Hard to believe that it was 68* F in late December, so we spent the day outdoors, as well.
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| Kappa's Bday/Festivus |
Happy Birthday Kappa and Happy Festivus for the rest of us!
Grandkids from both VA and MD helped celebrate the day.
Hard to believe that it was 68* F in late December, so we spent the day outdoors, as well.
Hard to believe that it was 68* F in late December, so we spent the day outdoors, as well.
Christmas Day
I think the expressions on everyone's faces describe the festivities of the day.
Merry Christmas everyone! Feel free to read our Christmas Newsletters from the yesteryear's.
Arzaga 2008 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2007 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2006 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2005 Xmas Newsletter
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| Christmas Day |
Merry Christmas everyone! Feel free to read our Christmas Newsletters from the yesteryear's.
Arzaga 2008 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2007 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2006 Xmas Newsletter
Arzaga 2005 Xmas Newsletter
2008 Christmas Newsletter
To our dearest family and friends, we hope this holiday greeting finds you all warm, healthy, and happy.
This year's Christmas newsletter from the Arzaga family is about a boy...well, like the movie of the same title, it's really about two boys. The story of the movie focuses on two boys who go through a gradual process of who they are. Sounds similarly like our two growing boys, Jacob and Joey. But unlike the end of that Hugh Grant movie, there's no sudden leap into the future about who Jake and Joey will become.
So we'll revisit 2008 and ask the question, who are Jake and Joey? Who are they?
Trina and I are proud of our boys and we love them dearly. We also don't pretend that they are far from perfect. Yes, they have their moments. We have had to already endure many parent-teacher conferences so early into Jake's days in school. We've been told how Jake has misbehaved whenever he doesn't get his way. (Really? a five-year-old misbehaving? that's unheard of, right?) And then there's Joey. He entered 2008, already in the midst of his terrible two's (and his birthday is not even until July). He is a bully to his big brother and sometimes, to his preschool pals. We've been notified many a-times, that his behavior in preschool has resulted in scratching other kids, and not sharing or playing well with others. Our favorite, was when he started a "mutiny" with his classmates by re-arranging the furniture in his classroom...just because he didn't like lunch.
Hard to believe that angelic picture you see at the top is the one and the same boys I just described. We can only laugh about this later, when Trina and I are older. And I'm sure it brings a chuckle to all of our family and friends who are reading this now. Despite all that, Trina and I still see the good and the potential in our two boys. Not many kids wander into childhood seeking to discover themselves. Then again, Jake and Joey aren't ordinary boys - at least, in our eyes.
So who are they?
This summer, we and the boys spent our vacation at the beach in Carova, NC, where Jake and Joey spent a whole week being boys. They had fun in the swimming pool, on the beach, and right inside our beach house. Wherever I looked in and around the house - the boys were laughing and carrying on with their friends and cousins, playing with their Diego and Thomas toys, and even riding the elevator up and down the house all day long.
We spent other times heading out to various attractions around the region. We made our annual pilgrimage to see and ride the Thomas the Train in Lancaster, PA. We spent other days visiting the animals at the Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA and at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. We also spent a day at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There, we visited the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum and discovered the wonders of the National Aquarium of Baltimore where the kids "ooh-ed" and "ahh-ed" at the many fishes and other aquatic creatures. The boys still love their choo-choo trains, but at least they're exploring the world around them and expanding their interests.
Who are they? The answer is coming.
Jacob is now a five-year-old kindergartner. That's right, Jacob entered Kindergarten this past September. Jacob was so excited about his first day, he voluntarily went to bed early and immediately woke up when morning arrived. You would think it was Christmas morning for him, but that was how excited he was. He couldn't stand waiting for the rest of us to RUN to the bus stop. He was all SMILES to start a new chapter in his life. Watching him board that school bus, we couldn't help, but be overwhelmed with pride and joy.
Notwithstanding the numerous parent-teacher conferences with Jake's teacher, Jake did very well for his first report card. He outperformed the benchmark numbers set forth by the state school board and came within eight points of the maximum possible score. Not surprising, really. He is always eager to do his homework every night and writes his own "books", such as, his favorite cars, the different seasons, and various animals. Our favorite story is about a kid and his trampoline. Who knew he can read and write already a whole story about anything and everything all by himself? He writes a new book almost everyday. Our collection of memorable items to save for him continues to grow.
