Finally … my parents are arriving tomorrow. I am so excited. I’ve had this date circled in red since June! They are arriving via Philippine Airlines tomorrow night. My hubby, brother and I are going to pick them up at the airport.
It’s been almost a year since I’ve last seen my folks (the last time they were here was for our wedding / honeymoon last December). That's almost 12 months ago, so you can just imagine why I am all worked up about their visit and have been planning stuff to do so that they’ll enjoy their 3-week stay.
Lucky for me my parents are very easy going and not high maintenance at all. My dad is a classic foodie and enjoys a good meal so I’ve been on the lookout for new and interesting places to eat. My mom, on the other hand, is a bonafide shopping queen so I’ve scouted flea markets, farmers’ markets and kitschy shops galore (and let’s not forget the malls, Costco, and factory outlets near and far). Look out for all the balikbayan boxes she’ll be shipping home!
My brother and I have also put together lists of interesting local activities that we both think my parents would enjoy. Live symphony music at the Hollywood Bowl, a day trip to The Getty Center, King Tut exhibit at LACMA, an evening at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, watching CATS at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, and more. I’ve also planned a 4-day trip to Las Vegas for them (my dad’s first time in Sin City!) and a Thanksgiving trip (for all of us) to the Bay Area with family and friends. It'll be great!
And not to mention the best part about the next three weeks. Home cooked meals ... Clean clothes ... Shopping trips ... my dad working with us on our finances ... my dad's jokes ... my mom's TLC ... parental advice on just about everything I can think of to ask ... bonding ... having more family and friends over ... and just coming home to mom and dad! :)
It’s too bad my two sisters and my other brother (who are back in Manila) won’t be with us this time. It’s always fun when the 7 J’s get together. Back home, my friends have christened my family as the “Philippine version of the Brady Bunch” and I guess I would have to agree with that. I mean, sure, we've had our off days and naturally there have been disagreements and fighting and bickering. But for the most part, we manage to have a good time together and enjoy each other's company even if all of us have quite different interests and tastes.
Anyway, stay tuned for more updates on my parents’ visit.
P.S. The weekend was pretty much spent cleaning the house and getting things ready for their arrival. I am sure those of you who live away from your parents know what I am talking about when I say we had to make sure the house “parent-ready and parent-worthy”! :)
4 comments:
The excitement of going to the US is unbearable. Two years ago, I could not even entertain the thought of flying (because of my fear of flying) and here I am today ready for my third flight to the States. I am happy that with my wife Judy I am able to visit my children anywhere in the world. This is a far cry from the days when I had to work so hard to make ends meet.
I have always enjoyed my previous visits to the U.S., but moreso now because I have children there. I know that this trip will provide me with more unforgetable and joyful experiences to store in the memories of my mind. I am trully blessed for having the children and husband that I have. No one can ask for more.
Sounds like a lot of fun and activity in the next three weeks. I hope everything works out well for everyone there. With so many broken families nowadays, your family is model to be followed.
Thanks Consay. Watch out for my posts on the activities we've got planned :)
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