Post Valentine's Day Road Trip to Napa

Napa valley is beautiful. In fact, I've said that countless times. I never seem to get tired of it. We took it upon ourselves (my husband and I) to tour every new expat in the area. We were caught in traffic in the middle of hi-way 29 on our way to Mondavi when we saw this picturesque view on the side of the road. We took a detour and snapped a few.

The overcast skies made a perfect backdrop for the bright green trees in bloom just in time for spring next month. The grapevines look dead and they won't bloom until around May or June. Here we are in our goofy selves taking a jump shot.

My husband and I haven't been to a lot of wineries just yet, but from among those we've visited, our favorite as of this writing could be the Robert Mondavi.I just think that the tour is very informative and the underground wine cellar is clean and beautiful. Well manicured lawns and overall the "to kalon" vineyard is very picturesque against the mountain range . 

My husband feeling cheesy after a few sips of wine. Here we are waiting for our tour guide at the lobby. I love the smell of wood burning in the fireplace.

The oak barrels inside the wine cellar makes a perfect spot for a selfie pic. I had a lot of pictures taken the last time I was here.

I will let you in a little secret: I love the Moscato sweet white wine. So good paired with chocolates or a cheese platter in my opinion. 

Festival of Lights - Galveston Texas

Before we left Texas, my sister decided to drive us over to Galveston Texas to watch the Festival of Lights with the kids at Moody Gardens. We never got the chance to see this light show after the many times we've visited Texas a few years back. Since the light show won't start until sundown, we strolled along Pleasure Pier boardwalk.

I remember the last time we went here around December 2010, this place was rundown. Unrecognizable after it suffered through a lot of hurricanes in the past. Now, it has become an amusement park for families to enjoy. It was too cold that night that we all ended up eating at Fishtales for an early dinner before heading back to Moody gardens.

The Christmas decorations/lights was really fun for the kids. They all enjoyed it. But it was too much of a walk for a toddler that we took turns carrying him around the whole time. It was a bad idea not bringing the stroller for little Jimmy to sit on the entire night. I would suggest bring a stroller next time and purchase your tickets online to save you from the hassle of waiting. All in all it was a fun activity for the kids.

Christmas Morning!

How was your Christmas eve dinner last night?

Ours was great and intimate. Just my sister and her kids, Joseph and I. 

I cooked a storm yesterday and I have to say I missed doing that for my family back home.

Today the kids woke us up really early and we had to sleep late last night to put together their playhouse.

But after seeing the excitement of Abby, my niece, the moment she saw their playhouse from Santa, it was all worth it!

Chaotic aftermath. Gift wrappers and boxes everywhere.I had fond memories growing up during the holidays opening my presents on Christmas day. These kids are lucky as they get to open more than one box. Christmas is for kids after all. 

Nothing like waking up Christmas morning and seeing all the kids' happy faces after unwrapping and opening their presents. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas from all of us here in Texas!

Happy Holidays From Sugarland Texas!

I love the holiday atmosphere here in Texas particularly in my sister's village in Greatwood. We spent an hour touring the village watching the Christmas decors in the neighborhood and the little kids loved it.

Christmas eve, just before dinner we snapped pictures of all us dressed up in red. The little ones surprisingly was quite excited too! My husband set up a mini studio with the Christmas tree as our backdrop. How cute are Jimmy and Abby in their outfits?

I'm already wearing heels and my 14-year old niece looks almost as tall as I am. I get emotional every time I reminisce back in the day how I used to carry her in my arms. How time flies.

By dinner timer, our little boy is already cranky hence the crying face. He wasn't in the mood for anymore pictures. This is the only picture we took at the dinner table and the rest has a lot to do with pacifying a toddler in total meltdown.

Just before we capped the night, Joseph and I managed to set up the playhouse for the kids to wake up to tomorrow. I am excited too see what they're gonna say about all the presents! From this side of the world, I wish you all a happy and merry Christmas!