Summing Up the Vacay

We've been back from our vacation in the States for about a week, and I am still kind of in a funk. While packing up and leaving the States was seamless, physically being in Barcelona easing back into my real life here has been an emotional challenge. Being away from the family and being an outsider is difficult, but overall, Barcelona still rocks my world!

Taking a break from blogging was also much needed as well as I'm trying to put less pressure on myself to "show" people what we've been doing. Instead while in California, I tried to revel in the moments spent at home with friends and family. I hadn't seen my parents in a year and a half. I needed it! We were able to see innumerable friends and relatives and enjoy the summer's dog days.

So, here are a few things we enjoyed doing...

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Here's the sister I never had. We spent lots of time with my cousin, Armilyn, and her family as much as possible.

Paloma had some swimming lessons for three weeks at the local community college. She moved up from Starfish level to Guppies level next year. Ooohh!

We also went to preschool storytime at Huntington Beach Public Library every week. Kids treat the storyteller like a rockstar. Rock on with that book!

They have the best kids' section. Unlike our local library here, kids can make reasonable noise. Wheeee!

I forget about the over-the-top Disney princess marketing in the States. I let this girl enjoy it for a moment.

 A blurry moment of the kids sleeping together like the angels they are ;-).

I love that Paloma and Mateo spent so much time with their cousins, who are around her age. All the kids hung on to me like barnacles...it was awesome!

Paloma really enjoyed the garden space in the yard. She planted a few moringa plants (a nutritious, popular vegetable in the Philippines) with my father and tended to them every day.

A natural green thumb, indeed! 

After four weeks of us three, we were eager for our one-fourth to arrive. Paloma waits for her dad at the airport like a lost orphan.

My brother Moses also flew in from Washington for a week. As a newbie radiation therapist, he doesn't get many vacation days from the clinic.

We went to the Tiki Beach Festival in Belmont Shore, a festive event celebrating Pacific Islander culture.

 After the event. Kids galore!

Armilyn also introduced us to Mother's Beach, a quaint, kid-friendly beach where no waves are there to terrorize little ones. And who knew it was only a five minutes' drive from my house? We were there a handful!

I also got to meet my friend Kim's little baby, Landon, who was just a few weeks old. Isn't he adorbs the way he's gazing at me?

We got to spend the night at a hotel in Camarillo with my uncle's generous discount from Marriott. Morning pool time again!

 The guys enjoy a father-son swim.

 We went with my dad to Catalina Island for a quick day trip getaway.

Paloma was over-enthused to go on the glass-bottom boat and checked out the many striped sea bass and more.

 My dad and Paloma also went fishing at the end of the pier and actually caught a fish!

Paloma also scored a handsome bicycle off Craigslist where she took advantage of the suburban space to ride.

 Paloma went to the movie theater for the first time to see  "Despicable Me 2" with her Papi and her Uncle Moses. Shhh...the show's about to begin!
Last, but definitely not least, we had a lovely barbecue birthday for Mateo in the garden with just the family. It was nice and intimate!

 And that's the gist of it! Hope you enjoyed and hugs to everyone!