The Boulet 5 are HOME!!

We are home and almost normal....no laughing here! We arrived home on Tuesday afternoon, tired and worn down. We decided to call Jody's sister and parents over to surprise them. Nobody knew that we were home yet! They all came right over to be greeted by the little guy with big hugs and kisses. They were very shocked at how well he is adjusting to a new, very different life.
He is doing very well. Not quite loving the fact that he has a huge bed and a room to himself. Putting him to bed can be quite a challenge, especially for Jody. He is getting better about this every day. He is beginning to eat "American" food a little better. He is still holding it in his mouth all chewed up for a very long time. He likes it, says, "Yummm" and chews happily. He just prefers to hold it there. Maybe he thinks he'll make it last a little longer. It will take a little while to convince him that the food supply won't end anytime soon. He had Daddy's crepes yesterday with maple syrup and nutella. He seemed quite smitten with his plate and they all went down really well. He even experienced his first visit to the gym daycare yesterday. He did well! Jody was so happy to be able to work out again after being away and eating so much for all the time we were gone. He is very happy about having an ample clothing supply and many, many pairs of SHOES ("that's my boy", says Jody). It is just going to take a little time to get him to walk in them without tripping. It is so nice to be home and be working toward starting our routine.
Levi, as you all can imagine, was very happy to see us all! He was very well taken care of by our fabulous neighbor, Walter. He was excited about the potential of having another face to lick, another body to throw the tennis ball.... The little guy on the other hand screamed bloody murder upon meeting Levi. It will take some time, but they will be best buds too. The little guy is enjoying throwing the tennis ball for Levi, which makes Levi a very happy dog!
Sophie and Yanic went back to school Wednesday morning. They were both very tired though they did make it through the day. We have decided to take most of the week off from all of our activities until we can get a little more adjusted. Sophie is very excited to get back into the gym and flip around again. Yanic is excited to get back to karate and swimming. He really needs to get that energy out!! The little guy also begins swimming lessons next week. He will probably love this because he was so happy with hotel pools.
We are soo happy to be home and excited for you all to meet our little unnamed boy. By the way, Mike and Jody have given themselves to the end of the weekend to name him. Check back soon to find out and in the mean time.... please send suggestions directly to the comments area of this site! Help!! Until next time, Les Voyages Boulet has landed home!

Walking In Old Hanoi, 36 Hour Birthday, 4 Shrimp Eyes But Pass On The Hornet Larvae!

Started the day by passing some time walking around in old Hanoi again. Since Yanic has been asking me constantly for last week if various objects were stronger than metal, I decided to start the day in the blacksmith section of old Hanoi. We watched people with minimal clothing (shorts) and barefoot of just simple sandals forge metal. Yanic and Sophie were quite interested in watching the square metal change shape into a pointed fence part. One of the blacksmiths gave Yanic his hammer so that he could give it a try himself. The tool probably weighed half as much as he did so needless to say he had a hard time picking it up!
Found a relatively hidden market buried in the old quarter. Always interesting to walk around a market in Vietnam, especially to see the various things that become supper! Saw pig feet and tongues, any imaginable organ of various animals, a basket full of toads and fruits and vegetables or all colors and shapes. A little later in our walk we saw a group of men that were removing hornets and hornet larvae from a section of nest that they had. Most of the hornets appeared to be dead but the larvae were alive a wiggling! They had accumulated quite a jar of larvae that I suspect was going to be fried and eaten. They offered Yanic a larvae to eat but unbelievably hey declined! We could not believe that he turned down an opportunity to provide us with a little food shock! They also had next to them on the back of their motorbike a net full of large, live hornets and a section of nest.
Went out with the other adoptive family that we have spent the last 3 weeks with to do an early little celebration for Sophie's 9th birthday. She wanted sushi at a Japanese steakhouse, so we found a choice and headed there. Got to the restaurant and there was at least a 30 minute wait so we decided to walk around to kill a little time and just happened to find another Japanese choice just around the corner. Had a nice enjoyable meal with our family and friends, now back at the hotel for hopefully the last night! Soon the Boulet 5 will have their newest American citizen in the fold, just have to clear customs in the US with the ultra secret, don't break the seal or open package of paperwork that the embassy has you hand carry with you back. Mike writing for 4 other family members that are trying to get to sleep!

