Summer 2012 is here!

I lined up a few activities for our family to enjoy this summer. Alex and I always love roadtrips, out-of-town trips, sight-seeing, and visiting friends and families. I love the luxury of time brought about by being a teacher. We have all these breaks with pay! I feel so blessed with this privilege. If it's God's will for me to stay in teaching for the rest of my life, then I will be able to enjoy these breaks with fun-filled activities!


1. One whole week trip to Modesto to visit my uncle's and auntie's families - It is a five-hour drive from North Hollywood, where we are. Since Modesto is closer to San Francisco, we plan on going to the famous bridge and take a family picture. Hahahaha, yes, we're lame like that, but we have not been there as a family! On our way there, we will see an old virtual friend whom I met at UPOU while take courses online and my English teacher in high school whom I have not seen since I got married. This trip will be good for Cinzia too, so she will be able to  meet her cousins again. 


2. One month of FREE studies at La Sierra University - I will be taking 11 units as a requirement for my SDA credential. My employer pays for this and so I might as well take advantage of it. I am excited because this school was my dream when I was still in the Philippines. I was working so hard to save to get into this university. Thankfully, the time has come that I will be studying and not paying a dime at La Sierra. To God be the glory! And oh, since it is one hour away from our place, we opt to stay at Alex's relatives' house in Riverside. 


3. Cinzia's first birthday - Who would have thought this once little tiny baby is turning one soon? Where did time go? I am sure moms out there feel my sentiments. Why do our babies grow so fast? I went back to work last year when Cinzia was still 6 weeks old. She was so tiny, now she is a curly chunky chatterbox who now stands on her own and crawls so fast. Now, she eats rice too! Her birthday party will be at Verdugo Park in Glendale. It will be with families and friends. All invites were already out. Food orders were made. We will have rice, chicken adobo, pancit, and lumpia. Alex (and his team) will also grill turkey burgers and chicken on the spot. It should be a fun birthday! This baby has so much love flowing from her friends and families. 

3. Trip to Tennessee - There is a teacher's conference in August for all those who are teaching in the SDA organization in the whole US, and the host state is Tennessee! It will be my first time to be down south. All expenses paid, and I am bringing Alex and Cinzia along! It is always fun to be in new places. We will be staying at the beautiful Gaylord Hotel. 


I am so looking forward to do all these things. These are just the major ones, the minor ones include going to the beach, eating out, working out, and just walking at a park.. as a family. Last year, we could not do as much because Cinzia was just born and it was not wise to go around with a delicate baby in tow. This year we will roll again.