Home for the Holidays!

In November I found tickets home for cheap.   With nothing planned for over the three weeks off for the holidays, Wade and I decided going home was the best option.  There is nothing like Christmas in the Northwest and spending time with family was needed.

The flights got us to Vancouver, BC where Ruth was able to pick us up.  The kids and I left right with the start of break and Wade flew in the next week.   The first thing on the agenda was getting a real Christmas three and play with snow.   With Grandpa's help, the kids were able to find a good one that fit into the living room perfectly.   Decorating the tree started off strong, but I was soon left alone to finish the job.  

The car we bought from my brother.  Its perfect for us!

While in Washington we were lucky to experience some snow....and FREEZING cold.  Thank goodness I had the basic delivered before we got here from Amazon.   The kids loved the snow and spent a lot of time playing in it.

A couple days after we arrived, we headed to Kirkland to be with my family.   It was consumed with cousins and family. We saw Santa, spent the night in downtown Seattle, and ATE!!!

Santa's reindeer.. 

Seattle Center with Mimi.

After Seattle, Wade flew in to BC and we headed back North to wait for Santa.   More snow and Santa granted lots of wishes.   

The Konings by Amelia and Liam

Christmas day we headed back to my parents for holiday celebrations and more family time.  I was able to watch the Coug game with friends while Wade flew to San Diego to watch it with his friends.  With Wade back for New Years, we celebrated 2017 with my family.  We had a great meal and lots of laughing.  Kids loved being with cousins and they were the ones who lasted to midnight while the adults called it a night around 10p.  

Coug game with Anna and Becki (and Paul)

"White" Girls

Kyle gave these hats to us.  Big success and Liam wore it almost daily. 

Sunrise from my parents house.  

After the celebrations we headed back to Bham to finish the trip   I was determined to go to Mt Baker and the weather created the perfect opportunity.   We had a perfect day on the mountain with clear conditions and good snow.   The kids took morning lessons while Wade and I skied.  We then all skied together after lunch.  They both have  ways to go, but I was impressed.   Amelia was able to go on her own and Liam no fear.

Like the old days.  I can sill beat him down. 

Perfect conditions!

Amelia in lessons. 

Waiting for Liam. 

Lunch break. 

First chairlift ride. 

Hamballs.  No trip is complete without these.  

Flying home. 

Playing with Christmas gifts once back in Singapore. 

Thailand Thanksgiving

View down the beach. 

Thanksgiving is not a thing as in Asia...duh! Therefore having a 4 day weekend when the rest of our area does not, makes traveling cheaper/easier.   We decided to forgo turkey for Thai and headed to Thailand.  We broke the days into part of them on Koh Samed which is about a 3-4 hour drive from Bangkok and our old neighborhood near RIS.

The kids enjoying the sand. 

Koh Samed was one of my happy places.   I was sad I have never been before, especially considering we lived somewhat close to it.  It is a quiet island with no big resorts or city.   All there really is to do is sit on the beach and relax.   The water was clear, the sand was soft, and the resort we stayed at was perfect and cheap.   I would highly recommend it to anyone.  

Thanksgiving dinner. 

When in Bangkok, we didn't do anything touristy.   We stayed at a friend's house and the kids played with old neighborhood friends.   The downside was I got hit with something Saturday night and ended it early with throwing up.   

We missed not being with family and all the Thanksgiving fixings, but we are grateful to travel and our friends around the world.

Sandcastle. 

Snorkeling time. 

Beach during the day. 

Sunset swimming.  

Happy hour time. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bumps

Liam did it again. This child unfortunately is like his mother and always seems to find a way to hurt himself.   This time he rolled down a hill at Wade's softball game and hit concrete to open the back of his head.   A run to the ER and some stitches later, he was ready to go...until next time.  

Halloween 2016

This year I had two vampires on my hands.   We did the years past three rounds of neighborhood trick-or-treating, classroom parties, and Woodlands Halloween night.

This is the first year we have carved pumpkins since living abroad.   There is a reason why it is not common practice.  The pumpkins turned into a slimy mess in a couple days.   However, it was worth it with Liam's excitement of the experience and pumpkin seeds. 

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3: 

The kids got Cecile to dress up too.  

Helping a friend pass out candy to 1000s of people in Woodlands. 

Boracay, Philippines

This October break we decided to rent a villa with 3 other families in Boracay, Philippines.   Boracay has been on my list of places to see once it was voted to having the most beautiful beach in the world.  Yes, in the world.   That is a HIGH expectation to live up to, but we were not disappointed.  Not only was it the most beautiful beach we have been too, it was also very clean.

The beach closest to our villa. 

Six miles of white, soft sand is the main beach area of Boracay.  It is also host to many shops, bars, and places to it.  Including a Starbucks.    Our villas was located on a hill just above the first part of the beach.   The infinity pool overlooked the water and harbor.   We were able to enjoy BBQs at home and walk a short hike to get the beach.

BBQ dinner made by the staff one night. 

Our pool at night.   You can't see the view, but it was good. 

The villas was massive, including 7 rooms, a main living area, an outside living area, a pool, a hot tub, a pool table, a gourmet kitchen, and lots of decks with lounging space.   The cost also included a full staff who cooked and cleaned for us and 24 hour van with driver.    Plus, it was the same or less then staying at a hotel.  Spoiled for sure.  

We spent our days with beach activities and nights hanging with friends and cheap beer (50 cents a bottle).    5 days of heaven and I was sad to go.

Pictures from our snorkeling trip. 

Best sandcastle sand.  No, we didn't do that. 

More water sports. 

Boat trip to islands. 

Fish market to get dinner. 

Lots of Happy Hours.