The Johnson's go ABROAD!

We needed a vacation. Badly. Even though at times it feels like living here in Bangkok is a bit of a vacation from the hustle and bustle of America.....most of the time it doesn't. The week we decided we needed vacation....my wedding rings were stolen from our apartment, Liam and mommy had sinus colds, Daddy had some kind of food borne illness, and the heat was really beginning to get to us. Josh decided to make plans for a long weekend over my 31st Birthday. I counted down the days until we left. I didn't care where we went as long as it was much quieter and calmer than Bangkok.

Josh made a wonderful choice. He chose Koh Samui, an island that is about an hour flight from Bangkok.

We flew out of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday late morning. It was one of those wonderful flights where you get to altitude and then start the decline. Short and sweet. Little turkey took a little nap.

He said "Hi Airplane" approximately 60 times before we took off. This child has flown more times in his 16 months of life than I have my first 30 years.

The Samui airport was cute. It was the first time I've ever gotten off of a plane using stairs to the outside instead of a ramp onto the inside. Then this little tram took us to the main part of the airport.

Riding the Tram

Baggage Claim

Waiting for our bags and putting on some shades!

We were then driven to our weekend resort, named Buri Rasa. It was absolutely gorgeous. The service was phenomenal (as is true for most of the Thailand in general), the grounds were perfect...and the beach was unbelievable.

The letters are made with cute little sticks

Yummy lime sherbet we received upon arrival..

Liam loved it :) He's a bit of a flirt as well.

Liam thought that the step up to the bed was pretty cool.. up, down, up, down.

We enjoyed our first meal next to the ocean. The food was quite good, and Liam loved the pineapple shake!

The island of Samui reminded me much of our honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii. Except much cheaper. And the fact we had a toddler on the trip with us... that definitely changes matters a bit! haha! The beach we stayed on was named Chaweang. The sand was soft and white, the tide was calm, and the water was clear and the most beautiful turquoise color. It was heaven. It was the first time Liam had seen an ocean and felt sand. He found it quite wonderful as well. Josh and Liam spent a lot of time digging and building sand "castles". I was happy because I got to rest and take pictures while they were entertained in the sand. :)

One of my favorite pictures ever. These two melt my heart every minute.

happy boy strolling through the water :)

Once again... These two... melt my heart. Please ignore my thighs. I was too lazy to crop.

My favorite sandy little toes.

He was so easy to entertain.... just did his own thing!

Ok, ready to go back! The weather and sea breeze was just beautiful.

My attempt at sand art. HA. The tide kept washing it away and I was getting impatient.

My little man....

My sexy husband! Mmmhmmm.

Seriously..i'm ready to go back.

The water was so clear!

Liam wants to go back too. Hint Hint Josh :)

On March 20th, I turned 31 years young! I had the most incredible day. Josh really, really spoiled me! The day began with yummy breakfast at our hotel. They had fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit, some asian dishes, cereals, breads, and the most delicious omelettes and banana pancakes ever!! I meant to take pictures of this amazing food, but i'd get so excited when it arrived I wouldn't remember. Shortly after, I was serenaded by the staff of Buri Rasa and presented with this beautiful and yummy cake and sweet message.

We spent the morning at the beach, took a late morning nap, and then went out for a late lunch. Of course I wanted some good American food! We found this restaurant very close to our hotel named "Stacked" and it was so good! I was a very happy birthday girl.

After lunch we shopped around in the little stores for a while, and then headed back to the resort. Josh then took Liam while mommy went to the spa! I had a full body coconut scrub, Swedish massage, and facial! It was nothing less than wonderful. Like I said, I was so spoiled! We then completed my birthday night with a thai dinner on the beach. Beautiful and delicious. There was no where else I would rather have been than there with my loves. What a GREAT birthday.

My world!

I'm starting to like Thai food... sort of :) This was a green curry and cashew chicken!

The next day, after another delicious breakfast, we decided to partake in an island "excursion". As much as we wanted to take a speed boat to some of the surrounding islands..... it wasn't suitable with a toddler to spend all day in the sun drinking. So we opted for a half day sight-seeing/safari. It turned out to be pretty fun!

Waiting to get picked up for our Safari!

After we arrived and had a thai buffet lunch, we were able to see an elephant taking a bath!

The elephant seemed to love it. Liam was also fascinated.

After bath time was the elephant trick show! The elephant was pretty talented.... he hula hooped, sat on a chair, played soccer, took a big poo, and gave massages!

The boys were really into it!

After the elephant feature, came the monkey. He seemed kind of naughty to me... but he sure knew his way around a coconut!

After the monkey we saw a crocodile show. The trainers were quite trusting of these crocs! EEK!

We walked up to a pretty waterfall after the crocodile show.

THEN.... we got to ride an elephant! No big deal. ha! Josh was SUPER nervous to have us all at the mercy of a large animal. Liam and I thought it was super cool. He actually sat still....which never happens.

Josh got to hop up front :)

After we left the "safari" part of the day, we went to see the sights Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother) rocks. Use your imagination.

Only in Thailand.

It was overall a pretty fun day! Once in a lifetime opportunities... especially the viewing of the "special" rocks. :) We finished off the day with a delicious dinner at Pasta House.

Our last day on the island, we had yet another wonderful breakfast and then spent the morning on the beach. We sadly packed up and checked out. Before our shuttle to the airport, we had some time for a last lunch next to the ocean!