Winter Wonderland

It's winter here right now.  You could be convinced that it was going to snow by the latest fashion ear muffs, scarves and beanies in the stores, however, besides the {welcome} fresh mornings and the cooler nights; winter in Thailand is definitely my favorite time of the year.  The forecast this week is for 30 degrees every day and it's been the same for the past few weeks.  What's not to like about that?
I just realised that this is our third winter here! It's hard to believe.  When we arrived in January 2010 it was the end of winter, last Christmas we experienced our second winter and now here it is again- winter time!

I am loving the kids being on school holidays right now- not typically a holiday period for the Thai schools but most international schools have a two-week semester break.  I love not having to rush off to the school and preschool drop offs.  I love having the chance to see my children playing together and watching their development.  And I am also loving that we have been able to see the ZOE kids a lot more lately.

Tobi, Eli, Spencer and I went out to have lunch at ZOE today.  We arrived just in time for some delicious Japanese curry cooked by a visiting Japanese team.  And after filling up on a hearty meal, I sat in the sun watching the mixture of kids roll down grassy slopes, playing soccer and chasing {wrestling} each other until the dirt stains looked permanent and the grass through the hair signified a group that had definitely had some fun.

Both tomorrow and on Friday, Dave has the day off! Whoop, whoop!  That was part of a special present for the missionary kids to have their parents home for two days this week.  As, you can imagine, ours are very excited.  Sadly, we have to go to immigration early tomorrow morning but once that is over, the fun begins!  We have planned a fun-filled two days together.  Then on the weekend we will be spending time out at ZOE celebrating the coming of the New Year as well as some time on Sunday with the Japan team by having a pot-luck dinner at the Night Safari.  It's sure to be a exciting next few days.

And so as I sit here reflecting about another Christmas gone and a New Year just around the corner, I am already sensing that the next 12 months are going to be GREAT!  This weather is so refreshing and rejuvenating, and I am excited about what 2012 has in store.

By the way, thank you for all your Christmas messages.  They meant so much to us, each and every one.

Well, for now, I am off to snuggle in to bed {yes, I'd forgotten what that felt like} under my thin bedspread, enjoying the sensation of coldish feet and crisp air because (in the words of Annie) I know that:

The sun'll come out 
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar 
That tomorrow 
There'll be sun! 

Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow 
Clears away the cobwebs, 
And the sorrow 
'Til there's none! 

When I'm stuck a day 
That's gray, 
And lonely, 
I just stick out my chin 
And Grin, 
And Say, 
Oh! 

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow 
So ya gotta hang on 
'Til tomorrow 
Come what may 
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow! 
You're always
A day
A way!   

Have a great week!