Hi all:)

Well, the trip to Manila to see my Son has not been the smoothest journey so far.

First, the hotel I had booked turned out to be a total disaster. Dirty, terrible service, food inedible etc. Nothing like the website AT ALL.

Luckily the travel agent was helpful, re-located us to a lovely place albeit a bit more expensive, and got us a refund from the first place which will almost cover the extra expense for the second place.

After that, just as things were beginning to improve, both Joy and I came down with a terrible flu virus, and got so sick we had to send Robin back to his Mum for 3 days. I was pretty gutted, limited time is valuable, but it was not fair to keep him here as we could not look after him properly, or keep him entertained.

Anyway, he came back today, and we are up and running again.

Despite everything, two great things happened. First, as some of you may remember from my last trip here, I have been trying to teach him to swim, and for the first time last week, he left my arms for support, and swam on his own. I was so proud:)

Secondly, we have been working on the alphabet to help with his English, and he is fluent up to the letter 'K' now, with both letters, and knowing the English words for the pictures on the flash cards. So that is another acheivement:)

So, despite the problems, it has of course been worth it, and I still say there is nothing like those tiny arms around your neck in the morning, and hearing the words, 'Good morning Daddy'

Here are a few piccies. Well, quite a lot actually LOL!

Here he is wearing his new Spiderman pyjama's which his Nan, my Mum sent over for him:)

Bart Loves Lollipops

And here is Bart again, with his Dad. (SHUT UP!!)

Joy getting a kiss

I think there's something going on here...

By the way, slightly off topic, but this iron that Joy brought along which I have never seen before, really IS a real iron LMAO!!!

Out playing at the Mall.

Robin didn't crash, it was the other Kid. Honest....

Playing INSIDE the mall. (It's a big Mall)

Training for the inevitable

Playing before bedtime

Before... 

...and after:)))))))))))))))))))

glad to see he has his mums looks

Great journal, glad things are going well

Great pics..... must be a very proud daddy!!!

Such a cute, smart little boy! Enjoy!!!

Looking real good mate! But gotta say I'm jealous,hehe

Joy looks as if she is enjoying her self also Stu,and a great maid to.(;-)

Stu,

I am so happy for you. I know you cried because that's how I am when I see my daughter from far away

Take care and enjoy your time with your son

King

Great pics and journal Stu!!!

Looks like everyone is having a great time. Glad you got over your illness. See you when you get back . . .

with the size of that iron and the size of ur t-shirts poor joy is gonna spend all her time ironing ur f**king clothes !!

Very nice to see you all so happy mate.......Oh yeah when is Wimbledon again??