~Our Newest Adventure~

Please welcome the newest Cullen sister!

2009-02-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

So what do you think? I love it! Jennifer did such an awesome job I might go back for more! And really at $7.00 a picture and back within 48 hours, who can say no? Come on ladies, get your pictures sent in. Become "CULLEN-IZED!"

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Now I've heard everything. Here I was thinking Valentines day was for all the 'someone special' and then I found http://www.steakandbjday.com/ . Apparently some men feel they need a 'holiday' too....lol! Regardless ladies, hope your hunka-burnin' love shows you a little (or alot!) of hugs 'n' kisses today!

Cheers!

-A

Redecorating...

2009-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a picture of what Alexander likes to refer to as 'redecorating' his bed. I guess this is what redecorating is to a three year old - too cute, I just had to take a pic! Enjoy!

Vampire anyone?

2009-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

Ready for something awesome?! If your a Twilight addict like me this is right up your alley. Head over to http://controllingchaosincanada.blogspot.com/2009/01/wanna-see-something-magical-review.html where Tammi is hosting a great giveaway for one of the coolest things I have ever seen. The prize is having one of your very own photo's 'Cullenized'! Yup you can be a vampire (I know dream come true, right?!) lol! The creator of this fabulous idea is Jennifer and you have to check out her site to see her creations. Here is her site; http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5970129. So make sure you stop by Organized Chaos and enter for your free 'touch-up', remember; you can't win if you don't enter!
-A

Where were you Superbowl weekend?

2009-02-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well I don't know about you but I was at the pub! We were very lucky this year as the grandparents offered to have the boys stay over Saturday and most of Sunday while mom and dad cut loose for the weekend. A very BIG thank you to grandma & papa, we had a wonderful time.
Saturday was a treat too, more for me as Dan had to work until 7pm. I headed out for supper with some really great girlfriends, even though we went for sushi (YUCK!) I still really enjoyed myself. Afterwards we headed over to the pub to meet up with the 'husbands' and watch the big UFC fight. The fight was very exciting and of course I didn't mind watching Georges St-Pierre in his tight fighting shorts!! That night was like old times, we brought the party home and well, let's just say the last time I was up until 4am it was with a teething baby!!! Dan picked up Guitar Hero World Tour and I went to town on the drums, Dan and Shaun on guitars, Rachel & Kathy on vocals and of course Theo as our manager. All in all I thought we sounded pretty good but then again intoxicated people can do anything, right?!! LoL!

Amazingly the next morning I awoke without a hangover, and since I did nothing to prevent one I was dumbfounded. Maybe all that drumming helped. =)
After a great breakfast at Whitespot we did some shopping and headed back to the pub (now I'm beginning to sound like a lush aren't I? lol!) and enjoyed Superbowl XL III, Cardinals vs Steelers. Wow what a game, enjoyed every minute. Found out Yesterday that residents in Tuscon, Arizona enjoyed a small clip of PORN just after the fourth quarter started. A whole 10 seconds worth. WOW..... Ever since JT's & Janet Jacksons' 'wardrobe malfunction' a few years back people just can't seem to get enough.

I figured since I haven't updated in a while I'd give you all an exciting one, or at least a chuckle!
-And how was your weekend?

This mamma has a secret love and his name is Edward Cullen....

2009-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure you've heard, the Twilight saga has taken over the hearts of many teenage girls all over the world. I'm a wife, mother and a 30 year old woman who is infatuated with a 17 teen year old vampire, and the more I talk with my mommy friends it seems their hearts are also melting at the sound of his name. I confess, I saw the movie before reading the books and I can't put it out of my mind. I just picked up the last 2 books in the series (there are 4 total) and even though I was able to purchase 2 in softcover and 2 in hardcover I am still very happy to have them in my hands! It would have been nice to have a full matching set but deep down I am glad I have them. I have started the first book, Twilight and am enjoying every minute. This will be a set I intend to read again and again! I'm not going to post about the story (except to say it's totally addicting), I don't like spoiler's and nor do I want to be one so no worries here. I do have a sad lingering thought though, what am I going to do when I'm finished the book?

