Travel: Trip to UP and then Tagaytay

August 26, 2012

Ordinarily, we don't go out on Sundays because we just all want to rest and stay home in preparation for the new week ahead.  But since, it was going to be a holiday tomorrow and Patrick is test driving the Subaru Impreza, we all decided to take a trip to UP so that the kids can bike freely.  We were also looking forward to having lunch at Rodic's :) So here are the kids having Taho while on break :)

Now, we didn't take pictures at Rodic's because you've seen a lot of them by now.  What surprised us though was when Patrick decided to drive all the way to Tagaytay just to test the Subaru Impreza :)  So, we decided to go to Palace in the Sky which we haven't gone to.  It was quite a ride going up through the slightly  roads zig-zagging roads and we had to do a little climbing (walking) to get to the entrance.  Apparently, a lot of people had the same thought during this holiday as there were a lot of people here too.

So here we were, taking advantage of the views from our high vantage point.

Now these two succeeding pictures actually tell an unfortunate incident while we were there.  I took this picture (notice the umbrella behind them).  It was cloudy when we arrived that's why we took it and indeed, it rained a little while we were there.  At the next picture, Patrick took the shot and after that, we all went somewhere else.  Unfortunately, Patrick forgot the umbrella under this picnic hut!  We realized it after we climbed the other peak which was about 5-7 minutes away so by the time we got back to this spot, the umbrella was gone.  Patrick was pissed because it was his favorite Subaru umbrella and it was huge and can protect all four of us.

After a rather frustrating time trying to locate the umbrella, we just decided to chalk it up to experience.  We left Palace in the Sky (I think they call it People's Park now) but I was still keeping an eye out for that huge Subaru umbrella hehe.  To console ourselves, Patrick drove to Mushroom Burger since the kids haven't eaten there yet and it has been a long time for Patrick and me too.  After our snacks of burgers, fries and drinks, the kids went outside and spent some time in the playground :)

To end the day, we had dinner at Rose and Grace restaurant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Kids: At the SM Toy Expo

August 25, 2012

I don't know if you are like me when I hear the word "SALE".  I sort of go into a panic and then I force myself to calm down When I saw on Facebook that there was to be a Toy Expo at the SMX in Mall of Asia, that's exactly what happened.  It's never too early to plan and buy for Christmas.  If there are sale events in the Metro which can help save you money, then by all means go to them and just be disciplined enough to buy only what your budget requires.  I know, it's hard! But if you concentrate on getting what you and your kids want, especially in a grand Toy Sale like the Toy Expo,  you'll have more money to spend on additional items.




We certainly spent a long time walking around the whole exhibition area and at the same time, the kids took their time getting their pictures taken at the displays and photo booths.  The Ben 10 and Thundercats section had their own photo background which the kids took advantage of.  Come to think of it, even Patrick got in on the picture taking :)

So, there was also a Power Rangers display, a small Bumblebee Transformers statue, an Iron Man statue and a Captain America statue.

Naturally, Patrick just had to try out the Gran Turismo on the PS3. It took him a while to get his turn because kids had to be dragged kicking and screaming by impatient parents.

One of the great buys that we got was this Spongebob Tent that we got for Dylan.

Kids: Tracy's first trip to Manila Zoo

August 19, 2012

It's always a pleasure when we have the time to go and visit our childhood haunts, like the Manila Zoo (along Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila).  It gives Patrick and I a chance to see the changes they've made (which they have in recent years) and for the kids to appreciate what we so loved before.  It was Tracy's first time to the zoo, although I think she wasn't really interested in anything at the moment hahahaha but here are the pictures :)

The Elephant paddock is the first you'll see upon entering the Manila Zoo.  Since it was a weekend holiday, there were a lot of people in the zoo which was why Dana's face looked like this.  Other parents, grandparents and kids were crowding the fences and taking pictures and there was one "adult" that literally pushed my kids out of the way at which time she got an earful from me.  Couldn't help it, you just don't push someone, like little kids for that matter, just so you can have your frickin' picture taken with the elephant who wasn't even facing you! ok I'm calm now LOL

Okay, so Tracy was just busy chewing on her pacifier the whole time we were walking around :)

We did get a chance to get a picture of the elephant and without any people to boot!! hahaha

The Zebra grazing

The Tiger lounging

Patrick pretending to eat Tracy LOL

The Hippo swimming

Event: Michael and Tere Glinoga Wedding

July 28, 2012

One of the highlights of our year was being invited to my cousin Tere's wedding to her husband Michael.  They were married at the Santisimo Rosario Parish in UST and Dylan was the Bible Bearer.  He wasn't used to people staring at him so he walked down the aisle in slow motion with his head to the floor.  It's like he wanted to disappear :)  He was still so cute to look at though :D  He was supposed to be wearing barong tagalog but we weren't able to get his in time.  It was a good thing his tie was still in line with the theme of the wedding.

Here is Tere making her grand entrance into the Church.

waiting in line for his cue

Dylan being cued for walking down the aisle

Look at his apprehension hehehe

Tracy with her formal dress :)

 After the wedding, we all trooped to the Hyatt Hotel in Malate.  The wedding reception was held at the Ballroom.  It was a good time to meet up with the rest of the family.  Like having your picture taken with your Dad whom you haven't seen in a long time and sharing a picture with the rest of Dad's male siblings.

We also shared the table with my sister Sharon and her family.  That's her there with husband Jowell and granddaughter Tracy.

Check out the kids' meal :)

Cousins Dana and Den

Dylan and Mama

 After the reception, we left a little early, we took the time to take pictures in the lobby :)

Here's our picture at the photo booth that was a favorite hang out among the guests.  Dana really enjoyed this.  I love her smile in all the pictures :)

So, to Michael and Tere.. Congratulations!! Thank you for inviting us to share in your celebration! :D