31 Random Things About Me

On my 31st birth year, I thought of coming up with 31 things that would describe me as a person.

1. I am not married yet, but happily living together with MNJ.
2. I've been working in a call center for 8 years now and was never promoted.
3. I am OC. I want things in order, all the time.
4. I am an only child.
5. I get very upset when I see old friends and I'm not a part of the group anymore.
6. I gave up good friends for a quiet family life.
7. I was born and raised in Malabon.
8. I hate pets. Any animal, as in.
9. I am a graduate school undergraduate, is it grammatically correct?
10. I spent 5 years in college, only to graduate with an AB course. I wasted a year in taking up Nursing.
11. I love anything Pink!
12. I have a nice handwriting. (It's my bday, let me love myself much today!)
13. I love Mcdonald's Hot Fudge Sundae.
14. I am slow. Walking. Preparing. Eating. Slow.
15. I am an 'organizer' freak. I have a planner for work, one for home, one for the kids, one for me personally. I jot down every thought I have and everything that happened. So it's very hard for me to forget things of the past.
16. I only get a pedi every 2 weeks.
17. I am trying my best to grow my eyebrows back.
18. I am as brave and arrogant as my father, if you know him, you'll know what I mean.
19. If I can turn back the hands of time, I would continue teaching even after I got pregnant.
20. Teaching is my passion.
21. I blog when I'm stressed. It calms me down.
22. I am a frustrated writer.
23. I love reading stuff online, but I easily get bored with books. That's why I read my Twilight Saga through an Ebook.
24. I'm not good at taking pictures.
25. I'm good at fixing the home Internet connection.
26. I do not have plans of having more kids anytime soon.
27. I dream of being married to him, a simple exchange of vows. Period.
28. I use my teaching passion in reviewing for exams with my kids. haha!
29. I love my parents so much, I am willing to serve them as long as they are with me.
30. He is the one. I will not love any other man than the father of my children.
31. My children are my life. No more. No less.

Happy birthday Joyce! :)

8 Things I Love About You

He is the one who taught me to share and love unconditionally.

13 September 2003 was the day we started our lives together.

A month passed and we found out that I am expecting a baby. All of a sudden, a fun boy-girlfriend relationship shifted to a whole life of responsibility. We were unprepared. But we were not scared.

After 9 months, a baby boy was born. Again we were given a challenge after 2 years. Baby boy was diagnosed with Speech Apraxia. Again, unprepared for the battle. But together, we can.

3 years after our first born, we were gifted with another angel. Things are getting better now. New baby. New phase.

Fast forward, 2011. A lot have changed, not only appearances but also attitudes and perspectives. We may have not matured yet, but we have grown. Grown to be better individuals, and better partners. Thankful to the Lord that the battle with Speech Apraxia is over. Thankful that the family is always glued together.

8 years. Eight wonderful years of joy and tears, sickness and health. Eight magical years with you.

This is for you, the man who stood beside me and never let go. Who chose to be my shadow instead of my lead. All my heart is for you, no matter who you are. I care less for the things you cannot give, but my heart is grateful for all that you have given.

J & E back in 2005.

J & J, 2011.

Us in 2006.

I love you for these 8 reasons:

I love you...

...for you never complained how difficult it was to be away from your family only to be with me.
...because you gave up your dreams and plans in life to stay at home and take care of my family and our children.
...because you never left, even if there were times I provoked you to do so when I was mad. You stayed and always kept quiet.
...for you never cheated and remained faithful all these years.
...because you are always respectful and caring of my parents. You know that they are the only family I have. And you never complained about anything about them at all.
...for you are never tired of caring for our children. And I know that no matter what happens, you will never get tired of them. Ever.
...because you gave me 100% trust, that you are never jealous or suspicious of anything I do. Thank you for the gift of trust for it makes us stronger.
...simply because I knew from the start, that no matter what happens, even if I am triple my weight since we first met, you are still giving me the love and care that you first gave me when we started our relationship. Things may have changed through the years, we have gone through a lot of tough times and quarrels, but at the end of the day it all ends simply by you loving me the same way you do everyday.

I am happy to have spent 8 years of my life with you. A lot more will come our way, but I will forever start and end my days with you.

Happy together. US in 2011.

Love,
Joyce :)

Life After Dengue.

As I was watching the late news tonight, I learned that a number of areas in the country are now experiencing Dengue Outbreaks. This is when my Dengue experience all flashed back.