Thank you Amy!

2008-12-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sending a BIG thank you over the snowy hills to my sil Amy for showing me the way to changing up my blog! Even a non-computer smartie like me even manages success! Right now I'm just playing around with it so who know's what I will come up with but for now I likey!

Tomorrow's the big day.....eeekkkkkk! I'm so excited! Today we are heading over to the inlaws (and really hoping we do not get snowed in....) to play some board games and chill (more like un-thaw!) with the family. Hoping you all ha Happy and safe Holiday season!

Tenille's lastest blog contest!

2008-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I just went over and checked Tenille's blog and I was very impressed with her latest contest. Melissa Beth Designs ( http://www.melissabeth.com/home.php ) has many wonderful products for everyday mommies who want to be just a bit more fashionable in the computer department. Melissa Beth has come up with some really cute products like the Piggy Back Backpack which is designed for us ladies with smaller shoulders. (Great idea!) She also has many other great products that you will have to go look at for yourself. Tenille has also added another great button to her blog, here is her link or you can always click on her button that's on my side bar. Happy Holidays!

Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Rockin' sippy cups!

2008-12-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hey people's! Tenille has a great contest on for the best sippy cups around! They are stainless steel, dishwasher safe and best of all no BPA! Yay! I really like that the handles can come off when your tot gets bigger and feels like a "grown-up". Check it out!

Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/2008/12/kick-off-to-christmas-giveaway-17-safe.html

Merry Christmas!

So nice!

2008-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

Come check out this wicked site that has the BEST product, if your a sweater chicky (like me..)and likes to cuddle on the couch then this is something you will enjoy!

Hop over to: http://www.theslanket.com/index.php?path=the_product

So cool!

Really wish I had one of these....

2008-12-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

I could have really used one of these fabulous pendants from the ladies of Smart Mom Jewelry when the boys were small, only now am I enjoying wearing my necklaces again! You'll want to drop in on Tenille's blog and have a look at these, and I'll bet you'll want one too - just because! LoL!

Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone's enjoying the holidays!

Tenille's keeping me busy!

2008-12-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Boy my sil is sure keeping me busy! I find myself in the early mornings getting ready for my daycare kids to be dropped off and I'm thinkin' to myself.. "wonder what goodies she has up for us today"?! LoL! Today is a great one, have a peek and check out all the neat products at http://www.dogreeonline.com/en/index.html I especially like the Dinosoles shoes! On Tenille's blog she describes how wonderful the DoGreeOn-line Sleep Sheep On The Go is and now my cutie niece is sleeping through the night because of it! Yay for mommy Tenille!!! She also mentions a wonderful product named Twilight Sea Turtle which my handsome nephew enjoys. It's not only is a nightlight but also a storybook (inside his shell) sharing about the 5 endangered species on the outside of his shell. Looks like a winner to me! Go check it out, you can go to her blog using her 'button' on my sidebar or here's the link:
http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Take care!

Ohhh really love this one!

2008-11-30T07:19:00.000-08:00

I really, really like yesterday's contest Tenille posted, let me introduce you to Easy Daysies. This wonderful product comes from a mom from right here in B.C! She is also a teacher which led her to create this wonderful product. What it is a bunch of magnetic labels that introduce a routine for your child(ren), a stick-up schedule in a sorts that they can help with. I already know it would be a hit in my house so I might just pick-up a pack, I mean who doesn't want to be more organized in the crazy mornings?! I just love the thought of my boys taking responsibility and looking for themselves on what the schedule says, following through and feeling pretty darned proud of themselves! Come check it out!

Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Take care all!

More to enter!

2008-11-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

Like I had mentioned on a previous post, Tenille has contests going up everyday. I really like the one she posted yesterday, cute T-shirts for the mommy's! LTDchix.com has some really great shirts for the everyday mommy so drop by Tenille's site and enter, remember you can't win if you don't try!

Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Later taters!

Check out this site..

