The Lamothe's

Bali - one last time

2014-12-16T18:59:00.000-06:00

We went to beautiful Bali last weekend. We were able to stay at our favorite hotel, eat at our favorite restaurants and play at our favorite beaches. We originally had this trip planned for Chinese New Year in February, and fortunately we were able to move it up. It was a bitter-sweet trip, knowing that it would be our last visit since we are moving to Texas in January!

Of course, we travel to most places during the rainy season. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we had sunny, rain-free days. We even welcomed a little cloud cover because it was still HOT.

Mason - hamming it up

Dinner at Potato Head

We love the character at the Intercontinental

A cute restaurant just down from the hotel

collecting shells and crabs at Finn's Beach Club

Ryan and I also took our 2nd surf lesson. It was so fun and we were better than the 1st time. Sadly, there are no pictures of that (probably a good thing!). But, we were there and we did it. The kids stayed at the kids club, which they loved, but Brady was wanting to learn to surf, too. He loved boogie boarding at the beach at our hotel. The waves are smaller and great for him.

Ryan wanted to surf at our hotel beach, but the waves were too small and shallow. Brady tried too, but decided he'd stick to the boogie board. At least, he got the chance.

I am sad to see our SE Asia experience come to an end. The travel opportunities and experiences have been incredible and priceless. The boys are sad to leave their school and friends, but we keep reminding them of all the good things about moving to Texas and the family and friends that are there. I think they are getting excited and ready to be back. Still, it's hard to say good-bye.

Cambodia - Angkor Wat Half Marathon

2014-12-15T23:58:00.001-06:00

I went to Cambodia a couple of weeks ago with my friend, Anissa. My neighbor, Claire and her husband Brian, went as well. We've had this trip planned since May and have been looking forward to it for so long. We put the kids on the bus and left on Friday afternoon. After a short flight, we were quick to get to the hotel, get massages and head to dinner.

Anissa, Claire, me and Brian

Travelling without the kids is definitely different. I missed them, but we were able to see other parts and not have to worry about them getting tired and bored. We explored Pub Street - 50 cent beers! and the night market.

On Saturday, Anissa and I explored some of my favorite temples.

Angkor Wat

Ta Prohm

Bayon

At the start

The race was Sunday morning. A large crowd of 7000 runners and an early 6:10 am start. The weather was beautiful and a little bit cooler than KL.

Ready to run

We called it a "tourist run" - our excuse for not pushing too hard

We passed out candy to kids

And stopped to take pictures!

We passed the Elephant Terrace on our way to the finish line. It was a great weekend and we had so much fun. I'm happy I was able to go back to Cambodia and see it again. Brian said it best about Cambodia, "if you're disappointed in your life, come to Cambodia. These people have very little, tourism is their main source of income and they are SO HAPPY!"

After the race on Sunday, we lounged by the pool, got massages, shopped and enjoyed more good food. We left on Monday morning and were back in time to get the kids off the bus.

Where's the elf?

2014-12-15T00:59:00.001-06:00

Elliott, our non-existent elf, is still causing problems. Not only do I forget to move him when he's around, he is still a total no-show this year. The boys have been asking, "I wonder where he is? Do you think he got our letter?" Well, Elliott finely got off his lazy rear-end and delivered today. I'm hoping one final good-bye letter and we'll be done with this dude for the year.

Yea! Christmas comes early this year!

River Rangers

2014-12-03T04:15:00.001-06:00

The Grade 3 field trip was to River Rangers. A conservation, water-testing area near the school. I was able to go along and see some young scientists in action. The instructor for our group was great - very engaging with the kids and they all were able to perform tests and collect insects.

Matthew, Sam and Brady

Brady was doing a phosphate test, which checks for sewage

Thankfully, the water was "clean", as the kids determined by all their testing.

Elliott - The Elf NOT on the Shelf

2014-12-01T17:51:00.003-06:00

Dear Elliott,

So sorry you were left behind in Texas. The boys are wondering where you are this year and when you will appear? What's a mom to do?

I'm planning a scheme to cover-up this oversight. I haven't thought it all the way through yet. Hope it works. Any clever ideas or loaner elves would be appreciated. Here's my first stall tactic.