It was February of 2005, it was an ordinary work day. My shift starts at 5 in the morning so I had to leave early for work. Since our area have limited public transport options early in the morning, I had no other choice but to ride ordinary buses to get to work. So I went to work with my usual routine. Tricycle ride, ordinary bus ride to Ortigas, then walk the Poveda street and then work.

I was not feeling sick at all. Lunch time came and I was feeling a buzzing sound in my ear. I went to the office clinic and found out I have 39 degree fever. I was sent home.

Upon reaching home, I rested. I was chilling. Everything happened so fast, I ended up taking a cold bath to tame the fever down. Luckily, it went down. Later at night, chilling and fever came back. I was not worried though, perhaps, I said to myself, this is flu.

3 days passed, fever still on and off. I requested my husband to bring me to the hospital. I was scared then. I was rushed to the emergency room of the FEU Hospital in Fairview. I was admitted, with a platelet count of 156. Acceptable for Dengue fever. That time, stages for dengue were not 'invented' yet. I didn't know what stage or category that platelet count was at.

 Beware of this female mosquito

Days 1 and 2 in the hospital are the hardest. My little one, then less than a year old, needed to be brought together with us in the hospital room. We had no yaya, so he had to stay in the hospital with us and just head home once my mom comes home from work. Sad but we had no choice. It was still the normal on and off fever. Platelet count: 125.

Days 3 and 4, I started getting visitors. I was still feeling normal, despite the fevers. My husband stays at night with me, while our son sleeps at home with my parents. He comes home in the morning to look after the little one, then comes back for me to the hospital once mom gets home. At this stage, I was getting weak. I needed to get well. Platelet count: 64.

Days 5 and 6, my platelet count is now in critical level. They had to count the platelets every hour because it may drop and kill me anytime. I was scared then. Who would ever think that despite my weight, a tiny mosquito will bring me down. My arms are bruised from needle marks because of the blood extractions. They had to take the blood samples from my veins in the hands because that will be the ONLY way now to be able to get blood sample. All exposed points of blood extraction are all bruised. It was very difficult. I can't sleep or rest well anymore because every hour, I have to wake up and find another vein where blood can be taken out from. It was hard. I have to live.

Day 7, it was a weekend and it was my hospital-phobic mom's turn to stay with me at the hospital. I was calm and just wanted to rest to get well. Upon blood check, I asked the nurse what was the lowest platelet count ever recorded in the entire hospital. She answered 18. I said I was thankful mine counted 64 the last time. She wished me well and said that she will be back to tell me my platelet count asap. I felt better.

30 minutes later, the doctor came in. He tagged along another doctor and introduced him to us as a specialist for blood related diseases. I asked if there was something wrong, he said that the platelet count from 64 now DROPPED to 18. Record holder it is! He advised that I needed a platelet transfusion right away, but the supply may not be enough for me. One wrong move, and I'm out of platelets completely. My mom was very scared. I was too, but I had to be strong. I was advised not to brush my teeth, pick my nose and the like, any wrong move may cause bleeding and I do not have enough platelets for blood clot.

I was stubborn. My nose was as hard as hell because of the air-conditioned room. I had to touch it for me to be able to breathe better. And I did. It started to bleed, endlessly. Rolls and rolls of tissue were used but it won't stop. Nurses and doctors were called. After almost an hour, it stopped. Now I am not allowed to move anymore. Nurses came with bags and bags of platelets. They continuously explained to use that each bag of platelet was taken from 4 bags of fresh blood. They said they will do everything they can, for me to survive. After continuous transfusion,  a total of 16 bags of platelets were consumed. Each bag taken from 4 bags of fresh blood. I can't thank the Lord enough for all those 64 people who donated blood for people like me who needs it the most.

After a couple of days, platelet count went up. I was allowed to be sent home eventually. I survived.

It is not an easy struggle to fight something that you are not aware of. It is just like being in a battle unprepared. So we need to take Dengue seriously. I didn't and it took almost my life before I realized, it is serious. I could have lost all the wonderful things in my life because of negligence.

So let us be vigilant in fighting Dengue. Specially for our children, we need to be very careful. If I was a victim, it took all 180 lbs of me to overcome the disease. The little ones will not be able to take that.

Be very careful. Practice cleanliness. Clean the house and surroundings often. Make sure the house and rooms are well lit. Use insect repellents to make sure that your skin is free from mosquito bites. Eat well and maintain a healthy body.

I almost lost my life to Dengue. Learn as you read, and NEVER let this happen to you or your loved ones.

Ciao,
Joyce :)

My little silent man.

