{Garden Lights 2014}

So glad that were able to go with family while they were visiting during the holidays. I'm a big of the Garden Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I love walking so walking in twinkling lights and crisp air is just perfection!

Roasting marshmallows for our smores was so fun and a good treat for all.

This guy! I just love him dearly and I will choose a lifetime of kissing him always under the mistletoe.

{Thanksgiving 2014}

We were a bit under the weather this Thanksgiving weekend, but I am still thankful for all the blessings we have and for time with family. I played hostess again this year and I just love the warmth of family celebrations in my home. I hope that one day, Samantha will enjoy hosting get togethers as much as I do.

I am thankful that both sides of our family enjoy each others company. The laughter and camaraderie around the table is so heart warming. #mypeople

Good times and love around the house.

{Family Birthday Dinner}

So one of William's big wishes this year for his birthday is to have smaller celebrations so he can spend quality time with friend's and family. We decided to do a family birthday dinner celebration at his favorite Korean BBQ. He was so happy, and had a huge smile and very much enjoyed the company of family especially his cousins.

I love that my boy LOVES family. I love that he knows the importance of having one. I'm a big proponent of surrounding the kids with elders and cousins. It builds their confidence and nest. I love the noise in the house. I love holidays in our home. I love that our house is ALIVE! Extra snuggles and hugs for GG and Aunt Sonja, who came all the way from Tennessee.

This boy is so loved!

{Tennessee}

I never get tired of visiting Ed's side of the family. Mountain life is pure bliss. Add to that, how much I adore Ed's Grandmother and Aunt. It really makes for a wonderful weekend.

Here are the kid's enjoying the morning at GG's front porch.

Her front porch is just divine!

Her back porch is just as equally stunning and relaxing. Definitely inspired Ed and I to get some work done on our backyard.
Lately, I've been on a rose wine kick. Here are I am chillin' while watching the family play croquet.

 Lovely, lovely morning for the family.

Big Estelle and lil Estelle. When I first met Ed's grandma, I just thought her beautiful name matched her beautiful personality. I was positive that when we have a lil girl, we will name her Estelle...hence, Samantha Estelle.

My girl. She's my mini me, and just LOVE spending time with family.

The kids also loved playing with GG's piano. I just love spending time with her and listening to her story. I never knew that GG played the piano at church. This piano was purchased by her Mom when she inherited some money from her mom. She used that money to purchased a piano for each kids (there's 3 of them). The kids were all grown back then, but she still wanted to make sure they get a piano. It was a big deal.

GG also has a kubota that she used to ride around the property. Of course, the kids thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Afternoon came and it was time to head out the park for the family reunion. It was located next to a creek and the kids had a great time playing in it.

Good times was had with the family.

Nom Nom for fried chicken

Love our family!

In the evening we took a quick stroll at downtown for the car show. Kids were so excited to see a car similar to Ed's dad's car.

William was ecstatic to see Granddaddy and Greatgranddaddy's name in the wall.

Love family time!

{Weekend Happenings}

Lots of activities this past weekend.

FRIDAY:
Soccer party with William's team for a great season.

SATURDAY:
Whole family got up bright and early for the Brookhaven Bolt. A neighborhood 5K benefiting William's school. Local businesses rallies to support this event. Lots of freebies and friendly booths post race. Also William's school is the official Atlanta Hawks Elementary school. Big celebration for that partnership as well. This year's participation number was the record high with 300 kids from all nearby run clubs. We love our neighborhood and the healthy environment that it promotes.


Father and son runners.

William's Junior Run Club team wore bandanas, mustaches and lightning bolt tattoos. How cute are these kindergarteners!

Thankful for the sweetest and inspiring Junior Run Club coaches. William asked me to make sure that I sign him up for next school year.

So proud of Ed and William! William's official chip time for the 5K, 36 mins 46 seconds.

Come evening it was off to celebrate Lola's birthday and spend time with my sister Tess before she heads back home to the Philippines.

I love that no matter that my sister lives across the world from us, that my kids still knows family. Samantha was the perfect hostess and made sure that Tita Tess felt welcome.

This lil girl LOVES her Lola. We were sitting across the table from my Mom and Samantha walked to Lola to make sure she gets some snuggles.

Happy birthday Lola!

SUNDAY:
Ed's parents were in town so they made sure to join us for brunch so they can spend some time with my sister before she heads home. I am very blessed to have two loving families that are really one.

Mom and Mother In Law. Love them both!

Last time these two seen each other was during our wedding.

Then we took my sister to Costco and introduced her to one very American way of shopping---shopping seasonal items and shopping in bulk :) She LOVED it and wished they have one in the Philippines.