Entertaining Chocolates

This has been the best ever box of candy! Received as a greatly appreciated gift, I opened it and sneaked a couple with Alexis before Christmas. Then I hid it in my room. I could not find it for our early Christmas and then went on vacation. When we arrived home, Alexis and I hunted without success but maybe that is for the best since neither of us had noble intentions!  Tim found it last night for New Year's Eve.  We then enjoyed it together as a family! Alexis reminds me of a certain family member who cannot stand surprises...she had to cut each chocolate in half to see what they were before she took one. We had to laugh because it started with one chocolate . . .well you can guess the rest! Anyway, all chocolates are now a fond memory and the box brought much joy!

Taking a break in one of our favorite countries!!!

 Yeah!  Beaches that squeak when you walk!  Sun that absolutely fries our white skin despite sunscreen ..

 Skeptical about our trip??  It will be great Jp!  Just two taxis, a bus, train and two airplanes..we will be there soon!

 Well worth the wait!!! Yummy!  Have you quessed?

Phuket, Thailand!

Christmas "Day" 2013

 Looking for dinosaurs...

 Loving the American Girl Doll things from Aunt Patsy, Uncle Rick and Grandma!

Here is a blast from the past!! Can you find me in this tree???  Ha, ha, high school--love it!

Christmas Party

 We had the privilege of taking Christmas gifts to an orphanage!  What a great day! 3 hours there with 2 suitcases and 3 hours back.  Love those kids sooo much!

Dragon's Back Hike

Temple of Heaven

Bambi and George go with us bravely in this cold weather!

 The pots behind the kids are extremely interesting.  They are filled with water for fire safety and are all over the area.

 Look at these humongous doors!

 the grounds are interesting here.  People sing and do Tai Chi wave ribbons in dances.  They want bystanders to participate.  The kids had a great time with these ribbons.

 This place made the hair on my arms stand up!  Each alter requires a sacrifice of a calf.  There are photos re-enacting it.  Also, the sacred tools used for this are on display.  I think about the Leviticus sacrifices.  Somehow every civilization knows that the penalty of sin can only be repaid with innocent blood.

 This was an echo wall in  a courtyard.

 If you look in the distance you will see an overburdened wagon.