The Quach Family

We've moved!!!!!

2011-01-29T22:12:00.001-08:00

See you here:
http://thequachfamilyagain.blogspot.com/

Blog Break

2010-12-13T23:29:00.001-08:00

Life is too busy right now... so much going on and I don't want to miss any of it... so I am off blogging for awhile.
I hope you are all well and enjoying the winter weather and the preparation for the upcoming holiday celebrations! See you soon!

Another rushed update...

2010-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

I don't like being sick.. but we are a family with three children who all attend different classes... at 2 different schools. This only means that they share LOTS of germs! So we've been hit with our fair share of the flu this winter season... and I'm sure there will be more to come. I am hopeful that they will and go quickly though! So, besides being sick, what have we been doing?

The children have been keeping busy with reading, visiting the library, meeting friends for play dates, riding their bikes (when it's not raining), swimming (lessons are working out SO much better now!), playing with each other, learning about dragons, castles, knights, getting ready for Christmas, and recovering from the flu!

I hope to be back to blogging on a regular basis... but I am still trying to recover... You know, moms are never supposed to get sick...

Happy belated Thanksgiving! I can't wait to share photos!

A few random photos

2010-11-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes events happen and then we lose track of time...
It seems only yesterday that this workshop started...

and now look how far it has come! Jim and Clare have been working so hard!

And the children keep themselves busy while Jim and Clare are working...

With a little help from MD -- I mowed the lawn!

She has become quite the expert tree climber recently...

And swim lessons continue... the next session just started and everyone has been promoted - including this fella who has since stopped crying!

M&M are in there.. somewhere! Sorry it's not a very good photo but it's hard to keep an eye on all 3!

We are busy... really busy these days! Family portraits are turning out to be a blast! The children spend the day outdoors while Daddy takes pictures of their friends and their families. I am getting better at using MG's scooter now. (haha!) We've all learned the rules to Simon Says, Mother May I, Red Light Green Light, and a few other outdoor games. Honestly, it's hard to play these games with only 4 participants, but we do our best! Before they would play these games for the sake of playing and rules were disregarded - merely a basis for a sibling gathering/argument (however they saw fit!). But now we are playing by the "rules" and learning not to cry when we are told to go back to the start! Slowly...

More events are taking place -- Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Today... Last year!

2010-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

(November 20, 2009)
Having a blast at Chuck E Cheese's!

A new favorite song

2010-11-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this song!

While driving to pick up the boys the other day I heard this song on the radio. I started humming it the rest of the day. I finally memorized one line from the song and Google d it. I love when I can Google anything! So then I started singing it...

While editing a wedding video the other night, I decided that I would use this song in my next wedding day highlights. If it turns out "okay," I might share my work! :)

Tell me, doesn't this song make you feel so good?!!!

"We may only have tonight...."

Gotta get back to work!

Tooth #8 - OUT!

2010-11-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

For more than 2 weeks she wriggled and wriggled... see her tongue pushing it out?!

November 3, 2010

Then on Saturday night November 14, 2010, while I was reading to them she complained that she could taste blood. So I encouraged her to wiggle more. She's on this mission to lose her tooth a different way EACH time! I rationed that she can't do this EVERY time... I reminded her that she has not wriggled one out by herself yet! So, she tried harder and harder... and guess what happened? It came out! ALL BY HERSELF, she got it out! It did not come out 1) while eating an apple, 2) Dr. Corcoran did not pull it out, 3) I did not pull it out with floss at Becky's house, 4) it did not fly out and then into the sink drain while I tried to pull a different one out with a piece of floss, 5) she did not hit a chair, 6) she did not swallow it while easting fish and chips in Hawaii, 7) eating corn at Clare's and there is one more way.. but I can't think of how that one came out...

So, Ta-da! The next day, #8 is out!

You can't tell, huh?! Well, it's out and she says she feels funny without it. :) Guess what E and MD are trying? Well, MD more than E... they are wiggling their teeth too! HAHA!!!!

Dragon Slayers' Academy

2010-11-17T20:42:00.000-08:00

I remember mentioning that we are now reading a new chapter series. This chapter book series is called Dragon Slayers' Academy by Kate McMullan. Most chapter series books now a days do not require you to read in sequential order but we found book 1 and began with that. When we finished, MD happened to pick up book #14 during our library visit (we go twice a week after he gets out of school to pass the time before we pick up MG). They had a blast reading book #14 because it went in detail on how to speak Pig-Latin.!

You see, Wiglaf, the main character of the story in book #1 goes off to Dragon Slayers' Academy to become a somebody -- a hero. His parents agree, hoping he will being gold to the family (because apparently, dragons have gold hidden in their caves and if you slaye one, you can keep the gold!). Wiglaf is a kind young boy, with 11 brothers who torment him, so he finds comfort in speaking to the family pig. While heading to the school, Wiglaf and his pig, Daisy, run into a "not so wise" wizard, who puts a spell on Daisy and now she speaks Pig-Latin!

This is a great series! We have decided to go back and read the books in order -- it's easier to keep track that way. We've read 1-5 and looking for #6 still! Just this weekend, we finished 7 and 8. They are now interested in learning more about knights, castles, and dragons! So Saturday morning, while daddy had to go into work (don't get me started!), we began building our castle... out of recycled materials!

More to come.....

Today... Last year!

2010-11-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

Last year we visited Natural Bridges... and played at the beach!

Great memories...

Trick or Treat Smell Our Feet

2010-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

well... we only said that to Pat (who lives across the street) because we knew she would get a kick out of it!: (see her surprised face?!)

It was a very simple evening. Since we were not hosting Halloween at our "former" home on Cabral, I was tired, and E was not feeling his best, etc.... We decided to keep things simple and stayed at Jim and Clare's. Although E was not feeling too well during the day he insisted on going too. So Daddy, Corinna, and Jim accompanied the children:

Isn't this a cute photo? MG wanted a warmer costume so she went as an alligator. E also wanted a warmer outfit (and I thought it best for him to be warm) so he went as a turtle. MD did not want to be anything other than Mario! Surprisingly, the evening was quite nice! MG would have been fine going as a fairy. I worked so hard on that outfit and she only wore it once! :(

Our next door neighbor John:

A few houses down this family (who just moved into the neighborhood during the summer) were comfortably seated and waiting for everyone! :) Their wee one was sitting on the ground enjoying a small toy.

It was only a few houses -- like I said,we kept it simple! But they were happy and I do not have to hide their candy stash this year. Honestly, they have already forgotten about their stash! They have been partaking in the treats little by little each night after dinner... until now they have not asked.

He was bouncing off the walls from joy! He definitely enjoyed himself this evening!

Hope your evening was as enjoyable as ours!

A sweet talker

2010-11-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I went out with my girl friends -- sans children! (Amazing!) Before I left I put E to bed. Then went out and gave M&M kisses. When I spoke to MD and explained where I was going (although we were planning to go to Boswell - a bar to listen to a live band, I told him we were going to have coffee), he was fine with it, but asked, "Can I play with my DSi tomorrow?" I replied, "Yes, but you have to listen to Daddy tonight and go to bed when he says so." They both agreed. (I did not get home until 2:30AM!!! (we left at 8:30PM) Thank goodness for the time change - last night.. this morning.. not such a good thing!)

FAST FORWARD...

At 6:45 this morning I heard MG screaming from her room. E and I quickly jumped out of bed (because in the middle of the night he always finds his way there no matter how dark it is!) and ran to her room (their room really since they share a room). And there she was... blanket pulled up to her chin looking at the ceiling..."A spider!!!!!" So I told her to come down and play... while I jumped on the bottom bunk, covered myself with their blankets, and closed my eyes to sleep some more!

Up comes MD who then stands next to me, puts his hands on my cheeks and says, "Hi Mom, we missed you last night. Did you have fun drinking coffee with Ms. Melinda?" I replied yes. Then he continues, "Oh that's nice Mommy." And then he kisses me on my cheek and continues, "So we listened to Daddy last night. Can we play with our DSi?" Hello... where did he learn to sweet talk me like that? Getting the set up so nicely? Remembering our terms the night before? How could I say no, right?! And I was still so gosh darn sleepy! (How the heck do those young people stay out all night, dance, drink, and still make it to work the next day?!) So, of course, I enthusiastically said yes so he could go play and leave me to sleep some more! And he enthusiastically jumped up and down and ran to get his player. It was a win-win situation this morning! And now we are all up and enjoying a good show as the rain falls...

Things are still pretty crazy here... I am editing away... and Vince is getting a lot of family portraits going. We are both swamped! Some pictures of trick or treating to come... sorry!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

Last week was a very busy week!
We began the week with Jim's roof raising ceremony where the children were instructed to decorate the tree that would be placed at the top of the workshop for the ceremony:

Jim explained the ceremony and then champagne is shared by all!

Then began the school week with a group pumpkin patch trip -- MG's former Allen School playmates. We still get together every now and then. we're trying to make this a tradition - each Halloween make a shirt and meet at the pumpkin patch for a group photo:

And it ended with 3 different parades! I can't wait until they are all at the same school and in the same parade!
On Thursday the boys had theirs. E's class went first... I practically missed it because the teachers started earlier than they had told us... shame on them! So I ran and found them...

When he saw me, he said, "Mommy, you came. You found me!" So cute!!!!

When E was done, I waited for MD's class...?!

I asked for a pose before taking him to class... this is his pose. I guess Mario likes to jump a lot!

The next day, Friday, MG had her school wide parade. Can you see her?

This is her 5th grade buddy and parade partner.

M&M together. She's Silvermist from the Tinkerbell movie. Her headband kept moving... looks like a fountain coming out of her head here! Yikes!

Her class:

Her friend, Hannah. MG's been to her house once for a play date. Nice girl - very shy and quiet. Yes, i am talking about Hannah! Can you imagine MG being shy and quiet?! Ha! ;)

Her other friends, Tia, Lyra, and Bella:

The boys joined the fun too -- another excuse to put on their costumes again!

Wait until we go trick or treating tomorrow... oh my, the stories! :)

Life has kept us busy and me away...

2010-10-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am back and there's a lot of catching up to do...
They were finally able to get back on these things... after a YEAR! No kidding! After packing them up, putting them in the shed/storage, trying to figure out the best way to use these in our new setting... I sucked it up, cleaned up an area of the garage and made room for these so they are more accessible to them. They are enjoying them very much!

It has taken him awhile.. but he is finally a bit happier about going to school and making various projects! (I hate that bowl cut look! Often times I can fix it so his hair moves to the side... but today.. bowl cut -- ARGH!!!!!)

Jim's workshop now has frames... (October 8, 2010):

MD LOVES working in Jim's garage!

Of course, E is always near by trying to do all these big boy things! (And of course, Uncle Jim is never too far to lend a helping hand.) Today Jim watched the boys while I walked Morgan to school. When I returned, they were all busy doing this... (Melts my heart that they do these things together... Something I can totally imagine them doing with my dad if he were still here with us.)

(October 9, 2010) For the 6th year, we attended the Pumpkins in the Park event at Discovery Meadows Park in Downtown San Jose!

But this year... Daddy was able to join us!!!!

While there, we ran into the Yeh family... and we invited ourselves over to their house for dinner! (I do that often so I don't have to cook -- hee hee)

While the children played...

Ed and Uyen made this delicious meal -- awesome! It's one of my favorite Vietnamese noodles dishes.

(October 11) After many tries.. we finally figured out what he needed to enjoy his swim lessons... his siblings! E's instructor allowed M&M to join him and he had a BLAST with them!

Check out that almost smile! :)

October 15, 2010 Check out the progress on the workshop! It's coming along, isn't it?!

October 17, 2010 -- They made some more Halloween decorations for their room.

And guess who stopped by with dinner? Grandma!!! E made her a bat to take home. :)

October 20, 2010 -- They had "dress like your friends" day at school. These are her new friends Lyra and Katrina.

Look... the roof is getting started!!!!!

October 22, 2010 -- Due to potential rain Jim was motivated to act fast... first stages of the roof coming along just fine... and FYI -- the roof raising ceremony is scheduled to take place October 24, 2010 at 11 AM!

October 23, 2010 -- Just hanging out today... More practice on their bikes and scooters. Rain came pouring down this early evening so we are all hanging out at home and staying dry.

MG's costume is finally done. (Mom would have done a better job, but I didn't do that bad a job. She is so thrilled that it looks like her drawing! Hmm... is that a compliment for me? But then, she is 7 and her drawing is pretty basic... Oh well, it's done! MD's hat is finished. His overalls need to be dyed (I think?) and he needs yellow buttons sewn on them. E's costume was store bought from a few years back, so he's done. (Phew! Not sure I could've handled 3 home made costumes!) Now I have to figure out what I am going to dress up as... Yee-haw is what i was aiming toward.

Out of space, WHAT????

2010-10-07T00:35:00.001-07:00

Apparently I've used up my photos space... not sure what is going on! I've deleted 2 videos and some photos from past posts... no luck yet. Stay tuned...

An experiment

2010-10-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

MD picked up a crystal growing kit from Barnes and Nobles a few months ago. .. and he's been waiting for Vince to actually be home on a weekend to work with them.... Guess what finally happened?!

So they put on their goggles...

Grabbed their magnifying glasses...

And started discovering!

It was a great afternoon!!!!

Can you tell how much fun they were having with Daddy?!

Family Portraits

2010-10-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year... Are you starting to think about family portraits for your holiday cards? Guess what we are finally doing? Vince has carved out some dates in his busy calendar so that he may take YOUR family portraits for YOUR holiday cards! (oh, and he does family pet portraits too... but I'd leave the fish in its bowl, might not be a good idea to bring him along to the park!)

When: October 23rd & 30th / November 13th & 20th

Where: TBA

Details: $25 per 30 minutes sitting fee, purchase only the prints you want! CD of all images

taken during each 30 mins. session can be purchased for $50. Complimentary 4x6 print!

Print Pricing: 8-2x3 wallets($8), 4x6($5), 5x7($10), 8x10($15), individual negatives($40)

Reserve your spot! Contact me: stephanie.c.quach@gmail.com

If you like this idea but do not want to do it for yourself, we also offer gift certificates! Order a few for your friends and family.... or neighbors or your neighbors' pets! We are open to your ideas too... so book us and bring your props! It'll be fun, I promise!

Happy October!!!!

2010-10-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

We found a new park by MG's school. The boys and I had fun swinging on these swings!

E found this and was riding it like crazy -- don't know where his final destination was but he kept telling me he was riding a hippo and that I needed to get out of the water before the sharks came -- of course, I jumped out of the way quickly! ;)

MD loved hanging upside down on this -- never mind me ~~saying~~ yelling, "stop that, you might fall backwards!"

So he sat down and gave me a smile instead... okay, much better!

After school we went to Jim and Clare's to check out the backyard progress:

Jim and Clare looking on... nervously....

But no one fell....

They loved the new beam that was put up!

Looked so much fun Auntie Clare had to join in!

Ta da!!!!!!!

Hope your weekend is going well....

Bubbles, Babies, and gluten free...uh, cupcakes?!

2010-09-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

He's doing better... This is mouse from today's project.

After we picked up MG from school we headed over to the Almaden Library to attend a bubble science class:

They all helped in one way or another:

He loved it!

And then they were off to experiment! Which container had the best combination to make the biggest bubble?

In the end, the dishwashing soap and corn syrup won!

We headed straight for Jen's house to have a small gathering with my former colleagues from Hellyer School. Kelly's daughter, Hannah, just had her baby. This is Rosemary. They call her Rose. She's so adorable!!!!

Mommy and Rose.

Proud Grandma Kelly. She's holding Owen, Jen's 8 month old. He was adorable as well... Surround me with babies and watch me drool. They were so stinking cute!!!! I can see why Kelly wanted to eat this one up!

The the best part... Danielle F. made gluten free cupcakes that were a HUGE hit with the children!

And that was our day -- hope yours was great too! And it looks like someone was actually listening to me... the weather was just right today! Thank you fall... we anxiously await you!

Learning and grape "juice"

2010-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

He's writing much better these days! I am so proud of him. He wrote: "On Sunday we went to Half Moon Bay. We went fishing." He was able to sound out most of the words and I reminded him about special words and letters that he could not hear but were there or words that required certain letters to accompany each other. For example, we have been working on ar and er sounds. In general, he will only want to write cr for car, but I remind him that a and r need each other to make a word that makes sense and that all words need to have a vowel to make sense.

And he's reading too! (and don't mind the fact that I myself, did not know the date... It was September 28th, NOT February 28th that he read this!)

(I had to delete this video to make more space for other photos, sorry Ma)

E is doing what he does best... playing while MD and I work... bless him for being more independent these days! (Might be the biweekly classes he's attending.)

After school we swung by Matt's house for some water... he offered the children grapes from the back yard. MD asked if he could make grape juice instead... of course, Matt said yes. Yikes, I say! Have a lookie:

Look at the "glop!" (MD's own word)

And in the end... all 3 approved of the new treat Uncle Matt invented for them. Grape juice, squeezed by their own little hands, sugar, and crushed ice...

Yum! He took his remainder on the road... home, so that's saying a lot!

Thank you Uncle Matt for a refreshing treat! It was supposed to be cooler today... alas, I did not agree! I was too dang hot to enjoy the afternoon... looking forward to fall! Fall, I know that you are technically here (because the children wrote that during their last art project). But I want you here and feel like you are REALLY here! I want to whip out my warm coat, snuggle with the children, sip hot chocolate, and read books under a soft warm blanket... Away with you heat!!!!

A better day and escaping the heat

2010-09-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

He was excited to go to school today -- sort of. He loves doing projects so we kept discussing the fact that he would be doing a new project today... which made him happy. Happy, that is until he walked into the classroom. Then he turned to me and said, "I'm going to miss you Momma." And he began to cry. I told him that I would miss him too but that I would be back after he finished his project. He said okay and waved goodbye to me. His teacher carried him to a table to do an activity and he cried... saying, "Bye Momma" as she walked away from me and the front door. My heart... can it break that many times in a week??? Thank goodness we don't have to do this again until Thursday. My poor broken heart will have a day of rest and to heal...
When I picked him up, he was not crying! He came running to me and pulled me over to the table where his project was! I am so proud that he can identify his own name and show me his work. This is what I was greeted with after 3 hours -- check out the smile on his face!

He was very excited to show off his puppy that he cut and glued together. AWESOME!!!! Mrs. Gavin said he did much better today... okay, only 20 more days to go! (yikes!)

Then we escaped the heat by going to the library once MD got out of his class. There's a 30 minute difference so E ate his lunch while waiting. Then this is what they chose to do while we waited to drive off to pick up MG:

After picking up MG, it was still HOT... so we escaped to Matt and Leo's so they could swim! MG decided not to swim so we finished most of her homework. E and MD splashed for a good hour before we went home. It was nice in the shade for MG and I. When we arrived at home the children ended up playing outside because it was just too darn hot inside the house.

The rest of the week promises to be cooler... yay!!!!

Swim lessons #3

2010-09-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

These two are doing very well and having a blast!

The two boys in her group make her look very graceful when she swims!

He can't get enough of the lessons and ask EV.ERY.DAY when Monday will arrive... that is an awesome sign! I love hearing that!

He, however, would rather sit on the sidelines and watch... I might just have to grant him that wish next session. Don't let the photos fool you... He cried when he went in, cried when I walked away to get the other two showered and dressed... and was sulking during the rest of the lessons while I watched from the outside. Then I came in to take a few photos before the end of class.

What did you do at swim lessons today, E? "I cried. We talked about movies. And that's it." Gee... I paid good money for you to do that? I must be pretty wealthy!

Something fishy going on here....

2010-09-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

well, maybe some little ones at Half Moon Bay.
Vince decided to take us all fishing today -- yippee! (insert sarcastic smile right about here :))
Here they are getting started:

Everyone is excited! Vince bought them each their very own fishing poles!

or light saber... it's very versatile!

The pier:

Casting the first pole:

The bait... fresh squid!

Big sis helping out:

One of our fishing neighbors gave us his fish...

So the boys had some fun with them!

Look mom!

MG is determined to get her very own fish - forget the neighbors' donations!

The boys were content to play with the donated fish!

Then he finally caught his very own -- great job MD!!!!

Here it is... need a magnifying glass????

Again, boys didn't care... they played with them anyway!

And she's still determined to get her own...

When he became bored with the fish, he started to play with the bait!

And MG's determination may be paying off...

There you have it, baby girl finally got one!!!!!!

Yahoo!!!!!!!!!

In the bucket...

Out of the bucket????

It was time to go home so we had to decide what we were going to do...

That one fish knew it wanted to go back into the water...

MD voted for the fish to go home.

MG wanted them to return to the water.

Boys won the vote... the fish came home with us.

We were too tired to cook this evening, so we went out for Vietnamese food in San Mateo. The fish are in the frig... waiting for Vince to fry them up... all 7 of them (hee hee, I know, what a feast that's going to be!). They had so much fun today. Well worth it. It was hot in San Jose, so driving to HMB was worth it. It's going to be 93 tomorrow... wow, a few more days of heat!

Happy 6th Birthday Peter!

2010-09-26T01:40:00.000-07:00

Although we do not see you as often as we would like... we hope that you know we love you very much!

This was when you were still in Switzerland!

Look how cute you were!!!!

Looking back to when you were here in CA with us...
When you first joined us in CA.... in our Cabral house.

MG was just learning to share...

She did pretty well! :)

We even took swim lessons together at Waterbabies!

And we watched you grow during the year you were with us.

You and MG always played well together!

(yikes, looking at these photos make me so happy to be rid of the kitchen floor... the new home owners should thank us!)

I wish I had more photos to share - but when the computer crashed, the photos were scattered every which way and some were lost, while others are somewhere in a recovered file... these were all that I could retrieve for now.

And look at you now! Happy 6th birthday, Peter!

We know that you love Bakugan, silly bands, Star Wars, and playing on the DSi... and that after all these years, you still do not like milk (unless it's with a cookie or two!)

They wrote this for you, Peter!

Have a great day!

Happy 8th Birthday Cassie!

2010-09-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

Cassie and MG are in girl scouts together. She had a pool party today to celebrate her 8th birthday -- which is actually today!
Her friend, Taylor, who is in high school and was the official life guard... she also has another talent. She was a true pied piper! She sat down during lunch and sang while playing her ukulele and the children were silent! It was amazing!

Here's the group!

Cake time!

Saying farewell and handing out towels and goggles as her party favor! Cute idea!

Thanks for sharing the day with us Cassie. We had fun! I say "we" because I actually had time to sit and enjoy the afternoon with other moms. The boys were home with Vince. MG played with her friends... I was an adult today hanging out with friends! hee hee... :)

(BTW, if you like MG's headband... I made it! Here's a link to another blog I follow. She has some great tutorials! And her shirt is new too -- it's Tinkerbell, her new love. E and I made that for her when he stayed home from preschool Thursday -- he is getting over a cold.)

Never "just" a visit...

2010-09-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Stopping at Matt's for a "second"... well, that just never happens! The boys and I had just had a nice celebration with my wonderful mom friends from Allen (where we celebrated Astrid's birthday earlier in the week)...

After stuffing our faces with delicious muffins that Astrid made (the boys always ask for more than 3 each time she makes them!), Kelly's store bought cake (but she could have said she made it and I would have been okay with it because she bakes well!), and drinking some delicious and so needed cups of coffee (I had 2)... we stopped by Matt's, as it was on the way home. Matt was doing some yard work so we hopped on over to the back yard to "help." MD saw the pool and asked to go in... "no, not now," was my reply. We did not have lunch yet so we should go home, have lunch, then come back later to play in the pool after we pick up MG. That was the plan... But Matt offered to make us something to eat. "No," I said. "Yes," he said. "No," I said, "we shouldn't bother you." "Yes," he said, "not a problem." Well, twist my arm! Okay! So we stayed... I sat and watched this...

(Do you love the matching caps?! MD put it on outside and walked in the house with it on. Once he started cooking with Matt he didn't even think about taking it off. It's cute that they look alike!)

Matt, you are an amazing friend. What more can I say?! You totally take care of us! Lunch was amazing!!!

And when you think this was it... We did come back in the afternoon because MD wanted to swim, remember? Well, here we go again! But this time, MG said she did not want to swim. She sat and did some quiet activities in the books that Matt and Leo bought them. (They have their own acitivity box over at their house, under the guest bed...)

MD did a lot of this....

and E... spent the entire time doing this!

It was a wonderful Friday afternoon.

More about our week coming up... Since we were so busy this week I am a bit behind on my posts. Have no fear, Mom, my loyal follower... I will get back on track this week!

The zoo, a swim, a few lost photos, and a postcard swap!

2010-09-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

The boys dug for dinosaur fossils this afternoon... it was a successful dig. Don't look for them on the front page news though -- the fossil was place there by the zoo developers of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo! Oh, well. We'll have to seek our fortunes elsewhere!

For some unexplained reason E cried today at lessons. Don't know what happened. He started out happy as a clam while waiting for his class to start and could hardly stand to be out of the water while M&M were in the pool. The second his teacher came to get him, he almost ran away from her! But of course, I made him stay and walked away while he cried... but went to him after I showered and dressed the other 2 after their lessons.

M&M had a fantastic lesson today. They are by no means great swimmers, but they are surely more confident now than they were last month! I look forward to seeing their progression this year. They worked on their free style and breast strokes, then ended the day's lesson with treading water. Both were able to stay afloat for 12 seconds! I thought that was a wonderful goal to reach for them both. I forgot the camera in the car, so these few photos were taken from my phone. I use it a lot these days!

While uploading the above photos I found the following in my phone too!

Last Friday we hung out a bit at Jim and Clare's. Look how the back yard is coming along... Jim and I just moved that big slab of concrete onto the dolly. It may look small but it sure was heavy! He couldn't move it further so that's where it stayed until Saturday when someone stronger would come by to help him move it further away! MD is surveying the work. I think he approves! Just get it done so he can play in the new building! :)

Just so you know, MG is not at all a typical girl! She loves being a girly girl... but she can also hammer and make as much noise as her brothers! (Even while wearing a pretty girly girl dress!)

This is the dress she chose to wear for picture day at school Friday. Jim and Clare bought her this dress for her birthday. Uyen says it reminds her of Sailor Moon.

I've signed up for a postcard swap -- something for MG and I to do together. We were given the country of Egypt. It sounds fun! And you know what's cool?! The example she gave was the from the country of Cambodia! See here. Anyone want to join us? The deadline is September 30, 2010. Go check it out here!

Our Weekend

2010-09-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

was very simple... and definitely needed.
Sometimes I feel like we are all over the place and I am always trying to catch my breathe! Do you feel that way? So this weekend, I had a few activities in mind, but I did not hold myself to them in case the children had other plans. We sort of went with the flow... (I finally finished the wedding I've been working on - yahoo! Coffee is my new best friend!)

Our favorite activities were from today -- reading our books, playing games, and completing a fall art projects. I saw this project here and HAD to try it with the children! It reminded me of projects I did in elementary school -- remember the ones where you flattened out flowers, waited for them to dry, then ironed them between wax papers and made bookmarks out of them for Mother's Day?!

It looked simple enough... but shaving the crayons with scissors was a bit harder than I expected. M&M did their best but E got a bit frustrated. I was not worried he would cut his fingers because the scissors I gave him are pretty dull. Regardless, it was a difficult task for him. Even MD had a hard time shaving fast enough for his normal pace so towards the end he asked for my help.

MG was not getting the results she wanted. She wanted to do so many colors but didn't know if she could handle the scrapping much longer! In the end, she stuck with 3 colors.

This is E's -- with my help.

Then we ironed ! After E's I realized that all I had to do was put the hot on and take it off -- not really iron the wax papers! The crayons melted in no time!

After the wax papers cooled off, they traced their leaves....

Then cut.

He had to try it out too!

Then we took it a step further... I always like to incorporate writing whenever I can!

So they each took a word and wrote it out: "Fall is Here"

Then we hung the leaves on their bedroom window! I thought it turned out so nice!

After reading a few chapters of Magic Tree House, we played a game of Scrabble. We didn't follow the rules exactly. We just made sure that the words we put together were actual words! This is the same game from my childhood -- yes, of course my mom still had it! She keeps "almost" everything! They did fairly well. M&M were on the same team. They each had their own tiles, but they helped each other out. MD mostly made 3 and 4 letter words.

He disappeared while MG was making her word and came back with this can. It's the can I made for him full of kindergarten sight words. He felt they would be helpful to him. By all means, use your resources! We use this can at least a couple of times a week to see what words he can read on his own. Each time we play, he chooses a color and we only read those color words.

This little one stayed with us through most of the game but got bored quickly... Although he always finds things to do to entertain himself! He's being a fierce dinosaur her! (Although I won't ruin it for him and let him know that he's too cute to be fierce!)

That was out weekend... hope you had a great one too! Next weekend will not be this quiet... a birthday party is on the calendar and a possible outing to Half Moon Bay?! We also have a few gifts to work on for Cousin Peter who is turning 6 soon!!!!

The Boiling Crab

2010-09-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

If not for Ed and Uyen, we would not know what the Boiling Crab was... a real craze around here apparently! And now we know why!
Ed came home with a huge bag full of some good stuff!

Then he opened up all the bags and started to dump everything on the table! Thank goodness they gave some waxed paper table covers!

Now, is that a sight or what?! It tasted even better! Trust me on that one -- especially if you are allergic to seafood. You just might need to ignore my post for today! (I'm sorry.) I will have to admit though that the crayfish/crawfish, although tasty... were a bit of a small reward. There was a lot of sucking going on... all the flavor was in that delicious red sauce! Again, trust me on this one... we soaked up everything in that sauce!

It was a fun evening... and pictures were forgotten once the meal started. And just for your info... the children had cheese and pepperoni pizzas for their dinner! I think James might have just skipped dinner... but he did not pass up dessert! We had root-beer floats and ice cream sundaes (well, the basics of chocolate, sprinkles, and whipped cream topping!). Ed and Uyen - thank you! What a wonderful meal this was...

Meet DJ and an update

2010-09-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

DJ is short for Daisy Juliette --Her Brownie Girl Scout mascot. The girls are taking turns -- 2 weeks each. Each time that the girls have her, they take her to different places and they photograph DJ with them.
I brought her to school today to surprise her... and you'd be shocked to read that MD carried it from the car, walked across a busy street for all to see... and then straight to her class and handed DJ to MG! Visiting her classroom and school was our trip. SO we had a photo session with DJ:

DJ at her desk:

DJ and the math manipulatives:

DJ and MG leaving her classroom corridor:

Look how big her school is! This building you see to the left is for the 4th and 5th graders!

When we were in the class, I saw this hanging up -- I think it was up during Back to School Night, but I went by it too quickly to take a photograph. It's so funny!

Can you see what she has to say? (Let me help you...)

Morgan

Very neat, boss to brothers, and nice

Daughter of Steph and Vince

Lover of reading and writing

Who fears bugs and other disgusting things

Would like to see Atlanta, Georgia

Resident of Los Gatos

Quach

After dropping her off at school today... we went to preschool/preK again. It's every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-12:30. So far, he's fine:

See? He even saw a flower on the side, while walking to class and picked it up for me!

Unfortunately, once we walked up the steps to the classroom, he asked to go home. We walked MD to class first then quickly said goodbye to him. We walked next door and he kept saying, "Mommy, I want to go home, I'm tired." And through tears he kept asking me to go home. Mrs. Gavin took him from me and I walked out. At one point he took a deep breath to cry and nothing came out. I ducked and waited by the bench in front of his class to listen to him. He eventually let out the cry! But all turned out well. He had a better day today. The bonus was when he was able to have recess with MD. They apparently played on the monkey bars together! Hooray!