A lot of people are not aware of Speech Apraxia. 

What is childhood apraxia of speech?

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder. Children with CAS have problems saying sounds, syllables, and words. This is not because of muscle weakness or paralysis. The brain has problems planning to move the body parts (e.g., lips, jaw, tongue) needed for speech. The child knows what he or she wants to say, but his/her brain has difficulty coordinating the muscle movements necessary to say those words.

{ Definition from http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/childhoodapraxia.htm }

My eldest son have been undergoing speech therapy since he was 2. I'm sure a number of parents can identify with our situation because this disorder requires a lot of hard work and patience. These children makes inconsistent sound errors that are not the result of immaturity. Hence, this is just a result of a slight deficiency that is inborn and cannot be cured by any medicine. Proper practice and speech therapy is needed to overcome this state.

My son is a very sweet and caring boy. He is very smart and loves to dance and perform on stage. He is loved by many because of his thoughtfulness and charm. He is a NORMAL little boy. And we give him as much love and attention as his younger sibling. 

This post is to let people understand and accept that not all children are born the same. Some may be very well articulate in uttering words, but have difficulties comprehending. Some are very well understood but was never happy with what their parents' choices were. One thing that I am very proud of is that our son knows very well that we are proud of him. He was never scared to try to speak infront of many people. He was never discouraged by his deficiency because he knew that he understands his school lessons just like how normal speaking kids do. But one thing that makes him unique is that he can relay and make people feel what he wanted to express even with less words. He can work on his own, and he can understand other people's difficulties. He is more sensitive than other kids are.

This made us stronger. This made us fight the sadness that was felt the first time we found out about Speech Apraxia. We did not understand it, not until we started fighting it. We cannot erase the fact that the deficiency is there, but we were never discouraged that we had to face it. 

I have always wanted to create a support group for other parents who are having the same fight as ours. We had difficulties of finding other people who would understand us but we were lucky to be surrounded by great friends, relatives, teachers and children. They all made my little quiet man feel that he was not even less of the normal child that he is.

For other parents who needs information, doctor's referrals or even having difficulties finding therapists, we would be more than happy to give information or suggestions to lighten your burden. We are always ready to help and support parents like us, who wanted the best for our children.

My little man is turning 7 in June. 5 years and still counting, under speech therapy. But now can speak confidently and communicate well. He is a work in progress, but we are proud of him. His determination and eagerness to speak well is our strength.

Just shoot us a comments if you need help with the same situation, we would love to help and listen.

To my little quiet man (who is not so quiet anymore)...we're going on 7 years of working together! You'll make it, and Mommy is sure you'll make it big! You'll be a teacher someday, like what you always tell us. You'll be a good teacher and will help children in the future. Just like how your teachers have inspired you to be like them. We are so proud of you!

My little man's 1st ever Recognition Day from Speech Therapy 2007.

 

He made it! - 1st year in Speech Therapy

Here he is now during his Xmas presentation 2010.

He's not so little anymore. 2011

Ciao,

Joyce

P.S. My biggest dream was to be called upon by the teacher to inform me that my son was talkative and noisy in class. And last school year, she did! Though I promised I'll talk to him, deep inside, knowing that he was talking more than he should made me the happiest mother on Earth! ;)

The Blind Side

Today is the start of my weekend. And I started it by watching this touching movie with my boys, "The Blind Side".

This is a story of a strong woman, Leigh Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock), who's life was touched by Micheal (Quinton Aaron). Leigh Anne saw Micheal from a school event, he was a young homeless black man who does not have a home. He only slept in the school gym and had a plastic bag with an extra shirt. She invited this young man to his home, together with his family hoping to change his life. But in the end, it appeared that it was Micheal who changed hers.

Photo shared from blog.moviefone.com

This movie inspired me to become a better mother for my children. Showing your family how strong you are as a person will make them stronger. And this will be a foundation of self-respect and confidence that they do well in anything they work for.

This is a great movie to enjoy with the family. My children understood the meaning of brotherhood after seeing the film. I learned how a mother should always be there to support her family in anything they do. It may physically be hard, but there is always a way.

Enjoy your rest days moms. Spend quality time with your family!

Ciao,

Joyce 

The wind beneath my wings.

Death never fascinated me. Never was I prepared for it. And that is one word that would always scare my heart.

Whenever I hear a story about death, I always get the feeling of extreme sadness. May it be death of a known personality, to a death of a neighbor, of an acquaintance or a friend, it always breaks my heart. I know how difficult it is to lose someone you love. And life will never ever be complete without them. Ever.

