Kaden Just Turned 6! :)

When it comes to my kids, I can't help but be so cliche in saying that TIME FLIES because they're growing up so fast. I can't believe that it's been six years since I first held the little boy who made me realize that there's nothing in this world I'd love more than to be a mother. :)

Kaden was so excited and he couldn't wait for this day to come. He carefully picked his cake design. We didn't have a party so it was nothing fancy, but he loved it. My little boy loves Kung Fu Panda so Mhin of Fadge Cakes came up with this design and the really cute cupcakes.

Like any other child, Kaden was very excited about his presents but his main birthday wish was for his family to be complete. We were happy that my mom and dad were here to celebrate with us but sadly, Art couldn't make it back in time and my brother won't be arriving until the third week of the month. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our little family dinner.

Our little Amber girl whose birthday is up next and is turning 1, looked extra pretty in her dress from her Lola Lise. 

My mom and dad adore her. (they adore all the kids but a baby girl is extra sweet) In fact, my mom and I were laughing because my dad can't help but repeat himself when he says "Amber you're so pretty." (classic case of loving your own)

I can't say I blame him. :) Art too, is like that. Even Kaden is, it's adorable.

Kaden enjoyed his little dinner party. 

But he couldn't wait to go home so he could open his presents. :) 

We also got Carlos his "birthday present" so he won't feel left out when Kaden opens his presents. Kaden loved all his presents and there wasn't a happier camper in Silicon Oasis that night. :)

Everyday I thank God for giving me such a blessing in Kaden. For the past few months that I've been home alone with the three of them, Kaden has been the one to make things a lot easier for me. He's been very mature (for his age) and very helpful in many ways; he looks out for me, as well as for his brother and sister; he is a great listener (except when he is playing his video games) and he is always concerned about me being tired so he likes to surprise me with made beds and scrubbed floors & furniture (scrubbed with wipes that is, but still); he knows how to massage my back and offers to do so on nights when I complain about a sore body; he encourages me to do Zumba and he is the one who reminds me everyday so I don't forget when I get so distracted with fb-ing; he makes it a point to tell me how lucky he (and his siblings) are to have a mom like me and he likes to show just much he loves me in many other random yet sweet and thoughtful ways. So I can never ever complain that I am not appreciated because Kaden is there to remind me that I am, always. Those are but a few of the many wonderful things about him that and I keep telling myself that one day when he's grown up, he's going to make one girl very lucky  with his sweet and sensitive ways and when that day comes, I vow to not hold him back or act like a jealous girlfriend. :)

We love you so much Kaden! :) I pray that you will stay as sweet and loving as you are and that no matter what comes your way, you'll always keep your feet on the ground. Don't forget that mommy and daddy are always here for you no matter what. 

Want it Wednesday: Chloe Marcie

I still haven't gotten my black Nightingale aka as "my last bag for 2011", because for one I can't find it in Maxi any where :(, and second, my husband mentioned that he will get me a purse for Christmas so I think I'll just hold off and ask him to get it for me then. :)

Chloe Marcie Large Leather Tote

So, I still haven't gotten the bag I wanted and then here comes another one that I can't get out of my mind! I've had my eye on the Marcie for a while now but it wasn't until I saw the satchel version from Net-a-porter that I felt the urgent need to carry it. I really have a serious thing for satchels. Plus, I haven't been able to get my oak/tan bag because of my constant mind changing. My closet is hungry for this shade! So now I'm confused, Nightingale or Marcie? Nightingale or Marcie? Gah!

Just the other day, my husband was encouraging me to get into watches instead of purses but I told him I just don't get that kind of high with watches. Yes, watches are more practical to collect but you can't really have them all right? So I decided that I'm just going to stick with bags and encourage Art to buy his watches and then wait until he gets tired of them so I can borrow, after all, I love men's watches. I'm still dreaming of a Panerai on my wrist one day! :p

Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson, and Jessica Alba with their Marcies.

Kids Day Out: Kidzania

We've been meaning to take the kids to Kidzania at Dubai Mall but we almost always run out of time. Dubai Mall is such a huge mall that there are A LOT of shops on the way to Kidzania that lure you in and make you forget what you went there for in the first place.

On my mom's first day back to Dubai, we were finally able to make it to Kidzania. Thank God she was there because we didn't realize it would be so hard if it were just Art and me with the three kids.

I can't even begin to say how much I love the place! Kidzania is a unique family edutainment center  where children can lead independent lives and understand the world of grown ups better by being grown ups themselves. Check out their website.

You have to "check-in" and get your boarding pass before you can enter

Everything was so amazingly cute once we were inside! It was a little city for the little kids with little buildings and it had a hospital, fire station, salon, bank, supermarket, among others.

Here, the kids can play adult roles and learn how it is to be a doctor, a firefighter, a dentist, a police officer, a pilot, a baker, among others. There are a number of professions the children can choose from and they can "go to work" wearing the uniform of the chosen profession from which they get to learn the value of money and earn KidZos (kidzania currency) which they can later deposit in their bank account or spend in Kidzania outlets.

Our first stop was the fire station which became Carlos' favorite out of all the professions in Kidzania.
Everything was built with meticulously cute detail! No wonder the kids were so amazed. :) Kaden went up with the other "firefighter" kids to get their orientation while Carlos stayed and played in the firetruck.

He was so delighted pretending to drive the firetruck until the fire alarm went off at the station! So the little firefighters had to respond to the emergency.

Our little Carlos tagged along with his Kuya towards the Hotel that "caught fire." But ended up being scared and overwhelmed when we got there.

Good thing Kuya Kaden was a brave firefighter who fought the fire with his hose until it stopped. Of course, with mommy's assistance. :)

Kuya Kaden was pretty proud of himself.

When the boys got back to the station, it was time to get their pay. :)

Next stop, was the barber shop so the boys can get "groomed."

But only Kaden got his "makeover." I shouldn't taken a picture of Carlos' reaction when he saw his Kuya's new look, it was priceless! (and hilarious)

Next stop, was the hospital to learn about how it is to be a doctor.

Then, Kaden went to get his Kidzania driving license so he can drive around.

At first they didn't allow Carlos to ride with his Kuya because he didn't reach the height limit for getting a driver's license.

Luckily the people there were nice enough and they let him ride with his Kuya because he couldn't drive his own car. (he has no license!)

Our next stop was to the flight simulators so Kaden can play pilot. There isn't much pictures because I took the camera with me while my mom and I took the two little babies to a play area because we didn't think they'd enjoy the flight sims anyway.

The little ones played in the toddler area but only Carlos enjoyed. Amber was scared. :)

From there the kids went to this little room where they can doodle and color with other kids. Amber just drank milk.

Then, Kuya Kaden learned how to cook.

After that, we dropped by KZPD so the boys can be little police officers.

The boys want to learn to play the piano so they can be good at it and impress girls, just like their daddy did to their mommy. :)

There's a cute cozy little corner where you can read books to your little ones.

My boy, the little dentist.

Then before wrapping up, they tried being bus drivers.

It was kind of sad because there were still a lot more things to do inside Kidzania but we ran out of time. We had to leave because they were already closing. :( Note to self: Next time, be there when they open.

Our last stop was the bank, where Kaden can encash his checks and deposit his earnings.

Instead of buying something in the Kidzania shop he decided to leave them all in his card. Wiser than mommy! Lol.

It was a fun day for all of us and we loved the place! We can't wait to take the kids there again, but we might wait until Carlos turns 3 because then he will appreciate it more. :)

And we got some family pictures that day!

Sigh, I love my family. :)