Giving Thanks in Langkawi

Thanksgiving 2012 Langkawi, Malaysia

This year for Thanksgiving my little family of 5 had so much to be thankful...  Beautiful beach.  Fabulous friends.  Memories being made.

Obligatory airport picture

Langkawi, Malaysia is just an 1.5 hour flight from Singapore.   We headed for some relaxation before the Christmas holidays hit everyone full force.  The Reids and Doffings traveled over together and met 4 other families at the Westin.  The kids were in heaven to have so many kids they already knew to play with and the adults could do the same.  One thing about traveling around Thanksgiving is that it is an American holiday so resorts are relatively empty and more than likely if there are people around it is other Americans!

**click on pictures to see larger view

Graham and Austin

This is one of new favorite pics...their smiles are natural and in the moment.

Katie, Layne and Bryce

On our way to Thanksgiving dinner.

 On our last full day it was a cloud covered day, so we went to explore the island before the heavy rains poured.  We were able to see waterfalls and ride some cable cars but picture taking was not at its best, so the scenery does not look that magestic.  But believe me it was amazingly beautiful.

Last sunset in Langkawi.

Bye, Bye, Bye...Beijing

Our last days in Beijing consisted of shopping, eating, and watching an Acrobatics show.  It was much more slow placed and we had a little more freedom with our time and not rushing to get to the next place.  It was a great way to end our holiday.

One of the indoor shopping markets.

Bryce at lunch.  Our guide located a western bar and grill for us.  The kids were happy after all the Chinese food we consumed.

While at the Acrobatic Show we ran into some friends of ours from Singapore.  The little girl in the blue and white striped shirt is Lauren, that is Layne's very dear friend from school.  Our families have become good friends as well.  We will be seeing them at Thanksgiving in Langkawi for sun, sand, and relaxation.

The Acrobatic show was very entertaining.  The kids were glued to the stage!  You can tell by the following pictures just how much they loved it!

We traveled around the city by van.  Our guide and driver really made the trip successful.

On the train headed to the airport terminal!

Beijing was well worth the trip!  I highly recommend going if you ever get a chance.

Heaven

Temple of Heaven was our next stop.  This is a complex of religious buildings that started in the 1400s.  The detail and artistry of the temple is exquisite.  Today, the gardens around the temples are used for relaxation as well as exercise.

Temple of Heaven

The kids spotted grass and enjoyed running and playing tag in it.  Grass is a rare sighting in Singapore so when they see it they take off for it.  Here the girls attract attention as they are performing a cheer for our guide, Mr. Chen.  It did not take long before a crowd grew.

I think this was Graham's happiest moment.  He spotted a real pick axe.  He is addicted to playing MineCraft so when he saw this pick axe he asked for a photo.  He tried picking it up but he soon found that it was very heavy.

After the Temple of Heaven, we went to dinner at a Hot Pot.  It was HEAVENLY!  The kids and I had never been to one and it was quite entertaining.  You cook your food right at the table.  Everyone had their own Hot Pot and were able to pick and choose the meats and vegetables that they wanted to eat.

During dinner some of the local women and men came in and sang and danced for us.  They invited the kids to join them.  The boys choose to sit and watch but the girls danced and sang.

...to be continued...