Disneyland- a trip for kids or a trip for mommy and daddy???

Im starting to think that our "birthday trip" to Disneyland was for us not for you guys. We started off with getting fast pass to Star Tours ( a ride I wanted to try since it's fairly new). Then we went to the Buzzlight Year shooting ride which is through default since it was near Star Tours and the wait was only 15 minutes. Next we rushed off to Space Mountain which was daddy's decision and secretly mine. I try to sell it as us going on a spaceship but was honest and told you guys that it was rollercoaster ride that is dark. I tried to soften the blow by telling you Pi that it was full of stars. I had my hand on your chest Phoenix and I thought your heart was going to jump out of your chest your heart was beating so fast. I think you were in shock from beginning to end. The rollercoaster picture says it all as Auntie Nina's showed her tonsils as she screamed the entire ride. I was so worried you would pee Phoenix since you needed to go so badly but kept saying "Its okay, I can hold it. I want to ride the spaceship." As a responsible parent who really badly wanted to go on the ride, I let you make and keep that decision.

Next ride was chosen by the two of you Dumbo and Storybook. You were expiring by the minute as we stood line in the 80 + degrees weather. So, score 2 for Piper and Phoenix. Daddy had a brilliant idea of taking you guys on the train ride and the plan was to ride it round and round the park so you can take a nap except you guys were so enthralled with the dinosaurs, trees outside?, the sound of the conductor's voice that we just gave up and went to New Orleans Square, a part of the park your daddy really likes. We first went on Pirates Of the Carribean and Phoenix, you liked it since it had swords and shooting. Then we went on the Haunted Mansion which you both unanimously did not like. Who can blame you. It is freakin scary even for an adult. It's creepy. Sorry guys! Then we watched the parade. Score was parents 1 up.

We then watched Star Tours and your daddy wanted to vomit right after. I on the other had was exhaused right after that ride. Bizarre. Phoenix, you wanted to ride it again soon after we got off our seats.

Off to California Adventre we went. At this point, I was ready to go home. We rode only one ride and that was Soaring Over California, a birthday girl favorite. Phoenix, you got to ride it this time since you met the height requirement. We all loved it. We ended the night with getting some soup at L&L Hawaiin BBQ restaurant. Nice and modest. In the restaurant, you both came up with rides we "forgot" to ride such as Toy Story Mania, Lady Bug Car Bumpers, the entire Bugs Life section at CA Adventure for that matter. Oops (wink, wink). Maybe next time.

All 3 of us fell asleep in the back as we drove back.

Piper Turns 6... So many celebrations!

January 24th- This was your actual birthday. The night before, daddy and I decorated your room with a banner and balloons that littered your floor (presents hidden underneath). The smile you had on that morning was worth daddy running out of breath from blowing all of those balloons. (See picture). On that same day, I was fortunate enough to celebrate your birthday with you in your classrooms. I snapped every picture of each of your classmates hugging you one by one. Im so happy to be in the same school with you. Lastly, Auntie Loi and the Childers came for dinner. Your Auntie Loi got you the artist set you've been wanting and some cupcakes.

January 25th- Our church family (small group) came and you played dress up and fashion show with the girls. The entire second floor was littered with clothes from your closet. You also got to blow out a brownie cake tower I made for you. At this age, you dont like frosting so I had to get creative for my chocolate lover.

January 27th- Our family came over for your birthday dinner. We had to wait for your arrival since your Uncle Jonart wanted to take you to the movies (Puss and Boots). It was well worth the wait as we feasted on your lolo's and lola's hard work of your favorite foods- kaldereta, adobo, chicken on a stick and I made spaghetti which you didnt even touch. You were very happy with all of the lovely presents you got. By the way, the one you were most excited about was the box of seaweed your grammy gave you. A prime example of trying everything once.

January 28th- Disneyland Day from 10:30-6:30 no nap. You guys were delirous. (See Disneyland post)

1 Day 3 Parties

Last Saturday, we had the privilege of being invited to 3 birthday parties. At first I was dreading the exhaustion that was to come but I had to stop myself and realize how blessed we are that we get to go to 3 parties where we can hang out with friends. First stop, Jitah's 3rd birthday party. You guys had a great time playing with Benny's dogs and oh yeah, Benny too. All of our small group kiddos were there. Second stop was Auntie Paulette's baby's first birthday, Baby Alissa. Cookie Monster made you guys balloons, a sword for Phoenix and a flower for you Pi. I however, enjoyed vegetarian Filipino food. It was great. Three hours later, we were off to Sasha's birthday party at her house. We then see our small group friends again. You even get to watch a bit of Smurfs. Everytime we'd try to leave, we couldnt find you Phoenix because you'd find your way back to Zoe's rooom to watch the movie. Hilarious...

