Christmas Day

Craig and Graham's Dad believes the lack of Christmas spirit in Taiwan has become more and more obvious over the years. Craig should be at that age where he has trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve and being super-excited about what Santa will bring but ..... it's very difficult to get that feeling going in Taipei.

But, that didn't mean Craig was unhappy about having just one present to open.

In fact, he seemed quite excited.

Craig also helped Graham open his one present. Graham wasn't too impressed with his Bob the Builder telephone. He soon went back to playing with the real telephone ... sigh.

Graham also liked the look of Craig's laptop. At breakfast, Craig kept it close by so that Graham couldn't touch it.

During breakfast Graham's interest in his toy started to rise.

The boys spent most of the afternoon outdoors at local parks. It had been raining almost every day leading up to Christmas so it was good to get them outdoors and save the toys for another day.

Craig's Christmas Show

Craig's kindergarten had its usual annual Christmas show last Wednesday. For the very first time Craig seemed to enjoy himself onstage. He was only accompanied by his Mum because Dad had to work. She did a great job of getting some footage of Craig singing and dancing even if some of the videos here were cut off early because of people getting in front of the camera. At least the kids look like they had fun.

A Christmas Tree

It has been said before on this blog that there's not a lot of Christmas cheer in Taiwan. It was only on Monday that Craig finally got the chance to help his Dad decorate the tree!

Craig did a great job.

Now, all it needs is presents!

Craig's First Football Lesson

In truth this was a long time coming. Craig's Dad had promised Craig that he could play football with some other kids ages ago. Craig really likes going anywhere with Dad but going to play football made him very happy.

Coach Ian has a very good routine. The little fellas do a proper warm-up before starting ball work.

And there is plenty of ball work. Craig had a great time. He didn't even notice when it started raining gently half way through the 1-hour session.

The only sad thing about the lesson was that Craig's Dad didn't take more photos and videos. But, the one and only video he did take gives a good idea of the types of games they play.

Hanging On The Telephone

Graham is becoming a delightful little boy. He still spands most mornings at home with Dad. That gives his Dad plenty of opportunity to take silly videos of him blowing rasberries.....


or "talking" on the phone.

Hula Girls

Last Saturday, the boys were awake early once again. The long walk to LA Cafe was rewarded with the chance to sit at one of the new outdoor sofas.

Craig and Graham's Dad may have been dressed a little bit too warmly for those moments when the sun came out but those moments were quite rare.

On the walk home there was a small surprise. Some Japanese ladies were performing as part of promoting Japan as a tourist destination for Taiwanese people. The ladies were not young but their dancing was elegant and graceful and a real pleasure to watch.

They appeared to be the people whose story was turned into a movie that was released a few years ago, Hula Girls.

Craig enjoyed the jungle gyms on the way home, just the way he always does.

On Sunday, the weather was cool but dry. Craig and Dad rode over to Neihu Sports Park. He had fun on the jungle gym....

and the slide.

Craig even had a good time kicking a soccer ball for a little while but Dad was too busy to take pictures. The atmosphere at Neihu Sports Park is very peaceful when no planes are flying directly overhead. In the late afternoon it's a really nice place to be.

Graham has got to that age where he insists on doing some things for himself. The fact that he makes a bit of mess is not a consideration. He's a very good boy, really.

After dinner Craig went out with Dad to a park again. He simply had too much energy and needed to run around, otherwise it might have difficult to get to sleep at bedtime.

Video Special

Here is a collection of videos that mostly feature Graham's new ability to walk. Many first attempts to video Graham walking were ruined by Craig. He became a bit jealous whenever Dad pointed his camera at Graham.



But, after a few days, Craig calmed down and allowed videos of Graham walking to be taken.


Graham still walks a bit like a drunken master kung fu fighter but he almost never falls and when he does he manages to simply sit down.

The last video in the collection is a brief take of Graham in a local shop playing on a bouncing toy. Little people giggling makes most people happy and Graham's giggles are no exception.