Lawson Kiddies

A busy week back at school, you would think with year 11 and 13 gone things would slow done a bit but I felt busier than ever.   But one week down and only eight more to go before I am off for ages so I shouldn't really complain.

Yesterday we had a brilliant day out with the Lawson kids.  Lizzie (their mummy) was diagnosed with TB last week and things have been pretty crazy for her and the family.  The kids have, thankfully, been given the all clear but have spent the week at home awaiting results and we figured that everyone probably needed a break.  We had the best day out, we went bowling, for pizza and then some ice cream.  It was so much fun, but so tiring.  How do two parents take care of more than two kids?!  It is like you need a third adult so that you can be one on one (maybe more so when they are not your kids as you are so nervous to lose one!).

 Happy Strike Dance

 We had a little disco in the alley, these kids love to dance.

 Me and Vivi

 Some more happy strike dances.  A great game but none of us could compete with Levi who took home the gold medal.

 A little pizza

And then just to make sure we had them bouncing off the walls upon their return, a little ice cream too.  What a nice day we had!

42

Nothing too different about being 42 so far, except for the fact that it seems one step closer to 50 really.  It was a different birthday celebration from most, I am not really sure why but for someone who usually loves birthdays I was not really feeling it.  However, I am tremendously thankful to all my friends and family who reached out across the world to wish me a happy birthday and those here in Phuket who made me feel very special.  And of course Luis and Lola who I am always thankful for and spoilt me rotten as always. 

 In the morning I went to see a turtle release at our local beach.  It was done fairly poorly really, so hope they all survive.

 Kim made me this fabulous card.  I think Lola looks just like Lola, love it!

 Luis had this lovely cake made for me, and although wasn't with me, organised a friend to give it to me which was lovely.

Kim also made me this delicious vegan cake.  It was so good, I was so super impressed.

And then on Monday Leica had an ice cream cake for me in the staff room.  I am very lucky to have all these people around, I think sometimes I just miss those far away and those no longer with us a lot on these days.

Last days of 41

I spent the last couple of nights of 41 about the same as I have been this entire holiday, eating with loved ones.  I am actually looking forward to going back to work and having some sort of routine which includes much less food!

 

 We went with Richard and Sara to a a beautiful restaurant on Friday, the atmosphere making up for the less than brillant food.

And this evening tried a new one to end my 41st year.  Tomorrow, in theory I have a lunch planned on the beach, but it is so crazy hot that who knows will turn up!  I cannot believe that I am complaining about heat, this has never ever happened before!  Either way bring on 42, I suspect this will be a big year of exciting changes.

Safe Travels

As usual, the holidays just flew by, I can't believe the Hopkins have come and gone already.   Another special holiday with some very special people.  At our wedding my father made a speech about families and that I certainly have more than our biological members.  He listed  two key families (besides my wonderful blood related ones), the fabulous five and the Hopkins.  Growing up we spent several holidays with Hopkins, my Mum planned these fantastic trips with them and it was so nice this holiday to remember some of these special times.  I am so happy that now we get to continue the tradition, taking the next generation out on adventures and hopefully leaving them with similar memories.

 The last sunset walk of the holiday before they headed off to the airport slightly pinker than when they arrived.

Big Birthday Celebrations

The reason we are lucky to have the Hopkins crew for a second year in a row (or one of the reasons), is it is a year of big birthday celebrations.  First, Jake turned 21, next week Frankie turns 18 and in October Jen will be 50th.  I have tried to organise a vacation worthy of these three big events and ended it last night with the 'surprise birthday' event.

 The day started with a drive down South of the island to see the big Buddha.

 We had a glorious stop here for a juice and to see the view.  I have to say that driving up to the Big Buddha was horrid and showed how crucial the Elephant Sanctuary is for the island.  The amount of elephants (three baby ones included) we saw chained up with no room to move in the hot sun made me want to cry.  And the amount of tourists stopping to pay to have pictures with these poor creatures or ride the older ones looking terribly sad and broken was enraging.  It took all my energy not to stop and lecture.

 We made a few more stops before finally landing at our final destination, a villa in Nai Harn (most Southern beach).  The Hopkins excitement when we arrived  just made it the best night ever.

We had a great Thai meal prepared by our own private chef and a great evening of games and laughter.  What a wonderful way to end another holiday!

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary opened a few months after we arrived, there are only three proper ethical ones in the entire country.  You can visit here for an afternoon or morning and see the elephants in their natural environments.  There is no bathing them, crowding them, touching them and certainly no riding.  They rescue working elephants from all around Thailand to retire here.  The first bit of the program we learnt about elephants in Thailand, it just hurt my heart so much.  I knew that elephants were 'trained' somehow to perform in shows, be ridden, work in logging but I had no idea the extent of the torture they are put through.  It is sickening. The sanctuary in Phuket now has nine elephants, all with horrific stories and all looking so happy now.  

All the money they raise from visitors and all donations go to trying to buy more elephants (usually costs them $75, 000 to rescue one animal as they have to buy them).   I learnt loads about elephants and know that most people who visit places to ride or bath them do not realise what these animals go through, but please never ever do it!  Additionally, it is the best run facility that I have seen so far in Thailand, well worth a visit.