Florence with Family: The first few days

In August, we had the most incredible family vacation.....or just vacation period. C and I were very nervous about taking the two pumpkins across the ocean to Europe and assumed the whole thing would be a disaster. There were parts that were a disaster, no doubt (forgetting to pack ALL of Bella's diapers, explosion of her formula ALL over the luggage, etc.) but for the most part, the trip went as smoothly as possible and all kids + adults had a blast in Florence. Most importantly, we were all able to safely, healthily and happily get together to celebrate my father's 70th birthday.

We all slept well, ate VERY well, drank loads of wine, milk (kiddies) and juice (kiddies) and we did a lot of wonderful bonding. By the end, there were lots of tears, claims of having to do this again every year, no every month (ho ho ho) and big fat hugs and kisses. Most of all, we were grateful that were able to make the time to truly spend together. Although it was busy, it was one of the most relaxing and laid back vacations we've had in a long time and hands down, the best vacation I have ever had. And the kiddies - Ashley, Bella and Tristin all loved it. They were such troopers being dragged onto the sightseeing scene and skipping naptimes, waking up early, going to bed late...

Lots of pictures to come. Will be a series of posts and here's the first.

On the train with grandpa

I love grandpa's back!

The kiddies

At the market

Hanging out

Walking through the Piazza

Tristin got tired so grandpa carried him

I love gelato

Look over there!

Tristin, smiling doesn't mean closing your eyes!!

With Auntie S

I want pizza!!

I love uncle C

First reunion after a year at the airport. Ashley + Tristin

Wiggle time!

About a month ago, the Wiggles came to the Bay area and we spent our Saturday afternoon tooting their songs, dancing with the awesome foursome (but Greg was missing!), Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog. It was so much fun and surprisingly, entertaining for C and I. I have to say...I was awestruck and was quite excited to see the boys. Tristin was very excited and Bella was just happy to be out listening and dancing to music! Afterwards, we went for a yummi Thai dinner and surprisingly both kids survived and even thrived the whole event including letting mom and dad have a nice dinner (with a glass of wine and beer!)

We had so much fun that I think next year, when they are back in town (I hope?) and assuming, Tristin still loves them and Bella kindles her love as every infant does w/the Wiggles, we will make our pilgramage down south once again!

Toot toot!!

Bella more interested in the audience than the concert

Tristin feeling shy in the beginning

Yipee!!

Mommy, I love the Wiggles!

Daddy, this is fun

Think mommy is having the most fun!

Wiggle time!

Wait, who are they again mommy and why am I here?

I love them!

We love the Wiggles!

The Choi girlz

Sam is pretty cute...but not as cute as daddy

Go WIGGLES!

Tristie, if you are a good boy, we will take you again next year!!

Isabella recently...

Almost 8 months and starting to crawl...or rather, move like a worm. Loves bath-time, starting to relish solids (after a slow start) and likes to babble. C and I look at her often and think she looks like T when he was a baby. Like T, Bella loves to jump, drink milk (she's a baby michelin) and look at herself in the mirror. C and I often feel guilty because Bella doesn't get the same level of attention T did when he was a baby but we find comfort in the fact that the moment she starts to get louder than T (soon I am sure), she will be at the center of our mindshare. T loves her dearly and constants tells us "she is sooo cute"....but at the same time, gets very jealous and when in a bad mood, does not want anyone, in particular his mommy, holding his little sister.

Some pics of our little cutie...

Up close and personal..


With our nanny

the happy kids

The family minus mom

Sitting up

This is fun, mom!

Whats over there...