Philippines - New Years in Lagro

The de Guzman side of our family all came for a big feast in Lagro, 

always a great place to gather with family.

My cousin Luchie brought her new twins - Bianca and Brielle, 

big sis Bettina still as cute as ever.

Here's my godmother Tita Laura visiting from California.  I love all my aunties!

The kids LOVED visiting and playing with their second cousins who they dubbed 

their "cool cousins" and asked every day when the next visit with them was.

Patrick, Kevin and Nicole (Pochong's kids) came to visit from Toronto,
their first time back in ten years, these kids are really superstars!
Niko fell in love with Patrick and was at his side ALL the time...
Muchi, Michi, Migi and Marty are as CUTE and LOVEABLE as ever....

I know every single one of my Dad's Filipino jokes but I still laugh a ton 

b/c he can't even get through the jokes without cracking himself up.  

He's always in his full JOKER mode when he's with his siblings.

 

Ethan and Ella buying "balut" from the local balut guy on the street.

I've never eaten balut and I don't plan on it.  My kids are very brave and gave it a go.  

Balut is an egg that is half egg and half ducking (or is it chick) anyway, 

Ella tells me it tastes like chicken.

New Year's Eve in the Philippines is bigger than Christmas - it is loud, loud, loud!

Mateo has always wanted to go to church in jeans, and what better place 

than the Philippines where jeans are considered "dressy".

At our local market up the street.

One of my favorite treats TAHO - silken tofu with sago pearls and 

palm sugar syrup for breakfast.  Even my kids love it!

Probably the kids' favorite mode of transportation - the tricyle - 

b/c we can all as many kids in it as we want.