First Christmas

First moments are always treasured. More so, when those moments are spent with family and friends.

Our baby girls had their very FIRST Christmas this year. And this would also be their very first road trip! Our trip started on December 22 from Cebu to Lilo-an Santander, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive. Imagine dealing with two babies that are easily bored and with a relatively short attention span. We armed ourselves with teethers, toys, Marie biscuits and of course milk (both formula and mine *wink!). Upon arriving, we had to get the car to the barge which is only a 30-minute ride. Then upon docking at Bato (Dumaguete, I think?), it would be a 2-2.5-hour trip to Kabankalan City, hubby's hometown.

While onboard the barge that will bring us across the sea to Negros Island.

 

But, we had a stopover at the original Jo's Inato to have lunch while the little girls had a blast with all the decorations of the resto's rather wide lawn.

 Christmas in Kabankalan was fun. The babies met their Lolos and Lolas, Titos and Titas. Mornings were spent strolling on the lawn, looking at the dogs, pigs, flowers and what-have-you's. Afternoons were spent on their walkers on the patio since the breeze is just so cool.They even got a chance to swim in their tita's inflatable pool!

skinny dipping inside the inflatable pool

on top Daddy-Lo's pick up one afternoon

on their walkers

On the day of December 24, we went to a nearby town to buy crabs. The babies, especially Alexa, enjoyed having her toes touch the water. Ariana, who had a rather apprehensive reaction (seen on this post), was able to overcome it and eventually enjoyed her time near the water.

The Noche Buena was a chance to experience good ol' Ilonggo cooking. And, I was not disappointed to say the least!  ;-)

Though the girls slept through the whole Noche Buena, they did have their share of Christmas experience when they had the 1st round (there are many more) of Christmas gift opening. Gifts from Ninoy Rolym (stuffed Lightning Mcqueens..yes start them while they're young) and Tita Kyla (two sets of blouse blouse and shorts) were opened by the little Arabellas on Christmas Day.

And, as planned, Papo came all the way from Bacolod to spend Christmas Day with the apos. We went to Punta Bulata, a 2-hour drive from Kabankalan. We decided to have our little ones experience a beach Christmas getaway so we decided to have a daytour on this resort. The rates are quite expensive, but the scenic view, the tranquility and the service of the staff make it worth the effort and money as well.

It was a rather windy day since there was an impending typhoon, but we are still happy that we made it to the beach and back. The little ones, I suppose, did have a blast with all these new experiences which are totally different from what they encounter everyday in our apartment in Cebu.

Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa located in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, is a tropical hidden paradise that truly reflects the laid back lifestyle of the opulent sugar barons of Negros Island. Enjoy one whole kilometer stretch of white sand beach in privacy and exclusivity as you spend quality time with your friends and family.