First activity of the summer was to go to a 3D art gallery called Art In Island

Art in Island is claimed to be the largest 3D museum in Asia in terms of the number of 3D paintings available, around 200 incredible pieces. The kids had a great time running around the whole building since it wasn’t crowded and taking silly photos.

We spent a morning at Active Fun where Blake loved being around the big kids who joined him in the ball pit.

At the mall we went ice skating and the kids with their friends had the whole rink to themselves for nearly an hour.

Spent a couple of hours at Kidzoona where the kids were able to dress-up, make believe and play in the ball pit.

Kalani got to go to a hair salon and get her hair dyed ombre.

We had beautiful weather and lots of friends to be with while enjoying a morning at The Fun Farm.

We celebrated a mom’s birthday at a restaurant before going bowling. The boys were all very well behaved once the iPad was pulled out!

The kids survived the summer and they have completed a full week of school already.

For the El Nido resorts there is a private airport terminal. We are ready to go relax and play with friends.

Part of the Palawan island chain as seen from the plane…El Nido is there somewhere.

The middle cottage is where we stayed at Apulit.

The kids are ready for an adventure. We did all enjoyed a private island hopping tour.

Snorkeling with fish was fun, but the kids really liked jumping off the boat while it was anchored.

We hired a nanny to help watch Blake so Tia could snorkel and play. The nanny was not going to let Blake get sunburned!

During our private island hopping tour, we also had our own private picnic lunch on a deserted island. They brought the resort accommodations and food to us!

The second day we spent time at the resort. We had fun at the beach.

Many hours were spent in the pool playing all sorts of swimming games.

We did some paddle boarding and kayaking as well.

We saw some local wildlife. This monitor lizard was very near our table during breakfast…and Matt may have tried to capture it (on several occasions).

Below one of the cottages we saw a stingray hanging out in the morning.

Walking back from breakfast, we saw a baby black tip reef shark in the shallow waters near the cottage.

While traveling to return to Manila, to remind us that we are in the Philippines, we had to walk through three boats in order to get to the dock where our van was waiting for us. Luckily no one fell in the water.

We flew from Manila to Cebu. Then took this plane from Cebu to Siargao

The local grocery store

Kalinaw Resort. Our room is on the right and the kids loved that the pool was right next to our room

Kalinaw Resort at dusk. The owners have made this such a nice resort with the little details

First island to visit was “Naked Island”. Nothing there, just sand.

Second island to visit is “Dako Island”. We had a yummy lunch prepared by our resort here.

Last island to visit “Guyam Island”. Not much here, just some trees and rocks.

Traveled around the island to Magpaponko Swimming Hole during low tide.

Exploring the island of Siargao. Very quiet and peaceful place.

Our last day we met this family during low tide. The father was teaching his children how to fish.

We made it to the famous “Cloud 9” surf spot. Matt and Tia got surfing lessons and both stood up on our board. Here Tia is surfing a small wave.

We enjoyed our time at Siargao, and the staff at Kalinaw resort was a big help during our time there. They played with Blake during all of our meals and were just so pleasant.

He is well traveled and loves the beach and ocean

How he was normally carried when we left the house…attached to his mom using the Moby Wrap

Now he gets around using his Plasma Car

We love this baby of ours

Exactly one month after Mason’s 5th birthday, he became a BIG brother. And he is a wonderful big brother who always loves to play with his baby brother.

He started school and loved making new friends and playing.

He lost a bunch of teeth this past year so his mouth if full of holes.

He still loves his uncle Robbie. And he discovered that he can touch his nose with his tongue.

He loves to help out in the kitchen…mostly making chocolate chip cookies.

He likes to be happy, laugh, tell jokes and cuddle.

On his actual birthday we were at Coco Grove Beach Resort in Siquijor. The staff made a special sign for him, sang to him, and gave him a small dessert. It really made him happy.