khao yai

 We took advantage of having family in town an headed up to Khao Yai. Khao Yai is a national park in the mountains outside Bangkok. It has lots of shy animals and, during the rainy and cool season, some incredible waterfalls (basically anytime but now). Elie and Abe spent the two weeks before we left talking about going to the "jungle" and how they were going to catch a tiger. We did see some monkeys, but no tigers. The best part was the weather, we had a fantastic rainstorm and while we were there the temperature was always under 90 and even dipped below 80 degrees--I was freezing and wishing I owned a jacket. Dan's trying to figure out how he can move there and commute to BKK. We'll definitely need to go back again--but just for a visit.

Some of our trip highlights:

We took a nature hike to see some waterfalls.They were all dry but nobody minded.

The neatest wildlife we saw. If you look closely you can see it's legs. 

After our hike ended with no waterfoddles (as Elie calls them) we asked the park ranger where the best waterfall was. We were given directions to the only waterfall still running. 

 Still running might have been a bit generous.

Elephant conservation park:

 About halfway through the ride Elie started getting really sad, I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I wish I was an elephant like these."

And what would a trip to any tourist destination in Thailand be without a stop for some go carts.

 Since I'm not pregnant this time I got to participate. I won the award for most wrecks, most passed and most times found facing the wrong direction on the track. Maybe I better stick to MarioKart.

 And they didn't even make us pay for a certain tree...

 Sweet baby Vi is even willing to hold Elie's snail shells while she takes her turn around the track.