I lost significant people in my life. They made me the person and the mother that I am today. And my heart will forever be grateful to these people.

As the song goes, they are the 'wind beneath my wings'.

Lydia Mateo-Cruz

The best grandmother in the world.

Nanay Lydia has been my inspiration for her unconditional love for her family. She served as an inspiration to my parents because she is the best mother-in-law, as my father would always say. This is the reason why my parents have loved my husband as their own child, because they knew how good it is to be loved by your parents-in-law. I was lucky because she took care of me since I was born. We lived together up till she left for Canada. And since then, everything was never the same. She bridged the family together. And she will forever be my inspiration in being a good mother because nobody in this world can ever be as great as my Nanay Lydia.

Myra Ramiscal-Jacinto

My bestfriend.

Ate Myra have seen me grow since birth. She was the one who took the responsibility that Nanay Lydia had after she left for Canada. Being the only Aunt that I have, she was the only one who would go with me all the time. She took me to office Christmas parties, she was the one who would fetch me from school when nobody had the time to do so. She would take a dayoff from work just to be with me during field trips. She was the one who would take care of me when Mama was out of the country because of work. I never had the chance to tell her this, but she was like a second mother to me. She shared every joy with me, from childhood to graduating college to motherhood. Being single all her life, she treated me as a daughter, and she have always treated me as part of her life. Suddenly loosing her in my life was the hardest. I missed every single birthday that she was there to greet me and every single Christmas. I missed her jokes and laughing our hearts out together. I miss her so much.

Jose Buenaventura-Jacinto

The best Tatay in the world.

My youngest son was named after Tatay Peping, this is to show how much I loved him. Tatay is a man of few words. He will just religiously attend to the store, from early in the morning till late at night without any complains. He was a good example of a father who showed good judgment over his children.  He never nagged but when tolerance was enough, he would still stand up and show everyone that HE is still the father. He would run to a party upon finding out one of his son is drunk and causing trouble. He would stand up for you if you are doing the right thing. But on top of it all, I knew from my heart, I was his favorite granddaughter. He made me feel that he was proud of me, that I did a good job of being the good daughter that I am. I know he is at peace now. I know that he knew who among his children who loved him the most. And though distance made our relationship weak back then, I am confident that he knew I loved and will love him forever so much.

Manuel Coates-Navoa Sr.

My one and only father-in-law.

Both my kids were named after Papa Manny, not only because my husband was his Jr. but because he have a special place in our hearts. When my Papa met him the first time during 'pamamanhikan', I knew right away that we will be one family. I knew that my Papa and Papa Manny will have a bond, and this will bond our own family too. He is my husband's inspiration. He is the picture of a father who would never turn his back on his family. Through thick and thin, everything he did was for the family. I loved him more because of the love he gave my children. Never did he make us feel that he had a favorite. But instead, we all felt his equal and unconditional love for all of us. He made me feel that I am his child, not just his son's wife, but his own child. And I will never forget that. I had another family, who accepted and loved me equally the same as how my own parents did. We miss you Papa Manny. You are my father. And until forever, I am your child.

Writing this post made my heart cry, again. I just knew that I had to give a tribute to these people because they made me the better person that I am today. Before, I always think that the saying, "Ang mababait unang kinukuha ni Lord", was a joke. But in my own realization, indeed there is truth on that. I always remember the homily that Fr. Joseph Biliran shared during Ate Myra's wake. The Lord only prepares his house for his children, and when your room in his house is ready...he will ask you to come home and live with him. Though my heart is bleeding, knowing that they are already with the Lord, makes me feel glad. Wherever they are at the moment, there would be no more suffering and pain, no more hatred and tears. Never ending happiness and eternal life. My only prayer is for them to keep us safe and watch over us as we wait for our rooms in heaven to be prepared.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

To Nanay Lydia, Ate Myra, Tatay Peping and Papa Manny

Thank you. Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

Celebration in the Air 2011: A tour of the wonderful world of Disney! (The Disneyland Theme Park)

This is the highlight of the trip!

Even I, myself, is so excited. The last time I visited Disneyland was 1995 and that was the one in LA. I did not enjoy much at that time since I was with my parents and they don't really care about the rides. This time I am with my whole family, with the people I loved the most...so I'm 101% sure that this will be the best Disneyland trip ever!

