Last month we road tripped to Los Angeles for a big family landmark. My morn’s dad (Papang) celebrated his 100th birthday! The official party was held at the Anaheim Embassy Suites, where the family reserved the large ballroom. It was a fun event full of memories, dancing, delicious food, and so many relatives! My mom has eight brothers and sisters still living, and they all shared stories from both the Philippines and America. The photos presentation featured Papang’s life from beginning until now. It’s been around 15 years since I was last in LA, so it was great to see cousins, aunts and uncles, and immediate family all together.

While we had a few fun days in CA, we were very happy to arrive back home. We took three days to drive each way, stopping in ID and UT both directions. Highlights included swimming with the kiddos at a few hotels, walking along Manhattan beach, stopping at a bakery supply store in SLC, and just free-styling the trip as we went. Most of all, our family had a blast on this week-and-a-half voyage. Truly, it was a road trip of a lifetime. How many times do you get to celebrate someone’s—especially a relative’s—100th birthday?

After all the fun times, Liisa and I agreed on one conclusion—there is no place like home! We love Montana.