So, the great "search" for Elliott begins. This letter did prompt Brady to write a quick letter and let him know our whereabouts. I'm sure it will take Elliott a few days to respond. At least this will give me some time to think about my next move. I'm having doubts about all this...One small lie leads to a bunch more and all....

Flag Parade

2014-11-12T03:38:00.001-06:00

This is International Fest Week at ISKL. Today, the kids dressed up in their countries clothes and had a flag parade. Brady was a very proud cowboy! I tried to get Mason to wear his Old Navy flag shirt, but he insisted on the Texas A&M jersey. I guess that's American, too!

at the flag parade

The kids headed into the studio for a pep rally of sorts. The principal called out each country, 55 in all, and the students stood up and waved their flags with pride.

all the flags together

Add caption

It was also a special day at Scouts because the Marines from the US Embassy came to visit us. They performed a flag ceremony for us. Poor guys, it was pouring down rain and they got soaked. Well, we do live in the tropics, after all. Then they showed the boys how to properly fold the US flag. Very cool!

Triathlon

2014-11-11T03:46:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, I was informed about a kids triathlon coming up. Now, I wasn't being sneaky, but I was being strategic in my reasoning that I told Mason about it first while Brady was in ear-shot. Mason's a bit more competitive and I told him how much fun it would be. Swimming, biking, running - all things that he loves. His answer was "yes, yes, sign me up!" Brady asked if it was just for little kids or were kids his age doing it too. Ok, maybe I was being sneaky, because then I said, "I don't know, would you want to do it too?" He was noncommittal, but I told him I'd look into it.

For the next couple of weeks, Mason was planning the event. What comes first, how the transitions are set up, biking in your swimsuit, running in your swimsuit... He asked if there were trophies? He would do it even if there weren't, but what if he won? Would he get a trophy? I like the way you think, kid. I had gotten a "maybe" out of Brady, but that was about it. I didn't want to keep asking him, because if I did that, I knew the answer was a for sure NO. So a few days later, I told Brady, "I'm signing Mason up for the triathlon, do you want me to sign you up, too?" Yes, ok.

So......

The boys completed their 1st triathlon at the Australian International School in Malaysia on Sunday. It was pretty short and just for fun - a nice introduction into the sport. Brady was having second thoughts and really did not want to do it the morning of the event. He said I didn't even ask him if he wanted to do it. Poor thing, he was just recovering from being sick, but he was doing better. He just didn't want to do it. I kept telling him that he would be fine, it's short and just for fun. He could play, rest or do whatever he wanted the rest of the day. I'm such a mean mom!

Somehow, I was able to get them fed, load the bikes, helmets, towels and shoes and make our way to the Australian school in time to set up. Once we got there, he was really excited and even more so when he saw his friend, Will.

Less than enthusiastic at the start

The good news is Mason was really excited and he genuinely wanted to do it. Also, the younger kids started first. So Mason was up!

Here he is finishing the swim

Heading to the transition area

A quick loop on the bike

His run was so short I didn't even get a picture!

And the big finish!

Brady was, of course, in the older category. His swim was 4 laps in the pool. I was nervous for him when I heard this news. Let's be honest, I would have trouble swimming 4 laps. I told him he could get down and back any way he wanted, just keep moving forward. I told him he could backstroke if he needed too. (It's what I would do!) He asked if he could dog-paddle. I said yes, but it would be over with faster if he used bigger strokes. Good luck, kid!

I was so happy and proud when he finished his swim. He never gave up. And finished the 4 laps.

Onto the bike

Off on the run

His run was 1km, which is .6 of a mile. It was a little far for him and I'm sure he was tired by then. I think he raced the whole thing with his tongue hanging out. I ran him in for the last half of it.

Never quit!

Crossing the finish line - do I see a smile!?

Will, Mason and Brady - the triathletes

I was so proud of them! They've done something I have never done. And it brings tears to this momma's eyes to see her boys doing it. They had fun and were all very proud of their medals. Mason wore his all day on Sunday and they both took them to school today to show their friends. Brady has vowed that he will "NEVER do it again!" That's what I always say, too. I told him he might change his mind later. Mason said his favorite part was the biking. Brady said he'll just stick to running.

