During our stay in Manila, we temporarily resided at the Gran Prix Hotel & Suites Manila. So far the place was clean and the price was budget-friendly. The staff were also accommodating though I had a hard time calling them prior to our date of check-in. The place was very ideal for us because we have plans of visiting Manila Ocean Park and Star City, both attractions were near.

My family had a great time in Manila despite the fact that our youngest daughter fell ill on the first day while our eldest on the last day (I think the weather came as a shock to them). They had a blast when we visited Star City. We enjoyed the family rides and games. My son won a little stuffed toy and I felt so proud of him. There were all smiles from children and also to my husband.

On our last day in Manila, we went to Manila Ocean Park. We availed of their promotions. We went to the Oceanarium, the Penguin Exhibit and the Sea Lion Show. My children were amazed of what they saw especially the fishes that they only encountered in books are now seen for real.

We only have a few numbers of photos taken. Our digital camera went low batt and we forgot to bring an extra pair of lithium ion rechargeable battery. But we were able to capture enough photos to remember our first family travel by.

Our stay in Manila was short and we felt that it wasn’t enough so maybe on our next family vacation, we will book a much longer stay so we will have time to rest in between (so we won’t get stressed out) and visit other places like Luneta Park, Planetarium, Manila Zoo and many others! So Manila, see you again soon!!

Anyway, I got one and so the children got one each too. My older children, Micah and Johann, seem to enjoy wearing their sunglasses. Bella, who just turned one at that time was enjoying it also in a different way – wearing and not wearing it!

Here is a photo of them after we bought the sunglasses:

I asked my mom if she wanted one but she refused my offer. She said she could no longer see that much.

They brought us into this world, took care of us, nurtured us as we grew and developed, provided for us and even until now that we may be mothers ourselves, they’re still there for us every step of the way. Mothers are usually the first line of defense since they’re willing and ready to give up so much of their time and energy for their children. They personify the word sacrifice so it’s just right that they be given a special day where they are, on the whole, commemorated. With that in mind, we should all look for the perfect Mother’s Day Gifts to give to these special women.

I checked out a place that offers a wide range of Mothers Day presents I had a blast going over their selection. They had accessories and jewelries perfect for mothers who want some pampering, unique items like a ceramic notepads and photo trays and even some gardening gifts for mothers out there who relax themselves by working on their gardens. I know that material things are not enough to express and show our appreciation for our mothers. It’s a lot better to show them in words and actions how much we love and value them. Still, giving gifts is a simple way of showing them that they are remembered on the day especially set for them.

At other times, we go to the mall and (what else?) eat! Yup, we are such an eating family and we love good food. Hanging out at the mall to share a bite is one of our best bonding moments. We visit a different kind of restaurant every visit so that my kids get to try different fares.

But sometimes, we just order pizza and have it delivered at home. Last time, we had a giant pizza delivered at home and the whole family had a grand time digging in. Of course, we had pictures of the “big event!”

One of the things that I would like to do with my children is go camping. Wow, it would be
nice to have one of those RVs that are so common in America so that we can drive around and go to places here in Negros that we have never gone to before. But I could just imagine the motorhome insurance on such a big vehicle. I believe that you have to get a separate insurance for that apart from your car.

Oh well, our family bonding for now is going to the mall, watching movies, and eating out.

But, if I would be blessed to have more financial capacity, I won’t be fickle with my decision. I will buy my children comfortable bedroom sets and another air conditioning unit for them to sleep soundly at night. Aside from bedroom sets, I am also planning to buy them individual study tables and cabinet for their clothes. I want to teach not only independency but also develop independent study habits and responsibilities in taking care of one’s belongings. Not that I am not teaching them right now, but this one is for level ups!

Some of these home entertainments we are planning to buy are a home entertainment sound system, an LCD TV, a foosball tables, bean bags and PS3. Actually there are more on the list but I just mentioned some of those that we might buy in the next three to five years.

How about you? Are you home buddies like us?

So, to check out her six month photos, just click Six Month Old Pixies to visit.

To check out her six month developments, just click Six Months Old Baby Development to visit.

And to watch a cool video of her doing a baby talk, check out the video below:

Below is a picture of her a few hours after the fall.

I felt very bad because I wasn’t there to rescue her. I couldn’t blame my older daughter entirely since she is still young and being carefree is expected at her age.

Anyway, I am glad that the cold compress somehow helped in lessening the dark shades of her bumps. Aside from that, she was able to adjust normally and proceeded to be active after she cried from the fall.

After the fall, my husband and I sleep in an “L” pattern. We keep the baby inside the bed and we became human fences just in case she crawls again while we are sleeping. It is better to be safe than be sorry again.

Since we always don’t have money, somehow I developed a way for us to pursue such family time without spending too much money or at least zero money out. Here are some things that we usually do to spend family time:

1. Park Playing – Going to the park proves to be one of the healthiest family time we have, at least for the kids. The children spend time running around the park’s playground while my husband and I talk about anything under the sun. We just buy food from the nearest fast food restaurant or bring our own (make sandwiches and all).

2. Fireworks Display – This depends on some places but here in Bacolod, we often have fireworks display. We just go to the area, buy some food and watch the fireworks lit up the sky!

3. Lazy Afternoon – If everyone has no class or work and we have no budget to spend time out, we usually have a lazy afternoon. We spend the afternoon watching movies while munching homemade sandwiches and sipping our favorite cola or hot beverages.

4. Cinema Time – If the money is right, we go and watch movies on the big screen while we leave our baby behind with my mom. Watching movies on the big screen is one of the family’s favorites.

5. Grocery Bonding – I do grocery most of the time but when it calls for it, we do it all together. We spend time roaming around the grocery store talking about what to buy or not to buy. Everyone has a say on what we should place on the grocery cart. This is also the best time to tell your children about family budget and money.

6. Dine Out Escapades – This is usually coupled with Cinema Time and Grocery Bonding. We eat at our favorite restaurant before we watch a movie or after we do our groceries.

7. Arcade Mania – Spending time in arcades such as Quantum and Worlds of Fun is the best time leveling up with your kids. They love to see it when their moms and dads are just their friends at this time. But in our situation, the dad is the one who turns out to be the child of us all.

8. Swimming Dates – If we have enough funds, we spend time going to pools. This can be done in beaches but we prefer pools. Swimming can be healthy for the kids and parents too.

9. Vacations Galore – This is rarely done by us since it entails great spending but when we do this we do it during special occasion comes such as birthdays.

10. Casual Talk – Yes, just by plain talking you can spend quality time with your family. This is the best time where you can ask each other questions while laying on your bed and talking about what’s the latest in everyone’s lives.

There are many ways of spending your family time together but the best way to enjoy it is to find something in common so that everyone will enjoy it and have a great time. For us, the common thing is food, cola, movies and arcades!