UNCLE AROON

 

Not sure what was cuter, the tiger drawn into our latte or Uncle Aroon's smile when holding Eam.  

Finally rendezvous'd at the Nimman Wawee after several rounds of phone tag.  As always, we managed more than a few laughs in between sips of our bourgeois caffeine. 

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

Eamonn's new morning fuel - met with mixed reviews from the little guy. 
We have opted to skip step 3), and omit the soy sauce powder ;)

SERENDIPITOUS MINNIE

Ren, above, striking her "teenage" pose. 
This sweetie must being doing something right, as she chose some mouse ears (a whopping 20 baht/$0.60) as reward for being dad's helper on a trip to the market.  Then, the very next morning, she was given a Minnie Mouse t-shirt from her doting Auntie Linchong.  She then rocked the complete outfit for the next day or two straight ;)

LITTLE DUDE

We can't get enough of our little dude.  Eams has taken up walking since our arrival, and remains full of smiles and hugs for everyone.  Xoxo.

DRIVEWAY WILDLIFE

This millipede decided to hang out for a day or so near our front door.  Impressive creature, about 8" long, and was kind enough to line up his 500 pairs of tiny shoes rather neatly before our stoop.

CHIANG DAO!

The view from our two-family suite at Chiang Dao Nest (and friend Marisa bottom-left).  Had forgotten how beautiful this place is - only 90 minute drive north of Chiang Mai, into the mountains.  Plenty of happy chaos with four kiddos 5 and under in the bungalow. 
More photos soon of our adventures here - lots of light spelunking to be had: hike to hermit monk's temple for the toddler set; adventure up, down and through a big cave for the big kids. 

AUNTIE LINCHONG

We've had a few chances to visit with Auntie Linchong, Fee's mentor and Professor of Nursing at CMU, including dinner earlier this week atop a pond, complete with a great house band that kept Eamonn dancing. Been great to see old friends.

CATCHING UP

Packed the gang into the family car (a Honda City), and zipped across town to Nong Hoi last week, where Eamonn didn't take long to get snuggly with old friends Sunee, Dtoy and Ploy (who is all grown up and is now a 'freshie' at CMU). Capped off the visit with a delicious, gut-busting lunch, then managed to stagger homeward ;)

PURPLE FOR THE PRINCESS

During this first week, Ren has quickly become an expert purple flag spotter - and this morning she managed to snap a photo on our walk. The flags are in honor of Princess Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday (in April).

Yes, Disney, there are 60-year-old princesses out there too ;)

MORNING WALK AROUND THE 'HOOD.

Lovely morning stroll through the small, winding sois (alleys) of the neighborhood with our friends Irene, Scott and little Leela. Ostensibly out to take professorial headshots of Scott for his new position at the University of Michigan (Go Scott!), Ren found the time to take a selfie or two.

BETTER THAN COFFEE

Yikes. This hairy legged fellow, found in the kitchen this morning, certainly perked me up. This serene view is post-smush, courtesy of the nearest shoe. Had he offered to help with the rent, things may have ended more cordially. Maybe.

ROOFTOP TROPICALIA

The view from our third floor office - a wonderful, bug-free, open air room (complete with ceiling fans and a hammock) - our own urban, tropical xanadu. The best of several great indoor/outdoor moments in our townhouse - kudos to the Thai/Aussie anthopologist owners.

GOOD FRUIT MAKES GOOD NEIGHBORS

This selection (minus a few mangoes by time of photo) welcomed us to our home away from home. One of many perks of living next to good friends.

JETLAG

Jetlag - like global warming - is real. Above, Ren provides Exhibit A. (After proclaiming on the plane - "I stayed up all night. This is the best day of my life.")

BDL-IAD-NRT-BKK-(sleep)-CNX

Huzzah for in-flight entertainment! Videos for Ren, miles of aisles for the toddling Eamonn. In all, our intrepid travelers did pretty well - with moments of respite for mom and dad as Ren played nanny. And somewhere near the men's room in BKK, we happened upon our happy moment.