After picking up MG from school we went to Jim and Clare's for a bit. The boys did some hammering...

MD made a table!

Tonight for dinner we had fresh green beans tossed with salt, pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Our entree was lamb with a side of mashed potatoes. MD cut the potatoes for boiling. Then he and MG took turns mashing it with butter and milk. When I informed them we were having lamb, MG asked what kind of meat that was. I said, "lamb is lamb, you know like Mary had a little lamb." She then clarified, "No, is it like cow is beef? Pig is pork? What's lamb?" I repeated my answer... then she was quiet and just said, "Oh...." very quietly... as if she totally got the Mary and her lamb thing. Sorry, Mary -- but lamb is delicious! MD loved it and kept asking for more. I only cooked one rack -- apparently I need to cook 2 racks next time!

This little one liked it too!

In my dry rub, I used rosemary, sage, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, zest of a lime (because I couldn't find a fresh lemon in the house) and fresh minced garlic. Rubbed it all over, popped it in the oven for about 45 minutes on 350/400 then broiled on low the last couple of minutes to get that crispy flavor of the garlic, salt, and pepper. Yummy!

MG went to bed with four braids all over her head... picture day is tomorrow! She wanted curly hair and to wear the dress Auntie Clare and Uncle Jim gave her for her birthday!

Today... Last Year!

2010-09-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

These two were getting ready to start their day... MG was already in her first grade class. MD was getting ready to start preschool. My, time sure flies! But the faces... well, they are still the same ones! Goofy as ever! ;)

I'm not sure why, but last night, this picture kept popping up in my head while I was getting ready for bed:

When the computer crashed I lost at least 2 year's worth of photos (yes, including MD's birth) ... some I remember and are fresh in my head. This is one of them. They were sitting on the grass in Jim and Clare's backyard. I always loved those California poppies and the yellow sour flowers! I remember MD could barely sit up and MG was trying very hard to help him. I think I took about 30 photos that afternoon in that same spot! (Only a few survived the crash) I gave him that yellow flower to hold to distract him. I looked away for a split second and when I looked back, he had that flower in his mouth. No, I did not grab a photo of it. I wish I had! It's funny that the above photo of his first day in preschool matches the photo of him and MG on the grass. Good to know his talents are always "improving!"

First day for the boys...

2010-09-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

off to preschool and preK. MD was ready to go. He's a pro at this thing now. E... well, I've been prepping him for a month - as soon as I signed up! Every day or so, i would ask him if he was ready to go to school like MD. His response? "Yes, because I'm a big boy now, Momma." And then he would proceed to show me that he is now 3 -- with his cute, stubby, tiny fingers! And each time, this would bring a smile to my face. And today, the dreaded day for me came... the day I would send my boys off for 3 hours while I sat at home eating bon bons! HA! If that wasn't a joke I don't know what is! That was a good one though, huh? Can you imagine??? Oh, the life that would be! (Rather, I spent 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted editing time!!!! Woohoo!!!!) But this post isn't about me... it never is! ;) Okay... back to the boys!

All 3 getting ready for school!

MD:

MG:

After dropping off MG at her school, we ran a quick errand to the post office then it was straight to Southside Community Center! MD is anxious to go so he's off first. E is going with the flow... for now!

MD checked in first to his classroom. I was not too impressed with the classroom set up - actually the entire environment was a bit sad to me. So, I've already decided that at the end of this session, we will not be returning. This place is pretty crummy compared to the place MD came from over at Almaden Community Center! Notice how MD's teacher is no where near them? She was in the back -- just looking at them. Not sure why, but she didn't give many directions. She did, however, hand us a piece of paper telling about herself and her expectations. It wasn't much. I don't think I should be expecting much from her! I think she just wanted us to check in and check out! I was fine with that... and so was MD!

So, E and I slowly walked next door to his classroom. See the figure in the upper left looking at him? She's one of the 2 teachers, Ms. Ortiz. She was nice and friendly. See his right hand going up? That was his signal that he needed me to hold his hand NOW! So I held his hand and we walked to put down his backpack and lunch.

He found these things of interest to him and sat down to play. I took this opportunity to leave him for a bit to check on MD. E was fine with me leaving for a bit.

After leaving MD, I thought it best to not return to check on E. I took these photos of E's classroom:

And right next door, MD's classroom. I turned around to walk toward the parking lot and heard E screaming for me. My heart sank. I wanted to return... but as a teacher, I knew that would be a mistake! So I quietly left him. I sat in the car and texted Melinda. I was hoping she would be of comfort... but she offered to go pick up E! :) I knew he would be fine... but the thought of leaving him there crying for me... That was so hard! After 5 minutes (maybe more) of sitting in the parking lot... I drove away. I went to the grocery store to quickly pick up a sack of rice then went home to make a cup of strong coffee and began editing. 2 hours flew by very quickly for me!

When the door opened, this is what greeted me -- Oh, the tears were streaming down....

He held me tight... well, maybe it was more I held him tight... I don't know. I think we held each other pretty tight for awhile! He was fine for a bit. Then we walked over to the table and he showed me what he had done today! He totally recognizes his name and knew where to go. "E for Ethan, Mommy," he said through tears and a few heaves.

Then we proceeded to go next door to get MD. E was very excited to show big brother his pencil calendar. See the excitement??? Okay, he was still pretty traumatized by the morning's event... but he made it through!

See? A few seconds later, he was just fine!!!! :)

So, want to hear his version of the day?!

Me: E, how was your first day at school?

E: My first day of school, I cried a lot because I wanted you.

Me: But you knew I was coming back, right?

E: Yes, but I still wanted you.

Me: Okay... I'm sorry you cried. Did you do anything else?

E: I played then we clean-ded up and we played on the playground outside.

Me: How was that?

E: It was fun.

Me: Did you eat your lunch?

E: Yes, just my bar.

Me: Are you going to cry on Thursday?

E: No.

(we'll see!)

This is what MD had to say:

MD: I heard E crying and I wanted to go to him.

Me: Did you?

MD: The teachers said no.

Me: Yeah... I asked her and she didn't think that would be a good idea.

MD: There is a door and it connects our classrooms.

Me: Pretty cool, huh?

MD: Yeah... but I kept hearing E crying and asking for you.

Me: I'm sorry. Tell me about your day.

MD: I ate my fruit cup first and then ate my sandwich. I'm still hungry.

Me: What else did you do?

MD: I played on the jungle gym and did the monkey bars. I think I hurt my hand.

(I looked at his hand and he is fine. Just a bit red from holding on to the bars I guess. He's trying to do what MG and Olivia do a lot of after school -- hang form the monkey bars!)

And there my friends, was the first day I ever left my child crying... and look, he survived! I think I did pretty well myself. I was going to sit in the parking lot and cry but I didn't... because if I did, I knew Melinda would go get E for me! :)

After school activity for today (I'm trying to get back into doing something with them everyday...depending on our existing activities):

He didn't need much help -- just a reminder as to what the final product was -- a SELF portrait!

(That's his spiky hair he's drawing!)

MD is working on his "shark looking teeth":

She's using the smearing technique we talked about before working on the activity:

The left photo is what he drew last year in June. My, how things have... progressed?

Pretty good, huh?! I love it! Don't you love the long eye lashes? He has to rub that in on MG and I who barely have any!

To the right is MG's picture from last year, June 2009. She's definitely showing signs of progress!

Didn't she do a fabulous job?! Maybe she can keep practicing and get a job at Disneyland doing caricatures for those tourists! Haha!!! (Do you think she thinks she has a big mouth? Or do you think she wants fuller lips? I'm not sure... I didn't ask her!)

And this guy, apparently thinks he's a cyclops! Well, what can I say? He is quite the monster sometimes! But he did it all on his own! Hooray for this big guy!

Swim lessons in Fall?

2010-09-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Yes -- because they requested! How can I say no? It's an activity I do not "love," so if they love it -- I am more than happy to accommodate their request.

So I had no idea that it was so difficult to find a year round swim school that was within our budget! Our budget is pretty limited right now... so, although I really like AVAC, they are definitely not within our budget right now! I tried calling a few other community centers but they were either closed for repairs, the season, and/or still too expensive... I finally stumbled upon a school that I remembered another mom from soccer class had casually mentioned...almost a year ago! I called today and found out they were indeed open for lessons (year round) but lessons start TODAY! Wow, I had to make a decision without any knowledge of the school! Since it was within our price range - I went for it! MD was SOOOO ( I mean it!) SOOOO excited when I got off the phone and told him we were going to lessons after we pick up MG from school. He was ready to load himself in the car right then and there -- it was barely 1:00!

Well, they went and they had a GREAT time! AND the pool is heated AND indoor! Score!!!!
Lessons were 35 minutes long with a 5 minute free play time at the end. The pool was quiet. The teachers seem nice. They staff members are definitely really nice and professional. So far, so good!

See for yourselves!
Their teacher's name is Brian.

E with his teacher Danielle -- he was lucky enough to have a private lesson today. We're not sure he will be this lucky next week!

I asked for a picture and this is what he gives me...

Why can't he be like her??? See how cute she is???

And then I tried once more... and this is so much better... right?! Lucky me... I'm stuck with him for.. how many more years of this?! :)

Great day! I walked over 13, 000 steps today. The boys and I had a great afternoon around the house. Then it was rush, rush, rush to get MG, go to swim lessons, shower them at the center, rush home in traffic...SCREAM at E to wake up because we are almost home, promise (and at one point asked MG to lightly pinch him awake!), rush in the house to make dinner, help MG with homework, eat dinner, skip dessert because the whole weekend was spent eating birthday cake!, clean up, brush teeth, read bedtime stories (it's now back to Magic Tree House's Haunted Castle - did I mention we are loving DSA - Dragon Slayer's Academy (thanks Jen!) and they can now speak and understand pig latin?! Well, I will next time!) , tuck them all in bed... and collapse! But back to editing....

The weekend in review

2010-09-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

Vince's birthday sort of lasted all weekend!
Saturday we met his family at Palace BBQ Buffet in Sunnyvale. If you like meat (A LOT of it) and cooking it on your own, this place is for you!

Vince and his brother had to sit at a separate table. His sister and family were running late. They will sit with them upon arrival. They started... They had a great time cooking their meal.

YUM!!!

