Simply Remarkable Days

As I contemplate over what has happened to us over the last few months, I realized one thing that I absolutely hate about myself...again... I am awful at updating and writing down important events.  Guys, the struggle is real and it is hard. I have recently started up some new goals, and decided that writing my thoughts on this blog would be a new goal I would work on. Although I was going to use this as an informative diary of big events in our lives for friends and family, I will most likely start writing out my ideas and thoughts of my day to day life. Hopefully the daily life of a young wife in China gives you a little bit of excitement in your day. The crazy stuff that happens in our lives can be laughable and very interesting. 

First thing is first, right after the Christmas holidays, Travis and I got the incredible opportunity to go to Thailand at the end of January and into the first week of February. We were so grateful that Travis's parents and aunt and uncle were able to meet up with us. This place is amazing!!! I would have never known this was a "hotspot" to vacation if I didn't live here in China. We were able to go to Bangkok, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands... also if I were you, go and Google those last two places. Here are a few pictures from our trip:

 Ayutthaya, Thailand

 Wet Market

 The detailed work on this temple is absolutely gorgeous, and insanely amazing. There is a similar pattern that surrounds the entire building, but every little detail is different.

 While we were in Bangkok, there was a lot of protesting... This is just a block away from our hotel. 

 This was one of the nicer homes we saw along our river ride.

These kids have so little, and yet they still had a smile on their faces. This experiene was definitely my favorite... I have never felt so blessed and thankful for every little thing I have.

 Krabi, Thailand

 There is a itty-bitty crab in the center of this... You can hardly see it but they were SO cool!

 Some of my favorite pictures from the trip are in this setting.

No filter...and not only this picture but every picture that is posted here.

 Our elephant ride in Thailand was one I'll never forget.

 Playing soccer on the beach with the natives

 Thank goodness I have a super cute husband to make this picture better

 We found clams while we were snorkeling... One of my favorite activities we did on the trip! The fish were neon blue, and had other colors of pink, yellow and what not... The clam I am holding had lips that were a neon orange. I was dying, truly so amazing (feel like I am super repetitive with that word, but it was)!!

 The first night in Phi Phi Islands was in this amazing little bungalow.

 The last night, Travis and I stayed here. It was on its own little beach on the island. 

 I'm a lucky girl

 Our way of getting around on the island was on this beauty.

 Look at that water!!! It was SO clear and warm. We had a gorgeous view of the water. This was taken on our balcony.

I truly felt like I learned so much about how grateful and blessed I am. If I hadn't already had a reality check in China, Thailand ensured my beliefs that I am blessed with more than a lot of people. Living in the United States is a blessing that hardly anyone will ever know or understand, unless they have lived outside of the US, or visited other developing countries. 

Next, after we got home, we had to prepare to come back to the States in the next month and a half. We had a lot to do while we were there. We arrived in Utah for the weekend, so that Travis could see my family at least for a little while we were back in the States. Then, we drove down to Nevada so that Travis could go into work for the week. We are so grateful for his job and the help we have had from them. The move to China has had its highs, and definitely it's lows, but through it all, we are grateful for the company and all that they have done to make sure we are comfortable. Then, we continued our way down to California to meet up with Travis's family. We were there for a day or two, then headed out on a cruise to Mexico with the Hatch extended family. This was SO much fun! It was a neat opportunity for the family to gather together and go on this cruise. It was also great for me because I got to meet a lot of his cousins, and get to know them more. I had a great time, and really cherished those memories we made. I feel so blessed to be apart of a incredible family. After we got back from the cruise, Travis had to head back to China for work. He was going to be traveling to Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. During that time, I was able to go back to Utah and stay with my family for 3 weeks. Although I hated being away from Travis more than anything, I was grateful I didn't have to go back to China and be alone for that time. It was a fun vacation back home being able to get with friends, and be there with all of my sisters, which doesn't happen often. I looove being with them and my nieces and nephews. 

Side note: Going to Costco and Target was probably the best thing ever. Here in China, you don't get that kind of luxary... I will go in depth about that another time.

 This is the only good picture I got of us on the trip... At least on my phone. Haha ain't he cute?

 Cutest bunch of my favorite people

This trip was the first time I was able to meet my niece, Harper Hazel Holmstead. She has a contagious smile and laugh... I am smitten by her. I couldn't get enough of this little nugget! 

Once I got home from visiting the States, Travis and I had to hurry and prepare to leave to the -first ever- Trek in China! It was one of the most incredible experiences. As a "Ma/Pa" we were so grateful for the opportunity we had to go on a Trek for the youth in China for our church. On trek, we reenact the pioneers from our Mormon (or LDS) heritage. The youth are from all over the world, and each of them had inspiring stories not only about their ancestors, but about themselves. We were so lucky to be apart of this and to learn from them and hearing about our ancestors pioneer stories, but also about their modern pioneer stories. This experience also showed me how grateful I am for a husband who is worthy of his priesthood. Not only is he worthy, but he is an example to me. I have a lot to work on to be equally as amazing as he is. I am so grateful for his testimony, and burning passion to serve his Father in Heaven and people around him. If any of you are not LDS, and are curious to know what they believe in, check out www.lds.org and it can help you answer some of those unknown questions about our church and what we believe. 

 It was FREEZING at night, but so so worth it. Also, I can't believe that there is a place like this in China. I never felt like I would be in Utah while I was living in China...but sure enough the mountains, and stars at night brought back a home feeling.

 The world is a small place when you are LDS. When we signed up for Trek, we got a list of people who would be attending. Tyler was one of them. Tyler served in Taiwan with Travis for two years. It was great to hear his stories and where he is at now!

Us and our "kids"... Each of them are amazing examples to us. Love each of them! Although we only had a weekend with them, it was all worth it to get to know them even just a little. 

And there we go. Updated with the major events of our lives :)