Who are they?
This year, we realized how brave a boy we have in Joey. You see, he had not one, but two surgeries this year! Joey needed surgery to repair a "defect" in his abdomen that is best described as congenital hernia. His second surgery was to remove his enlarged adenoids and tonsils. They were obstructing his ability to eat and breathe normally. This being his second surgery, we hope to never experience that again. It's not easy to see one's own child go into an operating room and then be whisked away immediately. To see his little body on that table is one of the worst thing a parent could experience.
As expected, Joey was grouchy and grumpy for several days, but we can finally say good-bye to our "Darth Baby." We're relieved to see that he will soon be back to his toddler self. Really, if he wasn't acting his age as a boisterous, wild child, than something else is wrong. We'd rather he be himself, than for us to be worrying constantly about his health. He is, after all, a two-year-old boy who wants nothing more, but to eat, sleep, and have fun. Hmmm, don't we all want that simplicity as adults, too?
Who are they?
On Memorial weekend, Trina was remembering the fifth anniversary of her dad's passing. Jake innocently asked why mommy had tears in her eyes. Trina explained that she misses Grandpa. Jake stepped away and continued with his playing. But later that weekend, he surprised us when we found him crying all by himself. Not prepared on what to say or do, we tried our best to console him, but all he wanted was to see his Grandpa. Even though he had never met him (Jake was born five days after the funeral), he wanted to see him and know who he was.
Our not-so-young Golden Retriever, Paddington, was recently diagnosed with cancer. And a few weeks back, we attended the funeral service for the boys' great-Aunt Sydney in Ohio. It's difficult to explain certain subjects to a child. Sometimes, it's difficult to understand things ourselves as adults. Without their realization though, they're exuberant innocence brought out smiles in an otherwise sad occasion. We find comfort in seeing their bright smiles and holding them close in our arms, even only for a moment.
Who are they?
Not many people (at least not named Mozart, Picasso, or Tiger) fulfill their fate and destiny by the age of five or two. Will they be "boomerang" kids returning to their nest? Will they be wild and whiny, without direction? Maybe, but, hopefully not. Or will they be a Nobel laureate or a Hall of Famer? Maybe, but, hopefully so. Really, all we wish, as are every parent's wish, that our children grow up to become good persons. This is only the beginning for our two boys. Only time will tell. We can only hope that we can see as much of their adult lives.
It's Christmas Eve now, and all that Jake talks about is Christmas morning. How wonderful is it that the Christmas spirit rings loudest to those who still believe in Santa. And the New Year is upon us. 2009 is a blank slate for Jacob, Joey, and for the rest of us. Can't wait to see what the New Year brings.
So the question remains. Who are they? The answer...the answer is still coming.
Thank you for taking the time in reading our annual newsletter. Stay safe, stay warm, and Merry Christmas, everyone.
We are the Arzaga's.
This year's Christmas newsletter from the Arzaga family is about a boy...well, like the movie of the same title, it's really about two boys. The story of the movie focuses on two boys who go through a gradual process of who they are. Sounds similarly like our two growing boys, Jacob and Joey. But unlike the end of that Hugh Grant movie, there's no sudden leap into the future about who Jake and Joey will become.
So we'll revisit 2008 and ask the question, who are Jake and Joey? Who are they?
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| From Xmas Portraits |
Hard to believe that angelic picture you see at the top is the one and the same boys I just described. We can only laugh about this later, when Trina and I are older. And I'm sure it brings a chuckle to all of our family and friends who are reading this now. Despite all that, Trina and I still see the good and the potential in our two boys. Not many kids wander into childhood seeking to discover themselves. Then again, Jake and Joey aren't ordinary boys - at least, in our eyes.
So who are they?
This summer, we and the boys spent our vacation at the beach in Carova, NC, where Jake and Joey spent a whole week being boys. They had fun in the swimming pool, on the beach, and right inside our beach house. Wherever I looked in and around the house - the boys were laughing and carrying on with their friends and cousins, playing with their Diego and Thomas toys, and even riding the elevator up and down the house all day long.
We spent other times heading out to various attractions around the region. We made our annual pilgrimage to see and ride the Thomas the Train in Lancaster, PA. We spent other days visiting the animals at the Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA and at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. We also spent a day at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. There, we visited the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum and discovered the wonders of the National Aquarium of Baltimore where the kids "ooh-ed" and "ahh-ed" at the many fishes and other aquatic creatures. The boys still love their choo-choo trains, but at least they're exploring the world around them and expanding their interests.
Who are they? The answer is coming.
Jacob is now a five-year-old kindergartner. That's right, Jacob entered Kindergarten this past September. Jacob was so excited about his first day, he voluntarily went to bed early and immediately woke up when morning arrived. You would think it was Christmas morning for him, but that was how excited he was. He couldn't stand waiting for the rest of us to RUN to the bus stop. He was all SMILES to start a new chapter in his life. Watching him board that school bus, we couldn't help, but be overwhelmed with pride and joy.
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| From Xmas Portraits |
Who are they?
This year, we realized how brave a boy we have in Joey. You see, he had not one, but two surgeries this year! Joey needed surgery to repair a "defect" in his abdomen that is best described as congenital hernia. His second surgery was to remove his enlarged adenoids and tonsils. They were obstructing his ability to eat and breathe normally. This being his second surgery, we hope to never experience that again. It's not easy to see one's own child go into an operating room and then be whisked away immediately. To see his little body on that table is one of the worst thing a parent could experience.
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| From Xmas Portraits |
Who are they?
On Memorial weekend, Trina was remembering the fifth anniversary of her dad's passing. Jake innocently asked why mommy had tears in her eyes. Trina explained that she misses Grandpa. Jake stepped away and continued with his playing. But later that weekend, he surprised us when we found him crying all by himself. Not prepared on what to say or do, we tried our best to console him, but all he wanted was to see his Grandpa. Even though he had never met him (Jake was born five days after the funeral), he wanted to see him and know who he was.
Our not-so-young Golden Retriever, Paddington, was recently diagnosed with cancer. And a few weeks back, we attended the funeral service for the boys' great-Aunt Sydney in Ohio. It's difficult to explain certain subjects to a child. Sometimes, it's difficult to understand things ourselves as adults. Without their realization though, they're exuberant innocence brought out smiles in an otherwise sad occasion. We find comfort in seeing their bright smiles and holding them close in our arms, even only for a moment.
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| From Xmas Portraits |
Not many people (at least not named Mozart, Picasso, or Tiger) fulfill their fate and destiny by the age of five or two. Will they be "boomerang" kids returning to their nest? Will they be wild and whiny, without direction? Maybe, but, hopefully not. Or will they be a Nobel laureate or a Hall of Famer? Maybe, but, hopefully so. Really, all we wish, as are every parent's wish, that our children grow up to become good persons. This is only the beginning for our two boys. Only time will tell. We can only hope that we can see as much of their adult lives.
It's Christmas Eve now, and all that Jake talks about is Christmas morning. How wonderful is it that the Christmas spirit rings loudest to those who still believe in Santa. And the New Year is upon us. 2009 is a blank slate for Jacob, Joey, and for the rest of us. Can't wait to see what the New Year brings.
So the question remains. Who are they? The answer...the answer is still coming.
Thank you for taking the time in reading our annual newsletter. Stay safe, stay warm, and Merry Christmas, everyone.
We are the Arzaga's.
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| From Xmas Portraits |
Our Christmas Newsletters from the yesteryear's.
Sydney Long
We miss you Aunt Sydney.
In tribute to a wonderful lady, please get involved in the fight against breast cancer - click here. We hope to see you this summer at the 2009 Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure®.
Prior to the funeral service, as well as the reception that followed it, a reunion of sorts was in order for new and old(er) cousins. It was good seeing everyone again.
In tribute to a wonderful lady, please get involved in the fight against breast cancer - click here. We hope to see you this summer at the 2009 Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure®.
