Samberly Says...: Summer Summary II

Needless to say, I won't be typing up a daily summer recap as was my goal. But, I will do my best to remember all the fun we have had so far...

* I have taken the kids to the Fontana Water Park in Clark twice so far this summer. Now that the SCTEX toll road that runs between Subic & Clark (where the new Texas Instruments facility is being constructed) is complete, it takes me a mere 45 minutes to make the drive to the water park. It's clean, it's fun & it's cheap! We are enjoying every minute while the sun is shining before rainy season engulfs us!

* The kids have spent countless hours playing with their friends: John, Ciaran, Rowan, Eva, Cade, Melissa, Min Seo and others that are also staying here throughout the summer. Thank goodness for friends!

* We spent one Sunday afternoon in downtown Subic Bay watching several teams of 8 players participate in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. Our friend, Heather, was playing so we cheered her on from the sidelines. The kids loved every single action packed minute! You can see pictures here.

* Sam & I have been able to sneak away for a few dates here & there. We enjoyed some live music at a little outdoor restaurant called Pier One. However, neither of the two rotating bands knew any of the songs that we requested. It was a bit of a reality check... we're definitely not in America anymore! Afterwards, we found a new videoke hangout. (Did I mention that my purse, which was holding Sam's wallet, was stolen from a previous videoke lounge back in May? I returned to get it less than 10 minutes after I left & it was already gone! Oh & we were the ONLY customers there! So, we have since boycotted that evil place!) This new lounge is even better, though, because they also provide tambourines we can play while Sam sings. Because, as all of our friends are learning, Sam is definitely the microphone hog! I know what you're thinking, but I promise... he is!

* We have also seen a few movies. I took the kiddos to see Kung Fu Panda a couple of weeks ago. Such a funny movie! We all loved it! We also saw Ironman. Sam & Samuel really liked it. Nicholas wasn't too interested at the time, but has now been asking to see it again. Sydney could take it or leave it. There were no princesses in it, so it doesn't get any stars in her book. And, last night, Sam & I went on a date to see M. Night Shyamalan's new movie, The Happening. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!! It was completely NOT worth it! Probably one of the stupidest movies I have seen in quite a while.

* Samuel & Nicholas also started taking taekwondo lessons. Samuel has been begging for months to go & now that we finally started, I'm not sure that he's too crazy about it. Nicholas, on the other hand, LOVES it! He is the youngest in the class & doesn't take it too seriously like many of the other kids, but kicking & punching are right up his alley! He is able to release tons of pent up energy! Sydney also started tennis lessons last week. She was pretty nervous about her first lesson, but was quick to tell me afterwards how much fun she had. She was so proud of herself every time she actually hit a ball over the net. Samuel will be joining her next week, so maybe this will be a sport they can play together one day.

* On Sunday afternoons, we typically meet a few other families at the school soccer field to play a variety of sports... ultimate frisbee, flag football or soccer. Ultimate frisbee has become a favorite among the kids & adults. I am completely worn out halfway through the game. And, we only play to 10 points! The younger kids play on the jungle gym while the older kids & parents get some much needed exercise. We really look forward to these fun outings & especially to the early bedtimes they create for our energetic kiddos!

* Sydney, Samuel & Nicholas recently completed a 2-day camp at Ocean Adventure. Ocean Adventure is similar to Sea World, but on a much smaller scale. They learned all about marine life & about taking care of our earth; they had the opportunity to interact with a variety of sea creatures; they picked up trash & debris along the coastline; they enjoyed fun crafts designed to help teach them about our ocean; and, last but certainly not least, they had the opportunity to kiss a sea lion & to swim with a dolphin! They absolutely LOVED their 2 days spent at Ocean Adventure. It was the best investment I have made so far this summer!

Here are a few pictures: