Koh Saumi for Christmas

We grew up in the great white norte of Michigan.  We had over 20 white Christmases.  We have spent years bundled in winter gear, sitting around fireplaces and drinking hot chocolate.  We even had a white Christmas in Texas, where it rarely snows. 

With our extensive cold Christmas experience, neither of us miss being in a location where you have to put on a coat and gloves to go outside. Last year, Christmas was spent down under on a beach in Perth and with our new friends Thommo and Kathy. 

We spent our second Christmas in SE Asia on Koh Saumi, a cute Thai island, a short hour and a half flight away with our friend, Billy.  We feasted on green curry, the boys drank Chang beer and we all enjoyed $8 massages beach side.  Our resort went all out and Santa even made an appearance!  We heard lots of Christmas carols and saw lots of Christmas presents.  A great multicultural experience!

We spent five days relaxing alternating between swimming in the ocean, having a massage and eating.  Not a bad vacation at all!

The boys enjoying a beach side breakfast

Vendors selling grilled corn and fresh coconuts

I wonder where we will spend Christmas next year....I'm betting on another beach location, where we will be a family of 3!

Billy Comes to Malaysia

Billy on the Chew Jetty with his fancy yellow umbrella

Our friend Billy spent the last two weeks of 2012 with us in Penang, Koh Saumi Thailand and Kuala Lumpur.  We had a great visit with Billy, taking him to our favorite places to eat, shop and site see. Here's a quick photo recap of our time together.

Jenn 17 Weeks Pregnant...still can't tell

We spent an afternoon walking around historic downtown Georgetown and checking out the street art that is scattered around the city. 

We also took Billy to our favorite places to eat, feasting on dim sum, laksa, fresh seafood, curries and samosa.  I'm pretty sure that he may think that all we do is eat in Penang.

While Eric was at work Billy and I explored the Tropical Spice Gardens, Butterfly Farm, Snake Temple and Kek Lok Si Temple. 

We also took a trip down to KL to show Billy a great SE Asia city.  We spent the weekend shopping and eating.  The boys did not join me on my all day shopping adventure.  Instead, Eric took Billy to the Bird Park and Islamic Arts Museum. 

We managed to have happy hour drinks at the Sky Bar overlooking the Petronas Towers and then stuffed ourselves at our favorite Italian restaurant in Malaysia. 

Billy in front of the Petronas Towers

The Towers at Night

Happy Hour with a View

We had a great visit with Billy and hope he enjoyed Malaysia as much as we do!