Cancun in September!

I think this year we're aiming to break some world record, because here we are, packing our bags (again), with our 2-yr-old and 6-month-old, on our way to Cancun, Mexico!

Well, we do have an excuse -- it's our anniversary (happy 6th, sweetheart!), and in lieu of gifts, we always treat ourselves to a mini-vacation. So despite the looming weather storm forecast, we headed for the sandy beaches of Cancun. And we are so glad we did! We were greeted with sunny weather and enjoyed our time relaxing on the beach in our private cabana, swimming with the dolphins, touring Isla Mujeres on a rickety golf cart and visiting the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza!

It wasn't always sunny though. There were about 3-4 pockets of rain that we encountered (lasting 5 minutes at most), then on the last day, as we prepared to go to the airport, it poured! Guess it's time to head back home!

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




Here's a video of our adventures in Cancun. Enjoy!

Yosemite with Kat, Chai and Beanne!

It was the Chua Family's turn to go on vacation, and Dylan couldn't wait to spend time with his girlfriend, Beanne! They only spent a couple of days in SF, but we managed to take a day trip to gorgeous Yosemite.

Click on the image below to see our full Yosemite album:

Dylan's summer with Zaki

After all the traveling we've been doing, we decided to stay put for the next couple of months and live a normal life. Who knew that just staying at home would be so much fun?! Here's Dylan, enjoying the summer with his best bud (or frenemy), Zaki. Soccer, tennis and their first time at the movies!

Click on the image to see the full album:

Ron's buddies take on SF!

After years of planning to visit, they finally made it! Ron's buddies, Phuong and TJ, made good on their promise and partied in SF like the good old days (well, maybe not quite, but it's as good as it gets!). How coincidental could it be that Kat and Brian happened to be in town for their cousin's birthday? Oh how the stars align -- the more the merrier!

Click on the image below to see how these folks painted the town red (Sorry, TJ, this picture just had to be the cover!):

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:

The Best of Hong Kong and Taipei

I had one month left of maternity leave, and I wasn't going to spend it idly! So we packed our bags (again!) and flew to Hong Kong, where we spent 5 exciting days exploring the city with the Chua Family.

We went shopping (of course!), ate a lot (dimsum at its best!) and went to both Ocean Park and Disneyland HK. Dylan was at home here (well, he blends right in!), and he ate noodles and fried rice to his heart's content! But more so, he just loved spending time with Beanne, his puppy love (awwww!). They are just so cute together!

We flew to the Philippines (more on that in my next blog entry), then on our way back to SF, we spent a day in Taipei. We hired a limo that drove us to the city's main sights before catching our flight home.

Isn't this picture a classic? Definitely illustrates what we've been doing this past couple of months, with kids in tow! Click on it to view our full HK/Taipei album:

Just had to add this adorable pic of the two lovebirds on their honeymoon in Disneyland!

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:

Ree's Christening

Before heading back to San Francisco, we welcomed Reese into the Christian world with friends and family in Toronto. Thanks to all those who came and made this day memorable. Special shout out to Reese's godparents: Diana, Rani, Danica, Anthony, Kat, Jowell, Delanie, Annalisa, John and David! (Andami no! Pinoy-style talaga!)

Click on the image below to see the full 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!

Ree's First Month

It's been a wild month with Reese around! She's been a joy to be around with -- not only does she look too cute all day long, she's a good baby at night and let's Mom and Dad sleep through. Most of all, Kuya Dylan is just happy to finally have a baby sister, although she's not much of a playmate just yet! Already enjoying trips to the zoo, walks in the park, dining at foodie havens and shopping with Lola Daisy, this little girl is going to be a tough one to catch up with someday!

Click on the image below to see Ree's first month album on our Facebook page...

Reese at 3 days old

Our little princess enjoys time outside Mommy's womb with Kuya Dylan and Dad.

Welcome, Reese!

Our little valentine born on February 12, 2010!

loving two...