Jake on the Move!

One of the drawbacks about living in Jakarta is the complete lack of public parks for us to take the kids. Fortunately to make up for this there are a number of high quality "indoor play areas" for kids! A few days ago Mark took Jake to one such place -- "Kidsport" -- the boy had a great time! He really is growing up fast.

Jake gets ready to crawl up a slide.


The boy sees his dad... and makes a b-line towards Mark!


Jake practicing his culinary skills.


In the ball pit! Or should we call it the 'germ pit?'


Jake shows that he is ready to start baseball, basketball or perhaps golf?


A happy day!


What a big boy..... growing up all too fast!

Bella's Birthday Pt. II

For her birthday Bella's "American Granparents" Ma & Pa bought her a very special present... something that Bella absolutely LOVES!

Bella starts to open the mystery present while Jake takes a bite out the tv remote.


Bella slowly opens her present....


A huge smile of joy comes to Bella as sees what's inside!


A DOLL HOUSE!


Bella smiles in front of her new favorite toy... hours of fun! Thank you Ma & Pa!

After

"The Kid" Turns Five!

Last Thursday, November 19th our little Bella celebrated her FIFTH BIRTHDAY! We're not sure how this has all happened... 5 years? But a very happy day all the way around.

Bella smiles in front of her 'happy birthday' sign before heading off to school.


Bella's beautiful birthday cake! All made by Bella and Icha.


Bella smiles in front of her cake during a small party in her classroom.


Bella blows out her candles.


Jake was on hand to join in the festivities.


Jake makes a grab for a piece of cake...!

Bella - Ever the Superstar

We will take a little break from our Ma & Pa visit updates to present a little video of our little Superstar!

Today was UN Day here at Pattimura... and once again Bella was front and center during the show.

Ma & Pa Visit Part III

After lunch we spent the afternoon enjoying a stroll down Orchard Road... one of the world's premier homages to capatalism.

Bella smiles at the epicenter of shopping in the Eastern Hemisphere.


Jake shows his approval for clean air, open sidewalks and lots of good toys on sale!


In the evening we went to the National Biotanical Gardens. Bella was excited to see this small piece of 'desert.'


Pa, Ma, Icha & The Boy smile by a small waterfall.


Back in our hotel Bella checks out the little candles in the lobby.

Ma & Pa Visit part II

After a couple of days of toiling around Jakarta we all packed our bags and flew to Singapore for a few days! Only a 90 minute flight away... Singapore is a completely different world than Jakarta.

Icha, Bella & Jake settle in for the flight.


Ma & Pa --- true world travellers!


Singapore! Time to pass through immigration.


Icha & Ma smile while Jake takes nap #1.


One of our first stops in Singapore: the kid book section at Borders!

Fall Break

At long last! We have found some time to update our blog....

Last week Ma & Pa came across the pond to visit us -- needless to say Bella was VERY excited!

Bella shows just how happy she is to see Ma arrive!


Jake beams with Joy... was it the sight of Ma & Pa... or maybe his Daddy just walked into the room. :-)


Ma & Bella share some secrets over dinner.


Pa and "the Boy" enjoy lunch the next day at Pondok Indah Mall II.


Smoothies at the Mall! No finer way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Jakarta.