In true competitor fashion, we came home and ate a big bacon and pancake breakfast. And then they left to play. Mason played soccer for a bit and Brady went roller blading. I'm such a mean mom....

Terry Fox Run

2014-11-11T02:53:00.000-06:00

Last week was a rough one for the kids, and Mom! Mason was sick Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Brady caught it and was sick Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Good grief! Mason was well enough to do the Terry Fox run on Friday. He and I ran and walked it together.

Stamps on his arm for every lap around the field.

A well deserved treat

Halloween

2014-11-11T02:48:00.001-06:00

We had a fun Halloween with Jango Fett and Darth Vader. Mason was also Captain Rex at school, but he saved this one for trick-or-treating because of the jet pack. I'm so happy with our new neighborhood. They hosted a huge party with tents set up right beside our house, since we're at the end of the street. At 6:00 the party started. We had our friends from the city center over (no trick-or-treating down there). Lots of kids, adults, food and even more candy! Everyone had a great time!

Vietnam

2014-10-25T03:47:00.002-05:00

We just returned from our fall break. We spent a week in Vietnam visiting Da Nang and Hoi An. We had a fun time and stayed at a resort right on the beach. Even though it is the rainy season, we had warm and sunny days with just a little rain. OK, one evening it rained a ton, but it didn't slow us down.

Beautiful China Beach with awesome sand

It didn't take long for the boys to DIG IN!

View across the bay, take note of the statue

Rock wall climbing at the hotel

view from our room

busy streets

Hoi An - lots to see and buy

the town is filled with lanterns at night

thankfully, a few streets are bike and pedestrian only

these ladies sell fruit, but they mostly just want you to take their picture

lots of shops and restaurants

We went back the next day to get some custom-made clothes. We both got some linen pants and Ryan got 2 pairs of dress slacks. We also returned to Hoi An to eat more delicious food!

there is a tailor/dress maker on every corner

look at this cool wooden bike

we loved it this much!

rice paddy field

Mason took a ride into the sunset

This day was cloudy so we went across the bay to the temple.

This is "lady Buddha" that we could see from our hotel

Mason liked this guy because he looked fierce.

This guy looks like a longhorn fan.

We went to Marble Mountain

More statues inside the caves of Marble Mountain

view from the top

mosaic pictures - see the tree is made out of bottles

the boys loved flying kites everyday

We also went to the military museum in Da Nang. It was an eye-opening history lesson for the boys. They saw a lot of American planes and guns that were obtained during the Vietnam/American War. They were impressed that Daddy knew the names of everything we were looking at and how it worked. There are still airplane hangers beside the road all around Da Nang. From what we could learn, the area where the beach-front hotels are now, was a large US air field. Da Nang was where the US soldiers would come for R&R and they named the place China Beach. I'm glad I got to see it.

We ate some great Vietnamese food and were really impressed with the kids for trying lots of new food. We went to one restaurant where we picked our shrimp and crab straight from the water and it was on our table within minutes. I think we had spring rolls with nearly every meal. We had a fun time on our trip. It was nice to have a week off from school and work. We relaxed and played.

KL Marathon Recap

2014-10-16T21:45:00.000-05:00

Marathon #10

I completed my tenth marathon on Sunday. Yeah! The morning started early. Our alarms went off at 2:45 am. That's the earliest I've ever gotten up for a run, but with a 4:30am start it was necessary.The kids spent the night with our friends which was good, so we didn't have to worry about them. I was a little worried about even getting to the start. A lot of the main roads were already closed and the marathon officials were recommending that everyone ride the train from their nearest station to the start. We drove to KLCC and parked and caught the train from there. We made it to the start in plenty of time to use the port-a-cans and get positioned in the corral. Selflessly, Ryan accompanied me even though his half marathon race didn't start until 6 am. He said he found a bench and took a little snooze while he waited.

The weather was clear and hot, of course. Probably 76 -78 degrees and only going to get hotter as the race progressed. I was far back in the corral and tried to move up a bit. This is usually pretty do-able in a US race where most people leave a fair amount of personal space that can be invaded. But, in Asia, where personal space is rarely considered, it was already packed pretty tight and I didn't want to be any more uncomfortable than necessary. So, I just hung out where I was. The gun went off and it only took about 2 minutes for me to cross the start line.

