At the start of the year, M’s company asked him to submit his planned vacation leave and it was only this month that everything was settled.  Lately, I’ve been busy planning for our vacation. And may I add that it can be stressful?  It requires lots of time spent for researching, comparing prices of accommodations, making bookings, etc. Gahhhh!  That’s what I did the past few days, I was burying my nose deep into countless of resorts and hotels trying to find a suitable and comfortable one for our trip without spending too much.

Aside from accommodations, there are flights that need to be booked. Then I’m also looking into transport services for our land trip to a famous beach.  Van rentals can be pretty expensive; now if I can only find a cheap but comfortable and reliable service such as the port of miami shuttle.    They have fare-shared ride for a 10 seater-passenger van for as low as $10 depending on the destination. This type of service is very practical compared to paying for a whole van which we won’t even be able to fill up.  Where to look for this in my side of the world? I don’t know!

I was thinking of taking our own transportation to cut the travel costs, but it’s a long way and it would tire whoever would drive the vehicle.  I don’t think the designated driver would like that.

All of these things plus my ultimate job as a full-time mom/housewife, and throw in the other extras make me such a busy human.
I.need.that.vacation.NOW!

The kids love doodling with chalk in our balcony.   I usually gauge the outdoor temperature by standing there, and Caity who was behind me noticed something “Can I color here? It’s not cold Mami!“  “Please, please, pleaseeee???“  It was a good chance for me to work on my Big Project while they’re having fun.  I took out the chalks and the little artists started drawing.

Caity’s drawings of humans are evolving.  At least the hairs aren’t standing anymore, unlike before when they looked like monsters. And it’s got a body already!

The crisp air from outside and the warm sun rays that morning was really nice.  Good thing our neighbor above wassn’t in his balcony puffing some montecristo cigars.

When they were done, I had two chalk-stained kids, a balcony floor filled up with cute doodles and some smudges of chalks here and there. I sent them to the tub immediately, while I cleaned up. And that project I need to do? Nahhhh!  I didn’t even get to to do a bit of it.  I can’t just leave the kids by themselves while playing with chalks.  A friend’s daughter got sick and had to be brought to the hospital after she ate chalk! Scary!

If I’m dreaming of the pristine beauty of Palawan and the blue sea,  it’s all because of my friend FK who recently posted their vacation pics in P.I. in her Facebook.

It makes me want to jump right into the water!!!

Coron Beach, Palawan.

View of Kayangan Lake.

Awesome, right? I told you so, you can’t blame me for daydreaming especially on this chilly winter. My friend uploaded hundreds of enticing pics there, all seem to be magnetizing me to that paradise. And guess what? Somebody up there is trying to weave this dream into what could probably be a reality coz I found a nice package deal for a 3D/2N trip to Coron. Oohhhlala!  WHooppsss! Got one problem though, Coron is in Philippines and I’m here in Prague! First, I will need wings or pixie dust to fly there, then I’d slump a columbia backpack on my back and off I go.  Do you want to come with me?  Dreaming is free for all!

*Photo credits: KaFlo.

It’s not over yet!  We’re still having chilly, negative temperatures here in Prague.  I’ve been making our place warm by baking often…yes! It does help to keep us warm and we get to eat freshly baked goodies afterwards. 

Cupcakes!

Italian Breadsticks

Our super Táta making pizza with the kids on a Saturday morning before heading out to play…

HERE!!!

Heart cookies

And because we’ve been stuffing ourselves with a lot of baked yumminess (is that a word? ), we need to burn those calories!!! By doing yoga with thera band? Nope, but there’s a lot of dancing, running chasing, and horsing around happening here at home….

The kids are very fortunate to have a cool dad who can transform from being a chef into a horse or a slide.  That’s why he’s our super Táta (coined by Caity)!!!

My date for V-day was Caity. Hahaha who said Hearts Day is only for lovers? It’s for everybody, even kids! M came home kinda late and Caity was already impatient and grumpy coz she was excited to dive into the sweet spread I prepared. Little Adie was STILL asleep, so it was just me and Caity. M came while we were in the middle of our chocolate fondue party. Since I told Caity it was a party, she kept asking if it was for her. “For meeee? My party????” I told her its for everybody and she started naming her grandparents and friends who she expected will come over. I had to tell her it was just us which made her a bit sad.

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Several times it snowed in Prague but they melted fast with the rain. This time though, with the negative temperatures we’re having and with no rain to compete with, the snow lingered. I was able to take the kids out to play. Caity is a certified snow-lover, but how about Adie? I was excited to let him have his first experience with snow.

Singing in the snow? It’s without doubt he loves it too! (:

We welcomed little Adie’s 2nd birthday with back-to-back celebrations. The first one was held the Saturday before his special day, with friends and the second was exactly on his birthday, spent with the family.

Birthday Part 1

He thinks he’s got super powers! I bet he wants to fly!

Blow the candles, Adie!

He received lots of toy cars!

And some more trains and tracks to add to his collection.

Getting ready to pull the piñata.

Little Jakub trying to reach the train piñata.

And it’s opened!

Happy Adie!

He was wide-awake for more than 12 hours.  He refused to nap in the morning, stayed up late way past his bedtime, and was all active the entire day.  He must have known it was HIS PARTY!

Our simple celebration wouldn’t be complete without the presence of friends!

Birthday Part 2

Trivia: Adrian is one of Adie’s two first names.

Adie was happy with the alphabet train that spells out his name A-D-R-I-A-N from his grandmother. The bookstore where I bought the alphabet trains for give-aways have limited letters; they don’t even have the letter A, but Mam bought her gift from a store in the city center that sells wooden toys. Gotta check it out one of these days.

A wooden toy puzzle from Děda. Easy-peasy for little Adie.

Prepping for the candle-blowing!

Big sister Caity cheering for Adie.

Yeyyyy!  Mission accomplished!

Happy birthday Adie! We love you!

Related Post:
Birthday preps and props

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