Hanoi at Night, Scaling the Crib, & "Baby Thongs" & Captain Underpants

We are coming to a close on our journey to Viet Nam. We are happy (obviously) with the results and very happy to be able to introduce our new son to you all when we finally return. We are also very excited to (after a long while) finally be heading home. This time we've decided not to venture to Sa Pa or any other far(ish) destination. We'll save it for the next trip...yes, there will be one!
We walked around the old part of Hanoi today. We (again) ate some ice cream. The kids think everyday needs to have three things: ice cream, soda, and swimming pools. We are happy to say that life will go back to normal when we get home.
We walked around Hoan Kiem Lake today. Mike and Jody debated as to where the slalom ski course should go. It is totally skiiable and very tempting. The only catch was no motor boats are allowed. I'm sure they wouldn't make exceptions for a Malibu ski boat.
We went to an English bookstore to replenish our reading supply for the ride home. The kids were very happy to purchase not one but two Captain Underpants series books. One of the books was about "Professor Poopy-pants", how great! Potty talk with no consequences?! We went to the local grocery store and bought more diapers. When we got back to the hotel we discovered they weren't quite the right fit. More like baby thongs. The little guy didn't mind (he never does).
Yanic also was indulged with a little "illegal action" today: a motor bike ride. He was happy and especially happy to report (er, rat out Daddy) to Mommy. You can imagine how happy she was. Someone has to keep Mike in line!
The little guy is such a good climber, I really must say. He loves climbing in and out of his crib in the hotel room. I am not sure how he will react when he gets home and realises that he has a queen size. Maybe he will learn to climb a jungle gym with Sophie (our resident climber).
We had dinner with our friends from California who are here with us adopting. It was a really nice dinner. The little (or should I say big?) guy ate so much that his milk was coming back out of his mouth. The funny thing was, he kept putting more in until I took it away (not happy). We walked around the old part of the city a little bit after. Hanoi is growing on us a little more this time...

The Peaceful Perfume Pagoda

Today we went to Perfume Pagoda. This is an incredibly beautiful spot that takes a few mediums of transportation to get to. First, we went by van from Ha Noi for just under 2 hrs. Next, we were rowed in a little boat along the river (overlooking mountains) to the pagodas. We took short walk next and arrived at the tram. It was really something! Yanic, of course just loved that part. Coming from Maine, we have never seen these used anyplace other than at Sugarloaf or another big ski mountain. It was a beautiful ride up as we overlooked the mountains, taro farms, pagodas, and people working in the field way down below. The Perfume Pagoda was in a large cave that you had to take stairs into. Yes, there were bats! The pagoda itself was also very unique as it was literally in the mountain. We walked along and found all of the different altars, lit inscense for those loved ones that have passed, and made wishes on a the "tree of gold." This was just a lightly colored cave formation. The kids really enjoyed it. Little Brother really likes jumping down stairs and he didn't really care much about anything else. The little guy actually yelled for a taxi a couple of times while in the tram. This was really funny because there were no motorbikes, no taxis, no HORNS! Such a peaceful day with out the horns.

On the way back, while paddling down the river, we saw some people working. One group of fishermen really caught our eyes. They had small metal fishing nets on a long pole that was connected to a battery in their boat. The were shocking the fish to catch them! It brought Jody back to her childhood of catching night crawlers in the garden at night with her father and grandfather with an electric pitch fork! Jody will tell you for sure that there is a sharp electric current that comes out of there!!

We have our last item of official business tomorrow afternoon. We have to then wait for the processing before we can leave. New departure date for us is next Tuesday the 19th. We are still debating on what to do for the weekend. We are still thinking of taking the train to Sa Pa. it is a long journey that will need to include spending a night on the train in to get there and another on the return end. We will keep you posted as to how our meeting goes and what we decide to do for the weekend. Until next time... the Boulet 5!

Delhi Belly & Delays

Yes folks, it's true...we are here for yet another week. Our interview that we thought would be early this week was held up and will be on Friday. This means we need to stay here for that to be processed before we leave, which puts us to next Wednesday the 20th (Tuesday the 19th if we are lucky). We have decided to make the most of it... as you knew we would! We are exploring our options for outside travel this weekend. We will keep you posted on where whe end up going.
Jody spent yesterday in bed. It seems that she ate something that she shouldn't have. Doing better today and glad that yesterday is gone!! It seems that she gets tangled up with something with each trip. One of these days she will follow Mike's advice and eat french fries and nothing funky.
Mike took Sophie and Yanic to the "Hanoi Hilton" yesterday while Jody & Baby Brother napped. This is a prison used in the war for American Soldiers. Yanic was really interested, of course. Yanic couldn't wait to tell me all about it.
We're posting another pic from Halong Bay. It was such a beautiful trip! We are also posting one of Sophie and Yanic's finer moments. We hope that you enjyoy! Love, the Boulet 5

Hanoi, Halong Bay....Delay?