This is my first marathon in 3 years, but I've been feeling good, running well and injury free for all of that time. I started slow, according to my plan, and enjoyed getting started. I passed a lot of people since I was so far back. I passed the 6 hour pacers, the 5:30 pacers and the 5 hour pacers within the first 3 miles. At mile 4, I saw my friend Anissa. She came out to cheer me on at 5:15am! What a true friend! Seeing her gave me a boost and I figured 4 miles was a good warm-up, so I started to pick up the pace. I ran fast (for me) for the next 10 miles. I was familiar with the course. These are the same roads I use to get to the grocery store, school and the 2 different places that we've lived here. I passed the 4:30 pacers and continued to pass people.

Then, I went up an overpass at mile 14 and it sucked the life out of me. I downed an energy gel, drank some water and started walking. Hoping, miraculously, that it would kick in quickly. I began to question what I was doing and why was a doing it. It's still dark, I'm only 1/2 through this stupid race and I don't want to do it anymore. The first guy that passed me gave me a thumbs-up and asked if I was OK. The next guy clapped and said "come on, come on, you can do it, let's run!" They were so sweet! Their encouraging words helped and I thought about people that I know that are going through tough times. Not given an option to quit, their strength and faith helped me focus. A water stop was up ahead and more port-a-cans. I didn't really need to go, but I convinced myself that I just needed a break. A break would help. I used the potty and when I came out, I felt great! I started running again and fast (for me, that is). Mile 15 passed with ease. The sun came up.

At mile 16, my ipod died. It's been on the fritz for a while and not holding a charge. This was disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. I took out the earbuds and shoved them down my sports bra. Miles 17 - 20 were OK, but I was starting to get bored and run out of steam. I slowed a little. At mile 20 we turned off the completely closed highway onto a road that we shared with traffic. This was somewhat refreshing because it at least gave me something to look at and something else to think about and there was only 10K to go. Just run!

Easier said than done. I could feel my hamstrings fatiguing and my calves on the verge of some major cramps. A young guy ran past me and said "come on" so I ran with him for a bit then he took off. I caught up to him again and said "lets run". He joined me for a while. Told me it was his first marathon. Good for you, just 4 miles to go now. He took off again.

I talked with another man from Chicago. Also, his first marathon. Just 3 miles to go. Keep going! At this point we turned to join the half marathoners who were walking to the finish! It was a sea of slow moving people when we needed to keep the momentum up. I walked and ran as much as I could just wanting to be done already. 1km to go (that's .6 mile) and the 4:30 pacers passed me. I tried to keep up, but I couldn't. I didn't care, I was over it. I crossed the finish line at 4:31. Happy to be done!

The KL marathon was very well organized. The course was great, the water stops were excellent. I carried my own water so I didn't stop that often, but they were happy to fill my bottle and hand me a sponge. The sponges were awesome - I drenched myself from my cap, face arms, back and legs. I was a dripping mess when it was all over. I seriously had taken numerous baths out on the course. They also had some cooling muscle spray for our legs. It was at the start and at most water stops. I enjoyed that, too. The only downside was the lack of spectators. No entertainment, very few cheers - so different from the Houston Marathon, it made me a bit homesick.

Ryan had waited another hour after his race for me to finish. We hobbled back to the train. Whew! The trains - filled with wet, sweaty runners - were packed! We picked up the kids, showered, stretched and then went to a favorite Mexican food place to celebrate with friends and margaritas.

3rd Grade Perfomance

2014-10-15T21:35:00.001-05:00

I must have been sleeping these past few weeks instead of updating the blog. Brady starred in the 3rd Grade Performance as "the Perky Dad." He did a great job and looked so very handsome.

He sang and danced (a little)

Great job, Brady!

