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:

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:

Thanksgiving in Mendocino

For Thanksgiving weekend, Dad surprised Mom and Dylan with a fun holiday in Mendocino and Fort Bragg. We rode the "Skunk Train", a steam engine train that went through the ancient redwoods and pygmies from Fort Bragg to Willits, then spent two days enjoying the indoor heated pool at our hotel. We also took in the breathtaking vistas at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens and Port Cabrillo lighthouse, then dropped by our favorite wineries in Anderson Valley. Dad also tapped his inner pro photographer and took some photojournalistic pix of Mom and Dylan!

photos from our Thanksgiving weekend in Mendocino

Eurotrip!

We've been sooo busy the past 6 months that we decided -- the heck with it, it's time for a break! So we packed our bags, jumped on a plane and spent three glorious weeks in Europe! Ninang Daphne joined us on our wild ride through Germany, Holland, Belgium, Spain and France. Click on the link below to view our photobook and journal of our adventures in Europe:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronanddawne/collections/

A Valentine weekend in San Simeon

For Valentine's day, Daddy came up with a little surprise for Mommy and Dylan -- a road trip to San Simeon to visit Hearst Castle! We started out early on Saturday morning to enjoy a scenic drive along Highway 1, passing by Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur. We spent the night in San Simeon, then spent the next morning visiting the famed Hearst Castle.

It was a windy day, but we braved the weather to experience the opulent life of William Hearst back in the golden days of the 30's and 40's. Dylan enjoyed the bus tour, mainly coz he wasn't strapped in a car seat :) He also enjoyed running around the grounds and hanging out at the massive Versaille-esque pool. But the best part was just hanging out with Mom and Dad on a scenic road trip along the beautiful California coast. It was a great weekend and memorable Valentine's Day indeed!