Though we were very tired with the long trip and the wait time to check in the hotel room, we decided that we need to go to the theme park because we do not want to waste our 2-day pass. We took maps earlier from the hotel lobby and we were already planning which route to follow to see all the attractions. This plan...we never followed! haha

Once you're there, you just get amazed with the attractions, you tend to run towards the first ones you see. And since we came with the kids, it's a never ending stop to fall in line for picture taking sessions. 

We arrived at the park at around 4pm. From the Disney Hollywood Hotel is a shuttle (one arrives every 10-15 mins) to take you back and forth the theme park. After getting off the shuttle is a loooong walk from the terminal to the actual entrance gates. For 2-day pass holders, you can either register your pass by using your thumb print or have your picture taken by the office. We chose the thumb print since it will take time ( and another long walk ) to get your picture taken.

This was just a part of the long walk from the shuttle station.

Baby J still hiding from the camera!

Finally!

Surfin Mickey!

E & J with Lola.

The City Hall. Remember this because this is where the ONLY money changer is!

  As we entered the park, we decided to take the train ride that tours you around. It has 2 stops, first station is on Main Street & the second one in Fantasyland. We had an idea of how the route will be...but then again, we were not able to follow the plan! haha

Since this is the first day, and we were already tired, we decided to just try the rides with no long lines. But we ended up eating up all of the afternoon time by falling in line to each hut where the characters were. Hubby said that it's better to take the pictures now, then enjoy the entire park tomorrow. So that's what we did. Fall in line, picture. Fall in line, picture. Till we were able to gather enough souvenir snaps to finally ride, It's a Small World.

This was my mom's favorite ride in Disney LA. She would repeat the ride numerous times. And this is the first one she looked for on this visit. They came here last year too, and rode repeatedly. She just loves the dolls!

Riding the train around the park.

A glimpse of Tomorrowland.

Goofy in his Chinese New Year costume. Papa did not come and chose to sleep in the hotel room instead.

Pluto loves me! ~ Kuya E

I'm Tigger's super hero! ~ Baby J

It was already dark when we went to our first ride, It's a Small World!

The cute dolls dancing to the same tune over and over again.

Next stop was Autopia, with my driver Baby J.

The Celebration in the Air at 8pm. We were far because Kuya E is scared of fireworks.

Good thing, as we were buying dinner, the Celebration in the Air started. This shot was taken from Tomorrowland. We were unable to watch near the castle because Kuya E is scared of fireworks. We waited for a few mins and walked our way out back to the shuttle station.

We had our dinner at the hotel. But please be reminded that none of the restos in the theme park have take out bags. We had to carry our food using our shopping bags. So if you are planning to have dinner take out, forget it. We had a hard time taking the food to the hotel. But we had no choice because Papa was alone and sleeping in the room. We had to bring dinner.

This was a tiring but very memorable day for us, specially the kids. It was a time in their lives that I know they will forever treasure. Thanks to Mama and Papa for bringing us here. Tomorrow will be packed with Disney fun again.

Ciao,

Joyce

Celebration in the Air 2011: A tour of the wonderful world of Disney! (Part 2)

This is DAY 1 of the Disney bliss.

We arrived in the hotel around lunch time. Thanks to my favorite tour guide who I don't want to see again (bitterness in the air). 

I was prepared that we will not be able to check in the hotel room right away since I read from a few blogs that check in time is at 2pm. But I was not prepared to see a big crowd on a Monday in the Disney Hollywood hotel. Most of the people were Chinese nationals and we were like the only Filipino family waiting at the lobby. 

Behind the kids is the crowded lobby of the Disney Hollywood Hotel.

We had to leave our luggages at an area near the entrance. Since the lobby is crowded with guests, all the luggages are deposited in the entrance. It won't fit the luggage counter anymore so they had to tie up the suitcses and cover it with a net blanket to keep it safe.

We decided to stay outside, at a mini park at the back of the hotel. There were benches and we chose to stay away from the crowd. After getting our room cards (which serves as the key and later on a souvenir), we relaxed outside. Only thing is...it was very cold!

Though it's cold, we chose to stay outside than in the crowded lobby. The kids were enjoying anyway.

Once the room cards were given, we decided that its time for a hearthy lunch. After all the stress of the trip, where else will we eat? Chef Mickey's! =)

The menu booklet was all about Mickey!

Big brother E showing off his menu.

Baby J, thinking of a good food to order.

He's excited to capture every moment.

Everyone's looking for something good to eat. (specailly if the meanu is mostly Chinese food)

Kids were given their own dining sets. And a couple of stickers as they sit by the table.