Hong Kong

2014-09-18T03:48:00.002-05:00

We've just returned from 4 days in Hong Kong. We had a great time - saw the city and went to Disneyland. Hong Kong was an easy place to get around. Lots of transportation options and walking was easy, too. A very cosmopolitan city with lots of people and a lively atmosphere. The first place we visited was a bunch of streets filled shops and restaurants and outdoor escalators. That made getting around easy and fun!

scaffolding built completely out of bamboo

our view from the hotel

view from Victoria Peak

the Hong Kong skyline is the #1 attraction so we made sure to get lots of pictures of it

HK fire rescue truck

we rode the tram up and down from Victoria Peak

its a steep hill!

Good thing we went early and beat the crowd!

Sunday is the maid's day off - so they congregate in every shady spot, doing their nails,weaving bags, talking, etc.

we also took the trolley around

being in China gives a whole new meaning to "Chinatown"

Fish market

Duck

Produce

Meat

this was "cracklin" or something similar sitting out to dry on the road, it will be sold later at the shop below

more meat

possibly the shortest escalator we've seen. this lady is telling her mom "hold on - it's a quick ride"

we took the Aqualuna cruise to Kowloon

drinks on the Aqualuna

the Star Ferry

we went across the bay to watch the laser light show

then we rode the ferry back to HK

YEAH! We're going to Disney!

It was hot and sunny when we got there

We were going to buy the lunch and dinner package for the day. When Ryan inquired about it, the employee told him, "Today maybe not good day, maybe typhoon today." We laughed and laughed. Maybe typhoon today. I told him they just wanted us to pay full price for our meals. Oops!

We loved the runaway mine car ride in Grizzly Gulch. Brady is doing his outlaw face for his poster.

The weather is still nice and we rode a few rides and had a lot of fun!

See the illusion?

The boys are fearless and rode everything, including the parachute ride behind them.

Typhoon - what typhoon?!?

Then it started to rain and instead of the parade, they had the Rainy Day Express

see the umbrellas and raincoats?

more rain - uh oh, maybe typhoon...

more rain

the day we left

The worst of the typhoon blew in through the night. The eye of the storm was about 200 miles south of Hong Kong, so we knew that it wouldn't be too bad. We were on the 26 floor and the wind and rain rattled our windows all night long. Most businesses were closed and the public transportation had stopped running. We were able to hang out at the hotel and eat a leisurely breakfast and watch a movie. I heard someone compare it to a snow-day in the US. After lunch, everything was open and running again. We took the subway to the airport and our flight was only about an hour late.

We had a great time in Hong Kong. We rode on planes, trains, subways, trolleys, trams and ferries. And, we narrowly missed a typhoon! Whew!

Fishing!

2014-09-17T01:11:00.000-05:00

Who knew there were monster fish in the lake behind our house? Sure, we caught the occasional perch and fish that could be used as bait. But, the boys spent more than a few days throwing a line out, and their efforts were rewarded.

Mason's whopper was 26 inches and 9 lbs!

Brady caught the most fish!

*Note the expensive and sophisticated gear that is preferred by these fishermen.

Thanks to Papaw for keeping Mason on the shore! And keeping the fish alive so we could all see it!

A truckload of fish!

Our pond is catch and release, so the fish were returned. They live to be caught again another day!

MASON is 6!

2014-08-25T19:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mason! To my little man that is sweet, tough and funny. Mason's personality has really started to shine. He is very tough and extremely brave. He can take a fall with the best of them and not even cry. He laughs in the face of immunizations! He is also becoming a very good reader. Mason is determined to do anything that his older brother can do and always happy to follow him around.

Lots of cake around here lately.... An early Star Wars birthday party and a special dinner with the family.

Our Aussie friends - Rob, Anissa and Will

Lots of friends from Mason's class

Awesome Star Wars Cake!

Mason - through the years

2014-08-24T04:50:00.001-05:00

Mason, you have stolen our hearts even before you arrived. I'm so proud and happy to be your mom. I love watching you laugh, play, learn and grow up. These pictures are some that make me laugh and some that have just been stored away for too long. What a great time to look back over your first 6 years! I wish you many more happy times!

Brotherly love

1st haircut

Driving Papaw's tractor

Brady in 2006

This cabinet seems to be a favorite for the boys to climb into.

Mason in 2009

Beach Bums

Look at that face!

What's over there?

Born to be Cute - yes indeed

Mmmm - free refills of hot chocolate

Your 1st race

Remember when you caught a raccoon?

