Thailand, We Are Coming!

There is something quite strange a holiday beginning and still finding it difficult to switch off from work. I think I have finally worked out why. I haven't really stopped working since our last holiday to the Gold Coast back in January 2025. That's a rather long stretch without a proper break!

I was still working right up until my finish time on Friday afternoon, and even now, I find myself very much in work mode. My brain hasn't quite caught up with the fact that we are actually going away. I'm sure that will change tomorrow when I'm finally boarding a plane bound for Thailand. At least, I hope it does!

The suitcases are packed, carry-on luggage is organised, passports are safely tucked away and our Thai baht is sorted. All those little jobs, lists, last-minute purchases and endless organising over the past few weeks are finally starting to pay off. We are almost there!

We spent Halloween at Mum and Dad's house last night, partly because they are kindly looking after Banjo and Kiki while we're away, and partly because they live a little closer to the airport. Mum took the kids out trick-or-treating while Aaron, Dad and I stayed home watching YouTube videos about Chiang Mai.

And honestly, I still can't quite believe that tomorrow I will actually be there. Chiang Mai! Somewhere we've spent so much time talking about, researching and looking forward to visiting. It doesn't quite feel real yet.

Yesterday also brought a lovely little opportunity to FaceTime my sister, nephews and niece. It's always so lovely to see their faces, even if a screen isn't quite the same as being able to give them a cuddle. My youngest nephew, Mack, is now three months old and I can already see his little face changing. Those baby features are growing and changing so quickly. I wish I could scoop them all up in the biggest hugs, especially my sister. Sometimes being far away from family feels particularly hard when you just want to be there for the everyday moments and the big cuddles.

Back at Mum and Dad's, the kids were a little on the testy side last night. Perhaps it was the aftermath of the Halloween sugar high, perhaps the tiredness, or perhaps the excitement and anticipation of Thailand finally catching up with them. Whatever the combination, getting everyone to sleep was a mission. They have all been rather reluctant to close their eyes and settle down. At. All.

Thankfully, a little bit of The Nightmare Before Christmas and some snuggles with their grandparents seemed to do the trick. Sometimes it's the simplest things that bring everyone back down to earth.

I've also been sleeping beside Kailey over the past few nights because she's been experiencing some nightmares. Last night was no different, so I made myself comfortable on the trundle bed beside her. Luckily, she only woke once and was able to resettle quite easily. I'll happily sacrifice a little sleep if it means she feels safe and secure, particularly with so many changes and exciting things happening around her.

Today is hopefully going to be a much slower, quieter day. A chance to relax with Mum and Dad, spend some time together and let the excitement settle before the early start tomorrow. We will all need an early night because airport mornings are never particularly forgiving!

I think I'm finally beginning to appreciate just how much goes into getting a family of five ready for an overseas adventure. There are lists upon lists, medications, passports, packing, organising the dogs, school and work arrangements, and making sure everyone has everything they need. It's been a lot.

But now, the lists are done, the bags are packed and the countdown is almost over.

Tomorrow we trade our usual routines for new experiences, warm tropical days, beautiful scenery, family adventures and a whole lot of memories waiting to be made.

And perhaps, somewhere between take-off and landing, I'll finally manage to leave work mode behind.

**Thailand, we're coming!** ✈️🌴