A Day Out with Thomas

While Daddy had to work the graveyard shifts over the weekend, Trina and Kappa took the boys to Cumberland, MD for the weekend. There, they spent the day out with Thomas the Train. Before Jake and Joey got to ride on Thomas, the town of Cumberland was holding their annual fall festival. The boys ran, and yelled, and screamed through a maze made of hay stacks; darting in and out of the maze, and finally finding the finish line. Once it was time to board the train, Jake and Joey rode through the countryside of western MD. Daddy was glad to see Mommy and the kids back home. Click on the thumbnail picture and see how they spent the day with Thomas.

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"Have [bike] will travel reads the card of a man..."

"...a [boy] without armor in a savage land."

Once a month, Jake and Kappa do some grand-Kappie and grand-kid stuff together and explore the beauty and wonder that is Mother Nature. On Labor Day, Jake and Kappa invited Joey, mommy and daddy to the Tow Path on the C&O, along the Maryland side of Great Falls Park.

From Jacob 2007

Jakey dressed up in his "Go, Diego, Go!" Animal Rescue Pack and rode his new John Deere bicycle. Jake showed us the many creepy-crawler creatures, towering trees, and rugged rocks that can be found along the mighty Potomac River.

From Best of the R...

From Best of the R...

"Jakey, Jakey, where do you roam? Jakey, Jakey, far, far from home. "

OBX in August

We came back to the Outer Banks in Corolla, NC in August, the week before Labor Day. This time around, we stayed at a beach house called 'Aloha' and were joined by my brother's family, Doug, Haewon, Nick, Sean, and Chaze. Also joining us in the fun and sun were my friends from my high school days at Fairfax High, Eric "Color Me Betsy" and Marcus Mickney alongside his family, Andrea and Sam.

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We had plenty of splashes in the pool and in the ocean, beach sand encrusted in our trunks, surf and turf eats at the beach house and around town, and souvenirs galore from Wings. How can I forget all the Dairy Queen faceoffs in foosball, XBox, and hoops. Thanks for all the DQ Blizzards Eric ;-]

We're all glad you all came. Let's do it again. Do I hear a ski trip in the near future?

The Pursuit of Happyness

Spoiler alert - closing scene
"This part of my life...this...little part...is called "happyness." - Chris Gardner

Whenever I think of this movie, I feel blessed and thankful. I can't wait to run home everyday and hug each and everyone. I can't help feel happy.

Fast Times at FHS

I can't believe that my high school class of 1987 held its...gulp...20 year reunion at the Hyatt in Fair Lakes, VA. Are you kidding me?!? Has it been 20 years since my pals and I graduated from Fairfax High? I have co-workers who were barely out of diapers in the mid-80's and some of Joey's teachers weren't even born when I entered FHS...ugh.

It amazes me how much an emotional impact high school was that it still affects our daily lives and thoughts 20 years later. Members of our class still feel "intimidated" today because of it. One brave Rebel (call her "J") spoke up and wrote, "in highschool...I felt displaceced... unsure of myself and very much adork. I am no longer a dork...however this whole thing about life wasbest in highschool.... well its not how I feel. So...why should Irevisit... the most awkward part of my life? Im not in any of thepictures... and truth be told... I painfully brought out theyearbook... to even know who the people making posts are. So..yes Imundecided... Id be there if I knew... I have a fun time..but Im notconvinced that it would be an excerise in masochism. "

Even though I was disinterested in attending, it was for different reasons. I wandered if anyone would even remember me at all. I didn't know that many people I considered to be close. And those I knew then, I'm still in touch with some of them today. (see the OBX in August blog.) Alas, I was inspired to join my classmates. As my good friend of 25+ years, Chris Jewell responded back to 'J', "Most of us were shy and awkward and struggling to figure out our personality and purpose. Twenty years later, presumably we're all at peace with who we are and what we're doing in life. I may have been a generally miserable teenager, but because I'm a happy adult, I will attend the reunion."

So I did. I joined my pals, Hyong 'Louise' Kim, Eric (Weinberg) Magruder, Marcus 'McKinney' and Chris. I'd rather regret going than not going at all. We gathered at Tony's NY Pizza for a pitcher of beer, or two, or three...and some wings before heading off to the hotel. There, I met old faces and made new friends. It was a chance to laugh and remember about the old times, the hairstyles (where did mine go, by the way?), the songs, the cars, the fads and fashion of 1983-1987. Those high school days were simpler days then --- no mortgage to pay, no children to care for, no worries too big. My biggest worries then were waking up in time for first period in Mr C's math class or taking a pop quiz at Ms Fedricks' English class. Memories of my youth was generally good and it felt good unlocking those faint images that night.

I'm most proud of my 'mates who rallied and re-assured 'J' and the rest of us "dorks." High school is a confusing phase for teenagers and we all cope differently. But we're never alone whenever we reach out for the support and love from our family and friends. It's good seeing those from my past and realizing that teenagers do change into responsible, caring adults.