Sleeping Buddies

On the move

Fun at Disney

Not so much fun at Disney

Snowskiing

learning to ride

Sweet Mason

Fast Mason

1st Day of School

2014-08-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

Brady started 3rd Grade and Mason is in 1st Grade this year. They both love Minecraft, LEGOS and now that we are in our new house in KL, they both love to ride their scooters and bikes.

Ready for the bus!

Our new house

We love having our own pool and we are really enjoying our new neighborhood!

Lake Livingston

2014-08-17T20:24:00.002-05:00

We had a lot of fun this summer. One of those fun times was going to Lake Livingston. Here are some pictures of the boys.

Shoes!

2014-06-05T01:42:00.001-05:00

So I should be packing for our summer adventures, but instead I'm doing a post about shoes. I just received 2 new pairs from our local Jimmy Choo. His name is actually Jackson Chen and he's been in KL making shoes for years. Apparently, I'm a pretty good customer, since I now have 5 pairs of JC originals. Shhhhh! Don't tell my husband.

This was my first pair.

Then I got these 2 pairs.

These are the ones I got today. The brown ones are very similar to each other, but I love them so much I needed a back-up pair! I think they are so cute and comfortable, too. He can make them in all shapes and colors and I already have ideas for my next order.

KL Skyline

2014-05-28T00:19:00.000-05:00

We've had some pretty crazy thunder and lightening storms in the afternoon. Once the rain stops, we've also had some amazing sunsets. These were taken on different days, but within 5 minutes of each other.

We do have a nice view, I know one day I will miss it.

Rollerblading Fun

2014-05-27T01:58:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Brady's birthday with a party on Saturday. The theme was Indiana Jones and the kids went rollerblading. We had a great time. I made the temple cake and Brady said it was perfect - that's just what I wanted to hear.

Our friends, Rob, Anissa and Will

Mason and Giovanni working up a sweat!

Bridget even joined in on the fun!

Make a wish!

Now let's eat that cake!

The Oval Supper Club

2014-05-26T03:47:00.001-05:00

These are our friends and neighbors and we've named ourselves The Oval Supper Club. Alice was taking the picture and wasn't able to get in the shot. We have a lot of laughs and good times in KL together.

Fraser's Hill

2014-05-26T03:08:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we visited the quaint town of Fraser's Hill. It has a higher elevation and slightly cooler weather than KL. An oasis, if you will, from the heat. The town has a bit of English charm to it and the views, instead of being beautiful English countryside, is the jungle. It was nice to see, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch and we were home by the afternoon.

One of the few restaurants in town. Note the name: Eating Shop

The boys wanted to try out the water ball. It's getting blown up with a leaf blower.

Almost Ready!

I guess they had fun. They spent about 15 minutes on the water and mostly just bobbed around.

Not much else to tell. It's a quiet little place with not a lot going on. Guess we can mark this one off the list now.

Cub Scouts Bridging Ceremony

2014-05-21T04:54:00.000-05:00

Brady and the other 2nd Grade scouts earned their wolf badges. On Saturday, we had the bridging ceremony. Next year, he will be a bear scout.

the boys sang a traditional scout song

Good job, Brady!

Penang

2014-05-19T06:19:00.002-05:00

A trip to Penang with our friends, Tom and Sara. Penang is a nice place to visit. About a 4 hour drive from KL and a city with a large Chinese influence. It's also a World Heritage destination, which as Tom said gives it a "shabby chic" feel. Or it's just a little bit run-down.

We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Eastern and Oriental Hotel.

A Chinese temple.

Famous Penang street art (the bike is real)

I don't really know what this is, but Ryan thought we needed a picture of a metal tree

Street art

A bunch of food stalls

A village over the water

Cement buckets for support - how would you like to live here?

Mason enjoying the slides

Brady loves the steepest one

We saw this snake charmer 2 years ago when we first moved to Malaysia. We were pleasantly surprised to see that he is still performing. That is a python in his mouth! He also kisses his snakes. Of course, we were back far enough to run if needed, but he makes the kids on the front row sit on chairs and lift their feet up just in case a snake darts their way. Yikes!!!