{Celebrating Cultures 2011}

My favorite activity at the kids daycare is Celebrating Culture week. Being exposed to various cultures as a young kid has really helped widen my horizon and knowledge of reality. I am glad that my kids are learning about the different cultures around the world.

My Mom went to the Phillipines at the beginning of the year and picked up these adorable costumes for the kids. William wore traditional outfit typicallly worn in the Northwest Region of the country that has some strong Muslim and Indonesian influence.

One thing that Ed and I really enjoyed is we got to witness William's public confidence in action. They were supposed to be dragons on his class parade. William had the loudest roar and it was just too cute! All the parents and teachers were so proud of him!
He also volunteered to be the first one to showcase his continent project. Of course, we encouraged him to pick Asia as his choice of continent :) He proudly shared the story that his daddy helped him draw the panda bear and that elephants are the only mammals who cant jumped. One other tidbit of info that he shared --- his momma was born in the Philippines! Great job William!
Lil sister Samantha was enjoying the show! She was also showing her Filipino pride by proudly sporting her checkered bandanna-a typical fabric of choice for the traditional barot saya costume. Samantha was loving her coconut purse as well. My sister sent it to her all the way from the Philippines.

William also participated in his school soccer demo. William has been taking soccer classes as an extra activity as school. His soccer coached was beaming with pride and shared with us how much he really enjoyed having William in his class!

{William's First Ball Game}

Last Saturday, the cutest lil Red Sox T ball player took on the field and had his first game. William had so much fun as his team played against the Orioles.We were all pleasantly surprised on how "organized" the game was. Going in, we thought that it'd be like herding cats. The kids were all attentive and pretty much "get" it. I believe a lot of it really had to do with the awesome coaches we have and the strong parental support across the teams. William's coaches, coach Dan and Tim are awesome! Fun but at the same time focused. Ed and a few of the other dad has been given the title of assistant coaches. Indeed they are as they help and position themselves at all the bases.

William was their team's first batter. Go William! Hit the ball out of the park!
Running to the first base as the Oriole's players try to catch and stop the ball.
Running the bases and giving high fives!
Run home! Run home!
T ball has been really fun for William. I can see him developing his confidence and patience more. One other benefit that I am seeing is that he is learning the concept of team work.
His communication skills are also improving and he's been so encouraged to make new friends at various environments.We are so proud of you William! It's not the hits, catches, or throws, but the effort and enthusiasm he puts into playing the game! (although we were tickled at his hits, catches and throws, too!) I think this is going to be a fun season.

Lil sister was definitely a proud fan. She was clapping and cheering the team. This is the sweetest thing ever --- when William was heading to the dug out, he quickly walked over to the benches and gave his baby sister a big hug and kiss.

Check out this lil video of our awesome ball player!

{Family Pictures: Summer 2011}

My favorite treat is getting some professional family pictures taken. These pictures were taken by the talented Jodylynn Photography. They will be treasured forever!

I can't believe what a big boy William is now! No more trace of baby or toddler in these pics.

I absolutely loved how these pictures capture his personality. All boy and goofy!

And my little girl.

She's sweet...

Sassy....

And silly....we absolutely adore her!

I am beyond blessed to have such a beautiful and healthy family!

{Vinings 5K}

Ed and I have been logging some miles lately and run a 5K. Wooo hooo a PR for both of us. Not bad for us old people :)

{Weekend in Town}

Sara was in town this weekend with friends so we decided to meet them and play tourist at our own town. First up, Imagine it Children's Museum. Always a big hit with kids (and grown ups). The best part, it's Swaptember---various attractions in the Atlanta area offers discount to members of other groups. We are members of Zoo Atlanta and got a $3 discount per person on our ticket to the Children's Museum. Sweet! Miss adventurous here is fearless and climbed at everything on her own.

They were having a Sports exhibit and the kids really loved it.

Everybody was in action!

Afterwards, we walked over to one of our favorite restaurant---Der Biergarten.

Yummy pretzels and sausages all around!

What a fun weekend!

{First Tee-Ball Practice}

Last night was William's first tee ball practice. The whole family was so excited for him! He enjoyed it very much and it's amazing to see how comfortable he is with group settings and making new friends.

William and his Red Sox Tee ball team!
Learning to listen and follow his coach's instruction.
Batting practice.
This is their team's drill at the end of practice. I love how excited and happy William was when he reached the first base. William really had a great time and said that his favorite is fielding. Can't for his first game. Go Red Sox!

{Brrrr...}

First (well technically second) cold day of the year. Yes, we were one of those parents who sent our kids last Monday in shorts. We made up for it the next day and bundled them up before heading to school. Love this chilly days. Bonus---the kids have been going to bed earlier coz it gets darker soon. Yippee!

{College Football 2011}

Yay, college football season has begun! Although I'm a Techie at heart, I also show my support to William's and my husband's beloved team---Auburn Tigers.

Before the season started, Heather suggested that we all meet up for one of the games so that their lil girl Brooke and our kids can all explore the campus together. I thought it was a fabulous idea especially since Auburn is a quick hour and a half drive from Atlanta.

We all checked a couple of campus landmarks.

A family photo at the Auburn sign.
Us at the beautiful and historic Samford Hall.

William taking it all in and enjoying a quick break.

At Toomer's Corner. Hopefully, they'll be able to save the historic tree.

We walked around campus some more.

to check out the Fanfare zone. Such a fun area especially for the kids!

William enjoyed some shaved ice at this hot weather.

According to alumni Ed and Heather, the campus has changed so much. This is the new student center. It was really neat, they have Caribou, Chick fil A---fancy. Gah, I know that sending kids to college nowadays would be super expensive!

We also explored the new Arena. We were hoping to see the National Championship thropy. Unfortunately on game days, they show it in the stadium.

The kids absolutely had a blast and they are bound to be Auburn fans:)

{Ms Sassy and Chatty}

Samantha, you are just growing and learning things at a lightning speed!
Of course whatever your big brother does, you truly believe that you can do it too. Not a single fear in your bones.
Your teachers has tagged you as one of the diva in class (hmmm...). In fairness though, they said that you are one of the smartest :) and I believe it---- coz answered everything correctly on your Peanut picture homework last week. You said ball when I pointed to a ball. You started moving your hands and pretended you were drumming when I pointed to a drum. Your Dad and I's favorite, you say ROOAAAR loudly, when we point to a lion.
And your speech and signing has tremendously grown over this past month.

Current word(s):

I did it! (How appropriate huh?)

Please (Says and Sign but we still have to teach you that just because you said please doesnt mean you'll get it )

WeeeYam (Your big brother William is your favorite person!)

Ra-Yee (You love your doggie Riley)