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| Sydney Long |
Prior to the funeral service, as well as the reception that followed it, a reunion of sorts was in order for new and old(er) cousins. It was good seeing everyone again.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Prior to attending Aunt Sydney's funeral services, Trina and Kappa gave the boys and me, a guided tour of Kappa's childhood hometown in OH. There, we drove by old familiar places through Worthington, like Grandma Long and Grandma Goers' old homes. We even stopped in at the Worthington Hardware store where Grandpa Goers frequented. We also visited familiar attractions, such as the Worthington Inn, Ohio Wesleyan University, and TWHS. We even saw the Dairy Queen where aunt Jan worked, and finally, we lunched at Buckeye Cafe.
As Trina pointed out, with the snow falling on Old Worthington, she remembers all the Christmases she spent at Grandma Long's red house as if it was today.
As Trina pointed out, with the snow falling on Old Worthington, she remembers all the Christmases she spent at Grandma Long's red house as if it was today.
Xmas Tree from the Ticonderoga Farm
Joined by my brother's family and our next door neighbors, we all headed to a nearby local tree "farm" where we picked out this year's Holiday Christmas Tree. At the Ticonderoga Farm, we slid down the slides, rode on the tractor-pulled hayride, and roasted marshmallows over an open fire pit.
Jake and Joey picked out the perfect Fraser Fir tree. Afterwards, Trina, the boys, and their cousins, Sean and Nick worked together to decorate a "Buckeye"-themed Christmas Tree. With all the presents bought and wrapped, and all the lights and decorations all put together, it's beginning to look like Christmas.
Jake and Joey picked out the perfect Fraser Fir tree. Afterwards, Trina, the boys, and their cousins, Sean and Nick worked together to decorate a "Buckeye"-themed Christmas Tree. With all the presents bought and wrapped, and all the lights and decorations all put together, it's beginning to look like Christmas.
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| From Xmas Tree at Ticonderoga |
Thanksgiving at Mark and Jessica's
For Thanksgiving, we headed east over the Chesapeake Bay to Mark and Jessica's home on MD's Eastern Shore. There, we were part of a cast of hundreds, okay, maybe not, but from the pictures there were at least 35 people at the dinner table.
We had a great time playing with the DuHoffmann cousins, riding the John Deere tractor, and of course, chowin' down both the fried AND roasted turkey's. I'm still craving the corn casserole and stuffing...YUM!!!
The dinner and the company of family and friends were superb, as always. Thanks to Mark and Jess for taking the monster task of hosting a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Happy Turkey Day everyone!
We had a great time playing with the DuHoffmann cousins, riding the John Deere tractor, and of course, chowin' down both the fried AND roasted turkey's. I'm still craving the corn casserole and stuffing...YUM!!!
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| From Thanksgiving at Mark and Jessica's |
Joey's Thanksgiving Show
As if the Halloween show wasn't enough, Joey and his 2 year old preschoolers performed a Thanksgiving-themed show for the parents. Afterwards, the parents and the kids got to enjoy a meal together, Thanksgiving-style. Joey wasn't too impressed with the turkey and gravy (he spit out the mashed potatoes, too), but he really took to the Cranberry sauce and corn. Lucky for Daddy, I got to eat all his yummy leftovers.
Thanks Ms Beth and Ms Jen...
Thanks Ms Beth and Ms Jen...
Jacob's Thanksgiving show
Jake and his kindergarten classmates put on a Thanksgiving show for all the lucky parents who were able to take time off from work. Prior to the show, Jake and Trina made arts and crafts, like a native Indian head dress, necklace, place mat, and decorated their shirts. Jake's Indian name for the day was "Barking Dog" LOL.
Pardon the poor resolution. I forgot the camcorder and had to record the show using the Blackberry. Oh well, you get the gist of the cuteness and impressive showmanship talents of Jake and his fellow Kindergartners.
Pardon the poor resolution. I forgot the camcorder and had to record the show using the Blackberry. Oh well, you get the gist of the cuteness and impressive showmanship talents of Jake and his fellow Kindergartners.
Jake's First Report Card
Despite the numerous parent-teacher conferences Trina has had with Jake's Kindergarten teacher, Jake did very well for his first report card. He outperformed the benchmark numbers set forth by the state school board and came within eight points of the maximum possible score.
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Not surprising, really. He is always eager to do his homework every night and writes his own "books" about cars, seasons, animals, and other things. Our favorite story is about a kid and his trampoline. Who knew he can read and write a whole story about anything and everything by himself already? He writes a new book almost everyday. Our collection of memorable items to save for him is growing. Truly amazing. To say that we're proud of Jacob would certainly be an understatement.
