To our dearest family and friends, we hope this holiday greeting finds you all warm, healthy, and happy. Belated with this year's edition, we hope you enjoyed the season!
(Click on the hyperlinks below to see the associated blogs and pictures from our many family activities in 2009.)
It has been a busy year for the Arzaga family; not so much traveling to many destinations, but going to and from our boys' many activities. We are all exhausted and catching our breaths, but it is now the holiday season... a time to relax and enjoy the company of our family and friends.
During 2009, the busiest member of our family was our oldest son, Jacob. Not only did Jacob turned six years old in April, he started playing soccer again during the spring and fall seasons. He isn't a natural goal scorer, but because he is usually the tallest and biggest kid on his teams, he is at his best playing as a defender.
In September, Jacob started first grade. He is really enjoying his art and music classes, as well as his time at the computer lab and gym. Surprisingly, his favorite subjects are math and geography. Jacob loves to draw and read books at home, prompting his teacher, Ms Offhaus that he is already reading at a third grade-level.
Keeping track of all of Jake's activities is in itself a ginormous task for Trina and me. In addition to Jacob's nightly homework and soccer practices, Jake added the Cub Scouts to his activities.
As a six year old, Jacob started out as a Tiger Cub, joining Pack 282, Den 10. "Doing his best" to earn his Bobcat and Tiger Cub badge, Jakers will earn them by participating in many Cub activities this year; such as sending "care packages" to the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, "Scouting for Food" donations during the holidays, sleeping overnight on the WWII USCG Cutter Taney, building and racing a pinewood derby race car, and camping outdoors at Pohick Bay Park. Along the way, he is learning to be a respectful, honest member of his pack, his family, and his country.
Joey is usually not too far away from his big brother, tagging along to Jacob's activities. Joey is there at the soccer practices, cheering and wishing he was playing with the big kids. And because Jacob goes to school full-time now, Jake and Joey transferred to a new daycare provider this summer, closer to home. Jake joins Joey at the Discovery Station for his after-school program.
Joey learned to (almost) go potty by himself, but still managed to "graduate" from the two's room to start his all day pre-school soon thereafter. Joey began learning his letters, numbers, and the surroundings around him. It makes Trina and me sad when we drop Joey off every morning, but we are always so glad to see his smile after a long day at the office.
Ever since Joey's surgeries in late 2008, Joey has been a healthy and happy boy. Joey turned three years old in July. He is growing fast, talking fast, and is always moving around fast! Joey is still his mama's boy, and he loves being Jacob's little brother. And even though Joey is a handful at times, he fills our hearts with pride and joy.
We can't complete this year's newsletter without mentioning our golden retriever, Paddington. She past away in Februrary after a battle with cancer. She was our first "child", our first daughter. She brought into our family, nothing but friendship, love, and pure unbridled happiness. She taught us compassion and patience, which made us more human. She gave us "fond memories of the past, the pure joy of the moment, and the hopes and dreams of the future." We love you very much, Paddington, and we miss you, dearly!
It was unusual having only Tyler, our basset/beagle around on our daily walks around the neighborhood. Even Tyler appeared lonely. In March, we welcomed Roxi, a rescued basset hound from FL. She is adored by all of us. Roxi and Joey share a special bond and he likes referring to her as his "pretty girl."
We enjoy seeing our friends and family throughout the year. We had a great time hosting Trina's cousins during Easter weekend. Even Uncle Ross dressed up as the Easter Bunny...not just for the sake of the kids, but the amusement of the parents alike!
Whether it's with our neighbors egg-hunting on Easter, having a block party on Memorial Day, watching our kids play together at the playgrounds, or trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Or joining our friends for dinners and BBQ's, or at birthday parties, or a game of Frisbee golf...there is nothing like enjoying the moment and sharing laughs, good food, and good times with the people closest to us!
We did manage to go on our annual trip to the beaches of the Outer Banks, NC. Spending a week with our friends, relaxing on the beach, cooling off in the ocean and the pool...what more can we want from a summer vacation?
In July, our family pack headed to the Shenandoah Mountains in the western parts of Virginia. We oooh-ed and aaah-ed at the amazing stalactites and stalagmites that is the Skyline Caverns.
In October, we spent a weekend at Lake Anna, near Mineral, VA to celebrate my birthday. Even in the midst of a chili autumn weekend by the lake house, the time we spent with our friends and my brother, Doug and his family was a blast! It was a super time to share with family, friends, and Mother Nature.
I started to write this year's edition from 38,000 miles above sea level; on a jet plane headed to the Philippine Islands. Not since 1985, have I been back to visit the place I was born.
Unfortunately, Trina and Joey weren't able to accompany Jacob and me. Jake and I were sad to celebrate the holidays without them, but we were glad to spend Christmas with the rest of the Arzaga and Mamaclay families together in the PI. The family reunion was certainly a long time coming (over 20 years for me), with all brothers in attendance.
Jake (and me, too!) loved being spoiled by both Lolo and Lola and he was glad to know that Santa Claus was able to find him so far away from his home in Virginia. We had a full house, having all three brothers, three grandkids, and several cousins under one roof.
Seeing everyone and spending the last days of 2009 back in the Philippines were both a blessing and a wonderful time! I wish I could tell you when we'll be back in the P.I., but the honest answer is I don't know...yet. In the meantime, I want to say we miss you all, salamat, and MABUHAY!
Happy New Year everyone! We REALLY hope to see you in 2010. Take care always... Ernesto, Jr, Trina, Jacob, Joey, Tyler, and Roxi ~ We are the Arzaga's.
Our Christmas Newsletters from the yesteryear's.
2007 Xmas Newsletter
2006 Xmas Newsletter
2005 Xmas Newsletter