2008-11-25T08:30:00.001-08:00

Get ready for some clicking! Head on over to Thoughts from the Mrs. and get in on some great giveaways. They are ending pretty quick so you'd better hurry! Her button is on my blog but here's her link also:
http://amyclary.blogspot.com/2008/11/official-rules-for-12-days-of-christmas.html

I'm Baaaaaack!

2008-11-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's been a while; a looooong while. I admit it I suck but it's time to move forward, right?! Of course so much has happened in my absence, my boys are a whole YEAR older and I have become more ravishing as the days pass! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Dan is working hard and loving his job and approaching the busiest season of the year, but he's ready for it. My life is as busy as ever, of course my handsome litte men keep me on my toes as well as my small daycare. Keeps life interesting I tell ya! I don't have a lot of time for catch-up today but I did want to post about my super awesome sister-in-law Tenille and her amazing blog. Not only is she super smart, organized, and an awesome mommy to my neice and nephew, she is the ultimate frugal mommy! I will post the link and hope you check it out, she has a shwack load of contests for you to enter and pick-up some pretty nifty things. I am also going to try and post her 'button' from her blog, it's a direct link to it and a pretty sweet button too! Anyways like I mentioned I can't spend too much time on the 'puter today so I better run, happy contest entering!!!
Tenille's blog: http://feistyfrugalandfabulous.blogspot.com/

Can you believe he's 4?!!!

2007-08-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

Party time at the Perpeluk residence!! Ethan's 4Th Birthday was celebrated with great friends and family. It was an awesome summer day so we all could enjoy the pools and Ethan practically lives on the trampoline we gave him so it was just right that he opened his gifts there too! We appreciate all the support and the great distance our friends drove to be here. I know it meant the world to Ethan to have his friends from Chilliwack out to celebrate his special day. Dan and I made Ethan's cake, he asked for Mario & Luigi so that was a challenge! I think we did pretty good.

Every year I can't seem to believe it, and now Ethan is already four years old. It's crazy that time passes by so fast. My babies are growing up and with every passing day we feel blessed to be their parents.

A choice for our Family

2007-07-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

As you can see from my previous post not all is well in India. This was becoming dangerously close to where we were staying and there is no known cure. Dan and I made to decision to come back to Canada for the safety of our family. It was a difficult and yet "not difficult" decision to make. Frustrating because we've worked so hard to get there and establish a life, and yet easy to come home because we don't want anyone to get sick. Dan was able to come home with us at this time but will be travelling back in a month or two. Hopefully there has been an improvement by that time after the rains stop. So we changed our return tickets and arrived in Canada just over a week ago. Sorry for they delay, we've been busy getting semi-comfortable at Grandma & Poppa's house again! The boys were wonderful on the plane, far better than I could have imagined. Now time to plan a "certain some one's" 4Th Birthday party! My baby will be 4, I still can't believe it! As for India life, it was a challenge and there were good things and bad things about it. It sure was a culture shock. India in the future? Maybe. But for now I'm very happy my family is safe and we are back in Canada. Good thing too, I wasn't sure how to cure my insatiable craving for Mrs. Vickie's chips!
p.s. - Our adventures are not over, just the beginning so keep checking back for more of what's happening in the Perpeluk's World! Love you all!

Viral fever claims 193 lives in India's Kerala state

2007-07-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is reeling from an outbreak of mosquito-borne Chikungunya viral fever infections that have claimed 193 lives, a minister said on Monday. Health minister P.K. Sreemathy said that the inland plantation districts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam were the worst affected, accounting for 161 of the 193 deaths this year.
"We have organized 2,500 medical camps in the state. This is an unusual situation that needs multiple strategies to defuse the crisis," she said. The minister said the situation, which erupted with the arrival of annual monsoon rains in June, was improving, citing a decline in the number of cases reported in recent weeks.
Kerala health experts blamed abysmal efforts to clean up mosquito breeding areas and an ineffective health system for the high number of deaths.
"The viral outbreak and Chikungunya infection reveal that public health in the state is in danger and health management of the state is not at all effective," said Vinod Kumar, a doctor working with a voluntary health group.
Chikungunya -- transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito -- was first detected in 1955 in Africa and last year caused the deaths of some 200 people on the French Indian ocean island of Reunion.
The name of the disease is derived from the Swahili word for "stooped walk," reflecting the physique of a person suffering from the disease whose symptoms include sudden fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.
Federal health minister Anbumani Ramadoss told parliament last year that some 1.1 million Indians were infected with Chikungunya.

