Guest from Oz

My SIL, BIL and nephew Jaymes flew in from Australia for the holidays. However, my boys didn't get to see their cousin until a week after New Year's day since my family and I spent the 27th of Dec to 2nd of Jan in Manila for an extended bonding time with family members from my side.

The day we all met up, the boys spent hours and hours playing together. Jaymes was even allowed to spend the night at our place. In the afternoon, they were at EGG Ayala where they played Dota, NBA and Counterstrike. By 6pm, with cups of sugary (ick) fresh apple juice/shake from Thirsty, we all got ready for an early dinner which we had prepared at home.

As soon as Jake saw us at the door, he was a jumping bundle running here and there as if showing off to his newly-met cousin. At first, he called Jaymes the generic name "bata" which then evolved to Jay, until it became - JANE! It was funny hearing him call Jaymes Jane. Anyway, before they parted ways the following morning, I think Jake got the name right, eventually.

Before reaching home, we all drove to a shop to rent some videos. Kyle and Jaymes were clamoring for some suspense and horror movies. After trying our luck, we were unable to find anything that they liked. So much for horror movies.

Jaymes looked different in a good way from the last time I saw him. His hair was worn long since it was school break. He has matured a bit and was all polite even towards his cousins. At one point he said, all the food we prepared for him was good, though these were just shrimps and pork chops. And this coming from the son of very good cordon bleu mom and dad and who's into healthy eating. He was so game to try what my boys were feasting on: shrimps dipped in spicy "Pinakurat" vinegar (Matt's staple), non-fat cookies-and-cream ice cream sprinkled with crushed clover chips... etc. What a sight!

And yes, right before Jerry and I headed off to sleep, he told us "I really thank you for having me". Aw, such a nice and well brought-up boy. No air of of pretense whatsoever, not even if he is the unico hijo of SIL. I'm sure he'll grow up to be a fine, upright man.

Yes, Jaymes, it was our pleasure having you!



Matt, Jaymes, Kyle, moi and SIL
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