Blue Mosque

We live within blocks of this beautiful Blue Mosque, so today we decided to take a walk there with hopes of going inside. It was about a 20 min. walk in the heat, humidity and up and down hills ~ but felt good to get some exercise and Hayden had a nap. We had intended to go in, but I wanted to check with the guards before entering (don't want to offend anyone). However, the guards were sound asleep. Seriously...there was one man in the guard house with sunglasses on and one beside. The one beside was konked out, but you couldn't tell the one with the glasses was sleeping. I thought he just didn't understand english or that I had somehow offended him. Then I realized that noon must be siesta time! Hopefully more, better photos next time!

Port Dickson

On Friday, we headed out of KL on a little adventure. We drove out to Port Dickson to "hit the beach" for the first time. After getting slightly lost ~ a GPS is only about 70% effective here with all the construction and "roads on roads", we made it into town, stopped at Pizza Hut (yes, the same ultra greasy pizza) for lunch and then headed out to the beach. It was a warm day and the water was warm too. The sand was white and, being Friday, the beach was deserted ~ only international schools have holidays right now and most of the people that attend those schools are travelling out of the country. We hung out at the beach for about 1 1/2 hours in the heat and then packed up and headed home ~ an hour and 20 min. drive. I am now sporting a killer sunburn, after applying 50 SPF 3 hrs before we hit the beach. It's ok, i'll survive and I'm the only one that has the burn...thanks for your concern!

apparently we had a water/sand emergency, thus the speed with which Alyssa is delivering her water can.

2nd fill

Hayden and Steve cruisin the beach for chicks...

Hanging out in the surf.

Alyssa loved just sitting on the sand and letting the waves "catch" her. It was about at this point that Hayden "lost" it. Not sure if it was the noise, the sudden water or the lack of sleep. He did later go into the water, clinging for dear life to his mom's swimsuit.

Alyssa swimming in the ocean.

The House

Here are a couple pictures from our house. This is the playground which is a 3 min. walk and is in the gated community we live in. Also, a picture of the outside of our house which we are currently staying at. We move in officially Aug. 1. I will take more pics of inside and out after we officially move in. It's really nice, although the 3 flights of stairs will either kill me or get me into shape (ceilings are about 10 ft high, so it's a lot of stairs! It's a 3 + 1 bedroom which means it has 3 bedrooms and what is considered a maid's quarters here. The main floor has a living area, dining area, kitchen, maid's room (good sized bedroom) and a small bathroom. The 2nd floor is bedrooms ~ 1 for each of the kids with a bathroom "behind" them which joins the 2 rooms; there is also the master bedroom, a large master closet area and a small master bathroom. On the third flor is a "storage" room, a living area and a bathroom. The bathrooms a pretty teeny tiny and all have showers ~ not bathtubs.

a Hayden playing on the springy thingy at the playground ~ loves it!

Alyssa sliding at the playground.

Peek!

View of the front of our house ~ Dave and Julie's van and toys (unfortunately)

House "Guests"

We are settling in and adjusting to the Malaysian climate. As you may know, with tropical climates come tropical bugs. Just to let you know (but not scare you away) are time is spent "entertaining" (read: tolerating) a number of house guests: cockroaches ~ some of which are up to 2 inches long without including their antennae; very tiny ants; and a gecko. The only thing we see regularly are the ants. The gecko is good as he feeds on the ants and hopefully will reduce their population. The cockroaches I have not seen too often alive, but do have a slight "freak fest" when a large one runs across my foot...absolutely gross! With all these guests, we have to be sure that meals are quickly cleaned up, dishes put away and garbage taken out in a timely fashion...hence a nanny is a great investment. We would love to have some "less pesky" house guests if any of you has free time!

the superstar children

Hanging out with the waiter at "Screaming Banana" restuarant

The waitresses at "Screaming Banana" teaching Hayden how to play with fire.

Family photo at KLCC

the great water park at KLCC...my camera died so I have no pics of people taking pics of my kids...really, it was funny!

ok, here's a few pics of my "superstar" children. It is getting even more bizarre ~ we were down at KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) at the wading pool (fabulous place with max. knee deep water and only 12 and under allowed in) and all kinds of people were trying to get pictures of them with my kids. Men, women, young old, muslim, thai...anyone "non" white. They were picking Hayden up out of the water and taking pictures with camera phones. And today, we went to the park near our house (in a gated community) and met a young Malaysian mom and her 11 month old. After a while she said that she was wanting to go walk, but her mom keep telling her to follow that baby because they only see white babies sometimes in malls....



I find it all rather amusing.

Happy Birthday Dear Hayden

Ok, now I can put aside my "mommy guilt" as I'm posting some pics of Hayden's first birthday...and yes, even though he's the 2nd child, he did get a party...in fact, he got 3!

Hayden "then"...(the grumpy face/pouty lip has become his trademark)

...Hayden "now".

I made ice cream cone cupcakes thinking they would be less messy...

Then again, maybe not.

Hayden's harem at his first birthday party.

Superstar!

Hayden is a Malaysian superstar. As of yet, I have no pictures, but will try to get some. Could it be his blond "hair" and white skin? Could it be his chunky thighs and round belly? Or a combination of it all? Malaysians go crazy for him! The funniest part? It is usually young men (20 - 30) who exhibit their infatuation the most! At breakfast at the hotel, Hayden usually "disappears" from our table in the arms of some Malaysian waiter at least once (and sometimes 2 or 3 times) in the arms of one of our waiters. We went to another restaurant near the hotel for lunch today and the same thing happened. Usually he is quite happy to go. They like Alyssa too, but she is too shy and rarely even says hi. I find it all absolutely hilarious. Someone mentioned that going back to Canada may prove a difficult transition for him as he won't be getting the same attention! Ah, to be in the midst of the wonderful!