Our Journey to Kuala Lumpur...

Marionette Show

2012-01-30T19:34:00.004+05:30

Addie's French Immersion Class performed a marionette puppet show for the parents on Friday. There are eight children in her class (designed for children from non-French-speaking homes) and her teacher, Marie-Laure, is just simply amazing. It was so fun to watch...and a special treat to hear Addie speak all of her lines in French. Definitely a highlight of the year so far!

Here is a picture of Addie and Marie-Laure from when Bonnie was here...

And a few from the puppet show...

Back to the Beach!

2012-01-29T11:27:00.005+05:30

We made a last-minute trip to the beach in Cherating this weekend after realizing it was one of our last "free" weekends before Jonathan's spring travels begin. I think Chip will be recovering all week from the beach fun! :)

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T16:53:00.005+05:30

Gong Xi Fa Chai!
It's Chinese New Year's Eve here in Malaysia and the city is celebrating in a big way! 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, so its a big year as the dragon is considered the "mightiest" of the Chinese zodiac signs. Families all across Asia are gathering together and traveling to their hometowns for reunion dinners this evening. We joined some friends and neighbors at our favorite Chinese restaurant here in Bangsar, Chef Low, where the kids enjoyed tangerines and Ang Pow (money) packets and the adults enjoyed some really great food!

Lion dances and the light festivals will be happening over the next few weeks, so more pictures to come I'm sure! Happy Chinese New Year to you all!

Already missing you!

2012-01-19T07:19:00.003+05:30

After nearly 9 weeks of family visits, our house is way too empty this morning! Wynn and Bonnie left last night for their 32 hour journey back to the US. It has been such a fun 3 weeks...and now the countdown to Piatt Lake this summer will officially begin. We miss you Gallie and Grandy!

Buddy Bears

2012-01-16T19:08:00.004+05:30

The worldwide Buddy Bear Tour has made a stop in downtown Kuala Lumpur! We went to visit them over the weekend with Wynn and Bonnie and the kids loved it. We snapped our picture with a few of our favorites -- including America's Lady Liberty Bear...

And China's...
Voila...les Francais...
India's (Abe was proud)....
And Malaysia's....

Trying out the Malaysian trades...

2012-01-13T17:34:00.004+05:30

Wynn and Bonnie were able to try their hand at batik paiting at Central Market yesterday and then pewter-pounding at Royal Selangor's School of Hard Knocks today. It's been a fun week!

Amazing Burma...

2012-01-10T13:09:00.016+05:30

Wynn and Bonnie graciously watched Addie and Abe over the weekend so that Jonathan and I could travel to Burma (Myanmar) -- about a 2 hour flight from KL. It is quite an amazing place and such a "travel back in time" sort of destination. While it is a resource rich country (and the second largest in SE Asia), it is one of the least developed in the world and has been involved in one of the world's longest running civil wars. On a positive note, there are over 1,000 Burmese students currently studying in the US and there are obvious signs of the development and progress within its urban centers. It was a beautiful place...the food, the scenery and the people...and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to visit. Here are some highlights...

We started in Rangoon, the sight of one of the grandest Buddhist temples, Shwedagon Pagoda....

Then on to Bagan and its 3,122 ancient Buddhist temples,...

Which we saw by horsecart...

And quite a few monks along the way...

Even visited an ancient (but still active) monastery...

And took a sunset cruise on the Irawaddy River...

Met some amazing Burmese people along the way...

And finished off with a walking tour of colonial Rangoon...

Now we are looking forward to more fun with "Gallie and Grandy" before they travel back to the US next Wednesday. These Christmas/New Year's visits have flown by way too quickly. Stay tuned for more pictures -- we're going to soak up this last week as much as possible! :)

Ringing in the New Year!

2012-01-03T11:37:00.005+05:30

We spent New Year's weekend at the beach in Cherating with Wynn, Bonnie and our good friends, David and Lynda Poon. The weather was beautiful and Jonathan had the chance to surf both days! It was a great trip...and the perfect way to kick off 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wynn and Bonnie are here!

2012-01-02T13:09:00.006+05:30

Wynn and Bonnie arrived on Tuesday and lucky for us, we had both sets of parents here in KL for nearly 48 hours! What a treat....and such a blessing to have grandparents willing and able to cross the miles to be with us. It was definitely our most favorite Christmas gift!

Mom and Dad wrapped up their time in Asia with a brief visit to Cambodia. Similar to Carrie and Ryan, they explored the ancient temples, toured the floating villages of the Tonle Sap, visited a silkworm farm and took in all the sights and sounds of Siem Reap. Here are a few pictures. What a great way to finish off their stay!

Gallie and Grandy are coming!

2011-12-27T20:55:00.004+05:30

Jonathan's parents are on their way and should touch down in KL at around 1 am tonight. We're so looking forward to seeing them...and the kids are excited to have both sets of grandparents here at our place for a day and a half!

Mom and Dad have been in Cambodia for the past few days and return tomorrow afternoon. Did I mention that we have been dog-sitting this month as well? I think we definitely qualify as a full-house! :)

School is still out this week, so we've squeezed in a few birthday parties and playdates in between visitors. The party continues...stay tuned! :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:37:00.005+05:30

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family across the miles...we miss you and are wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas Day!

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Langkawi

2011-12-24T09:51:00.003+05:30

We just returned from three days on the island of Langkawi -- off Malaysia's northwest coast. It was beautiful and we considered the sunny weather in the middle of monsoon season an early Christmas gift! We enjoyed some beach/pool fun, sand-dollar hunting, a cable car ride (the steepest in the world!), and lots of eating and shopping. Here are some pictures.

