Happy 4th and swimming

Today was Fr. Francis' last mass at the Cathedral =(.  My whole family went the his mass ... again, it was so bittersweet.  He ended up singing the song he wrote during his homily and it brought tears to sooooo many people's eyes (me included of course).  I prayed really hard for him at that mass ... I prayed that God would give him the strength, patience and courage to touch the lives of his new parishoners.  After the mass, people had the opportunity to say their personal goodbyes ... there was a super long line around the plaza and photos of his work at the cathedral adorned the Cathedral grounds.  It was really a great tribute to him ... we are soooo proud of all that he's done and all that he will do.  Again, God has blessed us with such an amazing person!

After the mass, my family caravaned it to Woodland Hills ... We had so much fun today at the Salcedo Fourth of July bbq!!  Not only did Zoe get to hang out with family (Lala, Lolo, Aunty Queenie's family, Aunty Lisa's family, Ingha, Kabir, Aunty Beth, etc.), but she also got to swim for the first time!!! Although she was a bit hesitant at first, she ended up having a good time.  It was pretty hot so we waited until the late afternoon to bring her into the water.  Since their pool can get pretty deep, we stayed in the jacuzzi part of the pool (with cold water).  Of course, she looked ADORABLE in her little polka dot bathing suit and shades.  I made sure to lather her up with as much sunblock as I could (hey -- if she's anything like me, she'll burn and never tan).  It was fun sharing that first with her (daddy swam too!) ... next time though, we'll make sure to put on a swimming diaper -- her regular diaper was soooo full she looked like a turtle in the water!! Lol!

We also celebrated Lolo Buddy's birthday (albeit belated).  There was also mahjong for the "oldies" =). As if we didn't have enough food, later in the evening we met up with Aunty Lisa, Bryan and Liana at Nobu (yum yum yum).  Zoe wasn't much company as she ended up falling asleep towards the end of dinner (hey -- the girl did have a long day!).

I really LOVE days like today when you get to hang out with ALL your family and a lot of good friends.  It just felt like such a complete day and I feel so blessed to have been given a chance to experience days like today.  I only hope they happen more often =)

PS - true story: at the bbq, Aunty Beth said if we wanted to have a boy next time, I should make sure to lie to the right "after" for at least 10-15 minutes!!! She was able to have boy, girl, boy, girl, boy so maybe I SHOULD take her tip to heart! Lol!!!

Here's a video of Zoe's first dip in the pool!

Here are pics of our amazing day!

We LOVE you Father Francis!

The Ultimate Cali Girl =)

These cheeks are KILLER