Fun with our new camera

We recently bought a waterproof camera for us to use when we kayak and canoe.  It is also nice to have for Ben to use when he is running. Plus my old point and shoot camera died, so I was in the market for a new one.  Ben tested it out in my parents' pool.  It is fun to see the underwater shots. 

Dad's 77th Birthday

We finished off our busy week of multiple get-togethers by celebrating my dad's 77th birthday with my family.  

 My parents and their grandchildren.

Another variation of the same pic, except this time we added my siblings and me.

Happy 77th Birthday, Dad!

Rieser Visit

At the end of March, my sister and her kids came to visit us for a couple of days during their spring break.  We didn't have the best weather on the days they came, but we made the most of it.  We ended up braving the cold and rain and headed downtown to see some sites.  

 Walking on the Canal.

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument

The Sweet Sixteen Teams were having an open practice at the Lucas Oil Stadium, so we stopped by to check it out.  It was fun to show my family some of our city.  

The best birthday presents are pets!

Last time we were in Columbus, we celebrated my nephew James' birthday. Since we aren't typically around to celebrate each of my nieces' and nephew's birthday, I usually give them all birthday presents at one time. This year our presents had a theme... RATS! :) Since we had plenty of baby rats to give away, my sister decided to take four of them! One for each kid, plus one for herself! :) The rats were definitely a hit!

Celebrating James!

Silly pose!

I love this picture! They all look so happy! I wish I would have video taped them opening their rat themed presents. They were thrilled! Who knew a jar of cheerios and a toilet paper pyramid would be so exciting!

Here they are with their new pet rats!

The kids made lots of clubhouses for the rats to play in.

Hide out for Rats Only!

So excited to have a rat of her very own!

Christmas 2009

This Christmas, we were able to spend time with both of our families. We spent Christmas Eve with Ben's family and traveled to Columbus, OH to see Joy's family on Christmas Day. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Christmas Eve with Ben's family.

Christmas with Joy's family.

Our nephew and nieces.

My Dad's 72nd Birthday

My dad's birthday was on Saturday, and my whole family came into town to celebrate all weekend long. My siblings and I got my dad a Nintendo Wii for his birthday. He had never played one before so it was fun to see him play and watch his reactions. He was pretty good at it too! We had a blast playing it all weekend long. It was great to see everyone.

My dad's reaction to unwrapping the Wii.

Dad bowling.

Dad and Judah boxing.

Here is a video of Dad's tennis skills.

Our Mii family! Can you identify us?

Starting from the top, left to right: Shannon and Tracy

Middle row: Jason, Mom, Jennifer, Joy, and Judah

Bottom Row: Bella, Ben, Bina, Dad, and James

All of the kids and grandkids with Dad
Back row: Joy, Ben, Bella, and Tracy

Middle row: Shannon, Jennifer, and Jason

Bottom row: Bina, Dad, James, and Judah

Christmas 2008

We visited my family the weekend before Christmas and then spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Ben's family. We didn't take a ton of pictures, but here are a few good ones.

Santos Family Christmas dinner.

Bina loves sitting next to Uncle Ben.

Tracy and Jennifer

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Hesses.

The family picture on Christmas Morning
(the rats were there too, they just aren't in the picture).

One of the highlights of Christmas day: Pictionary with the whole family. It was so much fun. Here are Grandpa and Grandma battling it out in an All Play!

Santos Family Reunion

The main event during our trip to the Philippines was the family reunion. There was a representative from each of the eight siblings in my dad's family. As you can imagine, there were tons and tons of family pictures. Here are just a few...

The Santos siblings (minus 1). From Left to Right (and Oldest to Youngest): Tita Gloria, Augusto (Dad), Tita Zeny, Tito Boy, (Tita Rebeccah was not able to attend), Tito Romulo, Tita Tessie, and Tito Nel

Picture of most of my cousins.

A smaller group shot.

Almost everyone who was present was in the picture. Ben was taking the picture (someone has to). I won't bother trying to list everyone for you!

Remembering my grandparents

During our trip, we visited the grave site of my grandparents. My grandfather passed away before I was born and I only met my grandmother twice before she passed, so I didn't really know either of them. It was nice to hear stories about them from all of my relatives.

Some Random Pictures in the Philippines

Here is Dad, me, Shannon, Judah, and Ben in front of our hotel, the Great Eastern Hotel.

Shannon, Judah, Jason, and Dad with the Jollibee. Jollibee is the most popular fast food restaurants in the Philippines. It is sort of like the Filipino equivalent to McDonald's.

Proof that there are Ohio State fans in the Philippines! Ha ha. Only because my dad gave his sister (Tita Gloria) that shirt and we had her put on his hat too!

Tita Gloria and Dad posing in the cut outs.

My brother, Jason, Dad and me.

Our late night visit with my cousin Koolih before we left for the states. We had to wake up Judah for this picture, that is why he doesn't look very awake.

Our Tree Top Adventure

While in Subic Bay, we got to experience a fairly new attraction called Tree Top Adventure. It was a lot of fun to ride from tree top to tree top. Even more fun was seeing some people get over their fear of heights.

Joy and Ben at the start of the tour.

Natalie wasn't too sure she wanted to experience the tree tops.

Matthew and Ryan getting ready for the next ride.

Hanna and Candie (they were a little nervous)

Shannon, Jason, and Judah

Close up of Jason and Judah

Natalie and Jessica

Joy enjoying the view.

Group picture!