Saturday Sliding

On the same Saturday that the boys played outdoors on grass (and dirt) for hours, after watering everything in sight, the boys were taken to a little play area that lots of inflatable slides. The entrance fee was cheap but it only bought a 50-minute session.

That didn't matter to the boys, they had heaps of fun. Smiles like the one on Graham's face here were very common.

Some of the slides, like this one, were inside inflatable castles. (Others were merely inflatable but uncovered.) They were all very safe and Graham could slide down from a height several times his own and have a great time doing it because he would finish up bouncing around on something soft and rubbery.

He went back for more too many times to count.

Craig had a great time too.

The boys were joined by a little girl. She had just as much fun as the boys.

The next night Craig celebrated a belated birthday.

Craig likes any excuse to eat cake, especially chocolate cake.

Fortunately, the cake was more than big enough for four.

Sometimes he eats a bit too fast but that's not a big fault when your six.

Boys and Dirt Usually Equals Fun

On a Saturday not long ago, Craig had his usual soccer lesson in the morning. He likes the lessons. They're just about the only regular chance he has to run around on grass.

The park where the lessons take place is not what one would call well-grassed. There's some large dirt patches that are good for the younger kids to play on while they wait for older siblings to finish.

On this occasion, Graham took over the toys that had been brought by the other boy, Daniel, who coincidentally also has an Australian dad and a Taiwanese mum.

Later the same day, Craig and Graham had another chance to play in the great outdoors. Craig will be going to classes here every Saturday for the next 10 weeks. On this introduction trip, he had a good time watering a permaculture garden. Graham even tried to get into the act.

Craig was very careful to water absolutely every in the tiny garden.

He went on watering until someone stopped him.

So, he decided to water the inside of a wheelbarrow.

Graham came over to inspect Craig's handiwork.

Initially, we thought he would give his seal of approval but judging by the look on his face, he wasn't impressed.

A Big Event

There's not many posts on this blog with just one photo but the first loss of a baby tooth is an event too big to wait. The tooth had been quite loose for a few days so it wasn't a surprise when he came home from kindy without it today. He's really growing up very fast.

A Restless Boy at a Special Performance

Not long ago, on a Friday evening, Craig took part in a special performance. He played a drum in one song and appeared onstage in two others. He was asked to wear a white shirt and black pants. Craig's parents thought it would be cool if both boys dressed up even though Graham wasn't going to appear onstage.

The performance was held in a university auditorium but Graham spent most of his time walking around the campus with Dad.

The performance opened with some other kids doing their thing.

Craig was up there not long later.

There are no photos of young women going wild when they saw Graham or of him ignoring all the slightly hysterical attention.

Graham wasn't bored while walking around the campus. He could always find something to play with. And, he was much happier outside. Every time he was taken back inside he became very restless, very quickly.

After what seemed an extremely long time, Craig finally took to the stage for the closing number.

It wasn't until the boys arrived home that a photo of them together in their snazzy outfits was taken. The picture doesn't do them justice, though. They looked really good.

By MRT to Daan Forest Park

Recently, Graham has been receiving a little more attention than in days gone by. On some days he can actually have both parents to himself. On one such day he was taken to Daan Park again, this time by train. He likes the small swings there.

But if he starts swinging too high he's quick to drag his feet and ask to be taken out.

He has a favourite little hiding hole underneath the jungle gym.

Graham is quite different to his older brother in some respects. Graham will chase animals. Craig never does.

The pigeon was obviously very accustomed to human attention. It wasn't nervous at all about Graham running after it..

He took a quick break to ride a rocking horse.

And then went back to following the fearless pigeon.

When it was time for lunch, cheap noodles were available not far away. It was a good morning all round.

Taipei MRT is really very good. Its flaws are minor and not important at all. But, wouldn't this sign be better without the redundancy?

Graham Goes to a Swedish/Dutch Tax Exempt Not-for-Profit Foundation

Some people simply call it Ikea.

Graham's parents wanted to look at sofas. So, one afternoon while Craig was at kindy, Graham was taken out. He liked the ride on the bus and really enjoyed the short walk from the bus stop to the store.

In fact, he ran like a mad thing giggling most of the way.

Once inside, he was quick to try out the merchandise.

This sofa was too big and expensive for some customers.

Graham even tried out some chairs that were not on the list of things to look at.

But he was happiest in the children's section.

He had plenty of fun playing with these blocks and with some little wooden trains.

In the end, Graham's parents didn't purchase anything remotely similar. They bought a tiny tunnel.

And, after taking it home, put it in the playroom in front of the tent that Uncle Dean and Aunty Suprana bought long ago.

Craig really liked the tunnel.

And wanted Graham to join in the fun.

And sure enough, Graham did!

The boys had a great time with it.

Craig and Mum even played a new game where balls were rolled from end to the other by holding up an end. Craig liked it so much that he played until Mum's arms were tired and she needed a rest. That has to be good.