We are now back in KL and getting ready for a Christmas Eve service and dinner with friends tonight. Merry Christmas to you all -- we sure are missing you this time of year! :)

School of Hard Knocks

2011-12-20T21:29:00.003+05:30

Yesterday, Mom, Addie and I took a tour of the Royal Selangor Pewter Company here in Kuala Lumpur. Royal Selangor was founded in 1885 and is now the largest pewter manufacturer/retailer in the world -- Malaysia is quite proud. It was an impressive place and amazing to see artisans still casting/hammering/engraving metal products by hand. We even tried it out ourselves by pounding out a pewter bowl at "The School of Hard Knocks". It was a fun morning...and now we're off to Langkawi tomorrow. More pictures to come! :)

Back from Down Under

2011-12-19T05:16:00.002+05:30

Mom and Dad returned from their week in Australia with some amazing stories and photos! We're glad to have them back in KL for a few days before we all head north to the Malaysian island of Langkawi on Wednesday.

Here are a few pictures from their time in Australia....Perth, Sydney, Cairnes, Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock...they packed quite a lot in 7 days (Dad even climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge)! :)

Gingerbread Workshop

2011-12-16T06:43:00.005+05:30

We had our dear friends, David and Lynda Poon, over last night for a cook-out and gingerbread decorating. The kids eventually crashed in a sprinkle/sugar coma, but it was worth it. Mom and Dad return from Australia tomorrow, so the Christmas fun will continue...can't wait!

Pere Noel's Visit!

2011-12-14T10:20:00.007+05:30

This morning, Pere Noel (*Father Christmas*) visited Addie's elementary school and the parents were invited to join in the fun. I think the "magic" of the morning was enhanced by the French Christmas music and the children shouting out their Christmas wishes in French! (...which did spark a lengthy conversation on the way home about Santa's fluency in all languages of the world!)

Addie said she was too nervous to speak when she actually met Santa, but instead just gave him a hug. Here is a short clip from Santa's visit to Addie's classroom and a few pictures as well!

Advent

2011-12-11T14:06:00.005+05:30

Our family lit the third candle of Advent at church this morning...the candle of peace...and a great reminder of our promise born in Bethlehem, our very own "Prince of Peace".

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(Isaiah 9: 6-7)

They're Here!

2011-12-09T10:49:00.005+05:30

Mom and Dad arrived on Wednesday night (2 am on Thursday morning to be exact) and it is so good to have them in KL! They survived the 36-hour journey with flying colors and we've already made it to Chinatown, Central Market, Masjid Jamek and all around Bangsar in their short two days here.

And in typical Mom style she arrived loaded down in the gifts department....she even carried on a pirate pinata and costumes that "will be perfect for Abe's birthday"! :) We're so thankful to have them here...pinata and all!

At Addie's school...

At our corner Malaysian food stall...

At the mall...

18 Hours and Counting....

2011-12-07T04:28:00.002+05:30

Mom and Dad arrive this evening and we can't wait! Wynn and Bonnie set sail for Japan in a few hours too, so our prayers are with both sets of parents en route to Asia (...and we sure are thankful for their willingness to cross thousands of miles to spend Christmas with us). CAN'T WAIT!

Jakarta

2011-12-04T18:23:00.009+05:30

Shortly after the Lamberts left, our family flew to Jakarta (Indonesia) for the weekend. Jakarta is known to be "grittier" than KL and is also notorious for its chaotic traffic... and after our 3 hour taxi ride from the airport to our hotel, it quickly lived up to its reputation! Although it was a quick trip, I was thankful for the chance to finally see this neighboring city -- which happens to be the largest in SE Asia and the most strategic politically within Jonathan's region.

As for sight-seeing, here are a few of our "around the town" shots:

At Merdeka Square and the National Independence Monument...

One of the public toilets :) ...

Outside the National Palace...
With a Palace Guard...
Taking a snack break...
At Jakarta's Hard Rock...
Displaying their new Indonesian Batiks...
Taking a pony cart ride around the city center...
At one of the largest malls downtown...
At the largest Batik store in SE Asia -- it went on for miles...
And you just gotta love it...

And the weekend highlight just might have been hunting down the elementary school that Barack Obama attended while living in Indonesia from the age of six to ten. When we arrived, a school guard realized we were Americans and brought us inside to tour the school and see the tributes to Obama. All politics aside, it was pretty neat!

Is it really time already?

2011-12-02T04:38:00.009+05:30

The Lamberts head home to America today...but thankfully they are leaving memories and many laughs behind! We've had such a great visit and are so thankful for the extra time with Maggie. There are lots of pictures, but here are a few from our last few days (including Ryan's golf outing, a fish spa visit and a mini-early-birthday celebration with Miss Maggie)!

We miss you already Ryan, Carrie and Maggie....we'll be counting down to this summer!

Fun around KL!

2011-11-28T17:31:00.011+05:30

We had planned to travel to the East Coast beach this weekend, but the monsoon re-routed our plans! Actually, it was a blessing in disguise and we've had a lot of fun exploring a few treasures around KL.

A few of the lesser-known treasures? Ostrich racing...

And dinner out at a Thai-organic farm/restaurant.....

And also the more popular KL Bird Park and Batik painting....

We've had so much fun and will squeeze as much as we can out of these next few days before they head back to Indiana on Friday. Stay tuned!

Abe's Holiday Program

2011-11-25T18:14:00.006+05:30

Abe had his end of the year holiday program at his preschool this morning and it was so much fun to watch! His class did a traditional Malaysian dance at the start and then finished with a Hawaiian number. We didn't have the best seats to video...but had to share this short clip (he's in the middle back).

There is a bulletin board in Abe's class displaying the countries of his classmates. There are 12 represented -- it truly is a small world after all! :)

So Thankful!

2011-11-25T05:08:00.007+05:30

Happy Thanksgiving...we couldn't be more thankful for family who traveled all this way to help us celebrate turkey day in Asia (which is not that easy without turkey & football)! We are also so thankful for the rest of our family back home and the skype calls enjoyed these past few days. We love you, are counting you among our richest blessings and look forward to seeing many of you soon!

GOBBLE * GOBBLE * GOBBLE!

First Four Days...