Us, on the other hand... not so much! My MIL (mother-in-law) and her family members cooked some meat. MIL's mom (in white hat) didn't eat much. Neither did her friends, sitting next to her. They took a few bites, then ended up cooking meat for the sake of cooking meat... which MIL and I ended up finishing! I was pretty proud of MIL and I -- we sure know how to eat! :)

The children... well, they ate here and there, but they mostly had jello and watermelon! Meat buffets are not their thing! They prefer Fresh Choice -- mac and cheese all the way, baby! But it was Daddy's birthday so we let him decide. MG had fun using chopsticks!

Surprisingly, MD did not eat much. What you see in front of him was barely touched in the end....

This little one ate a little bit of everything and then wanted to walk around.

It was a fun afternoon. We then went to MIL's house and sat around chatting until later in the evening (I was full arounf dinner time so I skipped dinner... until 11PM when I was hungry again!). The children went to the park and played with their cousins... who bought them ice cream from an ice cream truck! I have NEVER purchased ice cream for them from an ice cream truck before -- so it was a wonderful treat for them. My reason? Why, when you can buy ten times the amount for the same price at Costco! My friends, how can the experience be any different? Just come home and have the darn ice cream in the comforts of your own home! Oh well, I'm just cheap! I gave them each $1 for the ice cream... but honestly, I wasn't sure if that was enough! Thanks for taking care of them Tracy, Liberty, and Christine. They had so much fun today.

Sunday rolled around... and they were jumping around again at Pump it Up in Sunnyvale in honour of Josh's 5th birthday.

A whole lot of bouncing and jumping going on here!!!!

MD wanted to do this... but he needed someone to go with him. MG could not be convinced. E was too little to even think about doing it...

Guess who won?! I overlooked my fear of heights and up I went!

Which then prompted Olivia to ask Melinda to go with her! They both did very well!

Cake time!

Our friends from Allen:

The Mahs:

The Edgintons:

The Robertsons:

MG, Sarah, and Olivia -- I hope they will remain friends for many years to come!

Theodore and E -- whoops -- eyes closed!

The Quach3 and Asadas -- with a very jumpy Josh! Happy 5th Birthday Josh!!!! We had so much fun today!

Then we headed to Jim and Clare's to celebrate Vince's birthday (again!).

Auntie Clare let MG mash the potatoes (her favorite - I hope she didn't drool too much while mashing them ;) !!!):

She gave it her all!

Uncle Jim kept the boys busy using the toys from Josh's bday party bag:

Vince poured the champagne:

We cheered:

Dinner was served! A delicious meal prepared by Clare -- pork chops on the grill, grilled bell peppers, steamed broccoli, green salad, and mashed potatoes.

Then MG brought out daddy's cake:

Uncle Jim presented Daddy with a gift that was given to him from his neighbor, Pat, who lives across the street. This pick ax and shovel combo was once her husband's when he was in the military. Bob passed away earlier in the year. He was a good man.

Everyone waiting for Daddy to "cut the cake!" (Courtesy of my mom, we now have a cut the cake song! I will get the children to sing it one day!)

And that was our weekend... how was yours?!!! Are you ready for Monday?! I am! Tomorrow I walk with Melinda. We are starting up our walking routine again. Tuesday, the boys start preschool and prekindergarten! Let's see what the week has in store for us...

Oh, and a backyard update -- Jim has been working VERY hard! This weekend there was a LOT of digging!

Guess what this is going to be? Well... I'll give you a hint... if Jim leaves it there much longer, MG and E are going to get very creative with John's vehicles! Know what I mean?!

And we have been enjoying these yummy treats! Do you know what they are? Asian Pears! Juicy and sweeeet!

Tooth #7... OUT!

2010-09-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

The night before she started second grade (August 29, 2010)... while eating corn at Jim and Clare's! (we've been busy and I forgot that this was int he draft file! So it's a bit of a late update!)

That night she wrote a note: (I can't seem to figure out why it uploaded sideways!)

The next morning she was rewarded!

Now we wait...#8 is starting to wriggle a bit...stay tuned!

In remembrance

2010-09-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

9 years... doesn't seem so long ago... and yet we are still paying the price of that tragic event.

This photo came from here.

What more can be said?

Let us remember the brave men and women who died for us...

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2010-09-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

The second they woke up they wanted to wake him up...
We are all up by 6:40 AM and out the door by 7:30 AM each morning. Vince does his own thing and is usually out the door AFTER us, so no, I would NOT let them wake him up. Instead, I took out some papers and markers and had them "start" on his card... then they all finished after school:

I had enough time to make appetizers - mozzarella with tomatoes and basil. The mozzarella is from Trader Joe's. The tomatoes are from Leo and Matt's backyard. The basils are courtesy of Mom and Morgan's work. Apparently, she and mom planted her girl scout basil plants in the backyard in a HUGE flower pot along with her camellias. They did not mention to me where the basils were planted...months later I walked out the back door and discovered the most beautiful basil plant that was extremely healthy and ... tasty! :) Thank you mom and Morgan... and the girl scouts who helped Morgan plant the seeds for her when she was absent from the meeting.

Our main course -- clams in a tomato based sauce. Cherry tomatoes from Leo and Matt's backyard. Clams from Costco... on our way home from school. (They were so tasty... at almost $5 a pound... but so worth it as we ate them all! Well, we 4 ate them all. MG wouldn't touch them. Where did we find her anyway?! E slurped every last drop from his bowl. MG and MD also loved the sauce in their noodles.)

As soon as Vince walked in the door, he was presented with his cards (I was too busy setting the table - so no photos). They literally screamed at him the second they saw him pull into the driveway. Screaming at the top of the lungs! Then they all ran to wash their hands and sit at the table. Because it had been a long day and they were hungry! This side of the table:

The other side of the table:

Their big treat tonight... root beer! They discovered this when we were in Hawaii. There were lots of "cheers" all around -- any excuse to raise their glasses and drink during dinner!

Dinner was very filling. Everyone was content... especially Daddy. So content that we all had to skip dessert! Yes, you read that correctly -- we skipped dessert! The children and I picked up cake and ice cream... but both will need to be enjoyed at a later time. This is going to be a busy birthday weekend for Vince. Lunch with his family Saturday. Dinner with the Schoenfelders on Sunday... that is when we will enjoy the cake I think... or Saturday after dinner... most likely sushi if Vince gets his way! But the children will be more than happy to accompany us to Ariake Sushi, our new favorite sushi place.

A lot going on in the backyard!

2010-09-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

Remember when I mentioned Jim is working on a work shed in the backyard? He's been pretty busy. So the boys tried their hardest to stay out of his way -- but also be in the backyard with him, just in case he needs their "help."

This is where the new shed will be -- but bigger and better!

Here's Clare cleaning the area up:

The same vehicle from yesterday's discovery is being put to good use today. He's getting it ready...

to launch a few rocks in the air with his foot! I guess it's too boring to just "dig" with the digger. You should have seen him at the end of this activity. I told him he looked like he was an orphan because he looked so dirty and unkept! Is that bad to say? I was just trying to tell him that he looked like no one takes care of him. Really! He had dirt all over his face -- and some around his eyes! His shirt was filthy! What was he doing?! Well, he discovered that if he put a rock in the scooper part, he could launch the rock(s) with his foot. When the rocks became too boring, he added dirt. Well, you can use your imagination... Here's the launch!!!!

E was content to just dig, dig, and dig some more.... Think he has enough shovels?! I think Jim gave him his entire collection to use! (Must be those big eyes that sweet talked Uncle Jim!)

And Miss MG was doing this. She has now discovered the funnies from the Sunday paper and enjoys it when she has some quiet time (which isn't too often, but Auntie Clare keeps them for her.):

When Jim came in for a "rest" he managed to sit for 3 minutes or so before E requested some apple pears! Anyone???? (Again, must be those big eyes! I need me a set of those big eyes! ;))

We are winding down... guess who turns 36 tomorrow? Hint, it's not me! I can barely remember my age these days, but I know it's NOT me!!! Must start dinner prep now... hmmm... obviously, more to come!

Never enough of Andy Z ...

2010-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

and other activities of the day:

we spent the morning singing with Andy Z. He's great -- if I haven't said that enough! He saw us, waved, and after the show asked where MG was. Although he does not know our names, he is familiar with our faces. He asked where the "older one was."

Every time we see him, he comments on this photo because of our matching shirts last year at the Campbell festival! Thanks again Amanda for doing this project with us.

The boys had some free time to play with Lily and Brianna. They really enjoyed this trampoline!

They did some tumbling too!

Then we headed off to meet MG. Clare and Jim picked her up from school today because of Andy's concert. I did not want to rush out to get her so we worked it out for Jim and Clare to pick her up. It was a nice treat for her to have some quality time with them. They fed her lunch and had some discovery time in the back yard together. When we arrived, she was doing this:

So I pushed the boys outside and Jim gave them something to do! They began excavating rocks! It was so much fun to help Jim clean up the rocks he found in his shed. He is planning on building a work shed in the back yard so various areas of the yard needs to cleaned up.

The boys were fully entertained for an hour or more! Jim was amazed that they could keep so busy with a pile of rocks. Hey, rock to you... treasure to them! They were cleaning up the rocks and looking for valuable treasures, like true pirates that they are!

After awhile, MG came out to join them! Uncle Jim, always there to provide some educational talk with the children. Thank goodness for Jim who knows so much!

Jim also found a pile of his son's, John's, pile of vehicles! These 3 got down to business and began cleaning them for future play time!

When we arrived at home, MG sat down to complete her homework, while MD began drawing. We just picked this book up yesterday and he's getting the hang of it. Although he says the picture he drew is not that good -- I say, pish, posh, that is an awesome picture! As a matter of fact, I like it so much I am going to blog about it!

Not bad, I say!

Some of you will find this pretty offensive...

2010-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

but E thinks meat is pretty cool...especially when while he is standing there looking at the "black chicken" the butcher starts flinging in new frozen whole chicken at the display window area -- head and feet attached! The black chicken are there, but covered up by the new chicken he just flung in.

And to his right...chicken feet.. woo whoo... even better!

Today was market day... and when I was done with my part (buying veggies, noodles, and tofu), they had their fill. They look forward to this part... asking me what every part of the meat is called and where it comes from! (Truth be told, I don't know what half the stuff there is called either so I have to read signs and then look for what "might" be that thing. We've tried asking the butchers behind the counter before, but they normally are not very interactive, those Asian store butchers! They want you to know your stuff, ask for it and leave! Something like ordering a bowl of pho!) Regardless, they like this part!

I forgot to take photos of the seafood selection! They love that part even more because there no glass partitions between them and the seafood! They can actually touch the fish -- but they don't! I have told them may times... "look but do not touch or you will not come back!" (Thank goodness they listen to me because they always accompany me to the Asian market - al.ways! I'd be lost as to what to do with them when I go!)

