A Simple Family Road Trip

Staycations are sometimes just as (or even more) rejuvenating as grand vacations abroad. Our family usually stays put during Christmas holidays. One reason is because we have our barkada Christmas parties in between December 25 and New Year and we never want to miss these occasions, but also so we can spend down time at home and have do-nothing days.This year, the kids enjoyed time together playing as well as quiet time in their own rooms. Gary and I were enjoying just puttering around the house, decluttering, just lazing away, or taking quick naps. Then one day, I yearned for some bonding time where I could be with Gary and the kids out of home even just for one day. I suggested we go on a road trip to Nuvali. We've only been to Nuvali for work when we helped organize my sister's TBR Dream Marathons and once for leisure when we had a family day with the SoMoms, but we never visited the place on our own, nor got to feed the fish, walk around, and enjoy the outdoors at our own pace.So we got into the family van and enjoyed some warm sunlight and a cool breeze in NuvaliStarted to fill up our tummies first with brunch at Conti'sSalmon or lengua? hmmmWhile waiting for our order, we played Monopoly Dealwith Gary and Reese as teammatesAfter eating we went to the fishes and bought some feedsGary and Zach at fish feedingand Reese too.Then we decided to cool off in Starbucks and relax for a bitSomeone regressed and became Dad's baby that day...:)Zach was our server that day!and we had a family Frap toast!Leaving Solenad we came across this Candyland structure which was closed for the day but had such an enticing facade don't you think?We went walking around the outlet malls for some window shopping. Then the boys suggested we go to Enchanted Kingdom.Look who are happy to hear where we were headed!At first Gary and I were hesitant because we haven't gone to Enchanted in such a long time. We were worried about the maintenance of the place, and we also foresaw long lines and big crowds since it was the holidays. Still we went because that was the boys' wish. So off to Enchanted we went...Reese ready for fun in her party map hat!Our take: Enchanted Kingdom still is nice and clean. In spite of the crowds, the rides and structures looked well maintained and everything well organized. There was ample uniformed personnel helping and assisting at every point, and they were attentive and cordial too. Overall we were pleasantly surprised.There were even new sites like this one, the Boulderville Depot.First stop was the Space Shuttle, Enchanted Kingdom's roller coaster that does a 360 degree loop. Since Reese isn't able to ride the roller coaster with us, and roller coasters aren't exactly Gary's thing, we split up. The boys and I took our place at the end of the snaking line and waited more than an hour.We were psyched for long lines for this ride, not only because this was the peak season at the park but also because this ride was the main highlight of EK, so we were nice and patient.While we were at the roller coaster, Gary and Reese played Games andonce we were out, they tried placed Space QuadrantThe objective of this game was for the kids to get from one end of the room to the other, in darkness, with laser beams forming an obstacle course. Every time they hit the beam, they get a penalty in their score. Here's Coby:Reese, who kind of freaked out afterwards being in the dark:(And Zach, who actually beat the highest score!We then went for more games and the boys took the games seriously especially with their little sister challenging them and asking them to win her a prizeAnd my boys did win her several stuffed toys to bring home! Lucky sister!Reese and I had our own little date as well when we both went to the carousel. Nothing beats seeing your child's eyes glow with excitementHere we are "horsing around" and around...and around:)Our family had a simple, fun time at Enchanted Kingdom and our earlier trip to Nuvali!Just shows you don't have to go very far for some special family time. #blessed