McCainiaks in BKK

 With pandemic quarantine restrictions lifted for both Thailand and the US, we were able to go back home and visit friends and family in Virginia and Colorado. So grateful to everyone that made time to see us and apologies to those that we missed. A few pictures from our time in Virginia. Starting with our traditional first night visit to Coyote Grille... We are rarely together for our anniversary, but he never forgets

 We'd had a whale watching excursion planned for October of 2021 soon after we arrived, but I was unable to go.  Took many months to find another time to go, but we were lucky enough to squeeze it in with our awesome neighbors.  Just in time, too, they are headed back to the US in just a few weeks. We saw several whales, but none of them breeched enough for us to get photos of them.  But, one swam right under the boat and we got a video of that one.

Eighth grade (and middle school in general) is long enough, but moving from a Southern Hemisphere schedule to a Northern Hemisphere schedule in the middle of the year means instead of just one year it becomes a year and a half. Therefore, the relief at finally finishing was immense.  ISB has many wonderful traditions and the Moving On Ceremony is no exception. The walk through the halls of middle school.

 If I haven't said it enough, one of our favorite things about ISB is the plethora of opportunities for the boys to try different things. Braden and Gavin decided to give "Rippah Rugby" a try (pun intended). Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, they weren't allowed to play tackle rugby.  Rippah Rugby is essentially flag football.  So, many of the same rules, just no scrums or tackling. The coaches are fantastic.  The camaraderie they develop with these kids in such a short time is amazing. Braden and his friend, AJ, were asked by the coaches to give the end of season speech. The kids are given a framework to follow, then they have to write the speeches, deliver it to the Assistant Director of Athletics and then deliver it in front of the athletes and parents at the end of season celebration.  We are very proud of both Braden and Gavin for getting outside of their comfort zone and trying so many new things.  Maybe some of them will become a new passion.  ...

Braden and Gavin were required to play an instrument as middle school students.  As both had played in Australia they decided to just continue with the instruments they already knew; Flute for Braden and Saxophone for Gavin.   Due to ongoing COVID19 restrictions, there wasn't an opportunity to have a concert in the first semester. But, with twice weekly testing, masks and rigorous protocols at the school, they were allowed to have a concert for the end of the year.   Unfortunately, the best protocols weren't enough and Braden caught COVID the day before the concert.  Although, he had a very mild case (thank you Pfizer!), he wasn't permitted on campus for 10 days and ended up not being able to perform. However, Ian and I were delighted to be able to go to campus and watch Gavin perform with the Beginning Band.

Jamie has played baseball in 4 countries on 3 continents over the past 9 years.  It is never easy to pick up and move and reestablish yourself in a new town, but baseball has given Jamie a way to make connections.  With all the restrictions surrounding Covid still lingering, opportunities for sports are still limited.  Baseball in Bangkok used to be huge, but is still rebuilding. As an 8th grader, the opportunities were pretty minimal, but due to Jamie's size and experience ISB allowed him to try out for Varsity. Unfortunately, many of the tournaments and travel opportunities were cancelled due to Covid, but it was still a great season and awesome experience for Jamie to be a part of the ISB Varsity Baseball Team.

 So, about 2 weeks after Simon fell another kitten fell out the roof line from the house across the street.  Because I had my hands full taking care of Simon, I didn't think I could handle taking care of two neo-natal kittens that needed so much care.  My friend, Laurie, took her in to foster her and I kept checking in on her. I ultimately decided that she needed to be with her brother, so when she was about 7 weeks old she joined the McCain clan. She is ridiculously smart and monkey might be a better name than Sadie, but she and Simon are meant to be together. One thing I have learned is that cats in general and kittens in particular, do better in pairs.  They are rarely apart and have completely (re)bonded.