Downtown Cochin

2007-07-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of Downtown Cochin by the river. It kind of reminded me of the Stanley Park sea wall. Every one was having a great time meeting the boys, and of course they all had to touch them! We also visited a popular children's park that had quite a few activities. The boys really had a lot of fun with the pedal cars, even though they were too short to reach them and mom & dad had to push! Alex loved to push Ethan when he didn't have a car, he also pushed other children too! The park statues were a little disturbing, being devil's and all! Different I deals of "fun parks" I guess! There is a picture of a little boy who insisted we take his picture, he was really funny. I was able to take a photo of a little girl to show you what she's wearing is every day clothing here for them. And they always have so much jewelery on, even the boys. There is also a few shots of the view from our hotel room, there is a really cool church a top of the mountain that Ethan referred to as "Luigi's castle"! Last of course is a picture of a restaurant that I thought has a funny name, maybe I should send it into the Jay Leno show for Monday Night Headlines?!! Take care all, we love you!

Hotel Fun!

2007-07-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when it's monsoon season and your trapped in the hotel for a few days!

A day at the park

2007-07-11T23:18:00.000-07:00

We finally got bored in the hotel room and decided to go exploring. Saneesh told us about a nice park to walk through beside another water fall, so off we went. It was very peaceful and serene, there was some play equipment but it was pretty old, but there was a few things the boys could play on. I took the boys for a little animal hunt and we were lucky to find a baby turtle on a rock. We asked Ethan what we should do and he said to put it back in the water to find his mommy! So down we went to the river and gave it to Ethan to release. This will be always one of my favourite memories, it's hard to put into words; I guess you just had to be there.

I got to drive!

2007-07-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yuppers, watch out , Angie's on the road! This was a scary and thrilling thing to do. Over here they drive on the other side of the road and that means your on the right side of the vehicle too. Good thing I know how to drive standard (Thanks Dan! ;) Your stick shift is still on your left and the pedals are the same just you feel so weird on the other side. I was able to drive on a less occupied road but I still had to maneuver around cows, chickens and goats - not your everyday obstacles! Saneesh said I drove really good, I have to agree as I didn't hear him scream too much!

6 Week Check-up!

2007-06-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Gosh! Has 6 weeks gone by already?! It still seems surreal that we are here, once in a while I stop and think I can't just hop in my car or get on the ferry to see my friends and family. Dan and I decided to get serious and find a place to live, and could be the fact we're tired of Hotel food! Also our container finally was "de-stuffed" at the shipping terminal so now all Dan has to do is meet with Customs. My bed is going to feel soooo nice! So today we looked at a flat (apartment, and houses are called villa's), it is brand new and very nice. The best part -NO COCKROACHES!!! It is a little smaller than I would like but I think we'll bunk the boys together in one room so they still can have a play area in the other bedroom. It has a lovely view of a river and is right downtown Cochin. The pool should be finished next month so in the meanwhile to beat the heat we will just have to go to Veega Land more often! The boys are very excited to have their own place again, but there isn't a day that goes by that Ethan doesn't say he misses Grandma & Poppa's house. If every thing goes to plan we should be in next week. So a little about India. Like I stated before, everyone is very friendly, and we have gotten used to the staring. The language barrier is a bit frustrating, just because they say they speak English does not mean they understand it too! It just takes a little patience. The cleanliness has been a bit of a problem for me. Some places are good, most are just disgusting; like the bathrooms. It just makes you wonder why they like it dirty?! There is no garbage removal system here, they burn every thing so you can imagine how yummy that smells. And it's all over, in ditches, in yards, on sidewalks...... After looking at many places to rent I found that every bedroom has a bathroom, so three bedrooms, three bathrooms. They do not has bathtubs, just showers right in the middle of the bathroom that just drains into a giant drain in the middle of the floor. Most have no hot water in the kitchen, and very small tanks in the bathrooms. Their washing machines are half the size of the ones we use in Canada and most do not use a dryer, they hang every thing outside. Driving is so crazy!!! Most of the time you'll see 4 cars wide when it's only supposed to be a 2 car lane. A lot of people ride motorcycles, and it's common to see families of 4 ride 1 bike! The Government just recently passed a law that all cyclists must wear helmets - but not their passengers??!! Now don't get the wrong impression, we do like it here. I'll be honest, it's been challenging but we're here to give it a try. We have learned a little Mullullay, here's a few words in translation:

