Hello 2014!

Spent the day strolling around downtown San Francisco and decided to watch the sunset at Grand View park to cap the first day of 2014. The couple in the picture makes it more romantic. What a sight to see. Picturesque.

Looking back, 2013 has been an amazing year. I am truly beyond grateful for all the wonderful things that came to pass and humbled upon all the difficulties we've gone through. I am a better person now and we are stronger even as a couple. As I welcome this new year, like this beautiful sunset, there's always a promise of a better tomorrow and a new beginning.

Happy New Year!

I stumbled upon this quote online from Meredith Grey:

Who gets to determine when the 

old ends and the new begins?

It's not on the calendar, it's not a birthday,

it's not a new year,

it's an event -- big or small,

something that changes us,

ideally it gives us hope,

a new of living and looking at the world,

letting go of old habits, old memories.

What's important is that we never stop believing

we can have a new beginning,

but it's also important to remember

amid all the crap

are a few things worth holding on to.

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!