Saturday, February 7, 2015

The Kimballs Came to Visit and Lily Came to Stay

From 30th December-3rd January and then again for one night on 9th January we were so blessed to have some of our best friends visit us from the states. Steph and Danny Kimball even got to meet our daughter, Lily Skye when she was 6 days new.

Here are the highlights from their visit.

Day 1 30th December:  Wat Pho and Wat Arun
On their first full day in Thailand, I (Mary) took Steph and Danny to see two of the best well known temples. Located right by The Grand Palace- Wat Pho (with the reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (across the river, Chinese temple that offers great views of the city and The Grand Palace) impressed them without being overwhelming. We ate lunch at a local pork restaurant and traveled by train and river boat taxi for a great introduction to Bangkok!

Surprise Baby Shower!

On their first night here, I came out of the shower and walked into a surprise baby shower. Steph carried gifts, cards, and even cookies with her all the way for the US. Greg and I both felt very loved and special. If you were someone who helped Steph prepare- Thank You!
Day 2, New Year's Eve, Day Trip: Maeklong Train Market and Amphawa Floating Market

Even though we had just done this day trip with our family, Ann and Andrew, it was still fun to do again! We saw the train come back through the market after being in the station JUST in time and explored the floating market sampling lots of food. Steph and Danny enjoyed eating Pad Thai that was prepared on a boat and eating fresh coconut ice-cream from a coconut. We were there for sunset and it was so pretty!

Happy New Year's Eve 2015!
On New Year's Eve headed out to a local restaurant for our NYE dinner. Steph, Danny, and Greg shared 3 Liters of long island ice tea along with some of our favorite Thai food. Indy Tree's is one of our neighborhood favorites and it didn't disappoint- the live music and relaxed atmosphere was a great way to spend the night. We made it home to watch fireworks from across the city right out our windows. Happy 2015!
Day 3, New Year's Day, Exploring Lumpini Park
Steph and Danny were here during Thailand's "winter". It was really just lovely weather where it wasn't too hot and actually quite cool during the day (80's to lower 90's) making it great to walk through the park. It was an excellent outing to spot the park's monitor lizards and turtles. We even saw a lizard in a tree!
Tea Tasting in China Town
After the park we took the underground train to China Town where we met our good friends Sam and Jamethon. Jamethon took us to a tea tasting shop that he likes to take visitors. We picked out many to try at their tasting table and bought some to bring home. It was a really cool experience that we hope to share with other visitors as well.  On the way back to the train we all got ice cream from a cart- The Kimballs fully embracing how Thai's like to eat it--- on a bun and topped with sweetened condensed milk. 

Day 4, 2nd January, Bowl Game Watching!

After getting massages the night before, we headed to an American restaurant, Bourbon Street, for some breakfast and to watch the Ohio State vs. Alabama bowl game.  The afternoon was spent relaxing at our place and Greg took Steph and Danny to Fatty's for some Wisconsin food. After having contractions all day, I spend the evening alone at home.


Day 5: 3rd January

After my contractions picked up and intensified all night/early morning, we headed to the hospital around 5am. We first said goodbye to Steph and Danny who were going to be headed to the airport for their week in Cambodia and then northern Thailand.

That morning, before their plane even left, Lily was born! Lily Skye MacLeod, 7:24am, 51cm, 2.5kg


 9th January: Meeting Lily at 1 week old

It was so special to have Steph and Danny meet Lily! 

Isn't she precious!?