Merry Xmas and Happy New Year

May 2026 bring you love, laughter, learning, and adventure.

2025 was a big year in the Lapena/Han household. Both kids applied to schools—college for Isabel and high school for Alexis—which basically meant our home was converted into a deadline tracking center powered by snacks and stress. Lei and Jaime also made the bold decision to prioritize life and family over work, and it’s already one of the best choices we’ve made. We’re grateful for the freedom we’ve earned and excited for whatever adventures (and curveballs) 2026 brings.

Isabel is deep in college application round three—yes, round three—and juggling 7 classes and robotics. “Busy” is an understatement, but she somehow remains mostly sane and powered by afternoon naps. Her robotics team placed first in the Berkeley competition and are now heading to “the big one” in January. She’s already received acceptances from several safety schools (Drexel, Penn State, SFSU, SCAD), but the suspense for her reach schools continues until March and April. 2026 will be a defining year for her, and we couldn’t be prouder of the independent, motivated young woman she’s become.

Alexis, not to be outdone, finished applying to high school—essays, videos, the works. She applied to SI, SHCP, and Lowell and has just one placement test left in January before the waiting begins. In the meantime, she continues to be a top student in her class and will be defending her spelling bee title that same month — we’ll be helping her study during our road trip to Vegas. We are so grateful for her years at SSPP, where she has built strong friendships, thrived academically, and been guided by wonderful teachers. She turned 14 in December, and we honestly don’t know where the time went. Next year will feel surreal with Isabel away at college and Alexis ruling the house as an only child.

Jaime continues to work a couple of projects with his friends remotely, and we're endlessly grateful for the flexibility. It allows us to tag-team the daily family logistics: Alexis drop-offs, pick-ups, soccer, and volunteering. He still teaches Escrima (Filipino martial arts) on the weekends — not as a business, but as a social tool in building a like-minded community he’s helped shape. It’s his happy place. This year he also has learned finger drumming, working out on the basketball court again, dipping back into capoeira and contemplating a return to Jiu-jitsu in 2026, just as soon as both of us recover from our back injuries!  And yes, Lei successfully dragged him into swim lessons.

Lei officially turned down the volume on work and turned up the volume on life. Meditation is now a daily ritual, and walks with Jaime are a favorite part of the week. She also continues to dance — a lot — starting to branch out into new styles. Lei’s still at Zumba and Choreo-dance at Bay Club, but on a whim she also joined (and performed!) a reggaeton number at a club in October. Next year, she plans to try Zouk, Bachata, and Kizomba classes. She’s also investing more time reconnecting with old friends and making new ones — social wealth feels more important than ever as we get older.

Last but not the least, 2025 included 10 weeks of travel.  We are grateful to have the luxury to do this — college visits on the East Coast, Mexico, Europe, China, Legoland, a cruise with Lei's parents, and Christmas in Las Vegas — It was Lei's dream to have 10 weeks of travel a year and she loves it that this can be her new normal. 

We feel truly blessed to be healthy and to be introducing more balance into our lives. In 2026, we look forward to supporting our kids through their school transitions, continuing to search for our ikigai, and maybe even restarting Bikram yoga (the 60-minute version — we are not crazy).

Wishing you and your family a joyous, peaceful, and adventure-filled new year!

Love,
Lei, Jaime, Isabel & Alexis