We had a GREAT time when Nanny was here. Her first couple of days were consumed by Christmas festivities; And despite the fact that I came down with a case of what I like to refer to as Jakarta's Weight Loss program (also referred to as Montezuma's Revenge), we were still able to show her some awesome stuff. We were also lucky that Chris was home all but one day during her visit!
We took another trip to Taman Safari. This time, we went during the middle of the week and the crowds (and traffic) were a lot more manageable!
We learn something new everyday!
We gave Nanny a tour of Emilie's school - as well as what will be Dustin's school next year. Chris and Emilie also took Nanny to the National Monument (MONAS) for a different view of the city. I was a little bummed that I was sick because I have been wanting to get to MONAS - I guess Papa Touchdown and Cathie will have to go there with me when they are here in March!
Nanny also go to try her hand at Batik making.
This is what someone was working on while they were there that day!
Pak Firman even played a little music for them!
Nanny's visit was way too short, but we were very glad she was able to visit! We can't wait until the next time she comes (and maybe we'll let Papa Hamlin come with her next time!).
We had a great Holiday Season in Jakarta! It all started with a surprise package all the way from Phoenix!
Nanny flew in from Arizona and gave Emilie & Dustin quite the surprise! Everyone was so excited to see her! She even got to help us with a few Christmas traditions.
Nanny helped us get some Christmas baking done. We had a fun afternoon decorating cookies. Although, decorations were a little difficult to find. We were able to find heart, star, and bear cookie cutters as well as yellow and green food coloring! Nothing says Christmas quite like a green frosted bear!
On Christmas Eve, we set out with Debi & Andy for a delicious Mexican food dinner at our favorite (only) Mexican food restaurant in Jakarta!
After dinner, we sang Christmas Carols all the way home. I'm sure our driver, Pak Firman, was convinced we had all lost it! Then we were able to take part in one of my favorite Christmas traditions and looked at Christmas lights!
Can you guess which window is ours?
The kids were allowed to open one present from Grammie. They snuggled up in their new PJ's and we watched It's A Wonderful Life (Thanks Grammie!). We drank hot chocolate, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, set out cookies, milk, cheese & sugar for Santa, checked Santa Tracker and snuggled into bed.
On Christmas morning, we were excited to see Santa found us in Indonesia! Apparently, Emilie and Dustin were very good this year!
We got through all of Santa's gifts as well as Nanny & Papa's and took a little break for some RotiBoy breakfast. Then we dove into FaceTime so we could open presents from Grammie & Papa Touchdown and Cathie while talking to them face to face. After an exhausting morning, we did a little clean-up and headed to the Christmas Buffet downstairs with Debi and Andy.
Next, it was time to put the Christmas Turkey in the oven. We tried to do ham for Christmas dinner, but the only thing I was able to find was a 5 lb. ham for $100. We opted for Turkey instead! Debi and Andy joined us for fun evening of eating, presents and were even GREAT sports about participating in our annual Talent Show! Everyone participated - Emilie & Dustin performed a dance, Andy did a poetry reading, Debi & Dustin performed a stunt they learned at circus class, Jennie played Jingle Bells on the piano/ipad, Nanny read an original poem she wrote herself, and Chris performed his ever popular bump on a log routine!
We spent the next couple of days on FaceTime trying to celebrate with some of the people we missed back in Phoenix. We were even able to participate in Grammie's Annual White Elephant! We had a great Christmas! We missed being able to spend the time with friends and family in Arizona, but we were extra lucky that Nanny was able to be here with us!
Nanny & Papa made Emilie's day when she got home from school and found a little package waiting for her! My guess is that if the customs agents knew how good this stuff is, this package would have been "lost" in the mail! Thank you Nanny & Papa!!!