2011-11-21T03:52:00.004+05:30

We've packed a lot in and now they're off to Siem Reap Cambodia for a few days (but luckily, we get to keep Maggie!). Here are some shots from our trip to Batu Caves, Malacca and a few more from around the neighborhood!

They're here!

2011-11-17T15:59:00.006+05:30

Maggie, Carrie and Ryan made it to KL and we are having so much fun! While Addie was in school this morning, we took them for their first look at the Petronas Towers...and on to Batu Caves tomorrow!

More pictures to come...but we're thankful for their safe and smooth journey! :)

Only 20 hours till the Lamberts arrive!

2011-11-15T13:39:00.003+05:30

By this time tomorrow, Ryan, Carrie and Maggie will be here in KL! WE CAN'T WAIT!

And to top the day off, Addie discovered she has a wiggly tooth. Quite an exciting discovery for this five-year old and we've got the tooth fairy pillow all ready to go! Stay tuned...

Hilary's send-off and Sports Day!

2011-11-13T04:54:00.007+05:30

Hilary left on Friday afternoon, after a full morning touring the temples (and monkeys) of Batu Caves. We're so glad you could stay with us for a bit Hilary -- what a fun and full week! :)

Then on Saturday, Addie's school had a Cross-Sport Day (French version of Field Day) at Taman Bukit Jalil Park. The older kids had a variety of events, but the kindergartners just ran a 600 m race...Addie was tuckered out! Here are some pictures:

Before the race...

After the race...

Watching the race....

The elementary principal (Monsieur Didier Pereme)...

And Addie's teacher (Marie-Jose)...

Batik Painting

2011-11-09T16:55:00.005+05:30

Today we took Hilary to Central Market and were able to try our hand at Batik painting! "Batik" originated here in SE Asia (Indonesia to be exact) and is an ancient art form of decorating cloth with wax and dye. Most of the traditional costumes of the surrounding countries here include a version of a batik floral pattern and in Malaysia, it can be found on nearly all textiles from sarongs to table coverings.

Batik painting uses hot wax to outline a design on silk fabric, which then keeps the water-colored areas separate when painted. The Batik shop we visited today allows "amateurs" to pick out a wax-outlined picture to paint. It was a neat experience---and felt very authentically Malaysian! Addie and Abe loved it and we discovered that Hilary is a pro! :)

Hilary's here!

2011-11-08T06:51:00.006+05:30

We are so excited to have Hilary Timmerman (a family friend from Illinois) visiting Malaysia for the week! She is shadowing Jonathan a bit at work, but also taking in the sights and sounds around KL. She arrived on Sunday and we took a trip to Malacca yesterday. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time...including floral rickshaw rides, visits to the Old Portuguese Fort and reconditioned pirate ship, sampling Chinese/Malaysian street food and shopping along Jonker Street. Addie's highlight was her chance to hold a python and orange iguana outside of the fort...I have no idea where she got that bravery?

Here are some more pictures...

Zoo Negara

2011-11-05T05:42:00.004+05:30

We finally made it to the KL Zoo this past week with our friends the Cannons. With a three and five year old in tow, its seems we've run the gamut of Asian zoos....from the best (Singapore), to one of the oldest (Chiang Mai) and to one of the worst (Bangalore), but I'm happy to report that Malaysia's was a pleasant surprise! Since KL was once true jungle, the zoo really does have an incredible backdrop. The kids loved it -- especially the giraffes and elephants -- and here are some pictures:

And just for the record, there was a "civet cat" exhibit at the zoo and we happened to see one in our backyard last week! They hang around residential areas here in KL and are quite common in Asia (sort of a raccoon/large cat mix). They are harmless---but weird!

Diwali Dress-Up

2011-11-02T06:16:00.005+05:30

Addie's school is having an assembly today with traditional Indian dancers for the Deepavali celebration. They invited all the kids to dress-up, so Addie joined in the fun!

Here are a few images of the Diwali celebrations in India to give you an idea of how big it is...

Halloween Round #2

2011-10-31T18:08:00.004+05:30

The kids had their school parties this morning, followed by a neighborhood Halloween party this afternoon. We sure have milked this year for all it was worth!

Here's Abe trying on my pirate get-up...

And a few of Addie's "spooky treats" we made for school...

And passed out together after all the Halloween fun!

Halloween Round #1

2011-10-29T18:49:00.004+05:30

This afternoon, our neighborhood mall had a Spooktacular Event for kids -- including movies, crafts, games and cookie decorating. Addie's friend Daphne (a.k.a. the friendly witch) came along and we all returned to the mall this evening for store-to-store trick or treating. It was such a fun day and I'm still amazed at how much these Western holidays have caught on over here (would you believe frozen turkeys are already appearing in the grocery stores this week....crazy?!)

We have a Halloween-free Sunday tomorrow and then on to neighborhood and school parties for Monday! It's been a big Halloween this year and our Little Mermaid and Superman/Optimus Prime are loving every minute!

Here are some pictures....

St. Andrews Family Day!

2011-10-27T05:43:00.004+05:30

We spent yesterday (Diwali) at our church's family day at the Malaysian Agricultural Park. The kids had fun with relay races, a scavenger hunt and crafts -- it was a great day!

Weekend

2011-10-24T07:40:00.004+05:30

Jonathan returned from Vietnam on Friday night and we enjoyed a day at the KL Lake Gardens on Saturday. We even spotted a monitor lizard...which Jonathan tried (unsuccessfully) to catch!

Here's Abe at the start of the day....

Here's Abe at the end....

And here are the kids sporting their Vietnam gear from Jonathan! :)

Rangoli

2011-10-20T16:14:00.004+05:30

Diwali (or Deepavali) is the largest of the Hindu festivals and will officially be celebrated next week here in Malaysia. It is known as the "festival of lights" and there are decorations, fireworks and celebrations in the works all around KL...Indians go all out! My favorite part of the celebration is the "rangoli". These colorful floor designs are one of the most popular of Indian arts and seeing them is such a sweet reminder of the rangoli we would see decorate walls and floors of homes in India. They are known as a sign of welcome and they will be all over the place in the next couple weeks!

