Milestones and More

Recently, Carly got a cool new bike! It's pink and can fold in half! Well, it's sad to say, but to this point Carly hasn't learned how to ride a bike. The main reason is that there is just no good place to ride around our house. The roads are either not paved or too busy. Plus, you add the fact that whenever we get out, we are such the spectacle, and so bike riding - or learning how - has been put to the back burner.

So a few days ago, after the purchase of the new bike, we made a day of it and loaded up the bikes to search out a place in Legazpi (with good roads and somewhat secluded) to learn how to ride. After driving around a while, we found a spot and Wade began working. After about 15 minutes, Carly had it down and was riding on her own!

Carly showing off the new bike


At this point, she had no idea Dad had let go!

Here's the first time she came down the road by herself. I wish I would've kept the camera rolling for a few more seconds because when she turns around at the end, she realizes that Wade wasn't holding her up the whole time! It was great!


Caleb even worked some with Dad on his "new" (Carly's old) bike. We've still got some work to do with him. He's a wild man on wheels!

After all that riding and running (sorry, Dad) we were pretty hot so we went swimming!

One of the coolest things about rainy season is that it can be sunny one minute and a downpour the next. This happened while we were in the pool. Since there was no storm to go along with the rain, we let the kids continue to swim.

Whew! A long, but fun, day!

Recently, Caleb achieved an important milestone also. He finished his first piano books! Woohoo! In this video, he plays the last song in the book. (This video is especially for Minnie.)

Caleb works on his last few pages of theory.

One thing I especially like about the piano series Caleb is working in is that the kids are taught sight-singing/solfege from the beginning. Again, another video for Minnie!

Good job, buddy! Now you're ready for Level Two!

These last few pics are pretty random. Here, Caleb shows off his new pjs Mom bought him in Hong Kong at the Ladies' Market.

Recently we cleaned out the attic over our carport area and found quite the termite nest! These are some pieces of Wade's old wooden bunk beds. Needless to say, they were thrown on the burn pile!

A picture of Mt Mayon at sunset. (Taken by Carly)