Safari World

We had the day off from work and school a few weeks back, so we decided to visit one of the more humane and clean local “zoos,” Safari World.  We’ve heard great things about this place and were not disappointed.  The entrance price is normally pretty steep (~$50 / person), but thanks to my dazzling Thai language skills and flashing my work permit, we got in on the local rate (~$20 / person).  Mii quamsuk maak!

Safari World starts off with a car safari and all kinds of animals roaming around.  The pictures tell the amazing 30 minute ride best:

Safari World also has several animal and stunt shows.  The animal shows were great.  The stunt shows were typical of what we’ve seen in theme parks in Thailand – full of lots of loud sounds and shooting and kicking people.  What it lacks in storyline, it makes up in fake punches and “pow pow pow” sounds. We left early from it…

As we left the stunt show early, we grabbed a great Thai meal close to the “river” and then caught a jungle ride.  It was a nice break from the crazy sun/heat.

We next went and saw the animals up close.  This was definitely my favorite part.  You get to touch, see, feed, and ride on most anything.  Probably our favorites were the giraffe and the white Arara that flew up to us and greeted us with a very American, “Hello!”  It spoke to us several times and even followed us around.  My daughter was in heaven…it was pretty cool.

 

Check out the tongues on these guys!

I have been told before I look like a giraffe.  There is a bit of a resemblance…

Our talking bird!

My daughter begged and begged to ride an elephant.  I’m glad I relented as the look on her face was priceless!

It was a great (albeit very hot) day as a family.  If you’re in Bangkok, I recommend a visit to Safari World!

Goodbyes, Great Grandpa, and LONG flights

At the outset of our trip, we wondered if 5 weeks back in the States would feel a bit long...to our surprise it didn't feel long at all and we were quite chagrined when the last day came. The kids had been planning for months about "ghost in the graveyard," eating berries, playing with Arnie, playing with cousins and a host of other things, that the time really did fly by. Before we knew it, we were at the airport (we spent a LOT of time in airports this trip...) saying good-bye.

We routed our stop-over on the way back to Bangkok through Los Angeles so we could stop to see great grandpa Kline. He's 92 and we were sure glad we were able to spend the evening with him in San Diego. After about 3.5 hours of fighting LA traffic, we had a wonderful evening with grandpa and his dog Suzie...oh, and had some great Tillamook rocky road ice cream too.

We drove back (much faster this time) to LA and spent the night in a hotel close to the LA airport. We had a great flight on the new 787 dreamliner from LAX to Narita. My daughter was my seat mate in Economy plus (more leg room for this tall dad) and it was a good 12.5 hour flight.

Bearbie even got nice accomodations. :-)

Once in Tokyok, jet lag hit everyone pretty hard. We had 4 hours to kill, and this is how most of us spent it:

The flight from Tokyo to Bangkok was not nearly as nice. It was packed and on an old 777. There was no legroom and the food, as is typical of ANA, was not enjoyable for most western palets (this coming from a family that lives in Thailand...). We were sure glad when we arrived after the long 7 hour flight from NRT to BKK and could stretch our legs. Our bags came off first and we got through immigration and customs without a hitch. Khun Tar quickly found us and we were able to fit all of our 11 suitcases and 6 backpacks in our small van. Woohoo!

And thus ends an amazing summer back in the States. It's great to be back "home" and was cute to see the kids chatter all the way from the airport to Nichada about home, school, and friends. We were warmly greeted by Khun Tar and Khun Jah and it felt good to be back with our Thai family and in our own beds.

Thanks to everyone who made the effort to see us...there were many of you! We miss you all dearly but our hearts are warmed by your love and embraces. Until we meet again.

 

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Cheney Family Reunion

After our trip to Utah, we spent the next 2 weeks with Grandma and Grandpa Cheney (I flew down to Houston to work one of those 2 weeks). The first week we spent the days eating berries, playing games, picnics, and enjoying the area and incredible weather. Candace and I took Friday and had an overnight at a hotel in Portland, a wonderful dinner on the river, and met up with the Timmons.

From our fun day at Vancouver Lake...the kids really enjoyed their time with cousins!

Hike to Moulton Falls as folks started arriving for the family reunion

Took our oldest son to do baptisms at the Portland temple with his Uncle and grandparents!

Our daughter helping grandpa with some staining

Picnic dinner in downtown Vancouver to listen to a local band

The second week all of Candace's family arrived and we went up to Mount Rainier for family reunion at a great lodge. We had a wonderful time together hiking, "sledding," playing and eating great food. The hike on Mount Rainier deserves its own post...but as I'm short on time, believe me when I say it's a must do for anyone in Washington. How did I live there for 20 years and never hike Panorama Point?? Absolute must.

Family pictures went great. They went much quicker and smoothly than I expected. Janelle's a pro.

The original Cheneys on one of our many hikes

Picnic lunch in our tie-dye shirts!

Playing the traditional animal candy game. Our youngest was in heaven!

Uncle Bryce got this great picture on one of the glaciers on Mt. Rainier - we all slid down the steep snow hills. It was great!...and the views spectacular.

This is a REALLY long sled hill towards the end of our hike. No need for sleds, just sit down (or go face first)!

WOW.

SUCH a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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