Atta - Dad

Uma - Mom

Cheta - big brother
Onioon - little brother

Korkey - drink

Kaikee - eat

Muddy - enough

Una - one

Randa - two

Moona - three

Nalay - four

Oncha - five

Every one's favourite expressions here are " no problem" and " what's the program". Their major sport is Cricket and God only knows if I will ever understand how that's played! They have no shopping malls that I have seen in Kerala; just oodles upon oodles of side walk shops. One routine I don't want to adapt to is the eating times. Breakfast is eaten around 10-11am. Lunch is usually around two and most take huge naps afterwards. Dinner is not until 10-11pm at night! Most children will eat around 8pm so they can go to bed but the parents stay up later to eat. They do not believe in left-overs, every thing is cooked fresh. So you can see life is very different here. I've added some photos of a day we spent at a 5 star hotel and had spaghetti for lunch....yummy! The birds in the cages Alex is touching were selling for 24 roopies each, so that's .60 Canadian. And yes Grandma, we chased the turkeys for ya!

Thank you to everyone!

2007-06-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just a small note to say Thank you for reading and commenting on our blog. It means a lot to us that everyone is interested in our travels. We have such Awesome families!!!

Athirappilly Waterfalls

2007-06-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

We took a day off from house & apartment hunting to visit Athirappilly waterfalls. It was another beautiful place to visit. I loved looking at the lovely view, surrounded by jungle! Saneesh told us that wild elephants and tigers are all over and people are not allowed to access the road to the falls in the evening because they all come out to wander and it's too dangerous. The water was refreshing to look at but I'm afraid of what's swimming around in there! Along the walkway there are cottages that are home to many poorer families. In one picture you can see old elephant bones that they have collected, I'm not sure if they use them for anything. The boys were so-so about this outing, probably because it was just waterfalls to them and no parks! They did perk up when we found some salamanders and hissing cockroaches....ewwww...!! Hope everyone is doing well, we miss you all like crazy; is it too early to say I miss home yet?!!

Riding an Asian Elephant

2007-06-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Riding an elephant, now I can say I've really experienced Indian culture. This was a breathtaking experience, even though I was screaming inside with excitement! I have always wanted to ride one, they have been one of my favourite animals for years. We decided for Fathers Day we would go see the elephants, but I was unsure if we were able to ride them. We arrived at the elephant training camp in the early afternoon, usually before the rains start. We walked around watching the younger elephants scratch their backsides against the trees, they seemed so playful. After, we wandered over to the 2 large Asian elephants eating bamboo and other vegetation. I felt a sadness come over me looking at the big chains around their legs, but I understand this is the way life runs. They are needed all over India for manual labour and are treated very well. The trainers are very protective of them, one point in the day a man started a noisy truck by an elephant and the trainer had a few stern words with him. I'll admit I was the only one scared, the boys took to them instantly. Dan took Alex first and then it was me and Ethan. I even had Ethan telling me it's okay! He really enjoyed himself, he laughed when the elephants ears tickled his feet. I was surprised to be riding bareback and only a rope to wrap my feet around for support. I felt so high in the air, and after a bit it became a relaxing sway. They don't smell the greatest but that's okay with me! They also have coarse black hair an inch and a half growing all over their bodies. Their eyesight is very poor however their hearing and sense of smell is far enhanced. We rode them for about 15 minutes each and I was sad it was over so soon. This was an experience of a lifetime, one I will never forget!

