Saturday, April 25, 2009

Gilmores head to the Coast for some Spring Break relaxation

We have been so busy this year with Ericlee's many part-time jobs and life with two kids that we made relaxation a priority for this Spring Break. We headed to the Central Coast to Ericlee's grandparents' beach house. This is our fave inexpensive getaway with great views of the ocean.
We slept in, played games and even explored some new coastal spots like this great park near the ocean with sea creature sculptures to play on. Meilani loved riding the dolphins and whales and spinning on the tire swing. We also took a walk down a path of flowers to this view of the ocean.
On Thursday, Ericlee headed back to Fresno for work and took Meilani to Grandma's to play. I stayed at the beach house where I was joined by my mama girlfriends.
Mary, Susan, Christine and Stacie joined me for a few days of "girl time" with Giada. We went to my fave coastal restaurant - Guiseppe's in Pismo. They make homemade butternut squash ravioli among many other Italian entrees. We also had this to-die-for banana chocolate cake for dessert. It's always more fun to dine with friends because we pass our meals and desserts around and get to taste all the treats!
On Friday, the mamas enjoyed Pumpkin Pancakes made by Stacie and then we headed out for a day of pedicures, shopping and picnicking by the ocean.
As Stacie says, frozen yogurt at Bali's is a must when you venture in San Luis Obispo so we stopped there. We also scored some great deals at the Johnson's children's store. I found a party dress for Meilani that was originally $109 on sale for $9. Total score!

On Saturday, Susan and Stacie took Giada and me into downtown Arroyo Grande. We checked out the farmer's market with amazing fresh strawberries and homemade hummus of many varieties. These few days of rest and relaxation and some adult conversation were just what a needed to rejuvenate before Easter with the family.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Meilani sings in Easter Musical at The Bridge

Our church has a children's choir that puts on a musical once a year. Meilani is not old enough to officially be a part of the choir but they always invite the preschool classes to join in for a few songs. This is the first time Meilani actually stood up on stage and sang. No stage fright this time!
Meilani and her friends Gabriella and Juliahna Beery sang the Easter choruses, "He Lives" and "Jesus Loves Even Me." They were so cute checking out each other's dresses and bows.
Meilani snapped this shot of Mama, Daddy and lil sis Giada after the program.
Mama with her Gilmore girls - Giada and Meilani.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Dorina publishes third children's book


My third children's book will be released this month by Shen's Books. I'm very excited to share this story with all of you. "Cora Cooks Pancit" was originally written five years ago while I participated in the CSUF Summer Arts program in Fresno in a class taught by Alexandria LaFaye. What a dream to see it today!

The book features a Filipino girl named Cora (after my grandma Cora Taclindo Lazo) who loves cooking and learns how to make pancit (traditional noodle dish) from her mama. They have a grand adventure in the kitchen and Cora learns a bit about her Filipino heritage in the process.

This is my first book that is fully illustrated and the work of Kristi Valiant is truly stunning. "Cora Cooks Pancit" is available at Amazon.com and www.shens.com.

Stay tuned for more news. So far I will be signing book on Sunday, April 26 at the LA Times Books Festival and Saturday, May 16 at Books, Inc. in Palo Alto (Bay Area).

Monday, April 13, 2009

Let Spring Begin!

We launched our Spring Break with a visit from my college roomie Jen and her girls, Delia and Ella. Jen brought us yummy Dutch meatball soup for lunch with fresh bread, fruit salad and almond bars. (We're so spoiled! I guess that's another perk of having a cute newborn to show off...)
Meilani was excited to introduce her baby sis to Ella and Delia. Ella *gently* held Giada. (Ready for #3, Jen?)
We went on a mini-field trip to Oso de Oro park - Meilani's fave hangout. We had to feed the ducks and show our friends all our best spots. The sun was shining and we even had to get out the sunscreen and shades.
The three older girls chased each other around the maze while the mamas caught up a little bit sittin' in the shade.

The theme of the week was "QT with Good Friends" and we were so happy to share the first day with our fave California Dutch girls.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Happy 35th Birthday, Ericlee!

We celebrated Daddy's 35th birthday this week. It truly was a week of celebration as Ericlee enjoyed breakfasts out with his mom, his best friends Chris & Jen as well as a home-cooked meal by his honey and a lunch out with my mom and dad. Meilani picked out a few of her own gifts for daddy and got him a balloon. We also celebrated with our small group and each couple shared an encouraging Bible verse to bless Ericlee for the year to come.
Mom and Dad took us all to Cheesecake Factory to celebrate after church Sunday. We enjoyed ordering off their extensive, fancy menu.
Nana and Papa were happy to get their quality time with the Gilmore girls...
What a fun way to celebrate Ericlee and Palm Sunday!
Daddy poses with his pretty girls - so proud of all 3!