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...

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

A Baby Shower for Reese

In a couple of weeks, RD2 will be R2D2. Reese will be joining the party and doubling the fun!

To celebrate her arrival, Ninong Jowell and Ninang Grace hosted a fun and memorable baby shower. With everything decorated so prettily in pink and decadent chocolate, everyone enjoyed the good food and great company. To top it all off, everyone had a blast participating in the wacky games that our friend, Karen (my party planning soulmate!), prepared. Our friends released their inner Picasso as they decorated tiny onesies for Reese, then showed their competitive edge as they competed in the baby relay, Pinoy Genius and baby-mommy memory match.

At the end of the night, it was time to cut the star of the show -- the pretty mod baby princess cake by PastryChik (Visit her cake blog). It was difficult to slice into perfection, but someone had to do it!

Thanks again to everyone who came and celebrated with us! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to tell Reese all about it when she comes!

Click on this link to see pictures from the baby shower

Click on this link to see videos from the baby shower

New Year's Eve at JGZ's

We celebrated the new year with the Abadiano family at Jowell and Grace's. Dylan counted the seconds to 2010 with his best frenemy, Zaki! Click on the link below to see pictures and videos as Dylan started the year off with a bang!

New Year 2010