Veega Land

2007-06-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Veega Land was so much fun to visit. It is a huge water park/amusement park that is just awesome. It was even bigger then I imagined and there were so many neat rides to go on. The cost was $300 rupee's a person so doing the math that makes it $7.50 per person. To figure that out you take the amount and divide by 2 then divide by 2 again and then move the decimal point over to the left one space. It's not too hard to figure out but takes some time getting used to it.

The day was overcast so that was ideal to be out all day, I still sun screened the boys up and down just in case. Most men were in shirts and shorts and some women were actually in a t-shirt and pants! I couldn't believe all the things to do here, and I was amazed at the way the park is run. They consider safety a top priority and there are lifeguards everywhere. Also with the water slides, they have a lot more Family rides like a giant tube ride. What left me wondering is why Canada (well, just Vancouver I guess. I can't really speak for all of Canada) hasn't set up the easy "pulley system" that they have in place here. Take the tube rides for instance, all the water parks I've been to in Canada you have to bring up your own. Here in India they have a pulley that does the work for you. It's so much faster and convenient! They have amazing rides to go on, a water - techno show and a huge roller coaster that splashes though a huge lake. Here is the link if you'd like to check it out. http://www.veegaland.com/ Everyone was very friendly and we had sooo many people wanting their pictures with the boys. Though out the day when Dan took Ethan on some slides, Alex has his own little group of friends that followed him wherever he went. They all want to touch him and make him smile. He had really great time with the little boy in the picture, his name was Achoo; yes that's really his name! In another picture there was this "little man" walking around the park waving at everyone so we decided to meet him. He was very friendly and I found out he was 32 years old and only slightly bigger than Ethan. The boys liked it when he talked to them, Ethan later said he sounded like the guys from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! We also took Saneesh with us for a Thank you to helping us get around Cochin. He really enjoyed himself, he has a lot of fun with the boys. I just found out that he will have an arranged marriage when he turns 30. I feel kinda sad for him, but I know that's how life is run here. It definitely makes me feel lucky and special that Dan and I found each other so young and love each other so much. So to whomever comes to visit us, bring a suit cause we're taking ya!

I forgot to mention.....

2007-06-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention in the post of our new tattoo's that Dan and I also designed our own. I know it doesn't matter to many but it was important to us. Now we are going to take the kids to Pizza Hut, yes they have Pizza Hut here - but it's just not the same......sigh......

Cherai Beach

2007-06-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

Cherai Beach is one of many cool beaches India has to offer. We stopped for a dip but couldn't go out very far as the tides are vicious because of the pending Monsoon season. It was a great time, the boys had a blast even though they had to hold on to one of us at all times. Everyone was staring in amazement at the white people - again.... I like to think it's because I look smashing in a bathing suit! (Hey I'm putting the time in to make this blog - I'll compliment myself every chance I can get!) Ethan did learn a valuable lesson that day too - never run into the Ocean with your mouth open! I'm glad I had some gum on hand! You'll find the Indian women here go swimming in their clothes, I have yet to see a bathing suit. Later after having some ice cream we met a very sleepy camel who gives rides. We nick-named him "Curry", and we all had fun posing in front of him. I chose not to have anyone of us ride him because it really didn't look that safe and we saw some young girls ride him earlier and it was extremely rough and they were crying. So you can see why I didn't think it was necessary to have a ride from Curry. One picture you will see is a Chinese fishing net that are all over India. If you would like to read all about them just click this link. http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/01/09/stories/2003010900050100.htm After taking a few shots of the area we drove right past a huge elephant working on the side of the road. He was busy moving very big logs, and wouldn't ya know it - right when I'm taking his picture he starts peeing! Don't worry I won't include those pictures! Wait until you see the next entry, we had so much fun! Love ya! (Just a reminder, if you click on a picture it makes them bigger...Thanks!)

Our new Tattoo's!

