Having to say good bye to my dad was perhaps the hardest part of the past week. I was so sad to see him go, but held back my tears as he walked through the entry way of the international gates. I wanted to be happy for him because he deserved to retire at home, where for the last 10 years he has saved up every extra penny to build a home and a farm, so that he could relax there.
My sister, Karen came along as well and I think in lieu of crying our tearful eyes out she instigated a lot of poking to detour us from wailing. Which I completely appreciated.
Our family isn't big on public affection and so to see my parents hugging and kissing like a couple of teenagers on their first date, well... it left me wanting my dad to stay a little longer.
I'm hoping that we'll be able to go and visit him in the Phillippines in the next year or so. I haven't been back since I was 15 years old. Which was ahem... over ten years ago.
I heard that a lot has changed and I can't wait to see how much the quaint little city I lived in for a year has progressed.
This past weekend was Memorial Day Weekend and Brandon got a 4 day holiday. We wanted to make this vacation special since Brandon will be leaving for the entire summer to be with his dad, a period in time in which I'm not so excited about. Anyhow, we originally planned for just a couple of days in San Diego (Sunday and Monday to be exact) but prior plans were cancelled and so we were able to take advantage of the entire weekend and made a last minute change and enjoyed 4 glorious days in the cooler weather of San Diego.
Friday, we drove out in the evening to our hotel that was located 5 minutes away from the Mexican border. I was a little hesitant at first but because of the deal we got we couldn't resist and thankfully after absolutely no traffic or meltdowns we were greeted with a decent hotel. Cynthia and her family came and met us up there to stay the night and accompany us to Sea World the next day.
Saturday, we went to Sea World and had a blast. Honestly, we've never been out with another family with young children and had such a relaxing time in a most chaotic scene - remember, it was Memorial Day weekend. We got to see all the shows we wanted, see the sea animals we loved, ate and played all day without struggling with what our next move would be. it was such a joy to be with them and we're already planning on having another short relaxing mini vacay with them :D
Jamilah (Cynthia's daughter) and Daniel are the same age and they were inseparable the entire time. Cynthia and I would joke about how we really wished that one day they would date (crossing my fingers). They played together, ate together, walked together, and were just so adorable.
At the end of the night, when Cynthia and her family left to go back to the valley, both Daniel and Jamilah were sad to see each other go. In fact, we all wished that they would be able to stay but again, this was a last minute trip and plans were already made :(
Sunday morning, Daniel woke up and walked up to the door that connected the two rooms that we had shared with Cynthia and her family. And whispered "Jamilah, are you awake?" I had to break the news to him, yet again, that Jamilah and her family had already left to go home. Oh, the heartache you could see through his newly awakened eyes.
Later after having breakfast, we headed off to the San Diego Zoo, in which I proclaimed after contesting that I didn't need sunblock, "I DON'T BURN! I BROWN!" Joke was on me because by the early evening, I was burnt to a crisp and to this day am having to pay the price of my naivity.
The park closed early evening and so Jerry and I decided to go back to the hotel to rest up. Shortly after, we got hungry, and I warned him that going out so late in the evening could only result in absolute meltdowns from little Matthew, but nooooooooo... Jerry was sure that everything would be fine. Once we got into the restuarant Matthew was restless and was whiney - just as I predicted. Jerry, with absolute turmoil, exclaimed that he was going back to the hotel. I pushed the high chair closer to him and said, "no, you're not. I told you so! You'll have to wait!"
Monday morning rolled around and we packed up all of our stuff and had a quick bite to eat. Then headed over to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It wasn't as hot as the day before but we were all so very relaxed that we didn't mind the entire walk. It's about 5 times bigger than LA zoo and with having to push the stroller uphill about 80% of the time, we were exhausted by early afternoon.
We headed out to get home around 5 ish and thankfully not much traffic again.
To be home is bittersweet. We got home to a decently cleaned home but mounds of laundry and a routine that we had to reinstate for the kids. Matthew has been struggling with this the most and just last night, he finally slept the full night. WAHOO!
Here are some pictures but there are many many more here on My Fotki
Matthew and Bella at the toddler play area where we stayed most of the early afternoon. While the older kids played in the water play area.
Thankfully, we brought extra clothes for the kids so they could enjoy the water play area.
And my wonderful, but sometimes energy sucking boys!
Just wanted to stop by to thank you so much for the prayers and support for Bentley. We are so grateful for amazing bloggin' friends like you. Although we do not personally know each other, support is support and I hold that close to my heart!! Thank you so much!!
Posted by: Crystal | May 27, 2009 at 09:45 PM