Birthday at the Beach

Since my birthday falls not only on Halloween but also on sembreak for the kids, we usually find ourselves celebrating my day out of Manila. Growing up, I had actually spent many birthdays in the cemetery. Dad was a stickler for tradition and we would camp out from my birthday day (October 31) to All Saints' day at Loyola in Marikina at my Lolo's mausoleum with Dad's side of the family. Don't get me wrong, it was a fun experience I had with my brothers and sisters, and I have tons of memories of our (their) goofing around specially while we were stuck in 3-4 hours of traffic. I also had lots of fun with my twin cousins Concon and Chichi with whom we had annual adventures exploring the sprawling Loyola grounds. Those were good memories, and I guess, also got me used to enjoying simple joys and simple expectations on my birthday.Now that I have a family of my own and am able to create our own traditions, Gary and I visit our departed loved ones the week after All Souls' day.  After we complete Creative Juice's work managing the Halloween event for Rockwell, I feel blessed to be able to escape even for a couple of days during my birthday week.This year, I wanted to keep things simple and I realized that these more spontaneous escapades sometimes even outmatch carefully planned trips in terms of the rest and relaxation you can get from just 2 to 3 days away from real life. There's really nothing like the sun, sea and sand to refresh the body, mind and spirit, and I was thankful that our Auntie Joy's beach house in Batangas was available for us. (Thanks Auntie Joy, and thanks Jaycee for helping arrange it!)Waking up to this view always takes by breath away...Reese and I took a morning dip on the first day...And my thoughtful daughter made me a special greeting in the sand...It was Jagger's first trip to the beach too!And we think he enjoyed his first swim in the sea...I also found some treasures in the sand...But sadly also found some not so desirable items, and so I did a mini beach clean up...:( sighThe few days we spent together is the best gift I can ever receive and ever give myself!I love buying Reese's very special mudpies...Making sandcastles...Amazed at Zach being able to skimboardJust enjoying a whole lotta laughsThanks to my dearest GaryAt the end of the day, wherever I find myself on my birthday, I've really got all that I ever need...."Hey, hey all i need is a whole, whole lotta youEveryday is a holidayAint nothing we can't do, babyNow oh ohAll i need is a little timeand a whole lotta you"- "Whole Lotta You" by Rocket to the MoonRefreshed, recharged and rejuvenated. Ready for another fresh year. Thank you Lord for all your blessings.