Philippines: A homecoming

Dad was about to turn a very young 80 years old, so what better way to celebrate than for his 4 grown kids to come back home? Of course, Mom and Tito Gus would never pass a chance to party... And so it was -- one big family reunion in the Philippines!

We arrived on different days, but we all converged in the island paradise of Boracay! It's sorta bad way to start our vacay, because really, how can you top it off?!! Powder-fine white sand, massages on the beach (for less than 2 Starbucks coffees!), water sports for a quarter of what you'd pay in the U.S., mango shakes to cool you off after a day under the sun -- need I go on? It almost makes me forget about my "Bora 911" episode (Note: stay away from oysters!)

We celebrated Dad's 80th birthday in full Limjoco tradition -- a big fiesta at Mama Quit's ancestral home in Novaliches. It was sweltering hot that day, but the kids were okay since they were treated to the traditional "pila", where the titos and titas handed out moolah to the huge line of kids waiting eagerly. There were no fireworks, but Dad made up for it with his mini-concert a la Frank Sinatra!

I also got the chance to see some good old friends from high school, buddies from our old neighborhood and our relatives on both sides. We may be a few pounds heavier (okay, a lot more than that!) and with our growing brood, but we still share the same laughter and memories.

Then it was off to Bicol! We were welcomed by the majestic Mayon Volcano before heading to Sorsogon to see our relatives. Some of us (no names!) experienced a bit of a culture shock, in what I'd like to call "Survivor: Bicol", but it all worked out in the end, especially when everyone realized how refreshing it is to take a dip at Vera Maris beach and how beautiful it is to zipline with the Mayon as your backdrop.

We were having such a good time that we decided to extend a few days more (thanks to Ninang Kat for scoring a hard-to-get flight change!) We spent a couple of days with the Chua Family in Batangas, where the kids had the Pico de Loro resort all to themselves! It was so unusually deserted we had to drive way back to the main city to get dinner, but it's all part of the adventure!

With all the amenities, perks and services (thank you, Yaya, for helping us with the kids -- we really wish we could bring you back to SF with us!), it was tough to get back on the plane home. Alas, money doesn't fall from the sky, and it was time to get back to work and earn our way to our next vacation. We miss you already, Philippines!

Click on the image below to view our full Philippines album on Facebook:

Roadtrip with cousins

Two weeks after coming back from Toronto, we were treated to a special visit from Cousin Michelle, Cousin Daniel and Tita Margaret. I guess they can't stand being away from each other for too long!

We crammed 4 kids, a jumbo stroller and ? luggages in our Highlander, then drove down to Southern California where we spent a week at Disneyland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Old Town and Griffith Observatory. Call us brave (or crazy!).

But the kids had fun! Dylan, Daniel and Reese met Mickey for the first time. Reese went on the Pirates of Caribbean ride, at 10 weeks old! We all fell in love with Shamu. There were lots of headache, but the smiles from the kids made it all worthwhile. Dylan even watches our videos from that trip almost every day!

Click on the image below to view our SoCal Roadtrip album:

We spent another week just chillin' in the Bay Area (and recovering from our whirlwind roadtrip)! We went on the "Duck Ride" through SF, which was as much fun for the locals as it was for the tourists! Rode the cable car, visited the Jelly Belly Factory and Fairyland, swam at the Cull Creek lagoon and pigged out on Filipino food! And of course, we visited Bapa Dick and Mama Lulu, then went shopping! Yup, these mommas are unstoppable!

Click on the image below to view our "SF with cousins" album:

Niagara Falls...

It's been 5 years since we last went to Niagara Falls, and that was for our wedding! We finally found our way back, and it looks a wee bit different than we remembered. Since it was the kids first time there, we decided to take them on a trip down memory lane, to where it all began...

We were accompanied by Nanay, Ninong Rani and Ninang Danica, who was visiting Canada for the first time as well. Everyone had a blast!

Click on the image below to view our full "Niagara Falls" album on Facebook.

The budding jetsetter...

As soon as we got Ree's birth certificate, we applied for her passport and she was off to Toronto at 4 weeks old! With Lola Daisy's help, Mom, Dylan and Ree got to Toronto safely and spent a month and a half chillin' with family and friends from T.O. Dad enjoyed his time off, but was all too eager to follow us coz he was missing the kids (and Mom too!).

Click on the images below to view our "Month in Toronto" album on Facebook!

Welcome, Reese!

Our little valentine born on February 12, 2010!

loving two...

The RD2 2009 Yearbook is done!

I never thought I'd finish it, but it's finally done -- with a few days to spare before the arrival of the next one!

Here it is -- the RD2 yearbook for 2009! As always, it's a trip down memory lane from January to December 2009. Lots of memorable events and unforgettable moments caught on camera! Enjoy!

Click on this link to see the RD2 2009 yearbook on Flickr

Holidays 2009

I know -- this is really late. I'm playing catch up with the blog, photo and video uploads before Baby Reese arrives!

It's been a hectic holiday with all the events that filled our calendar, but it was a great end to a memorable year. Here's the link to our pictures and videos on Flickr:

Holidays 2009

Summer with Uncle Rani

Uncle Rani spent a good chunk of his summer vacation with us, and Dylan had a blast having a "big kid" to play with all summer long! During the week, he helped Uncle Rani do chores around the house, then on the weekend, he took Uncle Rani to all his favorite places -- the park, the aquarium, the city, and of course, the beach!

Here's a video of the two kids hanging out at Santa Cruz Beach. The water was shallow but cold, but that didn't stop the little guy from going for it -- that is, with Uncle Rani by his side the whole time!

photos from Dylan's summer with Uncle Rani

Vacation in Toronto

For the July 4th holidays, we flew out to Toronto for a week to spend time with family and friends. We had a very hectic week filled with parties, lakwatsa and fun! Dylan enjoyed spending quality time with his lolos and lolas, titos and titas, cousins and buddies!

The highlight of the week was visiting the African Lion Safari near Niagara Falls. Dylan went on a safari tour around the animal reserve, where he saw lions, baboons, giraffes, ostriches, deer and so many more! To top the day off, he got to see the elephant show and even got to ride on one! Click on the links and videos below and see how much fun the little rascal had in T.O.!

photos from Dylan's Toronto vacation

videos from Dylan's Toronto vacation

Spending some quality time with Nanay and Tatay

On their way back to Toronto from the Philippines, Nanay and Tatay stopped by San Francisco to visit their little ruggamuffin. During their short visit, they discovered the wonders of Wii -- which got them so hooked they were ready to buy it as soon as they got home! Check out these vids of Nanay and Tatay showing off some moves, and also the little Chinese boy on the drums :)