We are now in Ha Noi. We all went to the water puppet show last night ( www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org ). The little guy clapped his hands and had his eyes glued to the show. It was a real hit!! Yanic especially liked the fire crackers... imagine that!?
Today we went to Halong Bay. We rode around in a boat for about 4 hours. It was beautiful. We had a nice lunch of seafood (local foods) and it was really a feast. Yanic ate his usual eyeball treat (this time, a crab was the victim). We were able to go walk into caves and see cave formations. It was really incredible. Again, with the kids it was a hit! We also think we may have a Christmas card in the making....
It looks like we may be delayed getting back. We are not sure yet. We will know more later on Tuesday or Wednesday. We will keep you posted. One way or another, we will be home soon! Love to you all, The Boulets

Nha Trang

We arrived in Nha Trang on Friday after waiting around in the airport for our much delayed flight (4 hrs.). It actually wasn't too bad. Baby Brother took a nap on the floor, Sophie did homework, and Yanic watched the same video a few times. The drive from Cam Ranh was as beautiful as we remembered. The little guy yelled, "taxi!!" the whole way. Boy, he really loves traffic!
We met up with our friend Tuyet who lives there and bought food & supplies for the orphanage.
The next day we went to the orphanage for a visit and to distribute gifts. Sophie's caretaker didn't know that we were coming so it was a really nice surprise. She was very pleased. Sophie actually elected to hang out there for the day by herself. Of course, Mommy was a little nervous, but she was just fine! She had a great day spending time with her old friend and her caretaker was especially pleased!
Jody made another visit to the mud bath with a friend and had another fabulous massage. The tip was bigger than the bill! It was better than remembered.
We had dinner at Lac Canh a Vietnamese bbq place. The little guy munched down an eel ball. He was so happy and jumping around in his seat to be eating something he found so tasty. I don't think I will be able to replicate this at home. I don't think I would have many other takers on this.
Another flight to Ha Noi today... excited about finishing this adoption and heading home! Love to all, Jody, Mike, Sophie, Yanic, and Baby Brother

Mike's in the Dog House & Big Step Accomplished

Mike began the day taking Sophie and Yanic to the Ben Thanh Market at set up time. They looked around at the vegetables, meats, fish, fruit, clothes, and many more things that you get get at the market. Nit was so excited to report to me that he, "saw real brains of a real creature that isn't alive anymore!" The kids were also spoiled by some girls that ran a shop. The girls were very sweet to the kids. The kids were even quick to report back to me that they (Mike, Sophie, and Yanic) rode back on one motorbike driven by another man. I don't even have to explain that helmets weren't involved- they almost never are here. Mommy was less than thrilled- hence the line: Mike's in the dog house!
We made it through one big step today at U.S. Immigration. Jody was a bit of a wreck when they didn't look through all of our paperwork and thought it was incomplete. It was easily rectified. Needless to say, that part is done. One more hoop to jump through in Ha Noi before we can return home and breathe easy.
We are leaving bright and early to catch a flight to Cam Ranh and a bus to Nha Trang. We are planning on visiting the orphanage on Saturday. We will fly to Ha Noi on Sunday. You all can thank me later for not posting the pictures of the meat section (intestines, organs, brains, etc.), I know you'll enjoy your lunch more! Take care, Jody & the gang

Medical, Photos, Ice Cream and Cuchi

On Tuesday we took Baby Brother to have his medical exam in order to get his visa. No problems that we can tell and the doctor agreed with us. Seems like a normal, healthy 2 year old boy! We still have not been told when our interview with immigration will be. Took the kids out for ice cream after supper and Baby Brother was not very impressed with it. His first bite was promptly spit onto Jody's lap. We are assuming that more than anything it is the temperature of the ice cream. Most likely he has not experienced any type of cold food, at least not that cold. I'm sure that will change with time! Nanny will have to work on fixing this (it's okay though Nanny, he loves chocolate)!

Wednesday the only official item on the schedule is to get his photo taken for his visa. Nothing eventful, quick and easy. We went to visit Cho Lon (Chinatown), yes even Vietnam has a Chinatown! A giant market that has stuff stacked upon stuff and more stuff. It seems to cater a little more to wholesale types of transactions but it is still interesting to walk around and take in the sites and sounds. Visited a pagoda near the market. The kids were really interested in what the pagoda was all about. Quite elaborate in its' decorations. The smells are a little different due to all of te incense sticks that a burning. Yanic and Sophie were mostly interested in lighting up a few incense sticks. We bought a couple and offered them in the memory of Pop Pop, Grammy Gigs and Pepere. Around noontime we decided to go visit the Cuchi tunnels, which are about 2 hours drive from the center of Saigon. The tunnels were used during various wars by the Viet Cong. Most notably they were used during the American (Vietnam) war. It was quite amazing to see what the tunnels were like and imagine that people lived in these in order to hide from the enemy. We were told by our guide that over 8000 people lived in the tunnels. They even had tunnels that would lead to the river. You could actually enter or exit the tunnel system from under water!
Baby Brother had his 2nd taste of ice cream and this one was more to his liking. I figured that it would only be a matter of time!
The drive back to Saigon was quite interesting due to all of the traffic. we were caught in rush hour traffic. The pictures honestly don't do any justice to what it is really like. Completely amazing to watch the almost poetry like movement of scooters, people and cars. Amazing that more accidents don't happen.
On Thursday we finally have our interview with Immigration. Hopefully everything goes well, no reason that it should not.
That's really all to report from here. The whole family fell asleep just after 8 pm so I have been trusted with reporting the Boulet news from Vietnam. Enjoy the new photos! Love,Mike and the 4 others navigating the adoption trials and tribulations in Vietnam. Have a great day!