The kids and I even saw a few downtown this morning as we visited the Petrosains Discovery Center. We even watched two Indian women complete a rangoli at the Bangsar train station on the way home. Addie was enthralled!

And here are a few from the Discovery Center:

Go Bananas!

2011-10-18T07:56:00.004+05:30

It was a big morning in our house as the kids realized that the banana tree (which was planted when we moved in over one year ago) has finally sprung a few bananas. I think it may be time for some banana bread! :)

Some other highlights from our weekend were Addie's afternoon out at the children's theater with her new friend Daphne to see The Selfish Crocodile. Daphne's family is from France, so it was also a good chance to practice her french a wee bit!

And it is still raining...so we had a thunderstorm picnic in our playhouse last night (Chip was too scared to join us)!

Hope you all are well. Only a few more weeks until Halloween and our "Little Mermaid" and "Superman/Optimus Prime" can't wait! :)

Happy Birthday Chip!

2011-10-12T18:10:00.004+05:30

We had a pizza party with neighbors tonight to "celebrate" Chip's 8th birthday! Hard to believe that little puppy we bought from a farmhouse in Owosso, Michigan has now ended up here in Malaysia. We're so thankful for him and as Addie said tonight, "Chippers, you're just the best!"

Good Weekend

2011-10-10T05:35:00.007+05:30

We had a great weekend here with lots of sunshine. I pulled out our Halloween decorations and we are now pretending its "fall" in this 90+ degree weather...be sure to carve a pumpkin for us! :)

And this is Abe after his first full week of school....

Transformers

2011-10-06T10:21:00.006+05:30

The kids are really into Transformers right now and got to meet and greet "Bumblebee" over the weekend -- pretty exciting!

And how do you know when your husband has told too many transformer bedtime stories? That would be when your five-year old daughter asks how to spell "Decepticon" so she can finish her drawing of "Laserbeak" (...I knew none of these terms 2 weeks ago!) :-)

Abe's Big Day!

2011-10-03T10:19:00.003+05:30

Abe started preschool at Tulip this morning (Addie's former montessori preschool). It was so great to see all the teachers and staff again...the school guard Anthony even greeted Abe with a big hug and a warm "Welcome Abraham Lincoln" when we arrived! He loved it and can't wait to go again tomorrow!

Bring on the monsoons!

2011-09-30T10:17:00.004+05:30

It's been hot here in KL and we're anxious for the monsoon weather that October usually brings (which will still be hot...but with a few rain breaks throughout the day!). No big news to report, although Addie has completed her first full month at The French School and Abe will start preschool on Monday. He's excited and already has his Lightning McQueen backpack ready to go!

Chiang Mai

2011-09-26T06:34:00.006+05:30

We spent this past weekend in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Jonathan had an EdUSA conference there all week and the kids and I joined him for a long weekend -- it was amazing! Chiang Mai is known for its culture and character -- and as a quaint and cooler contrast to the city of Bangkok. The highlight for the kids was Maesa Elephant Camp, where we saw elephants paint, play a soccer match and then were able to take a 30 minute elephant trek into the mountains. We also visited Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the city's most famous Buddhist temple which has a golden chedi (spire) and stands on a mountain top with incredible views of the city. Abe even met a friend who introduced him to rhino beetles...which appear only one month out of the year and apparently have fighting matches that are quite a lucrative market in Chiang Mai!

Here are some highlights....

And a bunch of others....

Hari Raya School Party

2011-09-21T06:17:00.005+05:30

Addie wore a "baju kurung" to school this morning in honor of their Hari Raya school celebration...

Abe still had on his spiderman pjs, but got in on the pose...

And in case you're interested in the window shopping at KL malls, I took this over the weekend. The latest "baju kurungs" on the market... :)

Skybar at Petronas Towers!

2011-09-18T17:45:00.004+05:30

Enjoyed a kid-free night downtown at SkyBar on the top floor of Traders Hotel -- with pretty great views of the Petronas Towers. It was a fun night and great way to ring in Jonathan's 35th year!

Happy 35th Jonathan!

2011-09-17T11:07:00.004+05:30

We're officially celebrating tonight, but had birthday cake with our neighbors last night and a fun outing to the Sungai Buloh nurseries this morning.

Sungai Buloh is located about 15 minutes outside of KL and was once the largest leper colony in the British colonies. They planned it as a "garden city" with the idea of separating lepers in a self-sustaining community. Now, it is home to a collection of nurseries -- mostly Chinese -- and makes for a a very fun and cultural outing (and you would not believe how inexpensive the beautiful plants and flowers are!)

Weekend fun at the shore...

2011-09-12T07:39:00.004+05:30

We returned last night from Cherating -- a beach town on the east coast of Malaysia. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a ball. Now its back to the school and work routine this week in KL!

Heading to the Coast!

2011-09-08T19:36:00.003+05:30

We are heading to the east coast of Malaysia this weekend to Ruby's Resort! Chip will be joining us, along with our British neighbors/friends the Joseph family and their beloved bull terrier, Moose. The kids are excited.

Here are some random pictures from our week....lots of lizards...and can you tell the kids are happy to be back with Chip?

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

2011-09-05T13:31:00.004+05:30

Let the good times roll! (...which is one of the only phrases I remember from high school French!)

Today was Addie's first day of kindergarten at the French School of Kuala Lumpur....and it went off without a hitch! She was so calm and hardly looked back....but I think I was nervous enough for us all! Mostly because we attended a new parents orientation yesterday afternoon that was entirely in French. Thankfully, we sat beside a friendly Frenchman who translated the "big stuff", so I think we are somewhat oriented.

Addie's school day is entirely in French....with even a special tutor session to catch up the English-speaking students. She seems to really like her teacher, Marie-Jose, and let us know that she made a new school best friend named Jasmine and also learned how to say her name in French (which is basically, "Adelynn"). We're counting it a success!

