Butterfly Garden

We took a trip to a butterfly garden a couple days ago. While not edge of your seat excitement for those over the age of 5, the kids sure enjoyed it! And what cutie-patootie kids they are!

the first week of august

There was another medical flight last saturday. Friday night, we were sitting on the couch, watching a movie, when a text came: A measles outbreak. One little 18 month old tribal girl had grown lethargic and needed medical care. Would we be willing to fly in on Saturday to get her? You BETCHA! So, Ben flew on Saturday, I manned the radio, and the kids? Let's just say that playing super heroes is the thing of the day:



...which included a little flying in our house...










Today, Ben is out flying again, this time returning the baby to her home (she is better now) and flying some missionaries out of their location. There is a (another!) tropical storm brewing to the north of us that has made for interesting weather here yesterday, but all clear today.


And throughout our days here, we hear a *chirp, chirp, chirp*. Like the cricket noises back in the states, I just tune them out. Not the Bean; every time she hears them, she yells out 'BooKee! its BooKee!" (translation: budike! Definition: a small lizard that chirps). If you grab their tails, they (the tails) fall off. Yeah, creepy. Doesn't seem to bother her. Apparently, she doesn't mind when they crawl on her either....

out and about

Last weekend, we went sight seeing with another family. We visited a memorial park built in honor of 143 American World War II POWs who were executed by the Japanese. The tunnels they built are still there and it was a shocking and disturbing event to learn about. It really brings history alive when you can see places that you hear/read about.





We also visited a local fishing village where the houses are built over the ocean water. One boy had fashioned his own boat--and was very good at getting around. We decided this was a single speed, manual transmission, creative edition. Very clever and he was having fun.




And one of our crew was mighty tuckered out after a big day of playing with a visiting missionary family. After not hearing the pitter patter and general exclamations from our wee little one, I meandered about the house to find that she just couldn't take another step before having a quick rest...

what we do...

Here's some highlights of the last couple flights Ben has been on:
Flying into one location proved to be a bit wet, as he sprayed his plane and the surrounding area with water (not to mention the missionary in the back seat...sorry about that...)





And on another day, he was able to bring in supplies to the missionaries (so they can EAT!). One trip to this location included a small happy redhead who got to fly along with his daddy and...








...go swimming!







And finally, whilst the boys of the house were up flying and out swimming, us ladies held down the fort and did the flight following:

The Rain and the Ants...

One of the kids favorite pasttimes is Play Doh! What is it about squishy stuff that makes a mess?

Last week, we had a typhoon (hurricane) move through the eastern Philippines. While it missed us, it did bring a lot of cooler weather and rain. We enjoyed playing in said rain. Little did I know the cultural mud puddle I was stepping into. I brought wee little Ellie inside, all dripping wet and only a little muddy, and my helper whisked her away in a hurry.

Why, I ask, are you stripping her down and putting her in to the tub, soaping her down and suds-ing her up?

Of course, she replied, you have to give them a bath after they play in the rain!

Why, I asked (Do I sound like I have the scourge of 3 year olds? 'Why' syndrome?).

They'll get sick if you don't! she says.

You learn someth'n every day, now don't ya?

Our motorbike is our form of transportation here. Here, Ben and Ty are headed to the hangar with Ben's sister on the back.

This morning at 6 am, while getting ready to go to the hangar and prepare for a today's flight, Ben discovered ants in his bike. The little beasts had formed an encampment somewhere inside for their new nest. Thankfully, we successfully dissuaded the ants from making it permanent. It's amazing what your Tagalog (the national language here) and a little Baygon can do...

10 Steps to Internet Installation

1. Go to the office. Ask about getting internet. They agree to come and check
2. Go home. In an ironic twist of fate, you lose cell phone connection and they are unable to call to verify address and come
3. Go back to office another day. Sign up for account so they can check for coverage
4. Go home. They come, crawl on your roof, up your tree, and tell you that you can either refund or build a 70 foot antenna (A WHAT!?)
5. Call to cancel order and ask for refund
6. Husband figures out how to build 80 foot antenna. Shimmies up tree like monkey and fastens it to tree at 20 foot, 40 foot, and 60 foot levels. Thank God for agile husband and safety harnesses
7. Go back to office. Sales lady remembers you by first name and asks where your very energetic baby is. Ask if it’s possible to renew. Find out it is not. Sign up for new account under husband’s name
8. Go home. Wait. They don’t come. Inform them you have 80 foot antenna. Spend entire day off waiting for them, finally leaving for an errand at dusk. While you are on the motorbike, they call to inform you they are at your gate ready to install. Rush home.
9. They install box at top of antenna. Play ornery tricks on them as they try to check for internet connection by unplugging their different cords (oops).
10. Enter information onto computer and watch that high speed go! Zoom, sputter, sputter, zoom…

Another Day Flying

We got to take a trip with Ben into one of the airstrips he's flying into. The kids really enjoyed it! It's a rare opportunity for the whole pilot family to go into the tribe, since I will be doing flight following. The ear muff things were way cool and the drone of the airplane made for some really nice naps!