Bangkok Week 701

December 2, 2021

We spent the Thanksgiving weekend at the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa. It was a lovely 3+ days away, and had activities aplenty to keep us busy the whole time.

Here we are! We've arrived in Rayong.

Arlo wastes no time getting comfortable in his new room for the next 3 nights.

This is a nice place to sit!

Exploring the hotel property: he doesn't remember coming here over a year ago.

What a nice, large lawn!

One of two amphitheaters, plus the long pool beyond.

Entertained by one of the aquarium maintenance people -- who suddenly vanished into the tank!

Underwhelmed by the beach. It's so sandy!

Yay, time to swim!

We're well into winter now: and you can feel it in the water. Brr!

Group shot: Arlo's enjoying himself!

Swimming with Mum to the very end of the pool.

We've reached the end! We swam all the way to the sea!

Peeking over the edge to see what's down there.

Oh, hi Arlo!

All together now, with a nice early-evening ocean sky.

Out of the pool, and onto the sand: Arlo's here to check out what this beach business is all about.

Well, that didn't last long. He prefers to be carried.

It's a cloudy winter sunset.

But oh my, so many shells to look at!

Big ones, small ones, smooth ones, twisted ones...

Overwhelmed by the choice!

A colorful sunset, despite the clouds.

The boys have had a productive evening.

Heading back, and looking for any final shells worth stopping for.

Arlo couldn't resist: one last dip in the pool on the way back.

And then we really had two cold burritos on our hands!

Enjoying dinner and a sunset.

This is the most comfortable way to read bedtime stories.

Up so early the next morning, we manage to catch the sunrise!

Arlo's wondering why he feels so sleepy already.

Proudly claiming his spot atop the rocks in the lobby.

Not sure about this giant nest chair.

Walking downstairs to the ground level, to play some...

...football!

Arlo knew what to do with the ball right away.

Kick it! Toward the net!

Can Mum still play?

Making sure it goes into the net, real good.

Then Arlo worked up the courage to ride the swing with Dad.

I guess this *is* fun.

And trying by himself.

This could be fun, too.

And riding a see-saw: less fun.

And saying hello to the resident bunnies.

The morning sea.

Already pooped after a morning walk around the hotel property.

Will we be too tired to swim?

Stopping in the lobby to admire the elephants.

What large elephants!

We seem to have the pool to ourselves again this morning...

... maybe the other guests know something we don't.

Dad tests the water slide to see if Arlo can go down. Conclusion: too rough!

Arlo was more interested in seeing the "bubbles" at the bottom of the slide anyway.

A self-portrait by Arlo.

And a group shot, courtesy of the GoPro.

Another Arlo burrito: too much time spent in the frigid winter waters.

Taking a seat at the wheel of a golf cart on the way back to the room.

Hey! Look what's waiting for us back in the room!

After much promise, finally getting to ride the golf cart.

To the Kids' Club. Where they have a ride-on excavator now! Bonus.

And a smaller excavator -- with tracks. (Most toy excavators replace the tracks with wheels.)

Arlo wastes no time identifying the good toys.

Just to be sure no one else takes them, let's bring the trucks inside this protected, walled area.

Trying the excavator again for good measure.

He's a natural.

Arlo found a helmet to match his shirt, and a car to boot.

Finally getting in some afternoon pool time, after the sun's gone down a bit more.

Group shot.

Look, no hands!

Woah!

And playing the classic, "Swim under Arlo" game.

Extending his legs, just to make it a little harder.

It's a clearer sunset tonight.

But still lots of shells to inspect.

He's got Dad trained well, holding the bucket for him.

Which shells pass the Arlo test?

And it's time to be picked up, enough with this sand.

Group shot with sunset...

... and this time, smiling with your teeth!

Nice lighting; windswept hair.

Enjoying the sunset before heading back.

The boys, enjoying their chips and dip.

Saturday morning, up early to inventory his shells.

And another round of soccer.

Kicking the ball into the net...

... and making sure it's really in there. As far as it can go!

Practicing shooting from a little farther back now.

Checking out the big, colorful fish.

Brr! Water's still cool!

Up through the water surface.

Arlo can stand in this area, which he finds amusing.

Practicing his kicks

And running into the water from the "beach".

Pool all to ourselves again.

Waiting patiently while Dad goes and gets lunch.

Inventorying his shell collection: are they all still there?

Trying to nap on Mum, while she eats lunch.

Now that's more like it.

Aww. What a deceptive little napper.

Another afternoon, another ride on the golf cart.

Dad's got this Kids' Club thing figured out: he brought his Kindle.

Arlo is drawn to this fire truck...

Arlo's protective of his trucks: today there are other kids in the Kids' Club, too!

Exhibit A: all the trucks have found their way inside Arlo's protected play area.

Lounging with Dad on the giant bean bag.

Taking advantage of the giant digger, while its free.

And doing some coloring while he's here. Because, why not.

Enjoying some cookies and juice back in the lobby.

The water's feeling especially chilly this afternoon: are we sure we want to go in?

Going to check out the aquarium.

Swimming "with" the fish.

We're getting good at "no hands"!

It's another picturesque sunset tonight.

Posing with the sun.

And the boys.

One more, after the sun's gone down.

Arlo's up bright and early, and ready for his morning soccer game!

He wastes no time getting down to business.

Kicking the ball down the length of the field.

And shooting from afar.

Goal! And chasing the ball into the net for good measure!

Showing off his nice hat from Granny.

Lots of morning beach-goers.

There are even shells in the morning!

Standing on the rock to avoid the sand...

And one last swim before hitting the road.

This morning, we're playing "Throw the Arlo!"

This is how you play the game.

Up he goes!

Here, they're practicing their figure-skating moves.

Taking a rest break.

And Arlo's ready to try again.

Um, is Dad planning to catch him this time?

One final splash at the "beach".

And we have a cold, tired Arlo burrito. Better go get him dressed.

Arlo's helping to check out.

And one last bye-bye to Arlo's favorite golf cart.

And that's a wrap, folks. Asleep after less than 5 minutes in the car.

A belated "Thanksgiving" dinner (?) back at home.

K. Noi is Bella's new best friend after this long weekend.

Going to Emma's Cafe, to meet Alba for a play date.

But first: checking out all the trains and trucks.

Sorting buttons with Alba, whom Arlo hasn't seen since April.

And slicing pizza: Arlo really look to this activity.

Bed time stories with Dad.

Improvised Baked Ziti. Not bad.

Someone looks like he's up to no good.

Reading his Zamboni book from Great Aunt Chris.

Hey hey hey, what's this?

Mum's newest toy. This will keep us busy until next week; see you then!