So, 2 pinatas goodie bags and, 3 birthday cakes later... we were home. We were indeed exhausted but had a ton of fun.

Conformity at age 5

Phoenix leaned in to kiss you Pi and you did but you quickly advised your litle brother to say "Ewww!" I had to turn around and ask why. You proceeded to share that at school, Sra. Lopez read a book with a couple that kissed and the whole class disapproved and motioned "ewww!" You said "I had to match them." I asked you if you thought mommy, daddy, or Phoenix kissing you is gross and you said with an adamant NO! You told me you believe in both.

The conforming continues when you did not eat the sushi I made for you for lunch. It had your 3 favorite things; white rice, chickent and seaweed. However, your classmates thought your lunch was weird so you took 3 bites and put it away. You even asked me to not pack it for lunch anymore. Bummer! You love it but I guess you'll just eat it at home.

Slowyly and lovingly we'll teach you that being different is a beautiful thing.

Christmas comes early

Uncle TJ, Auntie Kaye, and Mico were headed for the Philippines so we celebrated Christmas with them 3 weeks early. You guys got to open presents early and had tons of fun with Mico.

Decorating the Tree

You guys had so much fun playing with the lights. You even used it as a rope to make donkey Phoenix go. Not so safe. We ended up breaking a set of lights that night. But... it was all worth the fun!

Holiday Performances 2011

Phoenix, you had a night time performance at LAUP where lolo and lola came as well as grammy. When I asked you what you had to wear for the performance you said, "My teacher said I have to dress handsome." So naturally, I asked your daddy to get you something formal and he got you the cutest vest suit and indeed, you did you very handsome!

Piper, you also had a school performance and sang Santa Claus is coming to town in Spanish. Amazing! You also had a church performance at Pipeline- "The Spelling County Bee." We had the pleasure of listening to the CD at least 3x per day to its entireity. It's so cool that you've memorized the verses in John talking about Jesus being born.

Santa is not real...

Pi, you shared with me that you told some kids in Pipeline that you dont believe Santa is real. You shared with them these details almost verbatim: "Dont you see that there are different Santas in different malls? It's your mom and dad that puts the gifts under the tree. Santa is just for fun."

Until you met Santa who came to Tessa's house.... You remain conflicted due to his real beard. The verdict is still out whether you believe in Santa or not.

Papa's Birthday

We celebrated Papa's 66th birthday last night at Banana Bay and Piper you loved eating your Garlic Pork with rice and Phoenix, you had 3 servings of egg noodle soup. Everyone came out and had a great time. Our favorite part was walking over to Yogurtland. We were on an adventure. You guys and even Mico were carried on the shoulder by an adult. Phoenix, you and Mico ran back and forth with such limited space and had a blast. It was nice to see you so comfortable and yourself as you played the alpha dog.

Winter Break 2011

Piper, you and I are off for 3 weeks. It has been a glorious 2 weeks and 5 days. It is soon coming to an end. Phoenix, you started school this week but was able to be with you in the classroom 2 out of the 5 days. You remain to be the happiest kiddo on the block. So... a recap.

- Piper, you asked Santa for cat toys (to give to Custard- your stuffed animal cat)

- Phoenix, you got an Angry Birds game set.

-Sleep over with Bella, Mia, Chance, Tessa, Sienna, and Andress

- going to the park almost everyday

-Piper, we had 2 days of reading and crafts nonstop for at least 4 hours

-Daddy and I managed to go on a date for a sushi dinner and a movie (Twilight- it sucked)

-went to our annual tradition of the Newport Boat Show

-made and decorated sugar cookies on Christmas Eve

We had tons of fun but most of all, we were all together as a family for the whole 3 weeks.

3 years later...

Piper, you are now soon to be 6 years old (in 17 days) and Phoenix you are 4 years old. Although much has happened in the last 3 years, we'll just pick it up during current times.

Piper, you're now in kindergarten in a class where everything is in Spanish. You love it and even speak to us in Spanish from time to time without realizing you're speaking in a different language. You look to us for a response only to get a blank stare. You are learing to show the image of Christ with your kindess.

Phoenix, you are in LAUP (same class as your ate's from last year). Ms. Laura is your teacher and love playing with your buddy Evan. Just a few days ago, I volunteered in your class and watched you shoot spider webs at him. Very cute. You too are showing what it looks like to be a made in the image of Christ as you are very thoughtful and comforting.