Oh what a weekend!

I really don't know how to sum up our weekend other than to say that it was AMAZING.  It was exactly what we wanted, what we needed.  We had time as a family that we haven't had in months.  Time to play and wrestle and eat and explore and cuddle and read and love. I was able to be reminded of why I love these people so, so much.  Not just because I am their mom/wife but because of who they are -- their personalities, their quirks, their hearts. I feel renewed and refreshed and think it might just have given me the push I need to make in through the next four weeks (which will be totally insane but all good!)

Here is our weekend in pictures (and a few words...)

We started the weekend by making pumpkin muffins for breakfast on Thursday and then we started on Thanksgiving lunch at home, complete with homemade stuffing.  I almost didn't make stuffing -- I am very picky about my stuffing and wasn't able to get the kind I like.  But I figured why not try and it was YUMMY.

And the way-too-expensive turkey that was totally worth every rupiah!

We invited our pembantu and her husband to join us.  It was so fun and I am so glad we had them.  I was slightly embarrassed when Caleb scolded Pak Nadi for not having his napkin on his lap ;)

After a huge meal, we got the car packed and headed two hours into the mountains.  It was beautiful and so fun to see other parts of Indonesia. The rice paddies and the tea fields were so pretty!

We made it to the cottage where we were staying and immediately felt "at home."  The cottage, while basic and somewhat unkept compared to western standards was PERFECT for us.  It was EXACTLY what houses/life was like when we living in India.  It was a total "coming home" experience for us.  Our hearts were happy and we breathed in the fresh air and gazed on the tea fields.

The next morning we took a ten minute drive up the road to the Taman Safari Park.  First, though, we had to stop and buy carrots.

For what you ask?  Well, for all the animals you can feed STRAIGHT FROM YOUR CAR!  We started up the main road of the park and out popped a zebra.  And then dozens more!

Yea, they are pretty bold.  If we rolled down the windows any more we would have had about three zebra heads FULLY in the car, searching for more carrots.  The camels weren't any better.

As we drove through the lion area there were signs saying we had to have our windows rolled up.  Easy enough, but still, I think we were much closer than any zoo would allow in North America.  Keep in mind I only have a 28-75mm lens and this image is not cropped. The only thing between me and this lion was one car window.

The crocodiles didn't scare us much but maybe that was because it looks like this one already had his lunch! *eek!*

And then it was on to the hippos.  This is the car in front of us so you can get some perspective of how close we are!

Now I can't decide if this looks like Jason offering carrots or Katie to the hippos ;)

Then it was on to my favorite part -- the baby zoo.  For just $1, you can take pictures with the baby animals.  So, so, SO cool.

The baby orangutan really wanted Jason's shirt!

After seeing a few shows, we got to hang out with this lady!

She wanted to dance with Jason

For a good part of the day we weren't sure who the main attraction was -- the animals or the "buleh's" (white people, literally "albinos")

After a little elephant riding and some really bad Indonesian drama, we headed back to the cottage for dinner and hanging out as a family.  The next day brought us door-to-door service horseback riding through the tea fields, practicing sitting like Indonesians, tea time with the family, and lots of snuggles and games.

 

Comments

[Melissa]

Wow!! Looks like you guys had a great experience!

[MandaKay]

All I can say is WOW - you guys are experiencing LIFE! What an awesome zoo - so amazing to see God's awesome creations up close like that! What a fun weekend - glad you feel all rejuvenated!

[Margie S]

Oh my goodness Janet...those are amazing photos! What a fun time it looks like!

[joelsgirl_Kellie]

SO FUN! We went to Taman Safari while we were in Bandung, and it would be so fun to go back with our kiddos! I remember the "pony ride" and the sub zero temp at the hotel; it was beautiful but I don't think we ever got warm! Glad you guys had a great holiday!

[Tammy]

What amazing pics of the animals! Looks like you had a great time.

[Jenn]

SO AWESOME!! We've got a petting farm that we like to visit when we go to the North Georgia mountains with baby goats, chickens, chicks, cows and kittens...But I couldn't even imagine zebras and camels!! My husband just said "We'll have to remember that in case we ever go to Indonesia!"