The DeSmet Family Worldwide: Christmas Day in Phuket (this was 2012) I just realized it never got posted) WOOPS

On Christmas Eve.......Julia was still confined to the room sick so we took Ella down to the Kids Christmas party they were hosting at the hotel. They had face painting and all kinds of games and activities. She had a ball and we had to drag her out of there by 10:00pm.
On Christmas Day we joined some friends and co-worker of Kelly's for breakfast and then hit the beach for some para sailing. Julia got to go up and had a ball (even though she still wasn't 100%) and our friends kids got to go up as well. Unfortunately, it was a bit windy, and with Ella barely weighing 60lbs she couldn't go up for fear she would NEVER come down.
After para sailing we went to visit some of our friends that own a vacation home there in Phuket. Julia and Ella are friends with their daughters at school and they live in our neighborhood as well. Their home was absolutely beautiful and we had a fabulous Christmas dinner of Australian BBQ (they are originally from Australia). Chicken, beef and lobster where on the menu as well as avocado with fresh prawns and many other delicious things! (Mom don't worry you are still #1 head chef in our book)
After dinner the kids went for a horse back ride on the beach. We followed that up by surfing, banana boat riding and an elephant ride. Ella was in heaven playing with Lucky the 5 year old elephant! Lucky would give kisses, hugs, smile and take a tip and stick it in his handlers pocket. Needless to say it was a pretty memorable way to spend Christmas day....even if we were all a little homesick!

Ella getting her hand painted at the Kids Christmas party!

Julia getting ready for lift off.

Julia flying high!

Safe landing in the water.

Swimming at the Sorenson-Way's swimming pool with Lulu and India.

My friend Sam in the master bed room. I think this picture should be in a magazine.

View of the pool from the master.

Yep.....these little guys are what's for dinner!

Their fabulous pool.

Christmas dinner

India and Julia

Ella and Lulu

Ella getting ready to ride Boi on the beach.

This horse couldn't have been more perfect for Julia....complete with zebra socks!

Here comes Ella.

Julia's stomach was a bit on edge so she walked a portion of the way in....but she wasn't alone. 3 of the dogs from the stables escorted her back!

Ben and Kelly decided to try out the new toys. They had personal seadoo's that propel you in the water. They didn't get to far when at the exact same time both seadoo's stopped working and about strangled the boys nether region. Their swim trunk strings got all tangled around the propeller. I laughed so hard I cried!!