A Venomous Field Trip!

     The 3rd grade went on a field trip to the Thai Red Cross Snake Farm today, well just our 2 classes. The other classes went last week. It was awesome that both Benny and Dan's classes went on the same day so Ben took the day off and we BOTH chaperoned. Ben went with Benny's class and I went with Dan's.

      The worst part of the trip was the bus ride. I'm sure most of you have been on a bus with screaming kids before. Now add in horrible rush hour Bangkok traffic. Get my drift? At least I got to sit with a fellow mom and chat on the way. It took about an hour to get to the snake farm even though it was about 20 miles away, because of the traffic.

  
  The best part of the trip, of course, was seeing the snakes. Seeing is enough for me. The kids sat up in some stadium type seating and I stood at the bottom near the presentation. Maybe not such a good choice for me but I did get a closer look at some of the snakes, perhaps closer than I really wanted. I can't believe how close I actually was. They walked right by us moms with the first King Cobra and my friend nearly ripped my arm off she was so scared. I am still laughing about that one and am sure to have a few bruises pop up later. So funny and frightening at the same time.

This guy was so close to being struck several times. He has clearly done this before!

     The last snake they brought out was a Burmese Python and EVERYONE got to hold it and take pictures with it. Benny didn't want to but it didn't take much to convince Danny to go.

Danny with his two good friends, and the snake.

     After the snake show we got to explore the serpentarium (which had AC) and try to answer the questions in the packets they were given by their teachers. This part mainly consisted of the parents finding the answers and telling them to the kids. I tried to have them do most of the work but we were being rushed to see the next show so I gave in. The last show was all about milking the snakes for their venom. It was a fairly short show but it took a while because the commentator would relay the info first in English and then again in Thai. After this, it was back on the bus (joy) for lunch and to head back to school. I really enjoyed it and am glad that Ben got to go too. I think it made it more special for the twins too to each have a parent there, no one was left out.

I love this place.

Hands down! The best thing about Bangkok to me is that moment when we drive by the Wat on the highway at nighttime and all of the jewels on the building sparkle from the passing lights. It is totally awesome. I can't get enough of how cool it looks. I know it's stupid but its cool!

You know you are in a foreign country...

...when you stop to get gas and they place a lovely advertisement sign on your hood do you to peruse whilst your tank is being filled. It's a habit for them. I guess they haven't figured out that most farangs don't read Thai!

You know you're in a foreign country....

...when you burn your self when you accidentally touch the faucet in the shower.
There are NO water temperature regulators here so the water gets very, very hot. Whilst showering, one must be careful not to bump into the faucet in the tiny square of a shower or you will have a scar to show from the encounter. One might also burn themselves doing the dishes. The right temperature must be ascertained before sticking your whole hand under the running water. If not, you will most likely end up 5 feet away from the sink on the tile floor that you slipped on when you jerked your hand out of the scalding water. But at least your hand is now Germ-free!! (because the water killed all of the living organisms on your hand-*wink*- Get it?)
-D

I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

I'm sure everyone has had an "I told you so" moment with your kid's school. Why do they make us to feel like the worst parents in the world and that our children are such a problem but are never open to ideas we suggest? It never fails. I go in for a meeting and they tell me what the problem is and I offer up my thoughts and they are immediately swept aside because the all mighty ones know better. Damn-it I am educated. I know my kid. I may not have the answer all the time but listening to me will probably save you a lot of time and un-necessary work on your part.  I hope I have learned my lesson this time and will stand my ground in the future.
Ok. Stepping off of my soap box now. Just had to vent for a minute.
-Deana

Fishing

The twins are working on achievements to finish up their Bear badge for Cub Scouts. 

After school on Friday they headed over to the local fishing hole and had lots of fun. Andy got to go too as I had to hang back and send Ellie off camping with the Girl Scouts.

Danny trying to bait the line on his own. They used bread mashed into a ball.

The staff were very helpful and actually hooked the fish and let the boys reel them in.

I was late getting there but arrived just in time to see Andy catch his first fish.

He was done after that saying "I only wanted to catch one".

They had snacks and hung out when they got bored.

watching the big guys place checkers with bottle caps

Just as we were about to leave, Benny was able to reel one in.

Danny REALLY wanted to catch a fish but after an hour in the heat and humidity he decided he was ready to give up and go home.

A Derby called Pinewood

Last weekend we had our Pinewood Derby event with the Cub Scouts. The boys "helped" Daddy build their cars and were excited to race.

There was a delayed start. The pit crew was out cleaning oil off of the track...

 Jokes were told while everyone waited for the green flag...

"What do you call a Cow with no legs? .....Ground Beef"

 The races were finally underway and excitement was high.

 Brothers even acted Brotherly to their brothers.:)

Our boys were not the fastest but still did OK.

Daddy consoling Andy after his car finished last.

Trophies were handed out.

 

 

Benny got 3rd place for his Den.

Andy got a trophy for "Best Paint Job"

Danny didn't place (AGAIN, 3rd year in a row) and got a medal. He was not excited and didn't want his picture taken.

Overall it was a fun day at the races with friends.

Tigers!

Bears!