Sydna Visits Loved Ones

I guess I should have shared this one before Sydna's birthday post since she visited San Diego before her birthday. Oh well.

This was her second time flying solo, this time however she flew into Phoenix and her best friend, who lives in Tucson, picked her up and they drove to San Diego.
Here they are having lunch at Hodad's Burgers and Fries. Their milkshakes are sooo good! I'm not sure what ice cream they serve but I love that it's old fashioned vanilla.

I'm glad my sister was available to show them around the city and they also stayed at her place.

My parents

Not sure why they didn't take pictures while out in the city. I guess eating out is where it's at, lol.

I'm glad that Sydna makes room for extended family. I'm sure she'll cherish these times spend with her grandparents and aunt.

Halloween Week

Oh, what a fun and exciting time Halloween is ... Autumn in all its glory!

The month of October is a busy fun time for our family. There are so many fun activities going on that you won't find us at home on weekends.

My mom and sister visited for Halloween last year. This was the first time in a long time since any family from my side spent it with us during this holiday. It sure was extra special. They arrived a few days before the thirty first so we had a few days to show them around. We hung out at the new and renovated park in Bellevue where there's also gorgeous deciduous trees. Such a pretty sight.

I get hot easily so whenever it's chilly for some the weather feels really good to me, fresh. Jacob and the kids give me a hard time because I wear dresses when it's chilly out. I love the coolness on my body. Fall weather is my most favorite! and wearing Fall colors is also a favorite.

We took a stroll around the park and let Riley play for a bit and after that we had lunch at Pagliacci, yum!

My mom is so serious in this picture, lol. I guess I took it before she was ready ... oops!

We took a different way on our way back home. We like driving on this floating bridge. Lake Washington is pretty big and I like to admire the pretty houses along the waters edge.

Silly boy. Cotton candy beard.

Blurry picture but still a good one. I'm so thankful that my mom is still able to visit even though she has constant nerve pain on her feet. The most selfless person I know.

At our house we typically carve pumpkins a day or two before Halloween. I would hate to carve them early and hate for them to start decaying by Halloween. I have no creativity when it comes to this activity so I leave it up to Jacob to help Riley carve his.
I enjoyed having my mom and sister home with us during this time. We always end up eating way too much food. But then again that's what happens when you get together with loved ones. Food brings family together.

And of course, Sophie had to take part in the Halloween festivities. Halloween colors go well with her calico fur. Blurry but she's still so darn cute!!!

Outside Biscuit Bitch (breakfast) in Seattle. My sister took this picture of my two boys with their grandma. Love it!

On Halloween the kids can wear their costumes with no mask and only during the last hour of the day. Riley was so excited about wearing his costume to school.

My sister loves to bake. She had gifted me this skull cake mold and so we decided to make brownie skulls. I totally loved them. They look so cool. I made chocolate covered marshmallows and chocolate covered s'mores. Those were good as well.
I can't wait to make these again for this Halloween.

And for every favorite holiday we make sure to include our babies. Jacob carved a special pumpkin with two angels on it. They are greatly missed and there's definitely a void in our home and it's even more pronounced during these special times.

Riley looked super cool wearing his spider man costume. Always anxious to head out and start trick or treating. Thankfully it wasn't too cold out.

On our way back to the house even the sky was in a festive Halloween-ish mood.

Meanwhile, while Jacob, me, Riley and my sister took Riley trick or treating Sydna stayed home and passed out candy to the other trick or treaters. She enjoys it and is very generous in her portions which we have to remind her to just give each child two pieces of candy since we get quite a bit of children knocking at our door.
Doesn't she look so pretty?!

There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spot may be lighted on,

and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

Mom

My mom's 76th birthday was back on September 17th. I sure wish we could have been there. I know that they miss us greatly too.
Dad rented a hall and planned mom's birthday, that's sweet. My siblings, aunts from L.A. and friends celebrated mom. I'm sure they all had a great time.

My mom has always been very social and ever since I can remember she always liked to dance. I remember when I was little my parents would constantly get invited to Quinceañeras and weddings and of course I had to always come along ... my parents would always be on the dance floor ... I would end up falling asleep on several chairs, lol.

I know that dancing is one of the things mom likes to do along with knitting, crocheting, play bingo and plan events. She is a very independent woman, always has been ... she likes to keep busy and that's one of the many things I love about her. Although I'm not nearly as social as she is I do have several things in common with my mom. Even when I don't feel like leaving the house I make sure I look presentable even if I'm wearing sweats. I make sure to at least apply eyeliner and lipstick and keep my hair presentable.
I do like to keep busy as well, as you know I have several hobbies that I invest in but where I know we're different is taking in nature. My mom is a social butterfly ... I much rather be out in nature in solitude (or with Jacob). I like the quiet most of the time, she likes to socialize.

