Bath time!

My brother, sister-in-law, and niece have been staying with us for the last week and a half, and it's been a blast, especially because I get to hang out with Thea every day.

I had to share some of these photos I took of her. The girl loves her baths!!!

Road trip update: New Orleans and family time in Sarasota

It's been 11 days since I last updated this blog and a lot has happened!

When I last wrote, Joe and I were heading towards Sedona, Arizona. Unfortunately, our time there did not go as expected. Sedona is a beautiful town surrounded by gorgeous red rocks and canyons. It is completely quaint and charming. However, I came down with an ear and sinus infection upon our arrival, and we pretty much holed up in our hotel room for the whole visit. It was disappointing, but at least we got to see some more pretty scenery!
I am feeling much better now, thanks to the antibiotics I got at Sedona's Urgent Care clinic. :)

Joe and I decided we needed to revise our plans a bit and go somewhere where we could have some FUN! So, we spent the next few days in the car for verrrrry long periods of time, and beelined for New Orleans!

Neither of us had been to New Orleans before and the city totally exceeded our expectations.
It is such an amazing place- full of history, gorgeous architecture, fantastic food and a great music scene. We ended up staying at the cutest B&B in the Garden District, aptly named the Garden District Bed and Breakfast. I HIGHLY recommend this place: it's charming, has great owners and a laid back atmosphere, it's in a perfect location, and is unbelievably affordable. Ask for the patio suite, and enjoy a glass of wine in your own private courtyard. It's awesome!

During our time in the Big Easy, Joe and I wandered the streets of the French Quarter, got a tarot card reading, had cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe Du Monde, listened to 4 different live music performances, chatted with locals and just enjoyed the scene. On our second night there, we ate dinner at Emeril's and thoroughly enjoyed our incredible dinner. I definitely recommend going there if you get the chance.

All in all, we had a blast and cannot wait to return to this fascinating city!



After reluctantly leaving New Orleans, we had another long drive to the outskirts of Sarasota, Florida to visit my brother and his fabulous wife and daughter.

My brother, Sean, and his wife, Jenny, live across the street from the beach in a great house surrounded by lush plants and foliage. I must say, there are few things greater than waking up in the morning and swimming in the Gulf. What a way to start the day! If only Seattle had warmer weather....

During our 4 days in Florida, Joe and I read books, played with my niece, (the adorable Miss Thea), relaxed outdoors, and thoroughly enjoyed our time with family. Sean and Jenny are both body workers- he is an acupuncturist and she is a massage therapist- and I was lucky enough to receive treatments from both of them. I know I may be a little biased, but I have NEVER had such incredible work done on me before. Sean and Jenny- you are both truly gifted.

Here are a few shots of Miss Thea...




Joe became Thea's new favorite person....(I was only a little jealous!)

We left Florida this morning, and are on our way to Baltimore, MD, where we will be visiting my cousin and his family.

More news to come....:)

A day at the horse races

I couldn't help but post a few more pics of the adorable nieces, (in these shots they are with their dad, Don.)
Can you guess whose horse won??? :)

Road trip update: I have the cutest nieces EVER!!

Joe and I rolled into the Bay Area on Thursday afternoon, and have been thoroughly enjoying ourselves in Oakland ever since. It's always a treat to come here- it is a fantastic place, afterall. It is also my husband's hometown and we are here solely to spend time with his family. It is embarrassing to admit, but Joe's brother and wife had their second child 6 1/2 months ago, and we have waited this long to meet the new addition. Their first daughter, Jazzlyn, is the smartest, most perceptive, funniest, prettiest, and most fabulous 8 year old girl on the planet. She is also one heck of a dancer, as I discovered last night while Joe was (feebly) attempting to sing "I Will Survive" karaoke-style.
Her new little sister is the cutest little muffin on the face of the planet and is already demonstrating her own musical abilities.
I have already shot over 100 images of the girls....but who could resist these faces???






We are off to Reno tomorrow, (bring on the blackjack, baby!!) and we eagerly await our next adventure.
Thank you, Barboza family, for hanging with us, and thank you, Don, for treating us to the BEST Philipino food ever....nobody makes pancit, sinigang, and ginata na manok like you!

XOXO