Road Trippin'

We're back from another FUN-FILLED whirlind weekend adventure chalk full of classic mishaps by yours truly!

ZMW's company, hooked us up with some Redwings tickets on Friday night. For all you hockey fans out there, I'm sure you can appreciate how exciting it was to watch our very esteemed Detroit hockey team. They are one of the very few things that Detroit has going for itself right now as this city works towards re-defining itself.

Tourist shot!

AFJW and ZMW took the bus -- arranged by ZMW's company -- and I met them in Detroit. The ride was an adventure in and of itself for the little one and ZMW made sure I was privy to all of the details with pictures and cute little videos he diligently sent to my phone throughout the ride.

After doing everything I could to get out of the office early, I flew down the highway to make it to the game only to find a bit of a parking nightmare because I had Sasa in the car with me - apparently, dogs are not allowed in parking garages. The little pup came to work with me because OF COURSE he was to join us on our little weekend road trip!

Tired, hungry, and mildly cranky I dramatically suggested to ZMW that he and AFJW just enjoy the game without me, and that I'd head to the hotel to rest. Like the darling that he is, he had me pick him up and together - all 4 or us! - we found a parking garage (after a few miles of circling) that kindly let us in.

The game was so fun. Especially after I downed a 24oz Molson ice with ZMW ;) AFJW loves watching sports and this game was no exception. She cheered with the crowds and very politely asked, before the end of the third period (while we were up 3-1), if we could go because she was tired. We made our way to the hotel, which for Anna was probably the most exciting prospect of the entire trip! We snuck Sasa into the hotel room with us and we slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, we woke up before the crack of dawn to head down to Pittsburgh. The weather reports were all doom and gloom with a big snow storm in the area and we were pleased to have beat the storm out. After a quick 3.5 hours, we made it to our fancy Sheraton hotel room, which impressed the socks out of our little wonder. So much so in fact, that by the end of our trip she was pining to head back. Who could blame her? Lovely sheets, somebody who cleans up after you, room service - heck! I would love for us to move in.

After a few hours of spending time with family, the three of us re-grouped for a lovely sushi dinner together. To be sure, it was a heck of a time tearing Anna away from her precious, posh hotel room. After a few bites of her favorite sushi however - Ikura - the trip seemed worth it.

Sushi time!

Love boat action :)

The atrium of the Four Points Sheraton

ZMW and I caught up on LOST episodes, much needed sleep and we even mangaged to squeeze in a workout and pool time. After a few happy hour drinks at the hotel bar and an early dinner snack - we took off for home and I...left my computer bag at the hotel. It is on its way via overnight shipping but WOW - all that rest and relaxation definitely didn't fix my forgetfullness.

We made it home safely and not without Sasa succeeding in a few attempts to escape from his little hatch in the back of the car - which mixed up the ride a bit for sure. Home sweet home and we're ready for our next adventure :)

Valentines Weekend

Our Valentines weekend was a great excuse to celebrate one another and spend some time with family. In light of Phifa's recent passing, we have been spending more time than usual with my Mom and Dad to help fill the incredible void of Phifa's departure. Not that we shouldn't be spending a lot of time with them anyway, right?! HA!

We kicked off the weekend on Friday evening with Anna's ballet class and then to the movie theatre to watch Caroline. It was...interesting, to say the least (read: I took a little nap). Anna liked it which is what matters :) During the work day, ZMW surprised me with a dozen roses sent to my office. It's funny that my colleagues are starting to get used to the fact that he sends me something every few weeks - clearly, I am spoiled.com

My lovely bouquet of roses.

This is an old pic, but I love it AND I couldn't find the shot these two sent me while Anna was at ballet. Look how little Sasa was!!!

In the morning, I surprised the biscuits with some Valentines treats. AFJ is at an age where she can show appreciation for things and boy, was she excited to get some Hello Kitty stationary to practice writing her letters and numbers - it never hurts to bribe and I'm not ashamed to admit it. In the afternoon, ZMW surprised me with a couples massage, a late lunch (Korean), an afternoon nap(!!) and tickets to the local symphony orchestra with a valentines theme.

Stationary, bubble gum and a TUTU! What else can a 4-year-old ask for?! (Don't worry, I'm not asking)

AFJ's card to me

Her card to ZMW.

Me squeezing Sasa after our massage :) He needed a little Valentines lovin'

AFJ spent the afternoon with her Lolo and Lola and on Sunday, we took them to Troy for lunch and paseo at the mall, where I tried on a few dresses at BCBG Maxazaria. All in all, another great weekened to round out another tough work week!

AFJ and her newest Bunny Buddy, Emily - she 'made' her at build-a-bear.

Eyes popping out at the price probably...

Picking out the animal...

Lola fixes the hairdo.

I can't believe how much these two look alike!

Detroit Art Institute & Sommerset Mall

For ACT's last hoorah, we went to the Detroit Art Institute. The contemporary art collection was pretty impressive and I particularly enjoyed learning more about Andy Warhol's philosophy on 'what is art'. AFJW could possibly have cared less until we discovered the 'eye spy' games in certain galleries after which, her interest perked. Her ambivalence about the whole escapade was marked by her incessant "ok, let's get outta here" remarks.

AFJW looks interested!

Taking the Asian fan to a whole new level!

Butts!!

Taking a 'viewing' break.

ZMW super excited about his mosaic (a nice little activity at the end of our visit).

Squeezed in a family shot!

After dropping ACT off at the airport, we hiked up to the Troy area where we enjoyed an early dinner at Royal Kubo. We thought of my Dad as we chomped on classic Filipino food and enjoyed an ice cold beer - on a decidedly ice cold DAY. The dinner outing was particularly marked by our 'special' waitress whose behavior begged to question her sobreity. I'll leave it at that.

Rockin' a cold one!

AFJW & ZMW

Muchas smooches!

My little comedian.

She's SO sweet. YUM!

For their first time, I then took AFJW and ZMW to Sommerset mall. The concentration of wealth in the state of Michigan couldn't have been more apparent with the size, contents (in terms of stores) and demographic (read: really rich people). It was tons of fun though making 'paseo,' like the true Filipinos that we are. The only difference is that we seek shelter in the mall for HEAT rather than AIR CONDITIONING!

The sky walk walking-belt at Sommerset.