Summer o' Fun!

Over the years Ryan and I have learned a thing or two about how to vacation. And one of the major lessons is not to rush into any new adventures when school lets out for the summer. Instead, we take at least 5 days to sleep in, read the paper, drink coffee, and watch movies with exactly zero obligations.

We love having guests (have we mentioned that before?), and this summer we were blessed to have Ryan's older brother Jason and his wife Nicci come for a 10-day visit. We took them to 2 fantastic getaway destinations...Koh Samet and Krabi. Despite a few snafus - a dank hotel (stop complaining - mold and roaches aren't that bad), a nearly missed flight (you have 5 minutes to shower and pack), and a few minor jellyfish stings (just pee on them!) - we all had a fantastic time. A big thanks to Jason and Nicci for ditching the kids to join us in Thailand!

The four of us at the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok.

Jason and Nicci came to Thailand to find Buddha. 

Fun in a tuk-tuk! 

Jason is the king of the world - or maybe just Krabi. 

Off to the US! We've also learned a thing or two about how to travel in the US. Some of the major rules include:

1) Minimize the Muffin Top (splitting a meal and an appetizer for dinner)
2) The Stinking Fish (a maximum of 3 nights at people's homes)
3) Drink 'til She/He's a Ten (we can't get good beer and wine in Thailand)

Quality time with the parents is always a must, and all of our parents are such great hosts that we are usually willing to break Rule #2. How can we resist people who spoil us, cook for us, let us borrow their car....and keep begging us to come back?

Here we are with Ryan's mom after a morning on the California coast. I walked it, they ran it together. How many moms can still run and keep up with their sons? 

Ryan and his dad in the Colorado mountains. 

Nicci, me and Ryan's step-dad Mike at Estes Park, Colorado.

Doesn't my mom look young? Or....it's my sister Ashley with our dog, Dutchess. Mom's arm is on the right.

In order to see all these lovely people, Ryan and I took a road trip to Colorado, stopping in Reno of course. Ryan did most of the driving because like always I drive too slowly, but we had a great time enjoying the scenic US (minus Nevada) and listening to books on our i-Pods. 

Our road trip companion, Nit Noi, who is cousin to Flat Stanley.

The Colorado River as seen from Lazy Bend Ranch. 

Ryan and the brothas.

Jason and his kids Ava and Wes putting on silly faces. 

We are back in Bangkok, and we have to admit it's nice to be sleeping in our own bed and in a routine again.  Thanks to everyone for a great summer and we are already looking forward to next June!