2007-06-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell everyone that to kick-start our newest adventure, Dan and I got new tattoo's! Dan's is pretty obvious that he had the boys' first initials put in his arm band. Mine is one of three Japanese scripts named Kanji. My symbol represents DREAM. Like my colors? You know it's got to be purple! I think they turned out great, and barely any discomfort, well maybe Dan shed a tear - but not me!! (Just kidding Honey! LoL!)

Hello India!

2007-06-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

We finally made it! We entered India at 12:40am so I think that's 1:10pm (day before, we are 12 1/2 hours ahead) Canadian time. The boys were tired, we were only on the plane from Singapore for 5 hours but it left at 7:00pm so they fell asleep right after the plane took off. The city we landed in is called Kochi, one of many small cities they have in the state of Kerala. I will get to more of that later.... Because we arrived in the evening the airport was quiet, Dan tells me it's a good thing because he's been there when busy and it's not pretty. Outside is Dan's Indian entourage - 5 happy, excited men. They all hugged Dan and the boys but I got the impression they didn't know what to make heads-or-tails out of me. So all, being very shy shook my hand. Now in India you have to understand they are very "touchy-feely" people so they all tried to pick up our boys and pinch their cheeks. Yeah, that went off well!! After the crying stopped, our luggage was put in a vehicle that looked like a Land Rover and we all went in a car just slightly bigger then a firefly, later I learned that was the local family car. We drive for about 15 minutes to our hotel and what an experience that was! It was so bumpy and curvy, and they don't wear seat belts! The car we took had no seat belts so that was really scary. We arrive at a hotel named "Elegance", and went up to our room. I'll be honest, after spending the day in Singapore and dealing with the boys we were tired, so we went straight to bed. The next day we met with a good friend of Dan's named Saneesh. He's 27 and lives with his parents and 1 younger sister, his older sister is married and has moved out. His English is pretty good and it's fun when he teaches us Mullullay - one of many Indian languages. He co-runs and small store that sells everything from buckets to diapers - pretty much an average dollar store in Canada. They boys really like him and so do I. The next day was an eye shocker! India really is a different world, and there are so many people. First off, it smells different - and no not all curry!! You can smell vegetables, animals, sweat, spices, and most unsatisfying - body odor!! Oh well it's all in the experience hey?!! The people are very nice and most are just shy to talk to you but after you initiate conversation they love to talk, just hope they speak some English so you can understand them. Everyone is always staring at us, I have become used to this now but at first it's very distracting. Like I've previously stated most have never seen "white people" before so it's a big deal when we get out of the car. Now with the boys everyone loves them, but I find Alex gets the most reactions because he is blond haired and blue eyed. They like to call him "golden hair" and they are continuously petting their heads! Another thing I as a mom have had to experience is that most women will pick up the boys and walk away and coo at them. It used to send me into a panic but I've learned to accept this is their way, but of course I won't let them go too far and it's up to the boys also. Here are some first photos of India, these are what the streets, shopping and vehicles look like. I will post more very soon - there's so much to share! Take care everyone!

Underwater World Singapore

2007-06-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Now this was a really cool place to visit. It is located on a small island called Sentosa, and it is a very beautiful place. The boys were very excited as was I - sometimes I'm a bigger kid then they are!! Before we went in we were just looking around and then Ethan brought to my attention that there were Iguanas in the grass. Now I'm thinking like one or two, nope more like 10!! We had fun chasing them around. Then off to the Aquarium! When you enter just to the right of you is a huge open aquarium with 10-15 Mata rays that you can actually touch! They felt so weird, kinda like wet, slimy rubber but then it moves and totally freaks you out! The boys were loving every minute of it, and there was still so much more to see. Next up was the Japanese Giant Spider Crab. There was one that took a particular liking to Alex so he was full of giggles. I really wish I could post all the pictures we took, there is so much to show everyone! The best part (and all my boys agree on this one) is the underwater moving tunnel where sea life is all around you. I had never seen so many fish in my life, and there was everything - even sharks! In one picture you will see a Saw fish and it actually looks like it's smiling! After the aquarium I had my first encounter with the toilets I would soon see in India. It was a challenge, and they do NOT have toilet paper. What they do have is this nice little spray washer (like the one at your sink to wash it out) to wash "down below". All I could think about was "Thank you Omy for reminding me to always have some tissue or napkins on hand"!! Most places will have at least one North American Toilet but the cleanliness of it is to be desired - and again, no toilet paper! Oh well, I'm glad it's only me who had a challenge, not my boys. Next in the pictures is Sentosa Island man made swimming area. We decided to take a dip because it was so hot out. Everyone was staring at us, a thing I've become accustomed to since moving overseas. I guess they don't see a whole lot of "white people" in this area so they were getting an eye full when Dan went swimming in his undies!! This was another beautiful place, somewhere you just want to plunk down and lie in the sun with one of those frilly tropical drinks! Next entry: entering India - stay tuned!

