mall shoots the snow several times a week throughout the Christmas season. For my (Tanya's) family members, Can I use a photo of an ornament for the Tacky Ornament contest? See if you can find the ornament I would have submitted. Feliz Navidad everyone (and oh by the way, Happy Thanksgiving.)

November 08 Return to Batu Aji

I did it! I went by myself, with all four kids, not only back to Indonesia, but also to the Children's Home in Baut Aji (See Project Anakawan post). Ok so I had help from a friend who hooked me up with the driver/translator and Steve made some phone calls so I could breeze through customs...but hey I still did it and for those of you who have known me for years recognize the awesomeness of this. Ok anyway this isn't about me. The kids and I ventured back to visit the kids and Ibu (mom) at the Batam Children's Home. We really had no intentions other than to continue growing our relationship with the kids. Since I can't do much more than play UNO with my limited Indonesian, I decided to take a craft project. We took the makings for tamborines. The kids and I showed them how to make these tamborines and then they used their new creations to put on a "recital/dance show" for us. Music is truly universal (as are smiles which we shared many of). I loved helping Ibu phonetically learn how to sing Oh Holy Night in English. She and I can't say much to each other in words, but I am in awe of her love for all of these kids. We left feeling so good and so much closer to these wonderful people. We can't wait for our next visit.

October 08

Well October has ended and we are on to Lena's 6th birthday and plans for our upcoming trip to Yogyakarta Indonesia at the end of November. Off to the right you will see a couple of new slideshows. One is of a tour that Hannah, Wyatt and Steve took of the USS Ronald Reagan which was docked here for a bit. It is the world's largest war ship. Besides Wyatt getting yelled at for sticking his head where it didn't belong (yes Steve got a photo before they caught him) and Hannah asking one of the officers the very difficult question, "what would you all do if this ship sunk?" I think it was a great time -- not to mention a great excuse to miss a morning of school.

The other slide show of course is of Halloween, which is always an interesting experience. From our Mello Lanterns (name given by a friend of ours) to the sweltering humidity in which we had to go trick or treating, Singapore Halloween is certainly different. In case a translation is needed, Hannah is NOT Paris Hilton, but is Hannah Montana. She is really wanting to know who Paris Hilton is now because all she knows is that Paris spent time in jail. Wyatt's costume was inspired by his new love of Steve Urkle from that 80's favorite, Family Matters. He said he might be Mr. Bean next year. Hmmm.... Oh and the other two can speak for themselves.

Well thats it for now. I will check back in after November's excitement, I hope.