Joining Shane for his indoor track and field meet at University of Idaho was a great experience. It was also one of his former alma maters so I got a little tour there. Bonus was when he gave me a surprise!

Our plan to make my grandparents’ vacant house into our second home in Malaysia was abandoned. I didn’t have a backup plan for lodging so here are all the short term rental woes we experienced.

This post is about Mamadeenee, a Muslim Thai woman we met in Krabi. She cooks delicious and affordable Thai dishes at her small stall in the RCA Entertainment lane. Check her out if you are in the area and help support her.

Shane and I are fortunate to celebrate many festivals in Malaysia as a part of a multicultural families. We celebrated my sister Helen family’s Diwali, an important Indian holiday for the Hindus with scrumptious Indian food cooked by Pati. She is an amazing cook and every dish was made more flavorful and authentic when served on banana leaves.

It has been a year since I was first diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Living with Bell’s Palsy has been a challenge emotionally and physically. It has made me questioned what is important for my life and not to take health for granted. This has been a roller coaster journey and I am thankful for moral supports from family and friends.

We build up the excitement of a treasure hunt by sending an invite letter. On the Treasure Hunt Day, Kiel listens to grandpa’s instructions via my phone and with map in hand, he has to bring his 2 year old brother along. They spend about an hour hunting for treasures and more hours playing with new toys. Game teaches listening skill and patience in a fun way.

Celebrating Aaron’s turning two birthday at Jurassic Quest. Aaron is tentative with the life sized dinosaurs while Kiel knows what he wants and runs straight for the dinosaurs rides and inflatables. Little brother wants to join big brother but he can’t. Grandpa brings him to the toddlers’ corner and he is finally all smile! Happy Birthday, Aaron.

Stayover at grandparents’ house for Kiel means he gets exclusive attention from us. The weather has been good so we have many fun outdoor activities for a 5 year old boy to do. This time the main highlight is riding the big bicycle up and down the street. Then it’s more games with grandpa and gramma to his heart’s content.

Easter Egg Hunt 2021 is extra special because our adopted daughter, Yasmin in here from Michigan. This is her first time hunting Easter eggs and Kiel is eager and excited to help her. But first he and his brother Aaron have a go at the egg hunting first. Great excitement with more eggs and presents for everyone. See photos of Kiel ‘helping’ Yasmin.

Kiel’s little adventure in the snow sees him all geared up in his winter wear exploring the road leading up to the hiking trail. He knows how to get there and it is fun exploring everything with his 4 year old eyes. We check out the manhole, excavator and even discover animal paw prints! Imaginative and full of wonderful ‘adventure’ with gramma.