First Time Flyer, Double Pleasure

Alright folks... sorry for delay my blog. My jet lacking is getting better and both kids are getting settle here in Bangkok. You might find this boring since our activities are pretty much similar to our last trip in Thailand. However, we would love to share everything with all of you. We wish you were here with us. Let's start.

Saturday after Easter was our big trip, a trip to Thailand with two kiddos and a good friend, Pep. We all got up early and excited about our trip. Lots of suitcases and baby's stuffs (2 strollers and 4 carry on!!!). We looked like a group of circus went through the airport. However, we managed to get all our luggages and all of us on board without any problem :) Tara is such a pro when come to security. She told me to take off my shoes. I was doing ok except I forgot to take out my computer for them to check. The TSA officers was kindly enough to help me. Our first stop was at Detroit Airport. CJ flew for the first time and he did very well. Tara is a pro by now after a dozen time up and down the plane, she knows her routine. She is such a big helper for me on the plane. Luckily, I have another Thai friend flew with me this time. I don't know how to survive 20 hrs. long flight without her help. Thanks...P Pep :)

We took an early flight from Columbus and decided to stay in Detroit airport for a long lay over. We just took our time--no rush and we ate our lunch and explore the airport for a little bit I thought this would be the best way for the kiddos. Detroit airport is quite nice. Lots of stores to shop and well decorated. We first spotted the flying fountain and then red monorail which transfer passengers between Concourses. Tara was so curious, so we took a ride with her after our lunch. Tara loves her rolling bag and she felt like a grown up. She rolled her bag all through the airport and I am very proud of her. I don't have to carry her rolling bag except when we board the plane.

Tara also saw Daddy's favorite store, HD, and she walked right to it and I got the picture to show Clint. Then we found a place near our gate to settle. Tara watched her show and somehow manage to take her nap. CJ was fascinating with the view he saw from the window. Finally it was time to board our plane--12 hrs. flight-- both kiddos were exhausted. They were very good for me on the long flight. Tara never complained and CJ never screamed. I was very lucky :) They both got a long sleep. I hardly get any but enough to get through.

The plane was delayed when we arrived Japan. We only had 20 mins to catch our next plane to Bangkok. We made it just in time and finally after another 7 hours. We arrived our destination--Bangkok Thailand-- Tara was so excited to see Yai (Grandma) and Ta (Grandpa). It didn't take us long to go through imigration and finally our big moment. We walked outside and we saw many smiling faces greeting us on the other end of the walk way. My Mom, my Dad, and my two Brothers. It just like a miracle... I felt relieve that I brought my two kiddos across the world safe and sound. The smile on my family when they saw Tara and CJ made me forgot how tired I am. It was so worthed. We arrived at my parents' house at 1:30 a.m. (Monday April 12). Total time from my door to their door was 32 h0urs and WE MADE IT!!!!

Clifton Mill Light Show

หนึ่งปีผ่านไปไวเหมือนโกหก มาเขียนบล็อกอีกทีเป็นคุณแม่ลูกสองไปแล้ว วันนี้ขอเริ่มปีใหม่ด้วยการนำเสนอกิจกรรมของเด็กๆ ตลอดหน้าหนาวข้ามจากปีเก่ามาปีใหม่ให้ทุกๆ คนได้อ่านกันค่ะ เริ่มแรกคงเป็นกิจกรรมดูไฟ ถ้าอยู่บ้านเราก็คงต้องบอกว่าไปดูแสงสีเสียง ปีนี้ตั้งใจจะพาธาร่าไปดูไฟสองที่ค่ะ เพราะนู๋ธาร่าของเรารู้เรื่องมากขึ้น ที่แรกก็คือที่ Clifton Mill ที่นี่เค้าติดไฟถึง 3.5 ล้านดวง สวยงามมากค่ะ แบบว่ามีไฟทุกอณู
ในอาณาเขตเค้าก็มี Santa's work shop ที่เด็กๆ สามารถไปดูซานต้าคลอสเตรียมทำของเล่นเพื่อนำมาให้เด็กๆ ในคืนวันคริสต์มาส และก็ยังมีเมืองจำลองเล็กๆ ที่ทั้งเมืองขยับเขยื้อนได้ (แต่รูปมันออกมาไม่ค่อยดีนะคะ เพราะว่าแบกแสบเล็กไว้ที่อกน่ะค่ะ)





เล่นเอาเหนื่อยเหมือนกันค่ะเพราะว่าอากาศหนาวมากกกก ธาร่าเกือบหมดสนุก แต่ก็จบลงด้วยดีค่ะ ตอนต่อไปคอยติดตามเรื่องไปดู Wildlights ที่ Columbus Zoo นะคะ

Happy Thai's New Year--Songkran Splendors

Daddy arrives Bangkok safe and sound and just in time to celebrate the special festival--The Thai's New Year aka Songkran Festival. Unfortunately, there are some political problems on Songkran's day here in Bangkok which shut down every activity just for a day :( However, we still celebrate the traditional New Year with the family. We celebrate our this holiday from April 10 to April 17 but most of the main events take place during April 13-15.

Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones.". You can also find out that "This is the time for Thais to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their houses, and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect."

A show of respect... I think to appreciate the older and traditional aspect of Songkran we all visit a temple in the morning of April 13th and then visit Tara's great aunt in the afternoon in Chonburi (the town near Pattaya). We have lunch in Pattaya and we find Thai McDonald's for Tara too :) Then pay respect at Tara's great grandmother grave. We saw a few water splashing a long the way but not as much.

We all exhausted by the end of the day. We just rest at home for the rest of the evening and enjoy the family time. So glad that Daddy is here with us :) We miss him very much.

Toys & Games Festival

Mostly in the evening Ta and Yai always take us out to eat. Usually we go to "the Mall" since it is only 10 mins drive from their house and there are so many restaurants to choose from with variety of cuisines. Then after dinner, we all take Tara to the play area. Today she rides three different toys :) For those three toys, it only cost $1 for all of them!!!!

Department store in Thailand normally was built with 4 or more stories high. This one has 4 floors which including 20 movies theaters and huge convention center room on the top floor. During this week there is a "toys and games" Festival in the convention room of this mall. Imagine a huge room full of toys and things for kids to do and play!! Tara just loves it. Ta takes Tara up there and explores all the toys. Then they ended up play air hocky together :) I think nobody win the game since Tara keeps the disk to herself everytime she can catch it!!!

On the way out Tara takes some pictures with her favorite Princesses poster...enjoy :)

Dress Fitting

One of the missions when we are here in Bangkok is to get Tara's flower girl dress make. Today is Tara's fitting day for the non-complete version of the dress. There will be some adjustments before the final one complete this weekend. This is only the first layer of the dress. There are 4 layers for the skirt part. Mommy just takes some photos--you can tell how much Tara loves to be in the dress. She said she looks like Princess...I can't wait to get the complete one and show it to you all :) Enjoy

Hua Hin--The oldest beach in Thailand (round 1)

Alright, our first vacation trip is here. My favorite beach town, Hua Hin. We only spend 2 days here this time but when Daddy arrives. We will be here for 4 days....can't wait. So we gonna call this trip our survey trip. We have a good time. Tara's uncles, Duke and Dew, and Dew's girlfriend, Ploy, are there to help Mommy entertain Tara :)

This trip we all go to Hua Hin in a big bus since we are going with the National Defense Group where Khun Ta is a member. Khun Ta organized the whole trip which include 102 people. One of Khun Ta's friends owns a seaside beach house which is really beautiful and he and his wife kindly enough to host the dinner for the whole group. They also have singers for entertain us too. Tara has fun dancing with Khun Yai too :) Of course, food is endless and all delicious!!!

Even though this trip to Hua Hin is a bit short but both Tara and Mommy are still having a lot of fun and good time. Tara still has a lot of pool time as well. Hua Hin is a charming little town. We all arrive Bangkok safe and sound. We decide to take Daddy back to this beach town again by choo choo train. Hope you all enjoy our story so far. We will see you back in a few weeks.

Siam Paragon & Siam Ocean World (Round 1)

Today is an exciting day for both Tara and Mommy coz my Aunt will take us to the newest mall in town called Siam Paragon. It was finished last year and it supposes to be one of the biggest mall in Thailand. We head there for early lunch. Along the way to our restaurant, Mommy passes so many yummy treats!!!! couldn't resist :) There are so many cakes, sweets, dried fruits to choose from and the best part is they are not that expensive at all!!!

Here are some pictures from inside this mall and the restaurant we eat called Cafe Chilli :)

Inside Siam Paragon is Siam Ocean World is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia where featuring marine animals which include; Penguins, Grey Nurse Sharks and Giant Spider Crabs (which is bigger than Tara) etc. The aquarium also offers a “Dive with the Sharks program” where visitors can scuba dive in the Open Ocean side by side with the sharks and rays.




When Daddy is here, we plan to take him to see the aquarium as well. They will also offer the Live Mermaid show. Tara's new favorite character is "the Mermaid"--she gives Dora a rest for now...haha