But one thing I know for sure is that I hope I always take pride in my appearance for myself and for my husband and kids. It does matter. Even when you feel your worst it's good to make the extra effort to pretty yourself up, we as mom's need to be the light around those near to us and I think that taking care of yourself in every way shows that you're a positive and grateful person and that you love yourself in a most humble way.
No matter how bad my mom has felt because of her diabetes, I have never seen her without makeup or with messy hair ... and another admirable thing about her is that she never complains. I've got a great role model and hope to uphold those same qualities that my mother possesses.

These are my siblings ... I'm the one that's missing but I'm thankful that my sister always texts me pictures whenever there's a family event. Thanks Claudia. I miss you all.

Another nice thing my sister does for my parents is that she often takes them out to eat and to enjoy the outdoors. Soon though, my sister is moving to WA and I'm sure my parents will miss her terribly. Now it'll have to be up to my brother to keep them company every now and then.

Roots of love run deep .... no matter how far I'm

away; oceans, mountains or miles apart ...

a part of me never leaves home.

I love you Ama y Apa!!!

Dad's Birthday

My dad turned 76 on February 14th but celebrated his birthday the weekend before. His party was intimate. Only the closest relatives were there. I definitely wished we lived in San Diego so we could share special occasions with my loved ones. And I know it doesn't compare but my sister and brother do take pictures and text them to me so I can see things as they're happening. Sometimes my sister even sends me video.

My dad had a great time and enjoyed the company of dear loved ones.

I'm thankful for my sister. For being close to them and spending time with them ...  and for being a helping hand for whenever they need her.

Happy To Be Home

{Rewinding back to mid June ... right after we got back from our road trip.}


No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. -Lin Yutang

It felt so good to be back home after a 14 day road trip. Although fun, it is always nice to come back to your own haven. I finished putting away all of my clothes and Riley's clothes too. I figured I'd better bet this done a.s.a.p. before I get lazy. I can't stand seeing things out of place.
It was a cloudy day ... so refreshing given how hot and humid it was back in San Diego. A cool 59 degree day with a cloudy sky was so welcomed plus it even rained. Yes!

This girl missed me. Cats have the funniest personalities and the most hilarious expressions. I sure love cats. I really want like four cats but I read that a litter box is needed per cat. I wouldn't want to deal with that. Sophie's funny. She loves to cuddle but she hates to BE cuddled. Like she doesn't mind if I rest my hand or foot on her but if I try to hold her she'll wiggle herself out of my arms. And she's strong and heavy too, so I just let her drop.

It was Jacob's Saturday to work right after we got back. Ugh! SO, I took my mom and sister to the farmer's market. I hadn't been to it yet and I was craving the chicken nachos so I figured I should take them. This was their last day with us. I'm sure they were also anxious to get back home.

Riley loves to hang out with my sister, Tia Claudia but he calls her Fo Cuaya. Don't know how he got that since it doesn't sound anything like Tia Claudia, lol!

Glad there's always a pizza truck at the farmer's market because I know for sure that Riley will eat that. I had the chicken nachos with lots of salsa and sour cream. It was so good. My mom and sister ate some and they both liked it. Just bummed that they don't have a restaurant that we can go to for whenever we're craving them.

We walked along the marina. Saw some people crabbing. I really really need to get one of those crabbing cages since I like to eat crab so much.

I took my mom and sister to the airport. I am so thankful and grateful for their selfless act of not minding to stay with Sydna and Nathan while we went on our road trip. Especially about cooking for them and hanging out together. Riley sure didn't want them to leave. Felt a bit sad because he didn't get to spend enough time with them since he traveled along with us.


The one thing that Riley missed the most when we were gone was not having his toys and being in his familiar surroundings. After about the third day on our trip he would tell us he wanted to go home so I know he was so happy to also be home and able to play with his toys and watch his shows.

Once a day, Sophie will give each of us kisses, well it's more like a nose kiss. If we try to do it more than once she wont kiss. Lol. Can't believe she remembers. What a brat!

Well the cloudy weather didn't last long once we got back. It began to warm up fast by the following week. The Monday after we got back was 85 degrees.

We took Riley to a park we had not been before. Here he is not wanting me to take his picture.

The park itself was nice. Sits right next to a lake and there's even a concession stand. Saw some kids swimming even. It was pretty big too. Although Riley enjoyed himself both Jacob and I didn't like the atmosphere. So I'm thinking we're not visiting again, lol.

Riley continues with his silly ways. He just comes up with some funny stuff all on his own. I believe my sister took this picture.

And this one too. She also bought him this stuffed Leonardo. He's so cute!

Trying to remember things from mid June is a bit hard especially since I was dealing with my pregnancy. Many days passed without me taking any pictures. We spent a lot of time at home, me just resting. Not much else happened.

Celebrating Riley's 5th Birthday

Riley's birthday is on December 7th, Monday. We celebrated Riley's 5th birthday the Saturday before. He knew it was going to be an extra fun day but before we began the celebration we first had to make a special stop at Bass Pro Shop to see Santa!