Here are some pictures....

Hari Raya

2011-08-30T14:14:00.006+05:30

It is Hari Raya today -- a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan (and a month of fasting). Our friend, David Poon, invited us to attend an open house held by the King and Queen of Malaysia at their palace. It is an open-invite to the public and the only time of the year that the palace grounds allow visitors. So we went...waited in a very long and hot queue...and finally shook hands with the King and Queen! The royal couple even gave Addie and Abe "ampung" (gift) envelopes with a 5 Ringgit note inside. They also had a massive buffet tent set up for visitors and gave everyone a gift box of cookies. It was impressive and definitely a treat. Here are a few pictures I was able to snap....

Waiting in line...

The best shot I could get of the royal couple...after shaking their hands....

The kids with their ampung money...

Addie with her cookie box (with pictures of the king and queen )...

And Jonathan being interviewed by a TV station (probably because he was one of the only westerners at the party?!) :)

Back outside in front of the palace gate...

Back home in KL...

2011-08-28T06:38:00.006+05:30

Here are a few pictures of our first few days back in KL...

And we even did a drive by to Addie's new kindergarten...super excited to start next Monday!

And here are a few shots from the airplane journey home. Ringpops for take-off, miner's light for onboard entertainment and a sure-fire dose of Benadryl....winning combination! :)

Our last few weeks in America!

2011-08-27T04:13:00.002+05:30

Here are some pictures of our last few weeks at home in the US. We couldn't have asked for a better way to finish off our summer ...already missing the farm, the lake, the stars, and the wide open spaces...let the countdown to next summer begin!

WE'RE BACK!

2011-08-23T21:09:00.012+05:30

We just made it back to Malaysia after a 30 hour plane, train and automobile journey from Chicago - Frankfurt - Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur...that was surprisingly smooth and not too terribly exhausting! Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts.

It's wonderful to be home and to have a full week of unpacking and catching up before kindergarten starts for Addie on the 5th. Our last few weeks in the States were wonderful and topped off with a hogroast at my parents' farm last Saturday. We had over 200 family and friends on the farm for dancing, hay mazing, zip lining, tractor and horse rides, face painting and good food. I'll be sure to post pictures later this week.

Thanks again to all of you who helped make our summer trip home such a memorable one...we miss you already!

11th Anniversary!

2011-08-13T11:41:00.006+05:30

Jonathan and I celebrated our 11th anniversary today...9,000 miles apart! He's in Laos for work travels (Luang Prabang) and I got to spend a kid-free day in Chicago with two of my dearest friends. It was a day of catching up and really good food---and my first Red Velvet Sprinkles Cupcake in over a year!

Thanks to Marie and Rachel for being the best Jonathan-substitutes I could have asked for...miss you girls already! And Happy Anniversary Jonathan...only 12 more days till we're back home in KL! :)

Home Sweet Taylor Home....

2011-08-09T07:39:00.004+05:30

It has been a bittersweet week in Upland as we help Wynn and Bonnie pack and prepare for their upcoming move. We're excited for their next chapter, but also a bit sentimental on saying goodbye to Upland and to Taylor...what a pretty amazing place to come "home" to these past 11 years!

We took the kids out tonight for a few bike rides around the loop and toured our old Wengatz and Olson rooms...even stopped by to visit "Sammy" too! We'll miss you Upland -- but pretty sure we'll find an excuse to come back soon!

Upland bound...

2011-08-05T08:27:00.007+05:30

We said goodbye to cousins in Youngstown this morning and headed back to Upland -- with a pitstop along the way to see our dear friends Ben & Susie Thomas (and their adorable Simon, Talya and Charlie).
Here are a few pictures of our final week in Y-town....

And of our favorite Indian partners-in-crime, the Thomas crew (minus sweet Talya)....

Hangin' in Youngstown!

2011-07-30T02:48:00.002+05:30

We have spent the last week in Youngstown with Matt, Beth and the kids...its been a wild week of swim lessons, Big Apple Bible school and tons of cousin fun. We even got to see Josh, Karrie and Will Gerber on our drive out east. Carrie and Maggie are coming next week, so the family fun continues...can't wait!

Jonathan is back in KL!

2011-07-15T19:19:00.005+05:30

Jonathan finished his 36 hour journey back to KL this morning and all is well! Thank you for your prayers.

The kids and I will be hanging out at the farm before heading to Youngstown to hang out with the Harrell crew next week. Can you tell they have had fun these past several days?

Lembright Reunion 2011 -- Oglebay Park

2011-07-12T21:39:00.003+05:30

On our way back from Piatt Lake we stopped off in West Virginia for the Lembright Family Reunion! We gather every other year and were so glad to be home this summer to join in the fun. Over 50 Lembrights turned out for the gathering -- including over 20 of the newest generation of extended cousins! It was a great time and we'll be anxious for 2013!

Good Bye Piatt Lake!

2011-07-11T07:15:00.003+05:30

We left Piatt Lake last week with two full weeks of great memories...including a visit to a black bear farm, seeing Tahquamenon Falls, several helpings of Mackinaw Island fudge ice cream and Addie's first bike ride with no training wheels! We already can't wait to get back there next year.

Piatt Lake

2011-07-03T07:51:00.002+05:30

We are enjoying some cabin time this week in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Piatt Lake! We've had great weather and enjoyed some 4th of July activities around the lake today...the kids are loving it! Happy Independence Day!

June fun on the farm...

2011-06-29T08:29:00.004+05:30

Here is a quick picture recap of our first few weeks of farm fun with cousins----a few of Shipshewana and Michigan City too!

Photo Shoot

2011-06-24T08:56:00.004+05:30

We've had such a great few weeks on our Midwest Family Tour...so much so that I haven't even downloaded all the pictures yet! Highlights have included a weekend in Michigan City with the entire Hartzler crew, a Shipshewana get-together with the girls and the fun we're now having here in Upland...pictures to come!

