A Park Far Far Away

The weather was too good to stay indoors last Sunday so Craig and Graham were taken to a park in far-away Xinzhuang. The MRT line that runs to Xinzhuang is reasonably new but it runs underground. That's very convenient in many ways but it makes the trip really boring if you're a one year old. You might finish up playing with your father's sunglasses just so you don't make a lot of noise and annoy the other passengers.

Craig spent the time pulling silly faces.

When they finally arrived, Craig was very energetic. He ran, jumped, skipped and hopped towards one of the many jungle gyms.

Craig really likes jungle gyms. He'll climb on them all day ifhe could.

Graham arrived at about the time he would normally take an afternoon nap. So, he wasn't really that interested in climbing and sliding.

Meanwhile, Craig's energy levels were still high. He kept one hand to his ear at all times because a funeral passed by making a real racket. Lots of fireworks, loud music and silly skimpily-clad dancing girls (not pictured).

Graham was so tired that he became stuck on the smallest barriers.

Graham soon went to sleep in the pram. Craig decided that a walk through this little man-made stream would be a good way to cool off. He didn't take his hand away from his ear even though the sound of fireworks going off had retreated into the distance.

Mum's attention remained fixed on her phone while Craig played.

After Graham woke up it was time get the soccer ball out for a kick-around.

Craig can keep control of the ball pretty well when he's not under any pressure.

Graham did quite a bit of chasing but Craig is much too fast for him.

Craig was quite determined to keep the ball to himself.

It's just a shame there isn't a big grassy area like this closer to home for him to play on more often.

Assorted Nonsense

Just like millions of children around the world, Craig and Graham are big fans of the movie Finding Nemo. They often watch it at home on their portable DVD player.

Recently, the boys received a big surprise. A mini "Nemo" was swimming in a fish tank at the breakfast shop nearest home.

In fact, there is a mini Nemo, Marlin (Nemo's Dad), Bloat (the puffer fish), Jacques (the shrimp), and a fish not too dissimilar to Dory but it's not blue. There was a very pretty mini Dory (blue tang) but she mysteriously disappeared. However, all of the fish are really tiny and very, very cute.

Graham has been spending plenty of time with Dad recently. That means the little bloke has time to learn how to help with the laundry.

Playing in the dirty clothes basket was Graham's idea but taking photos was probably not part of his plan.

Speaking of photography, Craig has been taking photos using one of Dad's old camera-phones. He's become quite good at taking photos of his Mum.

But really needs some work on taking photos of Dad.

Craig Reading in English

Craig has enjoyed his time at home with his parents over recent months. He hasn't spent all of his time playing. A small amount of time has been devoted to learning to read. He's only just started but seems to be making OK progress.And, when you consider that English is his second language, he's actually doing quite well.


It's not always easy for Craig to concentrate. Graham can be a bit unhelpful but Craig has made good progress through his little books. So far, he seems to like reading. ;)

Sunday in Tamsui

On a Sunday in the not-too-distant past, Craig and Graham travelled with their parents to Tamsui/Danshui. It was a good day to get outdoors; not too hot nor too cold. They received a pleasant surprise when they found a large new grassy area that wasn't there the last time they visited.

The grass has been planted on some land reclaimed from the river. It was surprisingly nice.

Because the little party had not set out early, when they arrived it was already lunchtime.

After lunch the boys found a small jungle gym to play on.

Craig had plenty of fun there even though the slide was probably intended for smaller children.

Graham helped his Dad perform a photography experiment.

Sometimes the jungle gym became too crowded for Craig. He needed o be a bit creative about the way he played.

The boys were so good that they were rewarded with a waffle for afternoon tea! They didn't seem to mind much when their Dad helped them eat it.

Hiking Mt. Thumb and Spaghetti Face

Recently, the weather has not been conducive to outdoor activities on many days. So, when there was one cool dry afternoon it was important that it be put to good use. A hike up Mt. Thumb for Craig and Dad was the chosen activity. Graham and Mum preferred an afternoon nap.

Mt. Thumb has paths all over it and one entrance is quite close to home. That path even has some large patches of bamboo forest alongside.

And, it has clear signs all along the way.

It was a long walk for a little bloke Craig's age and some other hikers were very surprised to see him doing so well. He didn't seem to get tired at all but, then again, 5 year olds rarely do. He was happy to pose beside this marker stone that is right beside the summit.

Then he had a well-deserved snack.

The summit is this narrow rock that was not safe for a child to go climbing on. Craig waited below while his Dad scrambled up to take pictures.

The view from the summit was spoiled by air pollution.

It was a bit hopeless no matter which way Dad looked.

Back at home, efforts have been made to give the boys more home-cooked meals. In Taipei cooking at home is usually more expensive than eating out or buying take-away. Despite that, Craig and Graham's Dad has cooked up some spaghetti for everyone a few times now. Graham insisted on feeding himself, with predictable results.

He seemed to really enjoy the meal. He finished everything in his bowl, no trouble at all. It's a shame his mean, nasty Dad wanted photos of how much food went on Graham's face though, isn't it?