Getting Away in the City

Last week, during an almost two-week school break for the older two boys, we decided to get away into the city.  We spent a couple of nights in a hotel and explored a couple of areas around Manila Bay.  We got a bit of a slow start, as Aden woke up sick the day we were supposed to leave.  But as we packed, he rested and slowly got better, so just after lunch we loaded up and headed into the heart of Manila.  After checking into our hotel (which the boys loved, at least partly because they were able to watch some basketball and soccer), we walked just a couple blocks to Rizal Park.  Noah immediately spotted a train that we could ride around the park, so we caught up to it and made one loop around the park.

As we explored a little further on foot, we found a large playground, where the boys were able to burn some energy, and Emma got out of the stroller for some exercise (and extra attention).

 

Before going to dinner, we stopped to get our picture with the statue of Jose Rizal and then wandered back to the large fountain area, anticipating a musical light show.  We were certainly not disappointed by the show, but after a couple of songs, we were ready to eat a late dinner and head to bed to be ready for our big Friday outing to Ocean Park.

After a special breakfast of Krispy Kreme donuts, we headed out to a day of fun at Ocean Park.  Once we got accustomed to navigating the somewhat confusing layout, we were able to visit each of the attractions included in our ticket.  We started with the jellyfish . . .

blubber jellyfish, upsidedown jellyfish, and moon jellyfish

 then went to the sea lion show
(one of the day's highlights for the boys)

Before lunch we squeezed in one more attraction, going to the Trails to Antarctica.  We missed the main entrance to this exhibit (found it later), but did get to see the penguins, and Daddy and Aden rode a giant slide.  Before leaving the area, we visited "snow village," where we were given coats to wear before entering.  It was sort of like going into a giant freezer, complete with frost as "snow."

After lunch, we went to the Birds of Prey Kingdom.  We carefully read about the attraction before going in, paying close attention to the warnings against loud noise and pulling out cameras or phones.  As we went in, we saw nearly 50 birds of prey, mostly brahminy kites, many perched high in the netted area, and others right at our fingertips on fence posts and short trees.  A photographer approached us and asked if we wanted to feed the birds.  Mommy was a little apprehensive anyway, with all these raptors around, but a bit surprised at his question.  Once we were assured it was safe (and free), we gave it a try.  Each of us (except Emma) took a turn wearing a large, thick glove, holding a piece of meat and watching the kites swoop down and grab the meat right out of our hands.  It was quite an experience.  The photographer captured it just as the bird was grabbing the meat, which made it look like the bird was landing on our arms!  (You had to pay to get a copy of his picture, of course.)  Later, as more people entered, we saw they all had cameras and were taking pictures themselves as they fed the birds.  We were disappointed not to get our own pictures of feeding the birds, but did pull out our camera to remember the experience.

After seeing the birds of prey, we went to the Amazing Birds show, then went to the Oceanarium, another highlight of our day.  We saw all kinds of fish in smaller aquariums, then were able to walk through a tunnel to see the fish swimming on all sides of us, and even above us.

The exit of the  Oceanarium led us to the highly-anticipated Fish Spa.  Mommy had been looking forward to
the experience, but the boys weren't so sure, especially as they watched the fish nibbling all over Mommy's feet!  Aden and Wiley each stuck their toes in for half a second, long enough to feel one ticklish nibble.

Our last noteworthy experience of the day was the glass bottom boat ride.  It was a short ride around a small area, but did go over the Oceanarium tunnel, and seemed to be enough to make the boys a little nervous (as evidenced on their faces).

We were thankful for the opportunity to get away and enjoy a little bit of the city that we hadn't been able to explore. 

Light up the Candles . . .

. . . Aden is EIGHT!

As Aden's birthday approached this year, he and Noah were both counting down the days.  His birthday was on Tuesday, and as usual, he had chosen all the meals for the day.  We've now added "merienda" to the meal list, something special to share with his class at school.  So, we celebrated with coffee cake for breakfast (and he was able to start a new devotional e-book), 

pop tarts for merienda,

Aden's classmates singing to him at his birthday merienda

Aden's one request was that he be able to hold Emma at school during merienda

he enjoyed a pizza sandwich at lunch, and we had tortillas for dinner.  (I always intend to take a picture at the dinner table, but usually it doesn't happen until we pull out the cake.)  Aden had requested a football cake, and his favorite ice cream, mint chocolate chip.  But mint chocolate chip ice cream can be hard to find, so instead Mommy improvised and made mint chocolate chip icing for the cake.  The strawberry footballs tied in the theme.

His gifts included shinguards and soccer socks,

 

a soccer ball,

 

and a lap desk, chalkboard journal (from Noah), and wallet (from Wiley)

   

On Wednesday, the celebration continued with a birthday party with his friends.  Aden had requested a sports-themed party and was allowed to invite eight friends.  His main request for activities was a soccer game, but he just wanted to play as many sports as he could with his friends.  They were able to shoot baskets in a game of knockout, and then Aden wanted to play a game of American football.  Daddy ended up having to briefly explain the rules first, since only a few of the boys were from the US and most had no idea how to play.  The party finished with a game of soccer.  Most of the sports pictures turned out pretty dark on the covered court at Faith Academy, but the boys all had a good time and Aden felt very blessed (and exhausted) at the end of the day. 

Knockout

Soccer

American Football