We decided on ordering Sweet and Sour Pork (mine), Stewed beef (hubby's), Sweet and Sour Fish (shared by Grandma & Kuya E) and Grandpa had the same. The little kiddo opted to eat the bread from the complimentary basket given by the resto. Water is flavored with lime, so if you are not into flavored water, get a couple of bottled ones. Later on, once you enter the hotel room, you will be given 3 bottled water as compliments from the hotel. So there's no need to stock bottled water. They give replenishments each day for free. We paid about $500++HK. Fair enough for a lunch for 6.

The kids decided to roam around the hotel's premises while killing time. The hotel's pool was closed since it's winter season. It will reopen on summer. Strolling the back of the hotel will take an hour's walk back and forth. There's a playground after the pool area where kids can slide and play monkey bars. Picture taking is a must because of the blossoming flowers and oranges around. Birds are very friendly too!

Father and son posing before the vintage cars.

I initially thought those oranges were fake...not until the little one picked one and threw it away. They were real!

Enjoying the playground with Little J

The huge hotel lawn.

A view of the hotel bldg.

The welcome arch of the Disney Hollywood Hotel

Need I say more?

The star of the day!

After a couple of hours loitering around, it's time to go up the hotel rooms. We got connecting rooms, 2 twin rooms for the 6 of us. We rested for an hour to prepare for another part of the trip. I was not able to take shots of the room itself since we were all tired and we need to rest to have energy to visit the Disney Park. 

In a few hours, we will finally see what the kids only watch in You Tube. This is just the start of a dream come true for our kids. More to come on the next posts!

Ciao,

Joyce

Celebration in the Air 2011: A tour of the wonderful world of Disney! (Part 1)

This marked a lot of firsts for the kids, an experience that they will carry on for life.

Our flight was early Monday morning on the last week of Feb. We woke the kids up at 3am to get ready. Cab is already waiting, we're all packed! 

An hour and a half later, we found ourselves in a long line of passengers checking in for Flight 101. Too bad, it seems like we're not going to get seats close to each other. We had to plan a seating arrangement, separate the rascals apart and have a parent with each. We ended up with Team A ( Grandma, Daddy & J ) and Team B ( Grandpa, Mommy & E ). Well enough, I'm grateful my Team got the most number of zzzzz's and Mommy was able to watch a handful of short videos from the personal monitors in the plane. I had an overdose of  'Just for Laughs' the whole flight.

Little E sharing the plane ride with Big E

The baggage-cart-Rascals!

The long line of people checking in for our flight. Goodbye available seats!

Waiting for the pack to board.

The leader (and manager!) of the pack.

Baby J, sorting the headphones he'll use to play games on-board.

Baby J, pretending to be asleep just because he don't want his picture taken!

The congested plane bound to HK.

 After nearly 2 hrs (because of the delay caused by Filipinos held by the immigration), we finally arrived to our destination...Hello Hongkong!!!

We finally landed...

Hello shopping!

Me and my Superhero!

Waiting for the 'always' late tour guide.

My Knight with the guards! ( After this pic was taken, the HK Immigration officers just pointed out to a sign just infront of us: NO PICTURE TAKING IN THE AIRPORT). Sorry, damage has been done! haha

We got a bit frustrated about the tour guide because we waited 45 freaking minutes before he finally asked everyone to get in the shuttle. After being excited all along, now the kiddos are dead hungry! The ride was for about 45 minutes from the HK Airport to the Disney Hollywood Hotel. FYI: This is a pure Disney adventure which means we will be staying within the Disneyland grounds for 3 days. Bliss for the kids! Unfortunately, we'll have to save all our shopping energy up till the next HK trip. Tsk.

Still finding a way to hide from the camera.

HK freeway to Disneyland.

Our busmates enjoying the scenery consisting of roads, a few cars and a lot of hills.

This is just the start of a long 3-day hyperactivity!

The most excited member of the pack is so glad to be here!

A glimpse of heaven for the kiddos!

It was tiring but the actual travel time is only for a grand total of 8 hours including the wait time. That's 4.5 hours from our home to the airport plus checking in, bag inspections, paying airport fees, and quick breakfast. Then 1.something-hours plane ride including the delay. Then about 2 hours from the plane, wait time for the freaking late tour guide and shuttle travel. 

This will be a start of a 3-day adventure and I will share them by bits and pieces because telling the entire story might require me to look for a publisher. 

More pictures and lots of stories to come. Remember: WE JUST ARRIVED. So expect more stories on the next Parts of this trip.

Ciao,

Joyce