Snorkeling

As our plane made its descent to the island of Phuket, we passed over these islands:

One of Lauren's greatest joys in life is snorkeling and this view sealed it for her; for Lauren it was no longer should we go snorkeling, but who wants to come with her. So we spent an afternoon researching and landed a great trip on a speedboat that took the eight of us to Phi Phi Island (I know, I think that's funny too). While the trip out was a bit of a struggle for the 16-month-old and 3-year-old among us, fun was had by all once there.

We got on board a speedboat with 25 of our new friends and were off.

My two windswept boys: Glamorous.

Our first stop was a tiny island that allowed the boys to wade
into crystal-clear water to practice with the snorkels.
A little bread thrown into the water brought forth swarms of beautiful fish all around us.

Ben and Will enjoying the water.

Lauren, very happy.

Isaac taking a break from all the excitement.

This kid, however, LOVES the water and is fearless.
Give him a few years and Lauren has found her snorkeling partner!

On our way to Phi Phi Island (where the movie The Beach was filmed) 

we passed these amazing karst formations that appeared
to be floating on the surreal turquoise water.

Lauren wading on The Beach.
(This shot was carefully taken to cut out
the thousands people who also thought it would be
cool to see the famous beach.)

Lauren and Colin swimming off the boat in a nearby lagoon.
Colin is much more confident in the water which made this a lot more fun.

He jumped straight off the front of the boat for this picture!

Fish as seen from above the surface.