Beach Bound

We took Matthew's mom and his sister's family on a short trip down to Monterey for a few days. We stayed at a hotel that was just steps away from the beach.

Cousins having fun in the sun!

Relaxing on Lover's Point Beach

Our hotel was very convenient.

We also explored the hiking trails off of Point Lobos and Bird Island.

Emily was thrilled that she was in her element!

 We got to finally visit Whaler's Cove: a cabin was built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s.

It was used to process freshly caught whales which were stripped and the blubber melted and sold as oil for fuel. 

You cannot not go to Monterey without visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

We've been coming here since the girls were tiny!

 And the good eats here were delicious! Seafood galore!

Heaven on Earth

Hawaii has always been one of my favorite places to visit. This summer we took Matthew's side of the family to Oahu.

At the Disney Au'lani Resort..a dream come true to stay at... one day!

We stayed at our friend's vacation home on the west side of the island.

Not staying at a hotel resort, changes the experience a little. The downside is that there is no pool and we have to drive to the beach and lug all our beach accessories: towels, chairs, umbrella, water, snacks etc.. But the upside side is we have a spacious 4 bedroom home for 9, full kitchen to cook our meals and a washer and dryer (to wash all our towels) to use at anytime.

These lovebirds would just fly onto your finger, shoulder, head to eat the birdseed filled sticks.

Now you know that wherever I go, I have to plan activities for us to experience. Even though we've been to Oahu before, I always try to find something new to explore or experience.  This time we ventured to SeaLife Park, a small sea animal park that incorporates hands-on and interactive activities for the guests. We got to feed birds and freshwater fish by hand! It was so awesome!

These fish eat lettuce!

We got to feed lovebirds and freshwater fish by hand!

We also went on a Waikiki catamaran ride around the island. Even though it was very bumpy and windy, it was probably the most relaxing part of the trip for me!

For snorkeling, you can't get to see more fish than at Hanauma Bay. Of course the last time we were here was 15 years ago. And boy has it changed! It's more crowded (parking lot was full at 7:45am!); more expensive, but it's still has a lot of fish!

Of course one of the biggest reasons we go to Hawaii is for the food! And we ate very very well!

Elim Korean BBQ - so delicious we came here ... TWICE!

Spam fries at Shirokiya Japan Village Walk  @ Ala Moana Mall! What a great and yummy concept!

Marukame Udon - cheapest and freshest bowl of udon I ever had!

Matsumoto used to be a shack/hole in the wall establishment. Now it's part of a new shopping mall!

4 Parks in 2.5 Days = Exhaustion

Since we were in Orlando for the cruise we might as well check out Disney World. We crammed four parks in 2-1/2 days! Let's speed through it...

First off I have to thank Cousin-in-law Elaine who planned and researched extensively on how we can successfully see and do everything we want to in such a short period of time. I so LOVED that another person other than me was planning this trip!

Here is Tate or Bryce (I cannot tell them a part) checking in to the park with his Magic band.

Magic Bands were ... magical! Everything at Disney World can be linked electronically. Our tickets were tied to our bands that we wore. Fast Passes were booked 30 days in advance and used to get us on to the rides efficiently with minimal wait. Professional photographs and ride pics were loaded to our account on our bands.

This was Expedition Everest.. can you find Matthew and the girls?

Animal Kingdom was our first stop right after we disembarked the Disney Dream and it was sunny and rainy at the same time.

We went on a safari and the most amazing animal I saw were the bats. They were so darn interesting looking at them up close.

The 'piece de la resistance' was the Tree of Life which lit up at night!

Second stop was Magic Kingdom.

 It was magical and beautiful in a different way than Disneyland.

At Disneyland its Sleeping Beauty's castle.

 First off this was Cinderella's castle and it lit up so beautifully at night!

It was stunningly gorgeous!

Third stop was Hollywood Studios where Tower of Terror still exists, and there is a miniature Star Wars land.

Tower of Terror

Wanted to see how Princess Leia felt.

Last stop was Epcot..

Japan was my favorite country especially the shopping part!

We had to have the Turkey leg in which our whole family, all 13 of us, shared!

Elaine and I before we devoured this bad boy!

They had a miniature aquarium in Epcot also. 

The boys were adorable in the shark named Bruce!

This is how we felt after the festivities!

Uncle Pat and one of the boys.. not sure which one unless I see their shoe colors.

Hannah has vlogged each day for our enjoyment. If you'd like to see our 7-day Disney packed vacation in 7 mini videos, please let me know by commenting below and I'll send you her YouTube channel with the links.

Christmas At Sea

I did not realize I have not posted a single post this new year! Sure shows you how dedicated I am about blogging! I actually am not motivated to blog for some reason but am reminded by my daughters that there is still a lot to write about.

On Christmas Day, we were at sea. Literally some where in the Atlantic Ocean. We were on a 4-night Disney cruise to the Bahamas with Matthew's Vancouver aunt and uncle, cousins and their families. It was the first cruise for the little ones: almost 4-year old twin princes and a just turned 1-year old princess.

I must say Disney is the best in cruise lines. The room was big and comfy; service was top notch; food was absolutely delish; and it had a clean wholesome feel that other cruise lines don't have.

Our oceanview room

Since it was a Christmas cruise, the attendees went all out decorating their cabins. Star Wars was a popular theme especially since "Rogue One" just came out in the theaters.

We couldn't believe some people brought these blowups on board!

The Disney feel was showcased throughout the ship.

Beautiful mosaics are all along the ship.

The famous Millennium Falcon in the Children's play area. Matthew and cousin, Sherman are fighting the AT-AT.

Pool area with the very popular AquaDuck waterslide that everyone loved!

Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas.

The weather was perfect and so beautiful!

We visited the Nassau Zoo (Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center) where flamingos roamed the grounds freely.

The flamingos were still considered 'wild' and will bite. This one unfortunately pecked Tate's face. He was NOT a happy camper.

 The 2nd stop was to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Matthew's cousin Stacy and moi!

See my foot? That's how close the stingrays were swimming to me!

Matthew and the girls with cousin Stacy, her husband Terry and the boys. Fish were swimming all around our feet!

It was weird to celebrate Christmas in warm balmy weather knowing that back home it was cold , raining or snowing.

Pirates Night!

I loved this picture that cousin Elaine took of me on the ship.

NEXT UP: Disney World - 4 Parks in 2-1/2 Days (aka EXHAUSTION!)