Embracing 2011

And yet another new year is coming. Following our tradition in welcoming 2010, 2009, and 2008, we would like to embrace 2011 at least with the same optimism. This year has been great. Alfie and Alwyn turned 4 and 2 last August. Time flies. Alwyn has enrolled in pre-kindergarten. He enjoys it so much, he sometimes sneaks in to bigger kids' program, Alfie's that is. Alfie on the other hand is more into his music school. He can now pick up on tones and play them on the piano - many times incorrectly, but way better than his father. School activities also varied more. He had a couple of outings to museum or national park.

But most enjoyable to the two boys this year seems to be two things. Firstly, thanks to Tante Luthfi we could observe the training session of Indonesia's air squadron guys - in their preparation for the Military Anniversary. Alfie and Alwyn were so excited looking at all the F16s and others making maneuvers in the air. The following weeks were full of them telling the story to their friends - or taking it to their dreams.

Then came Bali. Aco was having a conference in the beautiful island and he took the entire gang with him. As he was busy making presentation, Anna and the kids explored the beach, swam, and what not. After the conference they all visited Turtle Island - a small island 40 mins by boat from Benoa seashore. There Alfie held a young turtle (but reluctant to touch the older, bigger ones), while Alwyn looked more interested in iguana. They also enjoyed watching monkeys in Uluwatu, despite some brief quick "attacks" of those animals in their attempt to grab the peanuts in Alfie's hands.

Other than those two experiences, the two boys constantly fought each other -- and made peace right after. Alfie is calm and patient, while Alwyn is more provocative. But when Alfie gets angry, he can be very dangerous. So far the competition, attack and retaliation between the two young men is still tolerable.

Anna went to US in July for two weeks and to Malaysia in December for a week, so Aco had to take care of the kids by himself. Well, not exactly. When you say "take care" of the kids in Indonesia, usually it means asking help from your parents. So what he did in weekdays was take the kids to his in-laws after school and pick them up in the evening. On weekends, he was devoted to the kids' request.

Anyway, happy new year, anyone!