Update

2007-06-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I know you all are very excited to see and hear what's new in India - I'm trying! It's really hard as we do not have Internet in our room at the Hotel (only in the restaurant and the signal sometimes gets lost) and I can only sneak away from the boys from time-to-time. I want to do this right so I have documented from the beginning. Just know we are all doing great and I will post as fast as I can and make sure you keep checking back for new entries! Love you and miss you all!

Visiting Singapore's oldest Temple

2007-06-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

This is the temple Thian Hock Keng, built in 1821. It's original purpose was "Protector Of Sojourners" and Chinese immigrants for safe passage. Present day it is a National Monument and what a beautiful sight it is. It was built using only bricks and wooden posts - no nails! And the amazing detail designs, it was a real pleasure to visit. It's leaves me with goosbumps knowing great warriors once prayed here.

Hello Singapore!

2007-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Well after 2 long plane rides we finally arrive in Singapore. The boys were really good on the plane but were deffinatly looking forward to sleeping in a bed! The people here are very friendly and it is a very clean city. We had 1 day lay-over so I decided we would go adventuring and see what comes along. Here are a few photos of the first sights of Singapore. The Giant statue is of a Merlion, an icon featured all over Singapore.

Leaving Vancouver.....

2007-06-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

So the day we left Nanaimo we crossed over on B.C Ferries to Horseshoe Bay. Dan had a surprise for us.....a Limo ride!! This was so much fun, it was the boys' first limo ride and it was so cute when they saw it parked and waiting for us. Alex immediatly yelled "lemon car"!! LoL! The ride was wonderful, there was chilled drinks and even a dvd of Spiderman set up for the boys. There were glowing lights everywhere, and it was was really neat to wave to everyone. That wasin't all, we were taken to Prospect Point to take a few pictures before our plane trip. Boy does my husband rock!!! I love you Dan ;)

Last few days in Nanaimo

2007-06-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well let's begin saying we all had a great stay at Grandma & Poppa's house, a very BIG Thank you to them for letting us stay there for soooo long! I know it was hard for them to let us "take over" their house (and lives!) but they were great sports through it all. Also another BIG Thank you to Uncle Kelly, Auntie Amy & cousin Winston for taking us places and just coming to hang out, it made our stay even better. So these photos are of us at Qualicum Falls and hanging out in Grandma's back yard. I am so amazed at the photo of Ethan & Alex with their hats on, for one, they both have a hat on long enough for me to take a picture and also their sizes. Ethan is 3 years old, and as big as most 5 year old's we know! Ethan is more passive than Alex, he tends to be the "lover" where Alex is the "fighter", I guess we have both kinds on our hands! Now Alex, at 18 months; is just a big guy - so big most mistake him for a 2 year old! He has a heart of a Lion but he's all teddy bear inside! I love watching my boy's together, they are always there for each other.

So the water slide, boy was that some fun! We all had a blast watching the kids get wet. I even posted a picture of cousin Winston getting into it, he eventually got down to his "bathing suit" and I did manage to take some pictures of that cutie bum but I'll leave that to his mommy to post on her site - I'll just hold on to those for his Wedding Day! LoL!

~~~Our Newest Adventure~~~