Travel Fine Dining

As a family of four, we seldom go on a fine dining restaurant. We chose to go where family style is being offered for a more cost-effective and family friendly atmosphere. However, when we were still in Korea, we sometimes go on a fancy restaurant just to explore the local cuisine especially when we are on a getaway. I remember when we went to the island of Jeju, we really had the taste of exotic cuisine from this restaurant that we dined in to. Glad the kids were behaved the whole time we were there.

The photos below were taken when we were in Palo Alto during the Doodle4Google event hosted by Google. Google booked us in Sheraton Hotel which is a beautiful hotel. Our stay comes with free breakfast which the kids love as the selection of food were plenty.

Then we went downtown to try one of the Thai restaurant, It was sort of a fine dining because it has specific dedicated meal courses and the servers were in uniform and you get the feel of a high quality restaurant because of the decors. I love that they serve family style menus that the kids like.

Traveling is one pleasurable hobby that my family love doing. If only we could afford it, we would probably be traveling all the time lol. Aside from the new places to explore, you also get to try different cuisines from different cultures. One of the many places that is in my bucket list of places to visit is the Middle East. Hubby has been to few places there and he said that food out there is great. One of the ones I have came across online is the Pier 7. It's one of the leading place for fine dining in Dubai. 

Christmas Day 2014

Our children woke up very early today.  They were so excited what "Santa" brought them for Christmas.  They were not disappointed to  find  Santa's presents   by the tree.  

 EJ got  the iPod he wished for and Rylie got a keyboard.

 Ms. Burrito also wanted a heated mattress pad so that's what we got her for Christmas.

 The little mister  also has some extra stuff from and us and from his siter.

 Big sister always makes personalized gifts using recyclable things at home.  She made him a storage for his Lego collection.  She also created a stuffed character caled JOE.

 Hubby and I received some cool  things from the kids.

 After the  opening of gifts and trying on some  new things, we visited  my FIL today.  He was feeling alright as opposed to last night.  We interviewed him about his service in the Navy.  We are submitting his story to the Military Patriots group that is writing a book about Veterans in  West Virginia and Ohio.

 We took the opportunity to  take family pictures with him.   Take one.. Dad wasn't smiling so there's take two, lol.

We're so blessed to have Dad in our lives.  He is a  happy camper and such a fighter.  At age 92, he still lives by himself at his own home.  Although we are concern about  him most of the times because he can barely see anymore but because he is used to his home, he knows where everything is so he functions really well living alone. I just feel bad that he  feels lonely most of the time when nobody visits so he drinks alcohol which I am concern about.

Our Christmas was great, how about you?

Costa Rica Honeymoon Packages: Are You Up For The Adventure?

You’re not yet over the wedding bliss and you’re looking for the perfect way to kick start your life together. What honeymoon ideas do you have in mind? Will you settle for the hotel experience or are you up for the adventure in Costa Rica? That’s definitely a no-brainer. You have to check out various Costa Rica honeymoon packages and see the wonder that this country has to offer. Though smaller than its neighboring countries in Central America, it was able to manage and keep all its natural resources in perfect condition. Perhaps, they are awaiting your visit.

Are you an active couple? You will surely love the exciting destinations that Costa Rica has to offer. Its well-preserved mountains and beaches are to love. This is your chance to explore the land and beaches of the country with the person you love. Wouldn’t that be an adventure you want to take? The best outdoor adventure is waiting for you in this small country. Whether your dream adventure includes paddling down the clean whitewater or climb up the mountains to discover the beauty hiding from where you are, Costa Rica is indeed the place to be.

Are you the type of couple who like to have a relaxing time resting in a cottage? Well, what do you say to a cottage at the heart of the rainforest? Or how would you react to freshly picked veggies and fruits from the organic garden beside your home in the rainforest? Do you think it would be better than the meals served at the hotel in the middle of the bustling city? It definitely will. You can spend the week away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thinking about nothing else but the blissful feeling of marrying the one person you choose to live without.

So whether you are up for the adventure that Costa Rica has to offer or not, there are a lot of things that you can do during your honeymoon while you are in the country. Some of them may be new to you, but it will be something that is to be remembered, especially because you are with the one person you choose to spend the lifetime with. There is no promise as to how wonderful the feeling will be when you choose to go to Costa Rica for your honeymoon, but you definitely need to prepare to be surprised.

