Family & the 4th

4th of July weekend was so busy! Mostly because we were preparing for my sister-in-law's baby shower. I was so busy during the shower...that I didn't take any pictures. *sigh* but, it was pretty and the food was yummy...so, yeah, it was great and you'll have to take my word for it.

The pictures I do have are of Savannah's first fireworks show and lunch at my cousin Jester's house. Its so nice being back in California because I'm around family. Now, I'm older than most of my cousins, so its so nice to watch them all grow up. I'm not close to them, but maybe one day, we'll all be on the same level and be actual peers. Currently, I'm Manang Valerie. Someone older and someone you respect. That's cool...I'm fine with that!

Here are the pics:

Fireworks!



Angela, Manang Abigail and Savannah
Cousins (and sisters) ~ Mariel, Liziel and Melissa ~ and Savannah
Abigail and Eli. Why does my husband's head look twice as big as my sister's???
My beautiful cousins plus my cousin, Jester's, son, Mark.
Jun, Ang and Mom

Tahoe

So, this year, my sister pushed us to plan a family trip, even though it was a short one. And you know, I'm glad she did! We had a blast!!! My sister found this really cool cabin that we all pitched in and rented for a long weekend - Thursday to Sunday.

We really enjoyed our trip...though, unfortunately, I was SICK! I was reminded that I have a habit of getting sick before and during vacations - evidence: last year's cruise during our Christmas trip out to Florida. So, I do not have pictures of Sabbath when everyone packed sandwiches and hiked out to a beautiful (I hear) waterfall and see (I hear) a great view. *sigh* Your's truly was back in the cabin asleep. Oh, well...it was still fun, and I hope we can do it again later and for a longer time frame.

Here are some pictures:


Here's a picture of my niece, Savannah. She's almost a year old now and has such a personality. We were sitting outside at a restaurant for my sister-in-law's birthday.
Here's my sister-in-law's birthday "cake," and although I'm not a huge dessert person, that THING was GOOD!!! Probably didn't help my sickness...come to think of it, I was pretty sick the next day. Still, that was REALLY good!!!
Aww, Angela and Demetrio. Cute!!!
On Friday, we went out to the lake. Being Filipino, we set up camp in the shade under a tree. For sure, I didn't get in the water, but that didn't stop the hubby from jumping in to the ice cold water. There was still snow on the mountain tops in the background. Eventually, my brother-in-law, Brad, joined my crazy husband in the water...crazy!!!

Oh, yeah...it was cold!
Friday and Sabbath morning, my brother took charge of breakfast. Yummy!!!
In the cabin Thursday night. Hmmm...what does a family do when they are on vacation? Apparently read a magazine or surf the internet, right???
I'll end with another picture of my adorable niece. =)
It was so much fun to spend time with the family. I hope we make a habit of this!!!