Nathan Graduates High School 2019

Nathan, our middle child. Our gift to him for graduating high school was to give him a certain amount of money to get himself a car but Nathan didn't want just any old car so for a year he also saved his paychecks and with both of our money he ended up getting a very nice car. He still has to make car payments but they are very low. I'm glad he's conservative with his money. 

My parents and sister Claudia flew in from CA to take part in Nathan's high school graduation. 

I've said before that with Nathan, that the progression of his life up until now has gone by at a steady pace and still, seeing him graduate high school was emotional for me. 

I'm proud of him for being a very responsible person and a hard worker at school, college and work. 

The day was somewhat overcast but it was June so it was a tad warm. Here we were waiting for the soon to be graduates to arrive on school busses. This field is at a high school that's a few blocks from our house and since it's a large field their graduation takes place here instead of at their school.

The busses leave their school then drive through city streets where the busses honk as they drive by. People wave at them, it's a cool sight. Once they arrived everyone was cheering for them.

They walked in through the far right side of the field. It took us a while to finally find him.

I've highlighted him so you can see. It's unfortunate I didn't have a good camera so I could zoom in. 

So proud. I definitely got teary-eyed several times throughout the ceremony. (thankful that the chinese virus hadn't arrived yet.)

My three earthbound children. We are all proud of him!

My parents and sister Claudia. So happy they got to experience this very special moment in Nathan's life and that Nathan got to see his maternal grandparents at his high school graduation. That's definitely a blessing.

Nathan's paternal grandfather, Gerry. Unfortunately his grandmother Grace wasn't able to join us. Happy that both sets of grandparents were here to share in this wonderful experience with us.

We love you so much Nathan! I pray for God's protection in your life and that you make godly choices. And that you also remain a free thinker. 

Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live. -Henry David Thoreau

If we make happiness our primary goal in life it will always remain elusive and beyond reach. But if we will put God first and live according to what His word says, then we will find ourselves happy. Not from seeking happiness but from living in holiness.

We love you!

Back at Home

Vacations ... sure make us become more grateful for our home once we're back from travels, especially for our own beds. Routine brings a sense of familiarity. I do miss it when I've been gone on vacation for several days.

Our first outing after we got back was to the Aquarium. It's always a fun visit. Sea urchins are my favorite to touch. I like it when their long spines wrap tight around my finger. I would have never thought to eat one though. I've seen them being prepared to eat and they don't look good to me.

Riley got a cute blue eel on his arm.
Since this was a year ago, looking at Riley in this picture I can't help but notice how smaller and thinner he was.

Last year was Riley's first VBS experience. I was impressed at how cool they decorated the inside of the church.

He had a fun time and it was good to see him participate.

Riley hung out at the YMCA several times during the evenings last summer. He really likes the activity pool. This is a newer YMCA so it's really cool looking.

Attended a family gathering. These two older kids of mine are hardly available to photograph so since we were all in the car I took the opportunity to snap a picture.

My parents came for a quick visit. I wish they would visit more often but they're just not into traveling. We took them down to the waterfront and also took them to the Aquarium.

We then had lunch at Red Robin then we took a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island and had ice cream at Mora.

My mom made menudo the following day. This time I made sure to observe as I wrote down the recipe. Menudo is not for everyone. It contains hamony and tripe. Nathan will eat it sometimes but not Jacob or Sydna. I love it.

And of course, it's never fun saying goodbye. Riley gets so attached so whenever someone visits and it's time for them to leave he always has a hard time saying goodbye. He was fine once we were halfway home.

July seems to last so long. And this is around the time when it starts to get hot here in the PNW.

Everything in life requires balance. 

Too much of anything is never good.

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.

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.

Dad's Birthday

My dad turned 75 years old on Valentine's day. My brother and my sister Claudia worked together to make this day a special one.

My dad loves the Oldies and that life. The reception hall was decorate with 50's memorabilia and they played nothing but oldies {of course}.
My sister sent me pictures throughout the day and I could tell that my dad was having a great time. I'm so happy he enjoyed himself.
I just wished we could have been there but thankful that my sister took the time to text me pictures of his special day.

My Parents Last Day in WA

I didn't want my parents to leave without having taken them to Pike Place so on their last day with us that's where we took them. We woke up early and were out the door by 9:00 am.

We stopped by that record store I had seen last time Jacob and I were here.

Then I took them over to the gum wall. I noticed my dad was chewing gum so I told him to stick his on the wall too, lol. Gross I know but cool just the same. And at the last minute I caught Riley touching someone else's gum. Now, that's disgusting. Good thing for hand sanitizer.

