Catching Up

I had written these entries about two weeks ago after my parents just visited and then I was having problems getting online and accessing the blog, so we left for Thailand and these got forgotten. Stuck in my computer....so here they are...a little late!

Hats Off to Dad!
As you know, my parents were just here for a visit and it was such a great time to see them and spend time together. The other night Mike and I were laying in bed recapping the good time we had and how well my parents did with our crazy household and we had to laugh at some of the things my poor dad had to endure. Most of you who know my parents, know that they are great people and they are a lot of fun to be around. But we were observing how they are also empty nester's who live alone and enjoy a nice peaceful house, which is definitely something our house is not. Ok, maybe for a few hours of the day when the boys are at school and Caleb and Judah are taking a nap, but otherwise it is constant action. But here is just a little picture of some of the things my dear dad endured. Dawa seemed to be very drawn to my dad and as he got a little more warmed up to him, he then began to grab his belly, another time he was rubbing my dad's beard, and on another occasion Kelden was rubbing the hair on my dad's legs. They also discovered that my dad was willing to play checkers with them, so they would play any chance they could get. Personal space is not something that is really a part of their culture, so they we definitely invading my dad's personal space and he handled it like a pro. So, thanks dad! Thanks so much mom and dad for making the long journey over here and for being such great sports. We had a great time!

The Wildlife Park

Not a very clear shot, but this was our elephant rides. We woke up at 5am for. Fun!The two hippos we came across on our elephant ride.

One of the things we got to do while my parents were visiting was to visit a wildlife park, where you can see the animals in the wild. It is about a 3 ½ hour drive from where we live, so we loaded up the jeep and were off, not really knowing what to expect. We got to see some Rhino’s, and that was very cool, and a few other random animals. The one morning we got up about about 5:30 for our elephant ride. Well actually let me explain that better….our elephant ride was at 5:30, but they came and knocked on our door at 4 in the morning. When I heard the knock on the door, I was wondering what in the world was going on, “ Had I gotten the timing wrong or what?” But no, for some reason they thought we should be up an hour and a half earlier to get ready or something. Then another knock on the door at about 4:30 to bring us tea. Ugh….are they serious? I had my alarm set for 5:15. Surely that is enough time to get us all up and ready to ride the elephant. Apparently they didn’t think so. I was the only one to hear the door luckily though, so the kids all slept until we were ready to head out the door.
The lodge that we stayed in is on the premises of the park, so in the evening you can see some of the animals that come closer, which was pretty cool. Although the lodge in itself was hmmmm…..how do I put it? Maybe funky would be the best way to describe it. Maybe my toilet paper roll would explain it all. When we first arrived, the staff was trying to get everything just so for us and so the one man brought us in a roll of toilet paper, (because they don’t usually use it, and knowing we were foreigner’s and would need some) So when I went in to the bathroom to check it out, I noticed that it looked like something had taken a big bite out of our toilet paper roll. Yikes! I don’t think I want to know what it was that did it.

Another funny story while were staying there happened when Caleb was taking a nap. My mom, Judah and I decided to take a walk outside to see what was around. Across this little stream there was a Rhino grazing, so we decided to go over there and see. Well, an Indian family came over there and saw us and I guess we were much more interesting then the Rhino. First maybe the husband of the family came over to us, to admire Judah and try to get him to come to him, which I wasn’t really up for. Then maybe his wife came over. A heavier set lady in a red Sari, and didn’t make eye contact with me or anything, but just grabbed Judah from my arms. (Now, this probably sounds horrifying to many, but it is kind of common. Complete strangers want to come and take your child. I still haven’t quite figured it out, but I am much calmer about it then I used to be.) So anyway, Judah is squirming trying to get away from her, while she is directing the rest of her family to get together around us to take a picture. Her son, who was probably about 10 or so, tells my mom who was standing a little off to the side by now to get into the picture. So my mom and me are standing there amidst a group of Indian people who are smiling and taking pictures and rearranging themselves for more pictures. At one point I look across the way and the Rhino was much closer and in good view, and thinking I could maybe divert their attention I said, “Look at the Rhino!” They didn’t bat an eye, but kept posing for pictures, and my mom and I were cracking up at this point. I got Judah back from the lady and the 10 year old wanted to hold him for a photo, but I didn’t let him, so he just stood in front of me and leaned his head in on Judah and I. “Oh my goodness, I don’t get it…” At this point, I was done and just started walking away.