Thailand!

We set off mid December for our longest (both in duration as well as furthest) family vacation to date, Thailand and Japan!  It was an adventure getting there starting with a terribly turbulent flight to LA, a 16 hour flight from LA to Hong Kong, a 5 hour flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok followed by a 1 hour flight to Phuket.  Once we arrived, we thought we had arrived, but it was still a 2 hour taxi ride to our hotel.  Many many hours later, we arrived, tired, hungry, but ready to welcome the sun and adventure.

Thailand was more decked out for Christmas than I have seen anywhere in the states, and our hotel was no exception.  Its a bit of a mind twist to be sweating in December in 85 degree heat surrounded by holiday decorations, but we embraced it all.

The hotel we stayed at had a pretty incredible buffet breakfast that we all enjoyed after a nights rest.

After we rested and ate, we met up with our nephew and his girlfriend to begin our adventures.

 

A few more randoms

Found this hilarious photo on my phone.

The boys swim team helps out with the meets for the girls, and apparently there are often many girls surrounding these boys.

As we are about to leave for Thailand, Brian found these hilarious photos of us there 25 years ago.

And all dressed up at an annual holiday party our friends host.

 

Randoms from early December

LT with some of his best swim buds while one was home visiting from college.

This girl cannot get close enough to me sometimes.

B had his "Invention Convention" where he and a buddy invented a sandwich launching machine.

B was in the Nutcracker, which also coincided with jammie day.

A favorite things party with some of my favorite VV moms.

This week has been filled with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

And hopefully we will be able to hike again before spring, but definitely our last one of 2025.

 

Capital Reef

From Bryce, we headed to Capital Reef, a national park I had never been to.  We stayed in adorable cabins, though I had hoped either the tee pees or covered wagons would have been an option (they were closed for the season).  We went on a shorter hike , but beautiful!   Above, it looked like a wolf was standing in the middle on the rocks.

There were lots of places for B to play in the rocks.

The covered wagons apparently have a king bed and twin bunk beds as well as a bathroom and kitchen!  From here, we went to Glenwood Springs where I took no pictures.  We stayed at the Hotel Colorado because of B's love for Teddy Roosevelt, ate at one of the best Italian restaurants my dad introduced me to during Ride the Rockies and indulged in the very outdated, overly crowded hot springs.

 

Bryce Canyon and Thanksgiving Dinner

After our hike in Zion, we drove another 2 hours to Bryce where we had planned on just doing a little overlook, but ended up hiking a little into the canyon.  While colder, it also was stunning with the light.

There is not really a town to stay in near Bryce and the lodge in the park is closed for the season, but we did manage to find the monopoly business, Ruby's Inn.  Its the general store, the restaurant, laundromat, and hotel of the town.  It was also the only place for Thanksgiving dinner.  A buffet nonetheless.  It was an experience to say the least, but will definitely live in our memories.

 

Thanksgiving-morning hike in Zion

 

Because of the crowds the night before in Zion, we decided to wake up early to ensure we could park and take the shuttle up into the canyon for a hike.  It was a good choice because when we arrived back at our car, the lot was full and people were circling to find a spot.  Plus, again, the lighting was perfect.

And the only wild turkey we saw was on Thanksgiving day at the bus stop!