A Day at the Zoo!

Today began with a "family bath." The kids all really loved it. Baby Brother really loves the water- he's a Boulet!
We walked down to the Diamond Department Store today. It is a truly western style department store much like we have at home. Baby Brother rode on Mike's shoulders and hung on to his ears the whole way. This was the best view for him to view the traffic. He loves to watch the traffic- his head goes around really fast whipping back and forth to ensure he doesn't miss anything. Yanic was a little upset that he temporarily lost his spot (Mike's shoulders). When we got to the store we purchased a baby carrier (similar to a baby bjorn). The little guy first rode on Jody's front then back. He loved having his hands free (as did Jody) to point and bark at the traffic and people.
We took the kids to the Zoo. Again, baby brother was mesmerized by the sights. Sophie was mortified by the terrible smell of the wild cat exhibit (smelled like a kitty box gone really wrong). She squeeled the whole way! Nit didn't really smell anything (imagine that!). It was pretty strong. We fed the elephant sugar cane sticks. Nit told Sophie, "Holey Cow, Soph, it almost BIT your arm off!" They grab the sticks with their trunks, nothing like teeth even come close. The kids had a ball!
We went swimming again when we got back to the hotel. It really seems to be the item of the day, everyday!
We will be going to take Baby Brother for his medical visit in a short while. Things are moving along!Take care, Love, Jody, Mike, Sophie, Yanic, and Baby Brother

Back in Ho Chi Minh City

We had dinner and say good-bye to our good friend Donna, who has been volunteering at the Tam Ky Orphanage and also adopting from Da Nang last night. It was really nice seeing her again. We chatted over dinner after we took the kids down to the beach. Baby Brother even went in with Daddy and he really loved it! Sophie swam almost all day long until the pool closed. Needless to say at dinner, she was both hungry and tired. She ate a whole bowl of traditional Vietnamese Pho (noodle soup). The bowl was so big, it could have fit on her head!

We are back in HCMC to do some US end adoption stuff. Had another flight today from Da Nang back to HCMC. Baby Brother was great! We taught him to chew gum yesterday and he is already a pro! We are staying at the Sofitel here and it is very nice. Our room is quite a bit smaller than the Sandy Beach resort room. I reconfigured it myself and now it is more comfortable. Gee, I hope they don't mind my furniture rearranging!

We should be here in HCMC until Friday. We will get some time off to do some exploring. We are hoping to go see some things that we haven't seen around here in our previous trips. Keep the comments coming, we love hearing from you all! Love, the Boulet 5.

First bath - likes brushing teeth - doesn't cry much? It's anti-Yanic!

Friday night, not much exciting. Just a bit of relaxing, almost adjusted to the time change. "Baby brother" (still no western name) is fitting in fine, getting along with the kids fine. Likes to run around and randomly smack people, good for Yanic to get a taste of his own medicine! Simple meal at the hotel and the kid definitely does not like high chairs, wants to be held or on someone's lap at all meals. He got his first real bath tonight, he was all over the splashing, giggling and laughing the whole time. The family finally made it past 10 PM! Unlike the Houdini tie up affair we used to have to do to Yanic when brushing his teeth, this kid loved it! The kid did not like being put in his crib, cried (screamed) for 5 minutes or so during the whole time I had to continually ask Jody not to go get him. Funny how quickly they adapt to new surroundings, realizing that someone may actually come rescue them from the crib.

Up at 4:30ish again! Took Yanic and Sophie to the beach for another sunrise again! Ocean water has to be at least 85. There were some people fishing with nets. They had the traditional round boat that is commonly used in this area. They had a net that must have been at least 2000' long. They used 2 boats to paddle out roughly 500' - 700' from shore. They then stretched the net out parallel from the shore and paddled back to the beach with each boat and then began the long process of pulling the nets in. It took them at least 45 minutes to pulling in the net in a U shaped fashion. They were a little bit short on people so I jumped in and helped them for about the last 20 minutes. It was a lot of work for a little bit of fish! I don't think that they hauled in more than 15 pounds of fish/squid for all of that work. There were at least 8 people involved in all of this effort. It can certainly be a hard life over here. Scenes like this make you appreciate the life that we normally enjoy.