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Not surprising, really. He is always eager to do his homework every night and writes his own "books" about cars, seasons, animals, and other things. Our favorite story is about a kid and his trampoline. Who knew he can read and write a whole story about anything and everything by himself already? He writes a new book almost everyday. Our collection of memorable items to save for him is growing. Truly amazing. To say that we're proud of Jacob would certainly be an understatement.
Autumn Along the Skyline Drive
With Paddington's failing health, we canceled our weekend trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, and instead headed west towards the mountains. We all boarded our family-moving behemoth with Jake and Joey in their seats and Paddi and Tyler right next to them. It was a beautiful day for a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and marvel at the changing colors of the autumn leaves.
During the drive, Paddi rested her snout between mommy and daddy, nudging our elbows occasionally to let us know she needed another affirmation of her cuteness. What a princess. Tyler cowered between Jake and Joey, waiting for the dreaded trip to finally end. The panoramic beauty was also lost to our two-legged boys who wanted nothing more than to watch a DVD of Fox and the Hound or sleep through the ride.
We arrived at the northern tip of Skyline Drive around noon, and immediately soaked in the rustic views of mother nature. Jake finally looked outward and Joey awoke from his slumber. We stopped at the picnic area and allowed the kids and dogs to romp around the area - kicking leaves, picking up rocks and sticks, and workin' the ol' water pump.
It was good to see Paddi look alive and play like she did when she and Tyler were just puppies. She played fetch with Jacob, discovered new sniffs around the mountain, and acted like a happy, healthy Golden once more. A simple trip to remember.
During the drive, Paddi rested her snout between mommy and daddy, nudging our elbows occasionally to let us know she needed another affirmation of her cuteness. What a princess. Tyler cowered between Jake and Joey, waiting for the dreaded trip to finally end. The panoramic beauty was also lost to our two-legged boys who wanted nothing more than to watch a DVD of Fox and the Hound or sleep through the ride.
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| Autumn along the Skyline |
It was good to see Paddi look alive and play like she did when she and Tyler were just puppies. She played fetch with Jacob, discovered new sniffs around the mountain, and acted like a happy, healthy Golden once more. A simple trip to remember.
Trick or Treat 2008
Aside from the obvious reasons why Christmas morning is the bestest thing in the world for kids, Halloween brings out the same fun and craziness for all ages. Name another day of the year where anyone can behave foolishly and dress up silly. Everyone around can't help but laugh and smile at each other. Kudos to the person(s) who invented Halloween.
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| Trick or Treat 2008 |
Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on...
Ernesto celebrates the 10th anniversay of his 30th birthday ;-]
Lyrics | Travis Tritt - It’s A Great Day To Be Alive? lyrics
Watch the video here - Read about Travis Tritt
Lyrics | Travis Tritt - It’s A Great Day To Be Alive? lyrics
Watch the video here - Read about Travis Tritt
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| Ernesto's 40th Birthday |
Jake's First Basketball Practice
With college tuition in an upward trend, we'll be sending these pictures to Coach Krzyzewski for his immediate considerations...
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| Jake's First Basketball Practice |
Fall Festivals
Nothing says the end of oppressive summer heat and humidity in the mid-Atlantic than the various Fall Festivals that pop up all around northern VA.
All this means to the Arzaga family is an annual pilgrimmage to a local apple orchard and attend as many fall festivals into an already packed Fall weekends. Along with cousins from MD, Jake and Joey slid down slides, rode on hayrides, and munched on endless kettle corn at Cox's Farm. Even Trina baked her heart out with not one, not two, but EIGHT apple pies, prepared to perfection. Autumn is by far my favorite season of the year.
All this means to the Arzaga family is an annual pilgrimmage to a local apple orchard and attend as many fall festivals into an already packed Fall weekends. Along with cousins from MD, Jake and Joey slid down slides, rode on hayrides, and munched on endless kettle corn at Cox's Farm. Even Trina baked her heart out with not one, not two, but EIGHT apple pies, prepared to perfection. Autumn is by far my favorite season of the year.
