A Very Thailand Christmas

Christmas Morning in Thailand...

Johnny and Mommy

Austin and Nana

The Best GIFT ever...MY FAMILY

For christmas this year I asked for a short note about the Thailand experience... here is what they wrote

AUDREY...

I usually feel eager to go home and get back into my regular routine at the end of a long vacation.  After a month in Thailand, though, I wasn’t ready to go home and could have easily spent a few more weeks there.  I loved being able to spend time as a family in a relaxed and unobligated environment.  It was so wonderful for everyone to be together without any other responsibilities.  I loved waking up each day knowing that my only focus for the day was having fun with my family.  That, to me, is a perfect vacation no matter where you are.  I loved watching Austin interact with his Nana, Papa, Aunts and Uncles.  It made me so happy to see how loved he is by his family.  I know he’ll go through life continually supported and uplifted.  I’m so grateful that he has so many good examples around him.  I look forward to more family vacations in the future, and I hope each one has the same feeling that this one had.

Love, Audrey

TOREN...

I really enjoyed our time together in Thailand.  It brought back fond memories of my time in Southeast Asia having served my mission in the Philippines.  As with any trip my enduring memories all have to do with family.  My greatest take away from our vacation was the opportunity to spend time with everyone and get to know each other even better than before.  This is fun in its own right but getting to share these experiences in one of the World’s most beautiful countries was a real bonus.  I also relished the opportunity to spread a little Marco Polo cheer.  Too bad we didn’t get to play a couple of more times.  Thanks Mom and Dad for making this trip possible.  I love you both and thank you for your examples of love and faith.

Love, Toren

AUSTIN...

I loved being in Thailand!  I wish I could go back right now.  My favorite part was being spoiled by my Nana.  I loved the endless treats, tickles, and smooches.  I love that my Nana has enough energy to keep up with me.  I loved swimming in the pool, riding in the golf cart, and taking long bike rides.  My favorite part, of course, was all the cool animals I got to see: monkeys, giraffes, geckos,  sharks and a whole lot more.  I can’t wait to go back!!  Thanks Nana and Papa!

Love, Austin

Laura:

Spending the Christmas break with the family was the best way I could end my time in Thailand. I had been in Thailand since August and completing my internship and I couldn't think of a better way to end the semester. I loved spending two weeks with family both on Koh Tao and at the house.  Having the house filled with my loud and crazy siblings was the best. But the best part of the trip was Scott asking me to marry him. Second best was him coming off the plane early.  Spending time with him and the family was the best Christmas present   could ask for. This Christmas was the best I have ever had.

Scott:

This Christmas was memorable to me for so many reasons. I was able to visit a country I had never been to before and try some new thingsI've always wanted to. There are to many things I enjoyed to really pick a favorite but I loved the scuba diving, riding the scooters, eating out together everyday, going to the markets, hanging out by the pool, and learning to play the Angklung. Most of all though the highlight of the trip was getting engaged to Laura. She is everything I've ever wanted and imagined when I would dream about my future wife and family. Coupled with our engagement I really enjoyed spending time with the rest of the family and getting to know everyone better. I felt instantly loved and welcomed and that made the decision to marry Laura so much easier. Thank you for a great and unforgettable Christmas. I look forward to many many more!

Mandy and David plus grandson #2

Ever since David and I got married, I found it remarkable how easy it is to call you and the rest of the family, “family.” I cherish all of my memories with the Gailey clan and couldn’t be happier. Being in Thailand for Christmas was perfect. It was stress free and the focus was just having fun with the family. I loved getting to know everyone better and to have opportunities to become closer as a family was great as well. I would have to say while I loved the family time, my favorite part was going to Chiang Mai with David and spending the day with elephants. That has ALWAYS been a dream of mine and it is something that I will never forget. I have loved being able to visit Thailand and explore new places, but it has been even better to be able to do it with a family whom I love so much! Thank you for one of the best Christmas’s ever!!

Love you!  Mandy and Grandson #2

This Christmas was filled with amazing moments from the beginning to the end.  However, one of those stood out more than the rest. My very favorite experience from this trip to Thailand was all the fun we had playing in the pool at Koh Tao. From splashing around with Austin to endless relaxation, Ultimate Marco Polo to The Game of Skill, this wasn’t he absolute best memory from our time together. There is just something about having carefree fun with the whole family in the water that brings a smile to my face. I loved it because it was just simple, honest, good-time-having fun. I think that those kinds of times with the family are my absolute favorite. Yes, there may have been a few raindrops. Yes, there may have been some silly rules to Ultimate Marco Polo. Yes, there may have some minimal sunburns acquired. But I must say that this was still that happiest I was the whole trip. I love our family. And I love being together and playing with our family. Thank you so much for you and Dad making that possible. I love that we all get along and enjoy being with each other. I can’t wait for the chance we have to get together again for some more awesome pool-time festivities.

Love, David