More Photos

Just before his last day with his classmates, Craig's kindy very kindly provided more photos of him in class. He really doesn't need to be the subject of more pictures but there's only about 180 this time. ;)

The kindy also took photos on Craig's birthday a few months ago. There's only 18 of them.

Changes

In the recent past, almost every weekend would feature a ride on Taipei MRT. If the ride was on the Wenhu Line, Craig would insist on riding right up the front of train.

The trains are controlled by operators in a central control room meaning there's no driver's compartment to spoil the view.

The main reason for taking the MRT is to allow Craig and Graham a bit of variety in the parks they can play in.

But, last week there was a big change. On Thursday, Graham had his last day with his babysitter. That was the end of an 18-month relationship. The sitter had taken care of Graham five days a week starting from when he was just one month old. The next day, Craig went off to kindy as usual in the morning.

It was the first time ever that Graham had the chance to go out with his parents as part of a threesome. He didn't like the bicycle seat at first and really didn't like the helmet but as soon as the bike started moving he seemed to forget all his problems.

From the lookout at Neihu Sports Park Craig and Graham's Mum managed to take a cool picture with a landing plane flying past in the background.

Graham really enjoyed the jungle gym in the sports park.

Graham's favourite game in any jungle gym is to press his face against the clear perspex bubbles. he thinks it is really funny!

It must be cool to look down down on things when you're only two feet tall.

Graham was allowed to keep playing for about half an hour. He had the whole jungle gym to himself.

After lunch Graham had fun at the little park not far from the Miramar that he has been to many times before.

He even tried out some exercises on this odd-looking device that is meant for sit-ups.

The next day, Craig had his last day at kindy. That was very emotional for Craig's teacher Yvonne who had taken such good care of him when he was in her class for a year and a half.

Craig received a lovely little soft toy dragon as a going away gift.

Saturday Afternoon

On Saturday afternoon clouds began to move in but the weather was still dry. So, Craig and Graham went for the usual trip to all of the local parks in the neighborhood. Graham was very happy about being outdoors.

And Craig was still looking good in his Arsenal shirt.

Graham likes this see-saw but it's still a bit big for him making Mum's assistance necessary.

Craig also joined in the fun.

Graham got to play on the big concrete slide for the first time.


Both boys like slides and it's even more fun when Mum joins in and they can all slide down together.

Craig's Second Football Lesson

Last Saturday Craig was so excited about having a football lesson that he insisted on leaving home as soon as he had finished breakfast. That meant he arrived at the park much too early. So, he had to play on a nearby jungle gym for at least half an hour before the other kids started to arrive.

Despite the nice weather only five students showed up.

Craig probably didn't need a warm up but the lesson is all good.

Sometimes Craig cares a bit too much about what Dad is doing and not enough about what the coach is telling him. (The lady in the background is the mum of one of Craig's classmates.)

Most of the little area where the lesson took place was dry despite plenty of recent rain. But, there was one very slippery mud patch that took the coach, Ian, by surprise.


It was hot enough that Ian worked up quite a sweat while keeping the boys moving.

He even briefly showed off some skills for the boys.

One of the drills involved taking turns at being goalkeeper. Craig has never been a goalkeeper before and wasn't sure what to do. The good thing was that the mum of the little boy with the ball got a chance to take a video of her boy scoring.

It was only Craig's second lesson so there's still a lot to learn....... like concentration.


When they played a little game where they had to run from one place to another and avoid getting hit by a ball, Craig was always the last to start running.

The lesson lasts for one hour. The last thing is a game between two teams but with just one goal. By the time the game started Craig just wasn't able to concentrate at all but he still had heaps of fun and definitely wants to go back again.

Craig Can Count

Craig didn't receive many Christmas presents. So, it's a good thing that he seems to like the few that he got.

Craig's Mum has been very good about finding which games on the toy computer take Craig's fancy. His current favourite involves counting shapes.


Although Craig's accent sounds like he's singing along with other kids in class he's pretty good at counting now.

Wintertime in Taipei

Cold, wet weather has been the forecast for many days in Taipei recently. There's no chance to do anything after getting home at night except stay inside and keep warm.

Craig has very quickly become accustomed to being picked up from kindy by Dad. Craig's favourite after-class relaxation method is to watch a video. Despite Dad's efforts to hide the portable DVD player, Craig will find it and watch whatever movie is inside.

He's entertained himself like this until dinner time at least twice in the last week. It probably isn't good for his eyes to be up so close to the screen but he's never in front of it for long.

Craig's Dad will need to do a better job of hiding the portable DVD player in future.

The only possible exercise for the two boys who have been indoors all day is an after-dinner walk along YongJi Rd. where there's shelter from the rain. The boys like to stop along the way but there's precious few things to look at. This fish tank in the window of a dentist's clinic is a favourite spot.

It has rained so much that on most days breakfast has become a very leisurely affair for Graham and Dad. There's no point in hurrying when you can't go out to play.