After the market, we went home for lunch, played a bit, then back to pick up MG from school. On the way home, they always somehow convince me to stop at the library -- even though we have a ton of books checked out already! The library is another favorite place to go. We visit a few different ones. This is the Vineland Branch Library. I like their children's reading area. It always seems so comfortable -- especially if you sit by the bay window... I could have easily taken a nap there! Luckily, they chose to sit at some random spot by a chair on the floor!
She's reading Abiyoyo Returns. Do you know the original story? They love it!

He's looking at Sponge Bob books today... a character I do not care for. Oh well!

E loves Olivia. I do too. She's something else, that pig! Reminds me a bit of E!

Hopefully the library photos made up for those offensive market meat photos!

Today...

2010-09-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Vince had a wedding so we were on our own.
No problem!
A stop at Borders kept us busy for about 2 hours! She read 6 books! (sorry for the yellowy photos -- these were all taken from my phone.)

He found some pretty cool toys he would like to purchase. Then he discovered the hand puppets.

Monkey see monkey do dude...

It was hot on our way out so I thought a treat was necessary for everyone! I had a caramel frappe and they each had one of these. Oh my, was that delicious! MD and E had a hard time finishing theirs. So I made the official sacrifice. Oh the sacrifices of a mother never ends!

Then they each became pretty goofy! :)

We missed daddy but the soft serve and ice cold coffee was a temporary and yummy distraction. How was your Sunday?

Friends and Lemonade

2010-09-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today we met our friends from Allen School. Julie was nice enough to offer up her driveway for the children to have a yard sale. We didn't have much to offer... but the children have been asking to have a lemonade stand. Why not?! We had one...
Here they all are -- enjoying each other's company:

My noise maker trying to make some money. He actually approached customers on my suggestions and would say to them, "Are you thirsty? Would you like a nice cold cup of lemonade?" (He was very cute about it though.)

She was excited about the concept but was very quiet when customers approached her. (We need to give Emma E. credit for the awesome sign she helped to write. Great job, Emma and thank you!)

He decided he would rather sell Sarah and Josh's brownies! (that's Josh behind the fuzzy bear book)

So... result of the day? We left with a negative balance! Haha! I didn't have any lemons at home. So we stopped at the store to pick up some lemonade mix and ice. Well, that was $5.00 worth. Then we came home with $2.50. We need to sell more cups! It was a nice day with friends.

Our Naked Chef

2010-09-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

well... almost!
(Don't look too close!)

It was what he wanted to do! He had just gone to the bathroom and didn't want help finishing up. He then ran off to play! He yelled for me after a few minutes and declared, "Mommy, I'm the chef. I will cook for you!" So I ordered a spaghetti dinner plate with chicken. He stated he did not have it but would make me macaroni and cheese instead. Well, what kind of business are you running if I can't order what I want to eat, I asked him. He calmly said, "It's okay Mommy, you'll like it."

Have a great weekend everyone! (In case you are wondering, it was a hot day -- hence the reason he wanted to go bottomless and MD topless!)

I should explain...

2010-09-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

because many of you have been asking. I also meant to post about it after MG started school... or the same day as MG's first day, but I've been so busy with her "being" in school. Anyway... here we go!

MD "just" turned 5.. and I am not ready to let him go. So, when school started on August 30 for MG, no, he did not start kindergarten this year. He "could" have, but we decided he didn't "need" to...yet! Am I being selfish? Maybe... Am I making the right choice? I hope so! Are we okay with the decision? Yes, we are! We finally just said, "Why rush him?" Honestly, he will have so many years to be in school. How much longer will we be able to keep him "free" from the structures of school and discipline? Not much longer... So in the end, we decided we would be okay and so would he.

When he begins kindergarten, we want for him to be confident and strong about the choices he makes. We want him to make better choices in general. So an extra year to grow will benefit him in the long run. See here. We think that if we send him now, he will rise to the occasion and do the best he can. However, we go back to... why rush him? He will do fine either way -- so let me get my fill of him now when he still wants to be near me. Right?! ;)

He and E will begin school together in a few weeks. He will be attending a "PreK" class, which E will be next door in a preschool class. It is only two days a week for a few hours. Those few hours away from me will be good for them both. Those few hours will also allow me time to volunteer at MG's school, boys free. It's the right thing to do!

So there you have it. The more I speak to more parents about this, the more I feel "right" about this choice. We are looking at MD as an individual - separate from MG and E. He, as an individual child, will soar once he starts Kindergarten. But until he starts... we will enjoy his goofy personality a bit longer! :)

Back to Business

2010-09-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

MG is loving school and I am so happy for her!
So today, MD and E had their first real day with me... "Mommy School," as they call it.

MD read, wrote a sentence in their adventure book, and did some math:

E, he did some work, as well. Work that only he can interpret at this point! Regardless, he kept busy while MD and I worked together.

And she's off to Second Grade!

2010-08-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

We were nervous -- she was not... and in the end, she was just fine!

Saying goodbye to Uncle Jim and Aunt Clare....

And the boys she's been dying to escape ALL summer! :)

Quick photo with Mommy:

And off we go! Jim and Clare offered to watch the boys so she and I could go off on our own this morning. I also had a parent orientation/coffee to attend. So it was great to be on our own! E is still in his PJs!

And she's off!

This is her school -- Blossom Hill Elementary School. It's a K-5 grade school.

Baby girl looking at her class bulletin board:

A close up -- can you find her name?

Isn't she so cute? We picked out the entire week's outfit already...

She's heading in with her class. This little girl in front of her ended up crying and didn't want to go in! She's probably the outgoing girl in the class and really isn't very shy at all! :)

She's looking for her desk:

Still looking:

Teacher to the rescue:

As i was leaving, I had to snap one last photo... She was a bit teary eyed. After the coffee with the principal, (whom I met and was a JOY to speak with!) I saw her again and she was happy as can be!

I am so proud of her. It's not easy starting a new school after making friends in Kindergarten and First Grade. Friends are important to me and I know she feels the same way. I know she will be fine!

Stay tuned for more photos of her first week! And this evening - an update of her first day's experience! New school, new teacher, new friends!!!!

Afters chool we all went to pick her up, MD, E, Clare, and myself. She came running towards me with a huge smile on her face... and a small cup of Skittles! Hmmmm.... sugar at the end of the day -- smart teacher! :)

This is her teacher, Ms. Jenelle Dini. She is new to Blossom Hill School this year. She seemed really nice when I briefly spoke with her in the morning. Morgan seemed to like her very much.

She didn't have a lot to say this afternoon. SHe just said she had a fun day! I am okay with that. :) She apparently made a friend and they had lunch together. But then the friend found an old friend and left Morgan by herself during lunch. :( I guess she said she sat on the bench with her lunch box the rest of the lunch recess. :( But she didn't seem sad about it. It was just a statement she was making. So I don't think she was affected by the afternoon incident of sitting on the bench by herself. Tomorrow, I suggested that she ask her new friend to introduce her to that friend so that they could ALL play together. We'll see how that works out. Overall, I think she had a good day and will enjoy this teacher and the new school.

The night before the first day of school...

2010-08-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Corinna, Clare, and Jim had us over for a wonderful dinner...

in honour of MG's first day of school tomorrow! And guess what else happened during dinner?
Tooth #7 came out!!!!!
Pictures to come tomorrow...

Lisa's Tea Treasure

2010-08-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

After a successful cookie sale last year, the girls were finally able to enjoy an afternoon here today.

I only have time to show you this beautiful picture of my baby girl right now... because tomorrow is her first day of school and I need to get to bed! More photos to come...

She's holding their mascot -- DJ (Daisy Juliette)

Her meal:

My meal -- If I may be honest... I could have eaten 2 plates of this stuff! Dainty is not for me! Really, it was good. But I wanted MORE!!!!

The moms. Pardon my big fat arm in the way! (MG took this photo) From left to right: me, Nancy (Emily, the helper's mom), Cindy (troop leader and Cassie's mom), and Melinda (co-leader, Olivia and Emma's mom, and my very good friend)

Lisa (on right) will kill me if she knew I used this photo, but it's the only one I had. It's not very flattering with her lips like that! But she doesn't read my blog...That's Collen in purple (Dominique's mom)

Yummy sundae dessert!

I had the brownie with vanilla gelato -- too rich (but yummy) and the gelato was freshing! For once, I did NOT finish my dessert. Shocking, I know!!!!

Cindy surprised the girls with their new shirts...

She is the best bargain shopper!

And there you have it! After lunch and tea we met with Vince at a nearby location and he took photos of the troop, girls, and girls with their mom. When he finishes editing them -- ahem, in another month or so -- I will add them here for your enjoyment!

Seeing Russell again

2010-08-28T23:18:00.000-07:00

Aside from the sad beginning, I really LOVE the movie Up. So when they offered a free outdoor showing, we were there to enjoy it all over again! Russell... he cracks me up! MG, MD, and E love the scene where he first meets Mr. F and knocks on his door. My favorite is when he does the Wilderness Explorer cry... cawww, cawww, roarrrr!!!!! :)

Here are Jenna and MG getting comfy...

Braden and MD enjoying their popcorn... and really focused!

The gang who came out to join us: Liz, Colleen, Julie and their clan!

Another view of the gang:

We all had a great time!

Need a good laugh?

2010-08-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

A blog I follow introduced me to this.... HILARIOUS stuff!!!!
Go here and read up!

My 3 Jumping Beans

2010-08-25T23:05:00.000-07:00

We practically had this place to ourselves!

(see E in red?)

(Well, one little boy befriended me (and then he eventually played with E) and claimed that this day was the most fun he has ever had while coming to this place. (because i was actually IN the jumpy things playing with my 3 and him as well!) :) FYI -- He came with a sitter who literally SAT the entire time he was there. She never once stepped foot into the place and at one point, she was GONE for like 10 minutes! She didn't even check on him or tell him she was going to the bathroom. At least that was where I hope she went!)

Anyway, MG's last few days of summer vacation is drawing near. I wanted to take her to this place since she's never been and the boys always spoke about it around her. (Quick update -- she got into Blossom Hill Elementary School. We find out Friday whom her teacher will be!)

This place is awesome! I had a great time too! See for yourselves:

They climbed this long, tall ladder thing:

And ALL 3 did this:

She would not even give this a try a year ago... Today, she claimed this was AWESOME!!!! She did this over and over and over and over... you get the idea! :)

At first he needed someone to go with him, by the end of the 3 hours (yes, we were there that LONG!) here - he was fine on his own! "By my own self!"