We did have a chance to get some professional shots taken of the kids this morning and for the first time, there were no tears involved! I still can't believe it (...but pretty sure it had something to do with a serious Lightning McQueen bribe!)

Jet lag is conquered!

2011-06-07T18:29:00.004+05:30

We're about a week and half in and I think the worst of jet lag is behind us! We had a ball in Vancouver and Bellingham and are now enjoying the quiet and space of the farm. This weekend we are headed to Michigan City for a get together with sisters, brother-in-laws and all 8 of the Hartzler grandkids---can't wait!

Here are some shots of Vancouver and our first few days on the farm...

GOD BLESS NORTH AMERICA!

2011-05-30T21:45:00.005+05:30

We made it and are thanking God for a smooth and safe trip! Vancouver is beautiful and I can't think of a better place to rest and recoup from jet lag (both kids were wide awake at 3 am this morning!). Hoping to check out the city and some of the sights during the next few days while Jonathan is at the conference, so stay tuned. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers--it is so good to be (almost) home and just in time for Memorial Day. There's no place like it! :)

USA or Bust!

2011-05-26T09:23:00.003+05:30

Two days and counting until our 36-hour journey home to the States...well actually, Vancouver BC for a brief conference stop....but we'll settle for our North American neighbor! We can't wait to see so many of you and look forward to catching up over a cup of coffee (creme brulee creamer...here I come!) or a soda (coke zero...I've been missing you!). As we begin the packing frenzy, we are counting down the minutes and appreciate all of your prayers for the journey....looking forward to seeing you Stateside!

We Miss You DeHavens!

2011-05-25T20:54:00.002+05:30

Jeff, Stephanie and Morgan left for Singapore yesterday morning on their way home to the US and we are missing them already! Such a great few weeks, but it all went by too fast. Thanks for such a fun visit DeHavens -- we're already planning our next Asian adventure with you all!

Road Trip to the Elephants

2011-05-24T08:22:00.003+05:30

On Sunday, we drove to Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary with the DeHavens and another Phoenix friend, Charith Norvelle (who just happened to be in KL for a conference!). Addie was able to swim solo with an elephant this time and was so proud (actually---she and Jonathan were the only ones brave enough to tackle the suspiciously murky swimming hole)! We also stopped at Batu Caves on the way home and made it back to KL in time for some Indian take-out. It was a great full day with some great friends!

Birthday Fun!

2011-05-21T20:08:00.005+05:30

We celebrated Abe today with a birthday brunch, a trip to the KL Aquarium, lots and lots of Lightning McQueen and some pretty sweet Superman pj's! Such a fun day...and we're off to the Elephant Sanctuary tomorrow to top off the birthday weekend.
Happy #3 Abraham!

Happy Birthday Abe!

2011-05-20T14:12:00.007+05:30

Abe turns 3 today...I can't believe it! Born in India, celebrating his third birthday in Malaysia and we're so thankful for every day of his little adventure-filled life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABRAHAM DANIEL!
More pictures to come...

Sweet Baby Morgan!

2011-05-20T12:14:00.002+05:30

We have had so much fun with "Baby Morgan" (as Addie and Abe refer to her) while her parents have been in Bali. She is a complete joy...and definitely a hit wherever we go!

Fun Few Days!

2011-05-17T06:58:00.005+05:30

We've had a fun few days showing the DeHavens around KL -- Chinatown, Central Market, Fish Spa, Chinese Temple, Bangsar Night Market and our first glimpses of the Petronas Towers!

And did I mention that we are eating our way through the city as well? Thai, Vietnamese and some Malaysian treats too...

And last night we made our first pilgrimage to the KL Tower. It provided some great views despite the gloomy weather and the kids loved the headsets! :)

The DeHavens have arrived!

2011-05-14T17:03:00.003+05:30

Our dear friends, and ex-neighbors in Phoenix, Jeff, Stephanie and baby Morgan DeHaven arrived from Arizona this morning! We are so excited to have them here. They are quite the troopers, traveling over 36 hours, with stops in Tokyo and Singapore, and all with a nearly two-year old in tow! We showed them around Bangsar today and they proudly conquered jet lag until about 6:30 tonight.

They are with here with us for 10 days (with a short side trip to Bali planned this week), so stay tuned for more adventures. And we promise upcoming pictures of Morgan too - she's just about as adorable as they come! :-)

Appendectomy in Malaysia...check

2011-05-12T17:27:00.000+05:30

So I was sent home today after having an appendectomy on Tuesday evening at the nearby Pantei Hospital. Not my finest of weeks, but so thankful to be feeling better and to have had such great care along the way. I had what I thought was the stomach flu or food poisoning last weekend that persisted until my neighbor (who is a nurse) suggested I go to the ER on Tuesday morning. Thank goodness I did and God was so faithful...Jonathan wasn't traveling this week and able to go with me, a few of our friends took the kids for the day and our landlord happens to be the head anesthesiologist at Pantei and walked us through the whole hospital process -- even performed my general anesthetic and made sure we had the best surgeon for the procedure. Makes us feel so blessed -- thanks for all your prayers and concern!

I wasn't able to have laparoscopy surgery, so the incision pain is pretty significant; however, I am so thankful to be home sweet home and even ate my first meal since Sunday (oatmeal with a side of orange!). And here's a not so great picture that Jonathan snapped after surgery...but a little proof for the pudding:

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-08T15:56:00.004+05:30

...to all the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends in our life! We're so thankful for each of you!

It was a great day -- out to lunch after church and a Thai foot massage this afternoon. Sending love your way -- Happy Mother's Day!

"Spike it like its hot"

2011-05-07T14:22:00.006+05:30

Jonathan played in an American Embassy volleyball tournament today on the team, "Spike it like its hot". They didn't quite live up to the name (0 for 2), but it was a fun morning and nice to spend a day on the Embassy grounds. They had the swimming pool open for the kids, so Addie and Abe had a ball!