Perhaps what is even better about being in the best place for a honeymoon is being there with the person you truly love. The breath-taking view and the spectacular beaches will make you fall in love with each other again, and again. If you are wondering what forever means, this is the country to visit. It will show you what heaven feels like with every drop of freshwater and every mountain that you see as you open your eyes. The only question left to answer is whether or not you are prepared for the adventure. So, are you?

Author Bio: Larissa James loves nature that when she gets the chance to explore the world, she grabs it. She loves to travel to experience what life has to offer.

LEGO Inspiration - Doodle4Google 2014

Inspired by one of the judges during the Doodle4Google, EJ started to love LEGO.  One of the judges in 2014 is Lee Magpili, he was born in the Philippines and is now livuing a dream  abroad doing what he loves to do  ever since he was a kid.  Below is his profile from the Doodle4Google page:

  Since 2010, Lee has been designing models for LEGO Education and has since been responsible for the overall play experience and models for the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 Education Core Set released in August 2013. Lee has designed over 30 models for LEGO Education up to date and continues to innovate the future of learning with small plastic bricks and robotics. Previously, Lee has been a Robotics Instructor and FIRST LEGO League Coach for teams and programs throughout New York City and its surrounding suburbs. Driven with a passion for his medium, Lee builds amazing LEGO Creations inside and outside of work, as well as continues ties with Adult Fans of LEGO worldwide. He especially works with the Robotics Experts of the MINDSTORMS Community and helps spread the word of LEGO Robotics to the uninitiated. And, if you don’t find him with LEGO in his hand, you can find Lee traveling the world with a camera on his face and dancing shoes on his feet.

Mr. Magpili is a joy to talk to, very down to earth and he  really ignited a spark in my son's interest about LEGOs.  

EJ still savors the fun he had  when Lee  told him about his creations and let him  play with the small LEGO robots.

I am so glad that they  have this LEGO set up  at the "Crash Pad" lounge because that's where my son spent most of his time while we were there.  

 Mr. Magpili's associate was so nice too, she  interacted with the Burritos  during

 Sheraton hotel was a perfect place to  put all the participants in.  It has a great ambiance and  great amenities.

Doodle4Google this year will be in the Fall, so watch out for it.  You might never know when your luck strikes, your kids might be one of those lucky ones to participate in this prestigious event.  It was a great opportunity for my whole family to  explore outside our box.  It was my children and I's first time in California. 

5 Ways to Encourage your Child to Play an Instrument

As parents, we want what is best for our kids. With that, it may mean getting them off their butts and taking up a hobby. But, this is easier said than done. Many kids don’t know what they want to do with their free time. If this sounds all too familiar, why not encourage your kids to play an instrument?

A lot of children like the thought of making noise. So, why not encourage this love of noisiness by getting them to learn a new skill? After all, you don’t want them to become couch potatoes. Learning to play an instrument can give kids a whole range of new skills. What is more, they will love having a hobby that means something to them.

Start Small, Think Big

If your child is younger, they may have been introduced to some toys that are musical in their nature. Play drums and guitars are often given to kids. As a result, they are exposed to a broad range of musical instruments from a young age. Get their toys out and ask them what they would like to play as a real or grown up instrument. Ask them why they like it. Take them to a music store and get them to feel out which instruments they like. They may be interested in the guitar if so you can find free online guitar lessons at Jamplay. They may have a keen interest in the drums. So, find drum tutors within your area. Whatever they are interested in, allow them to pursue this. Don’t force them into playing something that they have no desire to learn.

Making Music as a Family

Playing an instrument with your kids is one of the best ways to ensure that they are encouraged to play. By playing with your children, musically, they will be encouraged to play further. After all, most kids want to emulate their parents. Help their love for music by displaying your passions for instruments. You don’t have to be a musical maestro; it’s all about quality time together as a family.

YouTube is a Wonderful Thing

Video sharing sites can be an excellent means of encouraging your kids to play an instrument. Find out who their favorite bands or artists are and seek out videos of them playing an instrument. Get them to watch tutorials. What is more, they will be aware of the various different instruments that are available to them. You never know, your child may want to pick up the flute or violin. Use, YouTube to allow your child to discover different kinds of instruments and the sounds that they make.

What About Their School?

Many schools offer tuition or music lessons as an extracurricular activity. Find out what your child’s school has on offer and encourage them to attend these classes.

Sibling Rivalry

Introducing sibling rivalry is a good way to encourage your kids to learn a new instrument. If their older brother or sister plays, the likelihood is that they will want to too. Embrace the rivalry between siblings and encourage your kids to play.