Mahal Jackie and Mitzi

"Mahal" means love in the Tagalog Filipino language and is one of many words that Aunt Jackie was teaching Emerson during her first visit to CT. Jackie and her close friend, Mitzi, arrived on Valentine's Day... how appropriate! They planned a week long vacation, mixed with short day trips and plenty of quality family time.

We kicked off the week with a long drive along the shore on Sunday and then lunch. Later Sunday evening we introduced the girls to the Lacey family clan and a nice Mexican dinner. On Monday they headed off to Boston for an overnight. They walked for MANY miles, took a tour, visited Harvard, Cheers, and did some shopping. Aunt Jackie even picked up a little of the Boston accent when she returned. Unfortunately Mitzi was stricken with food poisoning eating good ol' New England seafood and was out of commission for the night and next day. Poor Mitzi!

Wednesday we took Aunt Jackie to Mystic Village to shop, see the ducks and have lunch. We splurged and went to Friendlies for sundaes afterwards... for Emerson of course! Later that evening Lola babysat and we took the girls to Mohegan Sun for dinner and to try our luck. Of course we came home without a big win.

Thursday we dropped Emerson off at school and headed out to the Westbrook outlets, a movie and then a late lunch. Emerson was so excited to have Jackie and Mitzi pick her up at school that afternoon. That night the girls forced us to watch their favorite movie "The Notebook", as they couldn't believe we hadn't seen it and I think they just want to see us cry. What a GREAT movie and one that you can watch over and over. I can't wait to see it again. For those who have never rented it, it's a must.

Friday we dropped the girls off at Metro North in New Haven to visit a friend in NY. They had a wonderful trip seeing the sights... Statue of Liberty, ground zero, the play "Shrek" and of course good food and time with close friends. When they returned on Saturday we relaxed a bit and spent some quality time. Later in the evening Norie babysat and we went out to Mystic for dinner and drinks at AZU with the Rocchetti cousins and Ronan and Katherine. It was a fun night!

Sunday came too quickly and it was SO hard to say goodbye. Emerson became so attached to her Aunt Jackie and Mitzi and she continues to ask for them daily. We're looking forward to the next visit once the baby arrives as Jackie, Grandma and Grandpa will be coming for the Baptism... Jackie can't miss it! While she was here we asked her to be the baby's godmother. She graciously accepted!! We couldn't be happier.

Jackie and Mitzi - Thanks again for a wonderful visit and for making Emerson (and us) glow with happiness. Love you!