I did have to laugh out loud during warm-ups when "Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses" was pumping through the loud speakers. Nothing like a little Toby Keith in the middle of Kuala Lumpur for a good "God Bless America" moment!

Here are some pictures...

Family Portraits

2011-05-03T06:10:00.005+05:30

A few weekend portraits compliments of Addie...

And here's a real shot from this morning...

Why I love Brits...

2011-04-30T06:40:00.006+05:30

I attended a Royal Wedding Party last night with 50 British ladies...it was quite the experience. Here's what I love about them:

1. They informed me that in England, there are two kinds of people -- royalists and non-royalists. I was in a room with 50 royalists last night! They love tradition, they love their hats, and they love the royal family (even Camilla...who's "catholic, you know"). And its definitely a royalist crew when they comment "how gorgeous" the 85-year old queen looks in her canary suit and matching hat (although "she does clash a wee bit with the bishop"!) :)
2. They love their champagne! My friend and I arrived about an hour after most and I'm pretty sure most of the women were a bit snickered. They played a drinking game where every time the queen was on "the tele" they would stand up, take a drink and yell "God save the queen" and each time Prince Philip appeared (the queen's husband) they yelled, "Bloody Foreigners".
3. They also love their flag. There were union jack banners, union jack cake toppers and the hostess even had a dress made out of the flag. There was also a framed flag in the entryway of the home that had the words..."Chin up and carry on". I have no idea what that means, but it sounds very British?
4. They can make the very worst of the swear words, sound as everyday and gentle as possible. I complimented a sweet little 60-something year old on her wide-brimmed black hat, and she smiled and said, "thanks sweetie, but I think it makes me look like a #$%$#% gangster".
5. They love Kate Middleton, their new Duchess, although one women thought she could use a few helpings of fish and chips (not making this up, I swear!). They also pointed out that Kate's mom was chewing nicorette gum to get through the day without cigarettes. They don't pull any punches, but it definitely made for a fun night!

Hope you had as much fun watching the royal festivities -- Cheers to the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! :)

Easter in Penang

2011-04-25T17:44:00.007+05:30

We just arrived home from a long weekend in Penang. We stayed with Taylor friends, James and Susan Allen, who have three young kids around the same ages of Addie and Abe. It was our first big road trip in Malaysia (about a 5 hour drive from KL) and Chip even got to come along! The Allens work with YWAM Penang and were such gracious hosts, showing us all around the island during our short visit. It was such a memorable way to spend Easter and hard not to fall in love with Penang. Here is a picture from Wikipedia....

It's beautiful, and easy to see what it is considered an emerging market in Asia and home to several Western retirees and expats. It's a nice contrast to the city of KL with much less traffic and a little more character -- we can't wait to get back for a visit. Here are a few more pictures from the weekend. HAPPY EASTER dear friends and family!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-21T06:22:00.005+05:30

We had some Easter egg fun this morning...

We are headed to northern Malaysia tomorrow to spend Easter weekend with some Taylor friends in Penang. We're looking forward to spending Easter on the beach and for our first big roadtrip in the car (the Garmin has officially been installed)!

Happy Easter to you all!
"He is not here, He has risen, just as He said...." Matthew 28:6.

Please pray for the Taatjes Family...

2011-04-18T17:49:00.003+05:30

Most of you have heard the tragic news of Derek (34) and Dylan (5 months) Taatjes who died in a Grand Rapids house fire over the weekend. Charity, the wife and mother, was a friend of ours at Taylor and was in Florida with their two other young daughters, Ella and JoJo, at the time of the accident. We still can't believe it....and are just heartbroken for them. Please pray for Charity, the girls and their extended family...for Christ's peace that passes all understanding. Here's the obituary - an amazing testament to Derek's life and ministry.

Berjaya Hills

2011-04-17T06:59:00.004+05:30

On Saturday, we drove to the mountains about an hour outside of KL to a place called Berjaya Hills. The temperature was cooler and the scenery was pretty amazing! We took a trail through the botanical gardens (getting a small taste of the surrounding jungles) and visited a French-themed castle resort -- which has officially earned our "Most Random in Malaysia" award! Fun day....

Ruby's Resort

2011-04-13T14:35:00.004+05:30

We just returned from three nights/four days with some good friends at Ruby's Resort...a dog and family-friendly resort on the east coast of Malaysia, near the town of Cherating. It was wonderful and the kids absolutely loved it....sand, waves, crab-hunting, sea turtle sanctuary and campfires. Surprisingly, it reminded me so much of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the highlight of the weekend just might have wearing a sweatshirt for the first time since moving here! :)

Chip had a ball...I already can't wait to take him back. The only downside was that Jonathan was still wrapping up his work trip to Boston and couldn't join us (...and I think it will be quite some time before I sign up for another beach/camping trip with 2 kids, 1 dog and + 0 husband!) :)

Here are a few pictures:

Haircut

2011-04-10T06:12:00.006+05:30

I gave Abe a haircut last night...it was a long time coming and he didn't enjoy it...nor the pictures this morning...

We're off to the east-coast beach today and I'll be sure to report on this dog-friendly resort when we return!

Disney on Ice...and Pajama Day!

2011-04-07T09:17:00.008+05:30

Forgot to mention that we took the kids to Disney on Ice here in KL over the weekend. It was fun...and Lightning McQueen and Tink pretty much stole the show! :)

Jonathan is in Boston this week for a conference and the kids and I will be heading to the east coast of Malaysia this weekend with our good friends the Cannons. There's a dog-friendly resort there, so it should be quite an experience. We'll have four kids under the age of 6 and two dogs....what a crew!

And yesterday was "wear your pajamas to school" day...here's a picture!

Partyin' like a Dinosaur!

2011-04-03T05:34:00.007+05:30

We had so much fun this weekend celebrating Addie's 5th birthday....dinosaur style! Here are some pictures from her school birthday luncheon on Friday and her dinosaur park party on Saturday! We are officially T-Rex'd out! :)

School Party....