We really love that store even though we're not avid sportsmen but given that it's a rustic, country atmosphere we are drawn to it. We feel comfortable in this type of environment. Anyway, we also love the way it's decorated normally but during Christmas it's especially gorgeous. We came here last Christmas and decided that this would be our traditional annual Santa picture spot.

Both my sister and mom liked the store. I wanted a picture with them in front of this pretty Christmas tree. Riley was more interested looking at all the taxidermy around him, lol.

And of course I had to have a picture with my one and only. I love this guy so much!!

We were first in line ... good thing we decided to come here early in December before things got too crazy. We waited about half an hour. Didn't really seem that long to me. Jacob and Riley looked around and kept busy while we waited. Then Santa came walking by ... it was time.

Riley was nervous. Not sure why but he was. I'm glad he didn't cry like on previous times, lol.

The picture we got from them came out better. They got Riley smiling so that was great! He looks like he wanted to cry in this one but he didn't. I think it was because it's a bit blurry. This Santa was very patient. He asked Riley what he wanted and patiently waited for Riley to finish talking. He got a candy cane which we discreetly took away {no hard candy for him} and we went on our way.

He played at a few fun stations they had set up around the store. We walked by the huge fish tank and bought some candy. I got myself a Rocky Road but Riley decided he would eat it all. It was his first time trying it and he liked it. We are both big fans of marshmallow.

For Riley's birthday lunch he chose pizza {of course} and it worked in favor of Riley's birthday theme which was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and they LOVE pizza ... so we went to our favorite pizza place, Paggliaci. It was a bonus too for my sister because since I talk about how good this pizza is she had been wanting to try it and so she got her chance. She especially liked the 12th man pizza. That's Jacob's favorite too.
Riley wanted to sit next to her. He was having a great day so far.

{in detail so we can remember}
My sister is so sweet and she loves my kids like her own. She bought all the decorations including the cake and spoiled him rotten. Thank you Claudia.

It was time to sing happy birthday to Riley but first pictures with the birthday boy!

It's so neat that the ninja turtle colors match the Seahawks colors!

After cake and ice cream it was time for Riley to open his presents. He was extremely excited about this part. My brother got him this ninja turtle beanie, socks, ninja turtle pj's, and a ninja turtle toy. Thank you.

My sister got him a set of ninja turtle puzzles, walkie talkies that he's been wanting for a while, and more ninja turtle toys. He was having a blast opening up his presents.

He's been into basketball lately and can really dribble the ball pretty well. Jacob got him a basketball hoop. Riley well, just look at the expression on his face. He loved it! We also gave him the Donatello stick, and a ninja turtle toothbrush. We really didn't want to get him too many presents mainly because he's about to get more for Christmas and because I don't want to spoil him too much with material things.

Puzzles I like. Great way to use that brain of his. Here he is with his dad and sister putting a puzzle together.

It was nice celebrating my little guy. I cannot believe he's already five. When we moved here three years ago he was about to turn three. He was so little and now he's growing out of the little boy stage.
I'm happy that my mom and sister were able to visit us and to be here to celebrate Riley's birthday with us. Thankful also for this full day. It was a great day.


p.s. - I also want to thank my in-laws and my friend Moira for sending Riley birthday presents. He liked them all. Thank you!

Family's Arrival

My mom and sister visited in early December. They arrived on December 2nd and were here until the 8th. They wanted to be present for Riley's 5th birthday.

We picked them up at the airport on a cold and rainy Tuesday. My mom brought with her uncooked tamales she made for us to have for Christmas. Had to freeze them once we got home. It was nice seeing them both again. This was their second visit this year. Riley was super excited to see them both.

From here on out Riley wouldn't leave my sister alone. He loves his Tia Claudia.

Finally got Nathan in a picture.

As is my mom's and sister's custom, as soon as we arrived to the house they began to shower us with goodies and gifts. My mom made Riley lots of beanies to wear this winter. I'm glad he likes wearing them. Such great handmade gifts to pass along to his children some day.

There was lots of hugging and kissing and catching up to do.

We have been encouraging Nathan to spend more time playing with baby brother. Sometimes Nathan tries to set his rules but he forgets that Riley is little and sometimes can't quite comprehend what Nathan is telling him so we have to remind Nathan that at Riley's age what is important is to just play and have fun. There's no reason to make things so complex.

Nathan likes to mess with his dad. Jacob was just relaxing on the floor talking when this boy comes along and they begin to wrestle over a ball. So silly, lol. Jacob has told us stories about when he was small and also used to mess around with his dad and how his mom used to tell his dad to stop. His stories makes us laugh. Oh, my husband is such a funny guy.

Riley was so happy that family was here and he just couldn't wait to celebrate his birthday the following day {a few days early}. He went to bed with a happy heart.