February was another busy month and Justin and I were working long hours on the Radon crisis. The leadership team has to take turns here leaving the island for school breaks and our next time off was the February break. We wanted to explore Thailand but we never got around to planning that trip so we decided to go to a resort recommended by friends called the Shangri la in Cebu, Philipines. This was our first trip as a family off the island and we were so excited! A few weeks before the trip I was asked to go to Houston instead. Long story short we had tickets booked to the US and the Philipines and didn't know until 3 days before what our final destination was! God has a plan as a week in the sun lounging on the beach was just what we needed!
Carters birthday was before we left... he is now 7! I had a local in home baker make him some Harry Potter cupcakes (he loves Harry Potter) that he can share with his classmates. I was really pleased with how they turned out!
Snuggles with mommy by the birthday boy
Me and my prom date
Ms Emma one of the UK international school teachers and her husband Mr Mike - a Nigerian former middle eastern pro basketball player - he coaches the kids basketball
Gary our facilities manager - he got the most heat on radon - so it was awesome even he can laugh at the situation - after many drinks
Our prom king and queen - Ms Erin (teacher) and John Bongino
Carters teacher is Ms Katya from Ukraine to the left - with Ms Erin from Australia and me
Carter and his class working on science - learning to measure liquids
We have enjoyed plenty of time on the Sakhalin ski hill and I am super impressed with how good the kids improved this year. Before we left for vacation we got some snow time - and we got to see the world paraolympic alpine snow world cup.
Walking to work - something that takes some getting used to
When we left for vacation COVID 19 was just starting to be talked about. Never have I been so grateful we took a vacation because we needed that recharge because little did we know we would be stuck on an island for many moths ahead. I will say my kids have become amazing travelers. They pack their carry on bags, eat the crazy airplane food and relax. They know the routine and are actually pretty easy to take places.
Due to connections we had to overnight in Tokyo. We were given masks when we landed which the kids hated. Something I think everyone will start getting used to! You will see the Olympic advertisements - so much for Tokyo 2020!
Riley lost a tooth! Does the tooth fairy bring Yen, Rubles or US Dollars? The struggles of an international kid!
Our family Valentines day dinner- a dinner in a fancy authentic Japanese restaurant overlooking the city of Tokyo!
When we Left Sakhalin it was 19 degrees and snowing. When we arrived in Cebu City - it was a sunny 86 degrees. talk about a temperature change!
The kids first taste of the sun in quite some time. The locals thought they were crazy with long pants and snow boots!
We arrived at the resort and it was just beautiful. An amazing resort with beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. We had an ocean view suite that had a gorgeous view. They even had a birthday cake in the room waiting for Carter. He thought he was so special! We are setting the bar high for that little guy!
The kids were so excited to see green grass! It's been so long since they have seen or touched grass. It was actually pretty funny to see.
This was a neat sign that had many different countries and asked where are you from. The discussion we had was priceless. There were many debates - Russia was on there, Japan, and the US. The kids are like mom, we just came from Japan, we live in Russia but we are from the US - where are we from? Its interesting when we are traveling and people will ask us where we are from and they stop and pause, I think its still a bit confusing to them.
Our first day was a clear day and we just layed on the beach and the kids played in the sand and in the water. We had a great shaded hut that I could lay in and read and just relax. Justin and I needed that quiet time so bad and the kids had so much fun swimming and building stuff in the sand.
The water was so clear you can see the fish swimming!
Carter looks like he is ready for Baywatch!
Water babies - well not so much babies anymore!
While the kids run and play - Justin and I enjoyed cocktails and quiet time!
Happy hour with this little guy!
We all enjoyed cocktails almost nightly - it became a family favorite
Although the kids had sunscreen on - I clearly didnt do good enough - they got roasted! Poor babies have not been this burned ever! Lesson learned for this momma!
Vacation Happy Faces
We went on a nature hike at the resort - this country is just beautiful!
Silly Riley - she finds flowers on the ground and puts them in her hair
Spa time - Riley and I had manicures and Pedicures
Family Jet ski time!
We left the resort one day to go snorkeling and to see the waterfalls. The drive off the resort was long and rough - thank goodness I brought car sick medicine or I think I would have had two vomiting kids. We really wanted to swim with whale sharks which is the signature attraction of Cebu but due to corona virus we could not. These excursions were still fun and the kids had a great time!
Justin and I treated ourselves to a massage and spa day... we really needed that. The kids enjoyed the kids club and did art work and made some new friends.
There was a music booth - good thing its sound proof!
More cocktails!
We enjoyed a dinner show with Fire twirlers
We got a photo with the dancers
First time for everything - we went parasailing. Riley and I went and then Justin and the two kids went. It was a ton of fun and the kids loved it! It was super high but neither of them cared... they really have no fear!
On the trip back - we had to stop for a Mario photo shoot!
Birthday party fun - bowling party for our friend Ellie!
We arrived back to the Winter Wonderland that we live in. The snow is beautiful and I know it will be something I will miss when we leave here. I am not sure I would like it long term but its fun for the short term!
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