Red-dy for Christmas: Mindanao Family

December 26, 2011December 30, 2011Leave a comment

Cute. Cute. And…CUTE SOME MORE. As if my niece Lorelai’s adorableness wasn’t to-die for enough, her puppy sister Chewie had to share in the spotlight. Either way, it’s hard not to keep your eyes on either of them. Lorelai, in her fancy red dress and headband, looked like she was ready for a cocktail party. And Chewie looked like Santa’s little helper.

My cousin, Matt, who I literally grew up with since we were 4 years old, is like a brother to me. His dad was my dad’s best man, and when I moved here from the Philippines, he was my first friend. And Rochelle? I’ve known her just as long. Her parents were friends of my aunt and uncle and we ended up going to the same high school. She took Matt to prom, they dated, got married and now I have a niece who melts my very heart when I see her happy face. Can’t forget Chewie, who always seems so excited when I visit. Ok fine, she’s excited each time ANYONE visits, but still, it’s nice when someone’s happy you’re there. haha!

I’m so happy to have been around for Lorelai’s first Christmas season, and I’m looking forward to 20 years from now when I’ll be telling her what an adorable baby she was =)

Morning Adventure: Gonzalez Family

December 24, 2011December 28, 2011Leave a comment

One weekend shoot in Disneyland and another at California Adventure – this annual pass is so useful, I just can’t stand it! =) I spent the morning at Cali Adventure with Lyle, Rea and Gavin a few weeks ago, and though little Gavin seemed shy at first, he quickly got over it with a little help from some snacks Mom and Dad had stashed. Parents are just always prepared, I love it!

We walked around Paradise Pier, my favorite part of the park, and when he saw the open space, Gavin let loose and looked like the happiest kid there. He walked around the shops like he was searching for something to buy, tried on some mouse ears, grabbed some candy that he handed to his mom and that Rea put back on the shelf, haha!

It was a quick, but fun shoot and I can’t wait for next year’s! =)

The Happiest Place: Lapaz Family

December 23, 2011December 28, 2011Leave a comment

So I finally gave in this year and invested in a Disney Annual Pass. I used to have one in college, but back then, with UC Irvine just 20 minutes away from Anaheim, it made complete sense to own one. After moving back to Glendale, however, and getting busier than the busiest bee, I just couldn’t justify the not-so-cost-friendly luxury. It wasn’t until this summer that I finally got my sign to have that special card in my wallet again – kids.

Not MY kids, but kids I love nonetheless. =) A lot of my parent-friends have gotten their annual passes to the Disney Parks and I couldn’t resist the chance to spend as much time with my godkids/adopted nieces and nephews (and my friends too, I suppose, haha!) as I could so I got mine this past summer. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I spent the whole day at Disneyland with Chris, Iya, Charlie and Alex – four of the reasons I finally gave in to that pass.

When we took their first family pictures last year, Charlie and Alex were two 8-month olds we could sit on the grass and not worry about because they sat STILL. Now, well, they’re not 8 months and they certainly don’t sit still anymore, but I’d follow them anywhere they led me. They are two of the funniest little girls I’ve ever known, which isn’t a surprise since their parents are pretty hilarious themselves =) They speak lots, dance lots (Charlie and Alex, not Chris and Iya haha!) and, though they may not know it yet, look like they’re lovin’ life…and who wouldn’t at their age? What I wouldn’t give to be 19 months old again.

The girls are such the bright spots in Chris and Iya’s lives – it’s very easy to see, and how could they not when they’re raised by two such awesome parents that I really couldn’t begin to speak the world of. I’m so glad to be able to watch Charlie and Alex grow up. Their very faces on Facebook, picture texts and videos do wonders to my not-so-cheerful days and make the already good days even better. Thanks, Chris and Iya, for being such great friends and for never allowing me to miss a moment of Charlie and Alex’s antics. So proud to be NinangTita =)