Friday, August 21, 2009

Before School Reunion


I should've stood in the back. I will miss working with L. I haven't had my own class in over 10 years. It's exciting but I'm also preparing myself and family with the busyness to come. Summer is officially over :(

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Stormtroopers at Seaside?


This time I remembered my fleece!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Overnight in Oregon

My dad seemed to be stable & b/c we cancelled our trip to Seaside with M's family for the end of July, we decided to take an overnight to Cannon Beach & Portland. Even P was excited to go. As we headed South, the clouds filled the sky & we were cursing the weatherman. Sure enough, upon nearing the coast, the skies were gray & the ocean winds were chilly. From the many trips to the coast, I "should've" learned my lesson to always bring a fleece.


The boys spent their time digging & walking to the waters. Big J took a nap and I admired all the dogs prancing on the beach. I was thankful for the beach towels to block off the wind. Little J & I explored the shops but I couldn't bring myself to spend $50 for a sweatshirt with a Cannon Beach logo. We returned with a hot chocolate & a box of Kettlecorn.

Our night was spent in Portland. Dinner was at a popular brewery where our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, even a pitcher of beer between the two of us couldn't be finished off. The boys took an evening swim in the tiny indoor pool, while I relaxed flipping back & forth to The Patriot on TBS and XMEN on HBO.


Sunday was spent exploring Portland. At the International Rose Garden, the scents of flowers filled our senses. We debated on paying admission for the Japanese Garden or the Pittock Mansion. The mansion was built over a century ago. Each room told a story as our imaginations wandered to what it would be like growing up inside.


The bathrooms were the most interesting to see.


The toliet didn't change much. The keyboard overlooked the entry of the mansion.

On the way out of Portland, we dropped by the Lloyd Center. Big J and Little J went ice skating, P watched & I got to check out the Anniversary Sale @ Nordstroms. There was a store called Morning Glory with Yoshi's of different sizes. Little J got this one for 20 bucks! Not bad considering we bought one for 1/4 the size in San Francisco for the same price.

When we arrived home, Milky welcomed us with her squeaking & popcorning.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Spur of the Moment Road Trip

About 15 yrs ago, Big J and I went to a concert at the Gorge. I remembered crossing a bridge over the Columbia River and the power the water had below. It was both frightening and exhilarating to be over the vast, dark waters. I wanted to relive that same memory and see the statue horses.

At every turn on I-90, I kept saying to get ready to see the awesome view. The earth wasn't the brilliant orange we remembered and the water level seemed to have gone down. The water was calm. The landscape has definitely changed! But the air was warm, even its breeze.


I don't recall the steep hike up to the horses...Big J and little J took on the challenge. Don't worry little J was not harmed performing their trick photography.


Where's P? He was camera shy. Road trips are not his favorite past time. If he had his way, he'd still be on the sofa enjoying Saturday morning cartoons.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Graduations


Our niece and nephew are all grown up! S graduated from University of Washington (Go Huskies) and J from University of Michigan. Two great schools! We are proud of them and anxiously await to hear where the road takes them on their journey to their next stop.

Dad's 67th Birthday


The family came over on Saturday to celebrate my dad's birthday and Father's Day. Big J was the BBQ master. My cousin's family even drove up from Portland that morning, while W flew in from CA. The only two missing was J and A. My dad is entering his second remission. We will remain positive and optimistic that he will be healthy for years to come. In the meantime, we look forward to making happy memories together!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Spring Break

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Big Brother's Wedding

(click on the photos to get a close up)






4 days and 3 nights with my mom, dad & grandmothers. When in my adult life can I spend quality time with them? My family was left behind as the 5 of us headed for Honolulu on March 5th. It was gray in Hawaii but warm. We were fortunate to get upgraded to a Hawaiian Hilton Suite. On a couple of nights, I spent time with the younger folks (including cousins) out in Downtown Waikiki and at Kareoke. We cabbed to International Market where my grandmothers bought large black pearl and opal rings. They love to shop and get sudden bursts of energy. On a rainy afternoon, my parents also ventured to IM and Waikiki Beach. There were two authentic Korean restaurants we dined at and the Halekulani had a beautiful outdoor wedding & indoor reception, with a view of the Pacific. The evening of the wedding even ended with fireworks from a neighboring hotel. When I returned home Sunday night, I only found two items broken in the house and the family room was all tidied up. Thankfully, I had Monday off to recover. Hubby did well with the kids, he followed the menu and took the boys to their sporting activities and church. They didn't seem to miss me too much :) This was a beautiful memory to see my brother get married!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

You Tube Exposure

Due to the bad weather in December, J's orchestra concert at Eastlake was cancelled. But with You Tube, we are able to view the concert. J's on left stage, right up front. He blends in with all the other Asians :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLGwayLo9HY

Sorry I can't figure out how to upload this link, you'll have to copy and paste it into your web browser.