Another First: Train Ride

Mom and I took the kids to the mall to run off some excess energy. Lexie had never been on one of those kiddie trains before, so I took her and Evan on a ride on the LA Express. Needless to say, it was a hit.

Already Two Years?

Guess who turned two on Friday?

This little guy.

Can you believe it? He’s now a walking/running/jumping/talking Pre-schooler.

And on Saturday, his sports-minded parents hosted a sports themed party (come and represent your favorite sports team) to celebrate the onset of the terrible (err, terrific) twos.

Here are some memories from the bash.

Pinata !!

Lexie's turn at hitting that football

Mommy & me

Let the games begin

The four of them came a-representing their teams:

Let them eat cake!

The birthday boy with his favorite Ninang

Happy One Year Birthday to My Super Cute Nephew

and Godson! LOVE THIS KID!!!!

Evan's birthday was actually on the 16th, but we celebrated it in style on Saturday the 18th.

Halloween costumes. Delish food. Games. Pinata. Guests. And the best part... mucho presents. What else can a kid ask for?!

Here are some photos from his big day:

May the force be with him!

"Princess Leia" and Lil' Darth Vadar:

Party Stuff:



Party people:

Look... Lil' Darth transformed and walking:

B-Day Weekend #2

Ooops, another week has gone by and I’m late in blogging about the previous week… again! ( LOL )

I can’t seem to catch up on anything these days. I don’t know if I can fairly attribute it all to pregnesia; or is it procrastination, or truly, business/”busy-ness.”

In any case, here’s a recap - in pictures - of my other birthday celebration on Sunday (July 20)with Mom, Dad, Kuya, Cindi, Guapito, and of course, the Hubster. Since Mom was in Denver for business over my birthday, we decided to postpone any celebrations until the following week when we wouldn’t be so rushed.

Lunch at Maggiano's:






Check out my "privileged" parking space right in front of the restaurant:



Sunday also marked the first time Guapito swam in a pool. He was so.fricken.cute that we never stopped rolling the cameras. Thanks to Dad H for noticing, one month ago, that we had an algae problem (yes, our old pool guy is history!). Pool seems algae-free now :) Baby overboard!







All done swimming:




All tired out from working out;)




In other non-birthday news, Steve and I had dinner and drinks (lemon-water for me!) with his friends from work. We previously had Japanese pizza with Jeff & Marilyn; so this time, we chose to grill us some Japanese BBQ at Jingo. I've passed this restaurant a number of times, and it looks sort of like a whole-in-the-wall. But I checked out reviews on Yelp; and they were mostly positive.


While Steve and I enjoyed ourselves immensely with the company and food, we won't be going back to Jingo's too often . Pricey! Good thing our dining buddies like all sorts of food; and even suggested Filipino cuisine next time. Score! Filipino food = yummy + cheap!

Dining a la YAKINIKU (aka Japanese BBQ):

Fourth of July Long Weekend Recap

Unlike previous 4th of July holidays, we spent the 4th close to home this year. With Mom & Dad H visiting us from Florida and gas prices soaring to stratospheric levels, we decided to stick it out in the 100+ degree in our little So Cal enclave.

Here's a recap of our weekend:

Friday the 4th:

Happy Independence Day, America! Being a self-professed US history buff, I especially love this holiday for all that it signifies - patriotism, idealism, optimism, bravery, courage, et al. I was very fortunate three years ago when I got to celebrate the 4th in our Nation's capital- amidst all the monuments honoring our heroes past & present.

This year, Mom & Dad H, Steve, and I decided to do something a bit more low-key than fireworks at the Capital Mall. After having dinner at Maggiano's, we hit up our neighborhood park and witnessed an impressive display of fireworks.

Here are some pictures from that night:

Saturday, the 5th:

On Saturday, I went to Jen's & B's for a BBQ/pool party to celebrate Joren's one year birthday (July 1). Happy birthday to the cute little toddler! (Are they considered toddlers at this stage or babies still?!)

As usual, Jen knows how to throw a good partaay- even if they are kiddie ones;) Yuuummy food, "open bar" (<-- not that I partook in this), and the right venue (a la pool/jacuzzi).

Sunday, the 6th:

I went and hung out with Evan today. What's a Sunday afternoon without getting a big hug and wet kiss from my favorite nephew & Godson?!

Latest tidbit: He's crawlin! Sooo cute! Here are some photos & a video-

Happy Christening to My Ever-Cute Godson!

Sunday was an absolutely glorious day, with Evan being baptized along with two other babies. Dad had bought him a beautiful Christening outfit at Divisoria market when he & Tita Pat went to the Philippines a few weeks ago. The outfit fit Evan perfectly because he was the cutest baby there. And no, I’m not just saying that because I’m his “Ninang” (translation: Godmother). hehehe

Anyway, Evan was so well-behaved throughout the entire ceremony, with the exception of when he “threw” his Mom’s jade bangle onto the marble floor of the Church – shattering it into a hundred tiny pieces. He was even “communicating” with the Priest when the Priest was blessing him. He saw the priest raise his hand, and he raised his little hand, too! (check out the video below "Pt 1") Lol

Hit "play" to watch Evan being blessed!
Part 1


Part 2

I was one of two Ninangs (Cindi’s sister, Martha, being the other); while he had about six Ninongs/Godfathers. I guess Kuya (translation: older brother) couldn’t decide amongst his friends; so he picked them all!

I love the second photo because Evan's giving me a kiss unprompted! I guess we know who his favorite Ninang is! heheheh

Godparents + Immediate Family

Afterward, we feted the new member of our Christian faith by having a large barbeque at Kuya’s & Cindi’s backyard. They even rented one of those inflatable, bouncy jumping castles for all the kids. What a hit!

El Mariachi !!!

It was really nice seeing so many family friends, whom I haven’t seen in years. Talk about blast from the past… Kuya invited one of my old classmates from elementary school. Seriously, I hadn’t seen this guy in over 20years! I felt like I was gabbing and reminiscing for hours.

The day went by so fast. It contained just the right dose of good weather, good company, and good fun. We definitely missed Tita Emer, because she would have been there rain or shine, sick or not. But we are somewhat comforted knowing she was there in spirit. Maybe that’s why Evan was smiling most of the day.

Exhausted little boy;)