Whatleys' World: July 2008

Tim's 40th - EARLY!

Kathy decided she wanted to surprise Tim with an early 40th Birthday Party since the whole family was going to be here. (Unfortunately we did not get the chance to have the party before Nathan left...)

Kathy and Carolyn sat down for a cup of coffee for break time at 10, Tim was running Stephen and Dad into town for a few things. He had to have Dad back to Alan's place for lunch... as soon as they were out the door the party preparations began!

I ran to town to try to find black balloons or crepe paper.. try explaining that to someone! So, I got colored balloons and big black garbage bags that we cut into strips and hung those up.

After Tim and guys left for town, Carolyn and Kathy began on the lazagna and pies! (Tim's favorite... and certainly a treat for the rest of us!) :)

Birthday advice written for the 'old timer...'

Tim WAS surprised!

After eating we sat down to watch one of their favorite movies: Princess Bride. :) Here's Miriam enjoying the movie with her Uncle Tim.

Outings in Kopeng

As a family, we took a few days and rented an 'apartment' side of a hotel. They actually have a stone house we wanted to rent for 3 days, but it only had 3 bedrooms and would not have been adaquate in the end.

I don't know if you remember that I have mentioned that Kopeng is known for it's vegetable and flowers, but it is also beginning to be known for it's strawberries! (Not quite to the scale of Andrew's Berry Farm, though!) :)

We took a few side trips.... Air Tanjung Seloprojo. (March - 'Driving Around, again...')

This waterfall is tucked back in the hill (see previous post for area pictures) Some of the rice was cut... Not sure what the hut is for and why the rice is drying like this.

On the little path between paddies, back to the main path was this offering...

Carolyn and rice. :)

We also went for a trip to an area that overlooks both Mt. Merbabu and the active volcano, Mt. Merapi.

Rock-movers!

Weed wacking around the park's edge.....

A cultural experience when visiting volcanos it seems... :)

Gedung Songo, Bandungan

We headed to a local area attraction on a neighboring mountain side.

You can do the walking route, or the horse route. :) There are numerous OLD Hindu temples and piles of old ruins.

Getting a horse....

Girl Scout ladies heading home. In what.... ? ... :) in the back of a big dirt truck.

One of the 'candi's' (chandy) - temples.. with us! :)

Between the candi's is a ravine with sulfuric steam vents, and bubbling mud/water. When we were there last time there were just steps down each side of the ravine and kind of a cement/mud path to these vents. It is really nice now! :) The hot bathing pool has a cost of .30 cents. :)

When we (Rachel, Mom, Dad, Shane and I) met up again with the rest of the crew who had arrived back at the stables, we had some nice soft, cute little bunnies to pet and hold. :) (here's for you Neal!)

Picture of Interest:

Family Picture Day

When a family picture is taken, what ELSE would you wear?! :) This is what the family chose and we all had a really fun time. Who needs to go camping to have a family bonding time?!

Tim & Family