Our little traveler!

As we travel around Asia, Ava has been such a big help in the airport!  That is until she runs into people because she doesn't like to look where she is walking ... and she easily gets distracted by ramps, stairs and the automatic sidewalk things.  Other than that, she is very eager (adamant even) to help us with our bags! :)

Wuxi Zoo!

Since Bethany had an unexpected day off work (the city turned off the electricty near the plant, so she couldn't work) and we had a beautiful spring day, we decided to check out the Wuxi Zoo!  We had heard from other expats that it is actually really nice, so we were trying to find a time to go! 

Today was the perfect day - sunny and 60 degrees!  The Zoo was pretty clean and wasn't too crowded, although I think several schools brought their kids on a field trip today.  It was obvious that all of the kids were quite excited to get a chance to speak English!  Of course this also meant that, at times, we felt like a zoo exhibit, but unfortunately it is starting to feel "normal".  We will take a day of kids surrounding us as opposed to older ladies any day though!  At least the kids don't touch Ava and yell at us for her not being dressed warm enough (let me tell you, these Chinese babies have to be sweating all of the time wearing snow suits when it's 50 degrees and sunny out)! 

Anyway, Ava loved all of the animals and of course had to wave and say "hi" to them all!  Overall, we had a wonderful morning at the zoo and are really glad we were able to fit it in!

Thailand: Island Hopping!

We decided to get away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket City and go on a day cruise to the Phi Phi Islands!  The scenery was breathtaking - exactly what we imagined from seeing Thailand in movies.  In fact, The Beach was filmed at one of the islands we stopped, Koh Phi Phi Don. 

We booked this adventure with our friends Nathan and Katie, who also have a young daughter.  It was so great being with them for several reasons.  Not only are they good company, but the girls could keep each other entertained and we could take turns watching the kids so we could also get some adult time.  Plus, if one of us forgot something (like a swimsuit - no, that wasn't me ;0), the other family usually had an extra!!!  What a lifesaver!

During the cruise, we stopped several times and were able to swim and feed fish right in the ocean, snorkel and explore one of the larger islands.  It was a fantastic day getaway!  If we had a little more time, and didn't have a toddler, we would have liked to gone kayaking in the caves.  Maybe in the future ...

ahh - a few minutes without Ava!

Enjoying the beach!

Audrey and Katie feeding the fish

What a stud! :)

Thailand: Enjoying the beach life!

Ava is definitely a beach bum as she loves to play in the sand and jump in the waves!  Of course she had a few sips of the salt water, which wasn't her favorite, but she has to learn!

Walking along the beach one evening!

Our hotel recommended this great Thai restaurant which was located right on the water!  We got lucky and arrived just before sunset!  Th view from our table was spectacular, as you can see from the photo below!  Unfortunately we ate here during the alcohol ban (no alcohol was being sold for 24 hours because of the election), so we couldn't try any of the wine from their amazing wine menu! :( Oh well - the curry was still delicious!

And you cannot have a beach vacation without some amazing tropical drinks!  I especially enjoyed this Mai Tai right out of a pineapple!  I also found the piña colada served in a coconut quite delightful!