Park Party...

Addie's Turning 5!

2011-03-31T16:52:00.003+05:30

I can't believe Addie turns 5 tomorrow! We have a full weekend of dinosaur partying ahead...kicked off by a birthday luncheon at her school tomorrow. Her teacher asked that I send in photos from each year of her life and how fun it was to look back! Here they are...Happy Birthday Adeline Jane!

Good-bye Siem Reap...

2011-03-28T19:19:00.002+05:30

We leave for KL tomorrow at 8:30 am and what a weekend it has been! We spent the past two days touring more temples, visiting a daunting Land Mine Museum (learning that there are an estimated 4 million active landmines still uncovered in parts of Cambodia...resulting in up to one thousand casualties each year...horrific), a boat cruise to a floating village and crocodile farm on the Tonle Sap, exploring the local markets and eating some very good and very cheap food in the city. I sure hope some of you get the chance to visit this place someday---it's pretty amazing!

CAMBODIA

2011-03-27T05:05:00.009+05:30

After waking up at 4 am Saturday morning to make a 6:30 am flight to Cambodia, we made it to Siem Reap by 8 am! Since we couldn't check into our hotel yet, we dropped off our bags and decided to hire a "tuk-tuk" for the day (pricetag of $15) and tour the temples of Angkor Wat...amazing...somehow Southeast Asia keeps topping itself!

The temples around Siem Reap (and there are over 100) were built by the Khmer empire in the early 12th century as mostly Hindu religious sites. They are often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world (but maybe that's just here in Cambodia?) and until the mid-60s were hidden in thick jungle and buried among land mines. The whole Angkor area has quite an Indiana Jones feel (supposedly inspired the movie's set design) and the Ta Prohm temple was the location of Angelina Jolie's film, Tomb Raider -- she's quite the legend around here. Ironically, when we visited Ta Prohm yesterday, a whole section was marked off because they were shooting a German documentary film there!

Here are a few pictures of our temple trekking...more to come I'm sure!

And one of Ta Prohm...set of Tomb Raider (below).

And here was a steep mountain temple that we climbed in honor of Addie's 5th birthday (only a week away!). She hiked up the mountain and then braved the steep steps of the temple -- with a little help from daddy. Abe was sound asleep and enjoyed the view from the backpack carrier the whole way! :)

And one to make you laugh. This guy told us his name was Obama...not so sure the White House would be so proud?

First trip to the Dentist!

2011-03-21T17:58:00.004+05:30

Happy to report that Abe survived his first trip to the Dentist (and is still proudly showing his teeth to anyone who will look)! Both kids had check-ups/cleanings and while I wondered how that would go here in Malaysia, I'm happy to report that bubblegum toothpaste is universal! :)

And here's a picture of Addie and her new favorite---Lite Brite! (Thanks for the refills Aunt Beth) :)

On the road again...

2011-03-20T15:27:00.004+05:30

Jonathan was back in KL for a few days before heading to Bangkok for a week...did I mention this is his insane travel season? While he was here in Malaysia, they conducted staff training for some of the SE Asia advisor staff. Had to include this picture...can anyone pick out the two State Department staff? :)

Nothing New!

2011-03-15T07:47:00.003+05:30

No news from our end...just anxious for Jonathan to return to KL tonight before flying to Bangkok on Saturday! Here's a picture from yesterday before heading off to the park...

Slumber Party!

2011-03-12T16:40:00.005+05:30

Addie's friend Hope came over for a play day and sleepover tonight -- Little Pet Shop, dinosaurs, dress-up, Disney Bingo and Barbie and the 3 Musketeers -- what a fun day! Any idea who might have been the third wheel?

I finally asked him to "help" me bake some cookies...and not sure any of you would want to taste test those results! :)

Tsunami

2011-03-12T05:36:00.002+05:30

Just a quick note to let you know we've talked with Jonathan and he is fine and there were no signs of damage or aftershocks in Taipei---oddly, it is business as usual there today. He, along with two other State Department folks, were supposed to fly to Jakarta this afternoon and their flight has been canceled (as I imagine many in SE Asia have)---so now we're just not sure when he'll make it back to KL. Thanks for your many emails though and hope all is well and feeling like spring back in the States!

Taipei

2011-03-07T07:41:00.007+05:30

Jonathan heads to Taipei (Taiwan) today for a week of work---and I'm anxious to hear about this little island a not-so-long flight away. I'll try to post some of his pictures, so stay tuned. Here's a picture from this morning...

KL Science Center

2011-03-03T14:52:00.006+05:30

We checked out KL's Science Center today with some neighborhood British friends...Vincent, Martha and "mum" Rachel. It just so happened that there was a "Dinosaurs Alive" exhibit going on, which was cool and creepy at the same time (see pictures...they pretty much capture our first several minutes there)!

And for those of you potty training trackers, Abe has officially transitioned to his big boy Thomas the Train pants (still diapers at night, but we'll count it a success...especially since he has successfully tackled the public squatty potties!). Go Abe!

Jonathan's Back!

2011-02-24T06:10:00.005+05:30

Jonathan made it home yesterday from nearly two weeks in the States---hooray! He was obviously the highlight of our day....followed very, very closely by all the Target and American goodies he brought with him! :)

Here's a picture of the kids before school this morning--sporting new clothes Daddy picked out for Addie and Abe's new undies of which he is so very proud!

Hanging with the Cannons!

2011-02-19T10:29:00.006+05:30

Our friends, Ridgely and Bennett, spent Friday night and Saturday with us while their parents got a birthday night out! The kids had a ball...here are some pictures!

And my new favorite Malaysian sign spotted at our park this morning. All of you stray dogs that read posted signs----watch out! :)

Playdates and potty training!

2011-02-16T11:08:00.005+05:30

Nothing new to report other than playdates and potty training....you can guess which is more fun!:)