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| Fall Festivals |
Luau Block Party
The captions for each photo describe the moment.
What wasn't captured in film was the camaraderie of six guys huddled in the darkness of night, smokin' a stogie, sippin' some bourbon, all the while spellbound by the fire before us.
What wasn't captured in film was the camaraderie of six guys huddled in the darkness of night, smokin' a stogie, sippin' some bourbon, all the while spellbound by the fire before us.
Jake's First Day of Kindergarten
"Overwhelmed with pride and joy." That's how we felt about Jacob on his first day of school at Kindergarten. All summer long, Jake asked when the leaves would start falling off the trees, because that would only mean that autumn is here. And of course, Jake retorts back that autumn is when he starts Kindergarten at his new school, Hutchison Farm Elementary, home of the Huskies.
Jacob was so excited, he voluntarily went to bed early and immediately woke up when morning arrived. You would think it was Christmas morning for him, but that was how excited he was. He couldn't stand waiting for the rest of us to RUN to the school bus stop. He was all SMILES to start a new chapter in his life. Watching him board that school bus, we couldn't help but be overwhelmed with pride and joy.
Jacob was so excited, he voluntarily went to bed early and immediately woke up when morning arrived. You would think it was Christmas morning for him, but that was how excited he was. He couldn't stand waiting for the rest of us to RUN to the school bus stop. He was all SMILES to start a new chapter in his life. Watching him board that school bus, we couldn't help but be overwhelmed with pride and joy.
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| Jake's First Day of Kindergarten |
Playgrounds
Things I notice in these indoor playgrounds.
How wonderful is it that my kid can randomly pick another child and play together like they've been friends for decades.
It amazes me that with all the kids running around wildly and aimlessly in the playgrounds, they aren't running into each other. They can start and stop on a dime and then jump and leap from one obstacle to the next and avoid an incoming kid. Amazing.
There are paranoid parents who follow their child everywhere, and then there are those parents who aren't even aware that their child has left the premises because having an adult conversation with a complete stranger is so much more important.
Where were these when I was growing up. They're popping up everywhere...
How wonderful is it that my kid can randomly pick another child and play together like they've been friends for decades.
It amazes me that with all the kids running around wildly and aimlessly in the playgrounds, they aren't running into each other. They can start and stop on a dime and then jump and leap from one obstacle to the next and avoid an incoming kid. Amazing.
There are paranoid parents who follow their child everywhere, and then there are those parents who aren't even aware that their child has left the premises because having an adult conversation with a complete stranger is so much more important.
Where were these when I was growing up. They're popping up everywhere...
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| Playgrounds |
Joey's Surgery
Joey needed surgery to repair a "defect" in his abdomen that is best described as congenital hernia. It's never easy to see one's own child go into surgery, much less see the after effects of it.
As expected, Joey was grouchy and slouching for several days, but we were relieved to see that he was back to his two-year-old self soon thereafter.
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| From Random 2008 |
As expected, Joey was grouchy and slouching for several days, but we were relieved to see that he was back to his two-year-old self soon thereafter.
Jake's Last Day at Kindercare
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| From Jake's Last Day at Kindercare |
About five years ago, Trina and I had no idea who would care for our first child, Jacob, when it was time for Trina to return to work. It was difficult to find the right people and the right environment where we could leave our first born in capable and trusting hands. We found that place in the Kindercare Center at Franklin Farms.
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We immediately felt comfortable with Jake's first caregivers. He started in the infants room where he was taken care of by Ms Bev, Ms Jeanie, Ms Rosa, and Ms Lorna.Afterwards, Ms Nikki, Ms Leena, Ms Claudia, Ms Melanie, Ms Rada, and many other kind and wonderful teachers had a hand in developing his social and cognitive skills. Jacob thrived in Ms Rada's class as he began to learn and grow into his own. Special thanks to Ms Emily, Ms Paige, and Ms Beth for managing a fun and safe atmosphere.
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Trina and I can't believe that Jake's time at Kindercare has finally come to an end. Jake outlasted most of his teachers there, but he leaves the center as a well-prepared pre-schooler ready to take on the challenges of Kindergarten and beyond.nu=32(4)+59%29699%29WSNRCG%3D323693746432+nu0mrj.jpg)
Tess Arzaga Visits
My cousin from the Philippines recently came to visit the "States" on a business trip. Lucky for us, she was able to take some time during the weekends to meet our two boys. We were glad to see you Ate Tess; it's always good to see family.
