Woodland Antics

In the past the kids would hunt through store fliers, cutting out pictures of what they wanted for Christmas as part of their letters to Santa.    This year I wanted them to make more thoughtful choices.   After looking online for some ideas I found this template for them to fill out.....  Translation: I want markers and pencil sharpeners. I need a suitcase. I'll wear a Santa costume. I'll read an art and craft book. and I'd really love you to bring me a rose bush. (she's into gardening) Love, your dearest Fiona  The little note she added reads: "Santa you are one of the greats."  Translation: I want Lego Death Star. I need a drawing pad. I'll wear trousers. ("trousers"- What?  His word choices are too funny) I'll read a History book. and I'd really love you to bring me any Lego toy. Love, Reed

***This is a post I put together back in August.  For some reason I never posted it.  Although it's outdated I feel it should still have a place on our family blog.  It was such a special day for us*** With all three of my pregnancies I've found out the sex of the baby.  To me, it's a mid-pregnancy surprise & boost. Now I know it's a little boy I feel a deeper bond with him.  I also love that he's no longer an "it", he's a he. There's still ample mystery surrounding him.  I find myself daydreaming about him and his place in our family rather than wondering if my baby is a boy or girl.  And my goodness is there a special place for him! Here are some photographs from our big reveal... As a family we all worked on painting this box. I wish I had pictures of the process... It initially seemed as if everyone was happy about finding out we were having a boy to bless our clan. Then it happened, with

{family photo taken on a tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok} Wising you a happy weekend!  

The day prior we traveled from Koh Chang to the mainland via the ferry.  Then a 45 minute speedboat ride to the island of Koh Mak. We stayed at the same resort as we did last year. Because they remembered us they gave us a deal on our little beach hut. Instead of $20 a night we paid $13 this year. Thank you very much! First thing in the morning we played in the ocean. Check out that storm. It never hit our little slice of paradise. A beautiful day was in store for us. that grin... gets me every time fiona picked and tossed flowers into the water off the pier I love this photo As we walked the beach I kept teasing Ry by telling him this is why we keep him around... to carry all our gear. We all know that's not true. He pays the bills too! :) In the afternoon we headed over to Ao Suan Yai Beach on the northwestern part of the isalnd.