What a day we had! I'm sure she will want to come back... but when?! School starts Monday!

Off to Kindergarten!

2010-08-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is my adorable nephew, Peter. He lives in Georgia and will turn 6 at the end of September. Today was his first day of Kindergarten at this school. His dad, Michael, sent me these photos with this to say:

Attached are a few photos of Peter on his big first day of Kindergarten. He was excited but started to get nervous as he entered the school bus! Poor Ryan woke up later in the morning and asked for Peter - I think it will take him a while to get used to Peter being at a new school.

Isn't he so handsome?!

It took me a few minutes after seeing the pictures that I realized... Karen and Michael did not accompany him on his first day of school! He rode the bus by himself on his FIRST day of school! So, of course, being the sister that I am... I called her at work and asked her. Karen explained that they had already attended an orientation together, they had already met the teacher, Peter was quizzed many times before today on what the drill would be, and he would be fine. He was given a name tag from his teacher with his name on it. He would get on the bus, ride to school, get off the bus, at school he would be met by another adult who would then take him to his classroom. Wow -- sounds so complicated! Karen said she asked him for many nights before school started, "Who is your teacher? What room are you in?"

So, I was anxious to see how his first day of school went... I called at 4:30 their time (they are 3 hours ahead of CA)... and he sounded very happy! It sounded like he had a fantastic day. He was very happy to speak to us and said the whole day was his favorite part! I asked him if he sat with a friend on the bus and he explained that all kindergarteners needed to sit at the front of the bus. (Maybe he has an older friend he couldn't sit with?) I am so proud of him! Good for you, Peter! I wish you a wonderful year in Kindergarten!

To update you... MG starts school the 30th... so we are in our last week of summer vacation. I hope to get them out for a few more fun activities before she starts 2nd grade!!!! Yikes!!!!!

Happy Birthday Quach3!

2010-08-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

It was very last minute "planning"... But with the help of Matt and Leo, we were able to pull this party off! Decorations of the food table courtesy of Matt:

I still use this sign I made last year... you'll be seeing more of it!

MG and Olivia with MD in background enjoying the pool.

Everyone took turns using the body crayons

and jumping in the bounce house...

They requested cupcakes instead of a cake this year.

This was the only way I could think to personalize it -- E loves Thomas right now:

I'm sure you can guess whose cupcakes these belong to!

Silvermist (a fairy from the Tinkerbell movie -- that she has yet to see!). I didn't even know she loved her so much! Clues have been given to me to start her Halloween costume... ahem... Something in the lines of, "Mom, may I have a blue dress and a pair of wings?" Hmmm.... wonder what she wants to be? ;)

"Happy!" -- All their wonderful friends who came out to celebrate with them. We kept it small since 1) it wasn't our house, 2) we were on a tight budget, 3) and 3 different group of friends kind of frightened me!

Waiting patiently for the singing...

Isn't it great that they did it at the SAME time?!

Uncle Matt passing out the cupcakes to everyone. The frosting recipe can be found here. I really like it. The children commented that it tasted like vanilla ice cream.

I think they enjoyed it!

What do you think?! Ed said Ryan (corner in red) only ate the frosting and handed the cake part back for him to finish. Smart, huh?!

They look content...

Now for more excitement:

Hitting the pinata!!!! I tried lining them up from youngest to oldest but my mommy brain got the best of me and I sort of forgot who was supposed to go where...

Ryan:

Nikash:

MD:

James:

Sydney:

Annelise:

Kiran:

Emma: She has a good arm! Watch out!!!

MG:

Alex:

Olivia -- she was all business! Get out of her way!

Jenna -- she also has a great arm and eventually cracked the pinata!

Everyone for him/herself!

The 3 friends from kindergarten... now all grown up and going to 3 different schools. But still keep in touch.

Gifts time!!! Let me explain that I did not intend to open gifts at the party because I knew how crazy and chaotic it would be to try to keep track of all 3 children and their gifts. But MG opened one gift.. which then led to more gifts opening up... by then I couldn't stop them! So instead of writing things down, I took pictures of all their gifts as they opened them. I was running around from one child to another as a new gift was being opened...Mel, Astrid, and Lisa -- thanks for your help in keeping track of a new gift being opened! Here's a quick teaser...

This is from Corinna and Dave:

From Jenna:

from Olivia and Emma E:

from Auntie Linda and Uncle Rob. There are more photos... but I am getting kind of tired. So, thank you cards will go out soon!

At the end of the day... this was the best part of the party -- these three taking turns hitting the poor clown's head! Hey -- they were entertained while I had some "fun drinks!"

What a wonderful day full of wonderful friends. Thank you all for coming to share the excitement with us! Thank you Uncle Matt and Uncle Leo for hosting in your backyard. The children had so much fun. The parents did too -- especially since Matt began making "fun drinks!" Here's to a pina colada that tasted like a yummy smoothie that I didn't realize I was having an alcoholic beverage. I was calling it a "fun drink!" Silly me! Then Leo made toasted almonds... now those tasted alcoholic. It was NOT a "fun drink" for sure! But it was sure fun to drink it... slowly! I slept well that night! ;)

BFFs

2010-08-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

Annamarie had a 7th birthday party at her new home in Morgan Hill. We all had a blast celebrating with her.

We couldn't leave the party without snapping a photo of the 3 BFFs -- of course, in birth order!

Look at them in 2003!

Happy August Birthdays Morgan, Emma, and Annamarie! We can hardly believe you are all 7 years old now and entering 2nd grade this school year!

Fun day with Ma

2010-08-20T01:17:00.000-07:00

The children have been enjoying Ma's company. Wednesday we went to Happy Hollow park and Zoo, after seeing the movie, The Cat in the Hat, at the movie theater. It was the one with Mike Myers. To be honest, i didn't like it. The adult humor was a bit much for me... It should have been more children focused. But that's just my opinion.

They've missed her so today's activity was a fun filled day with Ma.

Oh my, what a meal!

2010-08-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

Since returning from Hawaii, we're trying to get back into the swing of things here. The first thing the children wanted to do was to spend some time with Uncle Matt and Uncle Leo... and their pool!

There goes MD under the water again -- that boy loves the water!

So we visited Sunday afternoon and ended up staying.. for dinner! Matt and I were talking and I suggested we cook up some crabs! Vince was more than happy to jump on the band wagon -- he is a seafood lover! Leo laughed that i even had to ask him! Check out the cast of characters:

corn, clams, and mussels (it's in the white bowl behind the flower pot!)

smoked Kielbasa sausages and potatoes went in first:

the crabs being prepped:

the corns went in:

then the crabs -- see how he's clinging to the side of the pot? crazy, huh?!

last the clams and mussels -- next time we'll add shrimp:

YUMMY!

Leo being silly:

The children had fun in the process but during dinner they mostly ate bread, sausages, and corn. E was the only one that ate clams, mussels, and crab meat with me. This was fun! We'll surely do it again -- and add shrimp!

(Earlier in the afternoon.. I caught E doing this:)
Eying the grapes...

Going for the grapes...

Enjoying the grapes!

Isn't it a beautiful grape arbor?! Leo and Matt's hard work. And yes, they specifically bought the table and chair set with the children in mind! Yes, they do spoil my 3 entirely too much! ;)

A Princess Story By the Quach3

2010-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

(MG and MD are the guest bloggers today... Backtracking again -- This was back in July.. um July 10th?!)

Once upon a time there was a princes.

She was in the garden picking flowers. (MG)

Then a which scoptd up the princes. (MG)

The which took the princes and lockt hear up in the casel tauwer. (MG)

Then the which pout a sleeping spell on her. (MG)

A prins found out about it and got on his flying dinosor to rescyyou the princes. (MG)

But the flyin mummys were garding the hanted dunghtgen. (MG)

So the prince rode on his magic dinosor to the casel tower to rescyu the princes.(MG)

But then the meen wich came to battl the prins. (MD)

The snak stuk awt its tung to bang the duinozor dawn. (MD)

But the prince's dinosour yousd its horns as a sord to kil the snake and the mean which.(MG)

Then he scooped up the mummy.(MG)

He wok the prinses with a kis. (MD)

Then tha livd hapile evr aftr. (MD)

The End

What are the boys doing while MG was blogging? MD is working on his math:

E is working on his drawings:

More stories to come... They had fun doing this!

Slip n Slide with Braden

2010-08-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Back tracking.... July 22, 2010

This is MD's buddy from preschool. We were invited to their house for a VERY fun afternoon!

MD will miss Braden when he starts school... But we will meet after school for some play dates to catch up.

last day of swim lessons

2010-08-18T01:18:00.000-07:00

July 22, 2010 -- last day of swim lessons!!! (backtracking)

They have learned so much!!!!

Jumping in a pool is NOT her favorite thing to do!

He loves it though!

Ahhhh....

He was on his back for over 12 seconds on his own!!!!

She did pretty well too.. maybe 8 seconds!

He can put his face in the water without getting upset! :)

They had fun during their last small group lesson. I was pleased with this summer lessons. They learned a lot and we will use this swim school again.

Another visit to Happy Hollow

2010-08-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

July 21, 2010 -- back tracking....
to celebrate Becky's birthday!

Yes, I made her light candle! I am terrible at lighting matches....

Then we did some MORE fun stuff!

Most of the summer she and MD would not join E on the carousel -- she did today! Wow.. and she didn't get sick!

MD is happy to sit on a bench with us...

This is my favorite photo! :)

This requires a lot of work and he LOVES it!!!!

Summer is ...

2010-08-18T01:09:00.000-07:00

(back tracking through my busy month of July!)
playing hopscotch

and running through the sprinklers!

Grandma Jan's Visit

2010-08-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

I am catching up on blogging -- so bear with me as I backtrack!

The week of July 5th, Jan flew into San Jose for a visit. We were able to grab her for a few visits here and there. On July 8th, we were lucky enough to visit Jan's aunt Lorene. She is the one in the orange tank top. We swam in her community pool. The children had so much fun!

Here they are with Grandma Jan!

her boys:

Of course, MG took a picture of us too! :)

Here's MG enjoying the pool!!!!

All is well...

2010-08-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

in the Quach household -- and ready for another school year!

August 13, 2010

They all had their annual check-ups... with a new doctor -- Dr. Rita Zorian. All 3 have been seeing Dr. R. Berry Armstrong since the day they were born. They were so sad to learn that we were no longer going to see doctor Armstrong for their wellness checks. I have more to say about this wonderful man. Another post!

We've only seen Dr. Zorian once awhile ago when MG and E had croup. This was our second visit with her. So far, so good! But NOT Dr. Armstrong! :(

E's stats:

36 1/2" tall, 31 1/2 lbs, 20/20 vision, passed hearing test (so what's his excuse for not doing what I ask?!)

