Weekend Fun

Last weekend was nice and warm. Saturday morning was perfect for the long stroll over to L.A. Cafe for brunch. Graham was pretty about being able to sit in his new booster chair. He seemed to think it was a big improvement on sitting in the pram.

During the walk home, a the department store rooftop playground Graham crawled around everywhere that he was allowed.

He particularly liked this tube.

Because it was particularly hot outside, the next stop was the stupidly expensive department store called Bella Vita which has excellent air-conditioning. ;)

Graham is still only interested in "walking" when maintaining balance is someone else's responsibility.

But, when he receives the appropriate level of support, he'll go for a walk.

They also stopped at a little park so that Craig could play a bit.

Graham had done enough for one morning.

In the afternoon, they went to the swimming pool in Yucheng Park. That was great fun. Craig and Dad went on the big slide lots of times. Craig giggled his head off when Dad made silly noises while they were sliding down. It was lots of fun but there are no pictures.

After that the boys went to play on the two jungle gyms in Yucheng Park.

Craig and Graham both love swimming pools and it seems that Graham is going to be like his older brother and take a liking to slides as well.

Weekend Park Fun

This is just a couple of short videos of Graham playing at a local park on a Sunday morning. Graham is still very determined to continue crawling, walking is not for him.



He seemed to like this concrete slide because it's easier to slide on than the plastic ones. The surface has been worn mirror-smooth by thousands of tiny people having fun there.

Singing Happy Birthday

Poor Craig. Back in late August Craig was playing at home when his Dad surprised him by saying "It's Grandma's birthday. Can you sing Happy Birthday for Grandma?" And, being the very obliging little bloke that he is, Craig naturally agreed. He even blew out imaginary candles at the end of the song!! So, this is for Craig's Australian Grandma.


And, when asked to sing it again with the words "Dear Grandma" inserted in the third line Craig gave it a shot. In Taiwan, the habit is to simply sing the words "Happy Birthday to you" four times. So, Craig didn't know he was supposed to sing "Dear Grandma".


P.S. The loud noises in the background were Graham playing with Lego blocks.

The Long Road Home

The drive home was interrupted for a stop within an hour of beginning. There are quite a few lovely little cafes alongside the road that have "beach" views. The cafe they stopped at was called "Three Idiots". We will never know why. It was actually quite nice.

Craig was very hungry and wolfed down his food.

Graham took a more casual approach.


After eating he was in a very good mood.

The beach didn't have any sand but Three Idiots was a very pleasant place to rest.

The next stop on the way home was at Nantou again. Craig remembered that this was the place with chocolate-coated waffles on a stick and he wanted one. That had predictable results.

Only two more pictures were taken during the trip. Graham looks nice and safe in Craig's former car seat.

But, Craig really isn't big enough for the booster seat yet. Something safer might have to be arranged for future trips.

Craig has now been on the freeway often enough that he recognizes the way home. The drive had taken much longer than expected and in places it was a great test of patience. But, after turning off the freeway onto a short expressway that leads into Taipei, Craig began singing Do-Re-Mi in a really happy voice. From the happy tone of voice you could tell it was going to be good to finally arrive home.

Play Room Videos

Assembled here are four brief videos of Craig and Graham playing in the activities room at the Howard Kenting. During their 3-night stay the boys played here pretty much every night after dinner.


This attempt to make a video of the boys playing was foiled by Craig thinking Dad was going to take a photo.


And, when Craig thought Dad was trying to take a photo of Graham he got in the way.


Eventually a video of two boys playing was taken.

Kenting Holiday Continues

The whole trip only lasted four days but it was very relaxing. There was plenty of time to try out everything the hotel had to offer including its hammocks.

Graham isn't quite big enough to want to compete with Craig for fun stuff but he already obviously prefers equal treatment.

But equal treatment doesn't always sit well with Craig. Such is life raising two little boys.

Craig liked the fruit supplied by the hotel. (The room was dark because Graham was taking a midday nap.)

The little beach in front of the hotel had been damaged very badly by Typhoon Nanmadol just before they arrived. So it wasn't until the third day that they spent a morning on the sand. On the day the touring party arrived in Kenting, the beach was covered mostly in rocks and driftwood but, as can be seen here, some quick repairs had been made to put sand back where it should be.

Graham made a point of not going anywhere near the water.

In fact, Craig and his Dad spent many happy hours in the pool. This is the view of the pool from the room.

Between swims the balcony was a nice place to relax.

Graham no trouble sleeping on the beds even when Craig insisted on jumping nearby.

Sometimes, while Graham was asleep, Craig would insist on being the center of attention.

On the last morning Craig and Graham's Mum had an excellent breakfast. One thing she had was cornflakes and Coco Pops together in one bowl.

Breakfast of champions.

There was plenty of time for another splash around in the pool.

The boys had a really good time in the pool. Craig spent heaps of time floating around in the big pool with Dad. It's been a while since they so much father-son and it was all good. The pool is a really good set-up for little people. Just looking at the pictures makes Craig's Dad want to go back.

To Kenting Again: Why? Because it's There

When planning the latest trip to Kenting a fateful decision was made to drive. Everybody piled into the car belonging to Great Aunt From the Fifth Floor early on Thursday. The first part of the way went relatively peacefully. The first stop was at the Nantou Service Area. Breakfast was slightly unusual--waffle on a stick. Craig and his Dad had chocolate on theirs.

Graham didn't have much waffle but he was pretty happy to not be in the car.

He's very handsome when he smiles, don't you think?

Craig was able to get a tiny bit of exercise on a jungle gym outside. They were only about halfway to their destination.

Craig was quite cautious about the slide.

At the next stop, Graham stayed asleep in the car.

Craig sat in his new booster seat. He's almost big enough for it.

Craig is very familiar with the Howard Kenting. He's been there too many times to count now. After lunch and checking in, it was time to get ready for the pool.

Graham wore a hand-me-down swimsuit that still has plenty of wear in it.

After the 6-hour drive the pool was the best place to freshen up.

Graham got tired first so his Mum took him back to the room. When you pull back one little boy looks very small in such a big place.

Craig didn't want to get out. He wanted his Dad to put the camera down and come and play.

After dinner they found a play area for kids in the basement. It was slightly amazing that they hadn't found it before but it was a good discovery.

There were plenty of little toys to ride around on.

There was only one low enough for Graham's feet to find the floor but he liked it.

The view of the pool from their room was very peaceful. It's always good to be on holidays.