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| Tess Arzaga Visits |
"[They] all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and... "
Paddi and Tyler are now eleven years old this summer. Wow, that's older than Lolo and Lola. Happy Birthday Paddi and Tyler.
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog," but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand." - unknown
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog," but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand." - unknown
Redskins Training Camp
After a dreadful summer of watching the losses mount for the Curly Ws and the DCU, we are so glad that football season is upon us. Okay, Trina couldn't care less, but Redskins training camp means one thing - Christmas in July.
Check out Chris 'Captain Chaos' Cooley's awesome blog. Well worth the read for 'Skins fans.
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| Redskins Training Camp |
Check out Chris 'Captain Chaos' Cooley's awesome blog. Well worth the read for 'Skins fans.
Joey's 2nd Birthday Weekend
As usual, Joey celebrated his birthday once with his classmates at pre-school, twice at home with friends and neighbors, and thrice for a summer BBQ birthday bash with more friends and family . Happy birthday Joey. We love you!!!
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| Joey's 2nd Bday 2008 |
At two years old, Joey is such a boy now. I mean wasn't he a baby just last year? Oh yeah, he was. But the trouble he gets himself into and how he instigates a fight with Jake are so typical of the "terrible twos." Maybe we tolerated Jake's terrible twos because he was our first born, but we find ourselves saying "no" a lot to Joey and sending him to "time-outs" on a frequent occurrence. It doesn't help that he started being "tinky" since he was only 13-15 months and the whining and crying are growing tiresome.
But as his Lola pointed out - is to consider the alternative. If he wasn't acting his age as a boisterous, problem child, than something is wrong. We'd rather he be himself, than worrying about his health or otherwise. He is, after all, a 2 year old boy who wants nothing more in his world but to eat, sleep, and have fun. Hmm, don't we all want that simplicity as adults, too?
July 4th Weekend
We're fortunate to live where our rights and freedom allow us to raise our children in a happy and peaceful community. Regardless of the faltering economy, global warming, and the heartaches felt around the world, I see a bright future for our country and those in every corner of the globe. I have to be, for my kids' sake, and my kids' kids sake.
And to all the many brave men and women, here and abroad, who protect us daily - thank you. We are able to celebrate today just as how our forefathers hope it would be 232 years later. And what better way to celebrate this holiday, than watching fireworks and having a barbecue with our fellow neighbors. Happy Birthday America.
And to all the many brave men and women, here and abroad, who protect us daily - thank you. We are able to celebrate today just as how our forefathers hope it would be 232 years later. And what better way to celebrate this holiday, than watching fireworks and having a barbecue with our fellow neighbors. Happy Birthday America.
OBX Vacation
There's only one thing better than spending a summer vacation on the beach, and that's spending it with awesome people. Yeah, you know who you are and we enjoyed every minute with you guys. The week went by too fast, what with all the fun we all had at the swimming pool, at the beach, and right inside our rented beach house. It was all worthwhile after driving down the beach, and dodging sand dunes, wild horses, and of course, beachgoers.
Wherever I looked in and around the house - the bustling sounds of Wii and XBox, all the dinners and meals we all shared together, "caliente" Taboo nights, riding the elevator up and down all day, or even flinging waterballons at each other - it was good to see that 19 people can enjoy spending the week together. Can't wait for our next vacation together.
Go fly a kite*
Joey
Look Before You Cross the Beach, Kids
Jacoboo
Girls just wanna have fun*
Christian and Joey
Sophia and Sam
Jake and Sophie
Toddlers on their own
Nick and Andrew*
Nick*
Joey, Ern and Lauren
Joey and Trina
Sam and Marcus
Hyong and Christian*
Doug and Haewon*
Love birds
Ern and Hyong*
Ern and Era
Dinner time
Happy Birthday Lauren and Eric
Marcus, Andrea, and Eric
Era
Fire away
Bocce*
Wild Horsey*
Sunrise
* Photos courtesy of Haewon Arzaga
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