We're in California!

We arrived in San Diego yesterday and promptly went to a family BBQ at Uncle Henry's house. It was fun seeing everyone, meeting Mai's (my future cousin-in-law) family, snuggling with baby Evan, and eating delicious Filipino and Vietnamese food. 

Bax decided this was a better way to travel at the airport since his stroller was being used as a luggage carrier. 

We were one of "those families" who didn't want to check anything in, including our huge stroller and carseat. 

At the party, Bax spent about three hours in the pool. He is such a water baby. He was shy at first but as soon as he got comfortable, he wouldn't stop talking. 

Nines reasons why we should move to California: Jennie, Dustin, Jon, Dennis, Mai, Ate MeAnn, Kuya Glenn, Icah, and Ate Marivi.

Reason #10: Evan (Dustin and Jennie's son, 4-months old)

Reason #11: Family parties with foooooood. This is the picture I sent Bee of me about to eat her favorite dish, Kare Kare. (She didn't come so I was making her jealous.)

Today we'll hang out with my relatives more and visit Guy. Already the trip feels short.  We'll be coming here next year for some weddings, and hopefully after that, we'll come via moving van. Fingers crossed!

Play = Happy

This is the face of pure happiness. Running and jumping around the play area at the Seattle REI store with other kids his age.  He normally hates when we go to a mall or any store that doesn't sell toys, but he's already asked to go back to this particular REI. Ah, the life of a 3-year old. 

Happy Fourth!

We went to Hobuck Beach Resort in Neah Bay for the Fourth of July. It was awesome. The beach was pristine, weather was great, and the water was surprisingly lukewarm. We rented a cabin for the night and enjoyed freshly caught king salmon that was prepared by the Makah Tribe.

It was almost a four-hour drive to Neah Bay, which was about 3.5 hours too long for Baxman. We visited the Olympic Game Farm and fed bison, yak, bears, elk, and llamas wheat bread.  Bax wasn't quite sure if he enjoyed this part of the trip or not. 

It was a great trip even though it was super short. I love seeing how much Bax genuinely enjoys the beach, just like his mama. We had fun running from waves, making sandcastles and exploring tide pools. The cabin was a nice getaway as well. There was no phone or wifi around -- I definitely enjoyed being off the grid from anything work-related. 

SuperBax!

I snapped this picture of Bax last night as he "flew" around the house after a bubble bath. (The cape is a towel.) It has since become one of my favorite pictures of him. 

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm so proud to be the mother of such a sweet and happy boy. He has taught me so much in the past three years in terms of patience and learning, but most of all, in loving. This was the card he made me at preschool. (Yes, I bought him a Doc McStuffins "action figure". We're supporting his interest in female minority physicians who have a penchant for medical equipment covered in pink glitter.)

For Mother's Day, I got beach-themed Lego sets from Baxter. They make me want to move to San Diego even more! Mike made us spam, eggs, and rice for breakfast -- Filipino comfort food at its finest. Thanks to Mike and Bax for making being a mommy such a fun job. They keep me laughing all the time. 

Happy Mothers Day also to my mom and Lola for helping to shape me into the person I am today!  To all the mamas out there -- enjoy our day!