MD's stats:

44 3/4" tall, 52 lbs, 20/20 vision, and passed his hearing test (again I ask -- why can't he hear me the first time when I holler for him to brush his teeth?!)

He had 3 shots today! Poor guy!

MG's stats:

46" tall, 44 lbs., 20/20 vision, and passed her hearing test too!

What they did while the others were being tested:

And then the dentist's visit on August 16, 2010 -- all did very well in this area too! NO CAVITIES this year for anyone! (remember MG had one last year in kindergarten? she was pretty traumatized by that filling so she's been really good with keeping her teeth healthy!)

Fluoride thing -- I thought she was going to gage! But she did so well!!! Meg, was also able to get her to do the teeth x-ray without her complaining! Woohoo!!! What a great visit we had today!

E watched MG getting her teeth cleaned. Here they are looking at her teeth x-ray together:

Then he was eager to have his turn!

And he did fabulous! The ladies here all know him and so he was very comfortable. I think his first official visit in February is going to be just fine, what do you all think?! ;)

MD insisted on going by himself -- so no photos. Meg raved about him. I guess he was a good patient! :)

After their dental visit -- we headed over to the Los Gatos library lawn area to meet up with some old friends. You won't believe it but this group here used to consist of these 2 baby boys below, Kenyon (in red shirt and blue hat in back) and Kiran (front blue shirt with arms up), and these 2 baby girls below, Emma K. (in pink in front of Kenyon) and Morgan. We are missing Kylie, Vincent, and Emma F. We 7 moms met at Kaiser's Breastfeeding Club and now our number has grown -- we are now 17 children strong!!!! (please correct me if I am wrong anyone)

After a long day of playing... the boys decided they would help me with dinner. Are you impressed? E helped me wash the bok choy and then cut them too! Yes, he did a lot by himself -- with my supervision of course! And yes, that is the same sharp knife that I use to cut fruits and veggies!

Well, you are used to seeing him help me. Tonight was no different. He not only helped cut the on choy, he also helped me stir fry them in garlic with coconut oil. We then added black bean paste for more flavor. He ate this dish up in seconds and asked for THIRDS! That's my guy! ;)

Why I'm lucky to be married

2010-08-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

to this man:

See that camera around his neck? He does some amazing work with it... check it out!

Our 3 August babies:
August 1 Prince

August 8 Princess

August 12 Noise Maker

(something they learned from Ryan -- something Ryan learned from his Grandfather)

We are so loved and so lucky to have these 3 in our lives. Our lives are so full and never dull!

Can't beat this day!

2010-08-14T01:44:00.000-07:00

On MD's birthday we visited Uncle Jim and Auntie Clare. Auntie Clare made a wonderful breakfast -- which I did not take pictures of because I was starving! Before we sat down for our breakfast however, Jim pulled out a quick surprise:

Later that afternoon we attended the Los Gatos Library carnival -- a wrap up to the Summer Reading Program, which they all participated. I went to the car to grab our blanket while they waited for me on the lawn... guess whom I see them standing with when I return?! So I grabbed my camera and took a quick photo. Andy Z was getting his guitar tuned up for the concert right on the lawn next to them. How cool was that?!

My favorite scene of the concert:

Why? Because Andy Z was singing his favorite Bubble Gum song that's why!

His evening ended just as sweet as it started... with more cake! See what I mean when I say that he can be shy sometimes? Look how cute he is!!!

Thinking about that wish....

I hope it came true!

Happy Birthday MD!! What a great day indeed!!

Happy 5th Birthday "Big Eye!"

2010-08-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

For days after you were born we kept wondering when you would open both your beautiful eyes. We were patient because new-borns tend to take their time doing "things." It was not until a few more check ups had passed that we became a bit more concerned. Dr. Armstrong finally give it a name. Turns out you were born with a droopy (left) eye lid or ptsosis. You know, you (in our eyes) were a big guy. So we always called you big guy... and then one day we found it a bit ironic that calling you "big guy" sounded a bit like "big eye." So... we made sure to always make it clear we were calling you "guy" and not "eye."

We think it fit to have you become a doctor one day... MD -- Auntie Uyen will agree! :) (But no pressure, really) She gave MG her first doctor's kit and she loved putting these spectacles on you! See how cute you looked with them on?! And check out those chubby cheeks! I always had to refrain myself from wanting to eat you! :) Sometimes I was not too successful and your cheeks would be wet from my bites! Hee hee.

Here you are on our camping trip to the Pinnacles. We stopped off to visit the mission on the way. As curiosity set in you wanted to open all the locked doors to go inside! Alas, you gave up when we announced we had to leave. During this camping trip - thanks to Uncle Jim -- your first real clear word was, "beer!" And now, because of your sister, your favorite things to collect are... beer bottle caps!

Now here you are... on a most recent camping trip at Memorial Park in San Mateo. So handsome... so grown up... and so rambunctious!

You are:

loud (quiet is NOT in your vocabulary unfortunately)
funny (you are always making up jokes - some not so funny, but it makes us laugh because you try and we think THAT'S funny! And when you laugh, it is the best laugh ev.er! It's one of those deep sincere laughs.)
sweet and kind (you think of your siblings when you are offered something and probably don't want anyone else to notice that you really DO love them. I'll keep it a secret... between you... me... and the few people who read our blog! ;))
an explorer (everything you do is hands on - it's just who you are!)
you make me want to scream sometimes -- out of anger/frustration and happiness... what more can I say, everyone always say to me, "he's a boy!"
a BOY!

You love:

to run EV.ER.Y.WHERE! (walking is never an option -- yikes!!!)
to swim in the pool, snorkel in the ocean, and splash water where ever and when ever available!
to play on the Wii (you just started to learn to play Super Mario Galaxy) and your DSi (all the games that Daddy has given you - and that's A LOT!)
Star Wars (especially Legos)
Mario and Luigi
Transformers
Bakugan (thanks Alex for introducing him... ahem...;))
to draw with your sister (because she gives you guidance and you really are a great artist when you spend time on a picture)
to read simple books (because you can now!)
to scooter (because you are awesome at it! AND you sometimes do tricks that make me nervous!)
to play soccer, football, basketball, and go fishing with Daddy (I'd have to put fishing first on your list, as you really have no fear of jumpy, scaly, and slimy fish!)
to scare me to death with your stunts! (I'd better get used to it...sigh)
picking up bugs and other small creatures (eek is all I have to say about that!)

You don't just merely look on the side lines... you DO:

Your favorite line in Hawaii was constantly asking: can we go to Snorkel Bob's? (Maybe Snorkel Bob should give you commission for saying that! At any rate, snorkeling was your activity in Hawaii!)

Dear Matthew,

I am so proud to call you my son.

You are so full of energy and although I may not always show it, I really do appreciate your ball of energy first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. I just wish I had 10% of it for myself!

You are an amazing young boy who always tries everything!

You are often fearless, so it makes me become more brave around you.

You sometimes have a shy streak in you... and it softens my heart to know that you have some limits to your bravery!

I know that when you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything and I am so anxious to see what your future holds.

I can see you doing so much -- with so much enthusiasm!

Happy 5th Birthday my Noisemaker!!!!

I love you... to the moon and back

Our last few days on Hawaii...

2010-08-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

This is our backyard -- I know... It's rough around here on this island!

we loved exploring...

Saw this little fella -- yes, it's still alive! We returned it home afterwards!

And look who was peeking out of the water?! There were quite a few out ... not sure if they were trying to get to the shore to rest or get back into the ocean to go home. But there they were peeking out every now and then - as if to say hello!

August 7 -- our day began with a visit to this amazing playground!

They had a blast - trust me!

Isn't it huge?

This is a traditional Hawaiian canoe:

When we informed the children to get ready to leave the playground, they were very upset... especially when they found out our next stop was to this coffee farm! (Greenwell Coffee Farm)

This is what real coffee bean looks like -- only the red "cherry" colored beans can be picked.

Here they are drying after they have been squeezed out of their red skins.

After the tour the children were rewarded with a delicious chocolate coffee bean! Yes, of course, they loved it! MG kept asking for more! Then they actually tried some of the coffee!

August 8 -- MG woke up and celebrated being 7 with us... and a visit to the beach. At the end of the day, she admitted this was her favorite beach - ev.er!

Ed was digging a hole for the children and found this! Vince was brave enough to hold it... yikes!

There goes MD doing what he does best -- he loves snorkeling now! It's not very deep so he can stand up if he wants to. But he was checking out the baby fish swimming around. Pretty cool!

These 2 (E and Ryan) have become close friends... well, some days not so close! But they sure had fun today making sand castles.

I did my usual....enjoyed a decent book I picked up at the house here and watched everyone having fun!

Ed loves helping the children...

Yes... finally, he can stay put for a few minutes! :)

Proof I was in the water... The gang, minus Uyen who took the photo! Yes, MD is there -- he's behind MG in the orange goggles!

After a wonderful day of being beach bums, we returned to this restaurant to enjoy another wonderful Japanese meal. This place is called Teshima's Fine Foods.

We met the Grandmother who is 103 years old (that's her on the chair in front of us on the left and her ONLY surviving friend, who is 102 years old!). Her family started a store which then opened into a restaurant. Now the entire family takes part in running the place. It was very family oriented and we enjoyed our meals. It was nice to meet the owner... who does NOT look 103 years old! Wow!!! As you can see, MG is sitting next to grandma because it was her birthday! :)

Speaking of which... they brought out complimentary ice cream for all the children... with a candle for MG! Then when we started singing the entire restaurant stopped to sing to her too! It was great!

But her birthday celebration did not end at Teshima's...

Daddy had baked her a brownie cake... yes, Daddy! So we lit the candles again It's great being 7, no?!

Now, here we are... our last day on Hawaii. We had a leisurely day with a stop at Costco and then a drive to Kiholo Bay.

...where the men and boys took a dip at the Queen's bath. See it here?

A long time ago, only the Queen was allowed to bathe here (even the king could not bathe there!). Vince said the water was not warm. It's a combination of salt water and fresh water. Pretty neat, eh?

They swam from one end... through this tunnel and visited a nearby swim hole! Although the water is not deep, MD was intimidated by the caves...

I loved this sign!

Can you see the second swim hole? Look where Ed is standing -- that's where the 2 connect.

We went for a short walk beyond the swim hole and was greeted by this guy.

And my fella was climbing this limb! Don't blame him and it's what I expected! :)

And that, my friends, is the end of our vacation!!!!

Aloha Hawaii -- we'll see you soon?

I know this post was short but... so much to do once we get home!

You know... another birthday is approaching!