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. 

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!