Christmas in Atlanta

David met me in Atlanta to spend Christmas with Ryan and family the second week in December. I arrived a day earlier and was greeted by the greatest sight a grandmother's eyes can behold. Ryan drove Camryn to the airport to greet me. She saw me from the car and started to scream and shake. Ryan pulled over and let her out. We both started running toward each other screaming and laughing. We turned many heads as we shared hugs and laughs as if we were the only ones there. 

 

We did a lot of coloring and crafts

 I bought the girls sparkly dresses in Hong Kong that Camryn said were "just like the dresses from Hairspray". Yes, she is four years old and Hairspray is her favorite movie.

 

We danced our hearts out.                             Went for walks

       

Went out to eat

Ate cupcakes

Camryn gave Grandma makeup lessons

Went bowling

We saw beautiful Christmas lights.

 

And opened Christmas presents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Matching Minnie Mouse PJ's for movie night

Papa time:

Some serious counsel given 

We had a great time decorating the gingerbread house:

 

Erica and Reagan cleaned up after us

And Camryn was partied out.
We love these kids!

Grandma Smart's funeral

Our trip to Thailand was cut short when we received the news that David's mother had passed away. We were happy to think of Grandma reuniting with Grandpa Smart. If ever there was a couple that became one, it was Marian and Elmer. Unfortunately we did not take any pictures because we flew in just hours before the funeral. I was shocked when I walked in our Park City home to find that Cody had surprised me by bringing Warren. I was happy beyond belief to see this little guy.

 

While in Utah, we drove out to see my Mom (again, no pictures) and drive by my childhood church. This church is still my all time favorite. Church was a safe haven where I found peace and love.

 

Ironman

At the end of November, Ryan and Jake competed in an ironman competition in Cozumel, Mexico. I knew they were committed and had been training, but I have to admit, I was extremely concerned. I knew they would both complete the competition, but I wasn't sure if they would be crossing the finish line on their own or in an ambulance. I was able to follow the race online. Each time I read that they had completed an event, tears flooded down my face. I am so sad I missed it, but luckily Ryan took his family to cheer him and Jake on.

 

Ryan told Jake that he signed up for Cozumel because he had heard it was one of the easier Ironman events. Wrong. It is in the top ten of most difficult Ironmen races. Whoops. Seven hundred people did not complete the race. But the Smart brothers did!!!

 

Thailand

David had meetings in Thailand and I tagged along. I have grown to love Asia so much. We only were in Bangkok a few days, but we enjoyed every minute.

 I loved the bright colored taxis

Street food was great, but we found a place on the river with the best Thai food I've had to date.

 
 

Shopping in the store is an adventure. If you choose to try anything on, you are given a black skirt to cover up while taking your drawers down.

David felt the train stop was appropriately named for the place we were going and what I was going to buy there:

I love Asian hotels.

Sights of the City

Portland represent:

My sweet friend from San Diego, Swathi, who now lives in Bangkok, took me to the Chatuchak market. It was raining like crazy, but it did not stop us from shopping our little hearts out.

I can't wait to go back!