Some Good Quality R & R

Last week Focus had sent two IT guys (Bill and Ben) from Utah to hire and train some tech people here in the Philippines. We thought that after they had spent a full week of working both night and day shifts they deserved a weekend away from the city for some R&R. We thought we'd take them to Sipalay, a small town 2 1/2 hours south of Bacolod. The weather was perfect and we were able to rest on the beach, do some snorkeling on the coral reef and see the vibrant fish, starfish and coral. Ryan and Bill ran into a sea urchin conference and had to dodge some jellyfish in their journey. I also had the chance to punch the head of a jellyfish and was shocked by the hard slimy texture after expecting a jelly type mush. The kids enjoyed playing with their sand toys and the best part about the weekend was that there was no one else to share the beach with:

To the kids it doesn't seem to matter that there's a white sandy beach with warm water filled with starfish to play in; if there's a pool near by it's better! I'm assuming that after a while of playing in that salty water their eyes were burning and it probably felt good to flush them out in the pool water!

Everytime I see the golden sunset on the ocean it takes my breath away. To be relaxing in the warm breeze with the palm trees above is one of my favorite feelings.

School's Out For Summer

Today was Brayden and Sydneys 2007-2008 school year recognition. Brayden moved from the Teddy Bear class to the Panda Bear class and Sydney stays at the Gummi Bear age.
The best part of the recognition is the dances that each class does. Both Brayden and Sydney's classes performed 3 dance numbers before the finale which put every student in the School for Creative Beginners (SCB) on stage.
Here are a bunch of pictures with the kids dancing in their costumes:

Poor Sydney just didn't really know what to think up there and stood staring for the majority of the time with a little wiggle here and there. Brayden on the other hand has come a long way since the same time last year when his performance resembled that of Sydneys. This year he was dancing, do the moves and having a good time!

The theme for the school recognition was Disney so all the performances were to Disney remakes. For most of the kids the nannies were in charge of the costume changes but of course for us having no nanny it turned out to be quite the busy event for me. Running back and forth from watching one kid, changing them and racing back to watch the other. Thankfully I was able to watch everyone of their dances.

At the end of the performance the teachers handed out their report cards and Brayden was even happy to pose with Teacher Mia and Teacher Tina!

They Grow So Fast *sigh*

Well summer holidays are almost officially here as Brayden and Sydney had their last day of classes on Friday. After Wednesday's year end concert we will enjoy 2 months of 24/7 Beattie children!!
We have noticed such great changes with both our kids since being enrolled in school! Brayden loves his friends and playing with them. He is much more social and outgoing, will listen to other adults directions and has started to teach Sydney her letters, numbers and colours.
Just today Sydney was able to count to 10 as she took her 10 big steps. In the shower with her foam letters she was able to point out X,W,S,A, "B for Brayden" and ramble off half the alphabet.
I think our biggest accomplishment to date was our potty success. Although we aren't really trying to potty train Sydney yet she's starting to understand the different feelings that happen when you pee and has told us on a couple of occasions these last days and pee'd on the potty. Just this morning she was able to come to me and ask to use the potty to poo. Yay for one less stinky diaper to clean up.
I guess that she almost 2 so this is all just normal stuff but I'm a mom so I'm proud of my kids ;) I'm really enjoying the silly things they say and do, watching them try new things and seeing the sense of accomplishment on their faces when they get all the puzzle pieces together and see that big picture they created.

Now I Need Some Chaps to go With That Bike

Yesterday I decided to try to drive Ryan's motorbike again. I have had a lesson or two before but haven't tried since we left for our visit to Canada in October. I've really been feeling that it would save us a lot of money if I could drive the bike around when I'm doing small errands or visiting people so I think it's time I really learn.
Ryan got me to drive around our subdivision for a while, practicing stopping and turing until he felt comfortable enough behind me and then we went out onto the open road.... well sort off. Once you get out the gates of the subdivision there is long road leading to the major roads. This road is lined with little shops, jeepneys, tricikads, motorbikes and cars. We were going out to get some charcoal for our BBQ and it was only a little ways up the street so I wouldn't have to do passing or intersections.
As I'm sure you can assume since I'm writing this that everything went well. Ryan was sitting behind me the entire time and that helped me feel more confident but it was great! I even summed up enough courage to pass someone. I'll be driving the main streets of Bacolod in no time.... well MAYBE the side streets.