Dad bought me a bouquet. That was sweet. Riley was pointing to the ferry and talking about when we took it across the water. This little guy had so much to talk about.

Then we drove down to Lake Union Park. These Canadian geese can be found everywhere. We've seen a lot more of these guys now that it's cooled down.

Happy that my parents got to see pretty cool touristy sights we headed back home. Jacob and I made Filipino food for them. And after a couple of hours of their company, sadly, it was time to say our goodbyes. Riley had the hardest time saying goodbye. Once he walked inside the house he cried.

I'm so thankful that my parents came to visit, especially my dad since it was his first time visiting us in Washington. Sad that we live so far away but grateful that we talk to each other often on the phone and the kids are constantly face timing with my sister along with my parents. Now, I gotta get them some photo copies of their time here with us so they can keep in their own photo albums and share with the rest of our family.
We miss them already!

Tacoma Sightseeing

Aside from taking my parents sightseeing in Seattle, we also wanted to take them to Tacoma. The North side of Tacoma is quite attractive and should be explored. We first stopped by World Market because my dad was on a mission to find a specific bottle of Merlot to take to his buddy. Happy that he found one we then went to a bookstore where Riley picked up a few more Comics. Jacob recently began buying him his very own comic book collection. He really gets into them. So, my dad got Riley a few more.
A burger sounded good to me for lunch so we stopped by Five Guys. Of course, we first had to stop by Panera to pick up Riley some of their mac n cheese. He about finished it all including the piece of bread.

We then took my parents to the Tacoma waterfront to walk off our lunch. Ruston Way is very pretty. Jacob and Riley where once again spying for some fish.

I wanted to make sure that I got a picture with my parents. It was time to update the last one I took with them a few years back.

I think I want to have this picture enlarged and framed. Spending time by the water is very therapeutic.

After we left the waterfront we headed over to Point Defiance Park. We drove through the five mile drive. Very pretty and full of shade. This time we saw lots of raccoons. I got out of the car to take a picture. I was so ready to run if it decided to chase me, lol. My dad decided to open the car door. Not good, lol. Geez. Good thing he closed it right away.

We continued on driving and we came across several more. Seriously, we saw about 8-10 raccoons. They look so cute but I wouldn't want to get too close to one.

We stopped at the Narrows Bridge lookout so my parents could see this cool bridge. I also told them that we recently walked across it. My dad thought the bridge was too long to walk across. It was but it was also a lot of fun. I totally want to want to do that again.

Once we got home Jacob, Riley and my dad left again back to Tacoma. Nathan had a football game there. My mom and I stayed home. Jacob texted me while at the game saying that during half time they went back to his car and hung out there because it was so cold. My dad stayed in the car for the rest of the game, lol. I couldn't help but laugh. He he!!! Oh, and they also saw several deer run across the field. Jacob even took video. That must have been cool to see.

Dad's First Ferry Ride

While my parents were visiting it also happened to be Geico's annual family picnic. We had prior plans so we only stayed at the picnic for a couple of hours. Riley had a blast though. They had a large jumping house, a balloon man, and shaved ice.

Nathan also got in on the fun.

It was a bit chilly but glad we all brought our sweaters and jackets.

He also found boys his age to play with. We've been noticing that Riley is good at soccer.

After the picnic we resumed with our initial plans. We went back to Seattle but this time we took the ferry. My mom has been on the ferry a couple of times before plus she remembered how cold it gets out on the deck so she stayed in the car with Sydna and Nathan. I definitely wanted my dad to check out the ferry but before we headed out I changed Riley into warm clothes.
On the way to the ferry we stopped by Jimmy John's, took it to go and ate in the car while we waited for the ferry to arrive. Jimmy John's is so good.

I'm pretty sure my dad loved the ferry ride. He kept looking out at the water and the boats sail by. And I'm also sure he was freezing too, lol. Riley wouldn't leave grandpa's side. They were always together.

I love taking the ferry ... isn't the scenery gorgeous!

We drove off the ferry, headed towards the shops and parked. Glad we found parking close to where we were going. Sydna was my mom's walking companion.

We went to Mora for some ice cream. Riley was being grabby. I glanced over at him and he was scooping out some of my dad's ice cream and eating it while holding his own. Bad boy! and of course, my dad didn't mind. Riley told me, "we're sharing". This kid.

We hoped to have been able to do some sightseeing while on Bainbridge Island but Sydna had to go in to work so that didn't leave us with much time. Bummer.

I was just happy to have shared this experience with my parents and that my dad got to ride the ferry.