Our family is off on an extended journey across our beautiful country! \240My life has been a fast race to reach certain goals and not stopping long enough to smell the roses. We are doing just that along with nurturing our family, relationship and personal goals. \240The kids will miss their school but are very excited to go on this journey.

Maine is home. It will always be. It’s quaint, picturesque, real and just right. It ‘s where the grocery store is 5 minutes away and I can always find a good parking spot. It’s where people know you by name and smile along the way. \240Maine is \240filled with genuine and warm people. \240It’s where we found cherished friendships that warm our souls and stay with us through our travels. We’ll be gone for just a little while but we’ll always come home.

First stop: spend a much needed time with my oldest and brilliant brother, Manong Miko. Nika fell in love with Macchi, Cisco’s sweet teddy bear puppy. \240Carter enjoyed chatting with his uncle Miko about geography. \240 Our country bumpkins enjoyed riding PATH rail system which consequently has a really cool architecture! \240For this Filipino, eating at Max’s eating my favorite Filipino dishes was food to my soul. Thank you, Manong Miko for the great company and Ate Connie for preparing your beautiful home. \240Sorry, we missed you. We love you!

New York City! \240Carter’s request was to see the Statue of Liberty and World Trade Center, the tallest building in the US. We took a moment to reflect on the victims of September 11. \240It was a very emotional moment. Then off to Alladin Broadway Musical in a yellow NYC taxi cab. Nika was delighted with Alladin Broadway Musical!

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Christmas time with the cousins! Awesome brunch! Thank you Malynda and Craig for having us!