I realize that high school was at times difficult and overwhelming, but I chose to be happy and survived. I'm not the smartest or the strongest. I know I'm far from perfect, but I adapt and work hard on being a better person. What I see everyday is a challenge to my comfort zone, my self-esteem, my pursuit of happyness. "Some people walk in the rain. Others just get wet. " - Roger Miller

So a toast to my Class of 1987 at Fairfax High - I am what I am today because of the friendships and experiences I shared with them. "You've been, you are, and you will always be my friends." --- This one's from my pal Jae Pae (wherever he is).

Reunion photos courtesy of Chris Jewell.


Video clips from the movie, Breakfast Club set to the music of Simple Minds - simply awesome!

Getting wet at the Great Wolf Lodge

From Best of the R...

Since we don't see our Alyeska-n cousins often, we decided to give them a break from their Navy lacrosse camps. Jakey and Joey treated their cousins, Tristan, Kyle, and Schuyler for some summer fun inside a waterpark/hotel resort called the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA.

From Best of the R...

Kappa, Trina, the kids and I all bunked in the same suite for the weekend. We got to meet Wolfie, play in the arcade, pig out at the buffet, and most importantly, got all wet at the park. Kappa even braved the "Howlin' Tornado" water slide while Jake and Joey enjoyed the calmer tides of the wave pool and jungle gym...

From Best of the R...

Before we left for home, we stopped at the Go-Karts Plus and tested out the many go-kart tracks, miniature golf, bumper boats and cars. What a weekend.

p.s. A little warning to all I95 travelers out there heading south to the Richmond area. Beware of the McDonald's Express located in the Bottom Bridge exit just south of I295. It is the scariest, if not worst place to grab a bite, or worse, take a leak!

Look Who's 10 Years Old

Paddington and Tyler are 10 years old! Wow, how our (furry, four-legged) kids have grown. Click on the thumbnail picture and see them through the years...

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We can't imagine our lives without them. "Happiness is a warm puppy." - Charles M. Schulz (Beagle lover, cartoonist)

Joey is 1!

Not to be outdone by his older brother, Joey celebrated his very first birthday, not once, not twice, but THREE times! Joey celebrated the first of his three birthday parties at Kindercare where Joey, his friends, and teachers had cupcakes. Click on the thumbnail picture and see more pictures of Joey's birthday parties.

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Joey's First Birthday 2007

Being that Joey turned 1, we had his biggest bash over the weekend with more family and friends, some as far away as Alaska, where Joey's cousins, Tristan, Kyle and Schulyer now reside. There were plenty of food and drinks, as usual - thanks to my Manang and Harris Teeter for catering the event. But more importantly, thank you all who attended, most of whom met Joey for the first time, and helping us celebrate Joey's first birthday!

And finally, Joey's last party included more cupcakes, more friends, and what else - fireworks. Being that it's the same week as the Fourth of July, fireworks (courtesy of South Riding), were in the ready to cap off a 5 day birthday celebration. Happy first birthday Joey!

OBX in June

Our first vacation of the summer...we headed off to the beach - OBX baby! Our beach house was full of family members, baby toys, and cold beer. Uncle Ross, Aunt Sydney, and Kappa headed the Long patriarchy. Mark and Jessica brought their kids, Will and newborn Juliet and Jessica's brother Paul. We were later joined by Allen, Kristie and their daughter, Mary.

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"hip hip hip hip
When you’re on a holiday
You can’t find the words to say
All the things that come to you
And I wanna feel it too

(chorus) On an island in the sun
We’ll be playing and having fun
And it makes me feel so fine
I can’t control my brain
hip hip hip hip

When you’re on a golden sea
You don’t need no memory
Just a place to call your own
As we drift into the zone
...(chorus)
We’ll run away together
We’ll spend some time forever
We’ll never feel bad anymore
...(chorus)"
Weezer

Ten years together

Trina and I celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary on Memorial Day weekend. To this day, we can't remember the exact date, but at least we remember it's on a three day holiday weekend. Who can forget that, right?

I can't begin to imagine what life would be like without her by my side. In the ten years since that day in 1997, we started our lives together by bringing home Paddington, bought our first and only home, rescued Tyler from the pound, decorated our home many times over, found new jobs, traveled here and there, and our biggest and proudest moments, being parents to our beloved boys, Jake and Joey.

What did we do to celebrate? What we enjoy doing everyday...having a quiet dinner together enjoying the moment. Yeah right. Of course, we ignored for that fleeting moment, the blaring sounds of cartoons Jake was watching, Joey's screaming for milk, Tyler's whining to go outside, and Paddi's snout poking at our laps for dinner scraps. It was the most romantic ten-second dinner together between a husband and wife. We can only smile and appreciate what we have after ten years together and what will happen in the years to come.

"Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be -
the last of life for which the first was made."
- Robert Browning

Jacob turns 4!

On April 28th, Jacob turned 4 years old. Wow, we can't believe how fast he has grown. He started his birthday celebrations early, having two parties to celebrate - one at his pre-school and the other at the Curiosity Zone. Mom, dad and tito Mel joined Jacob celebrate his first birthday party with his classmates at Kindercare where they played with crafts and ate a yummy John Deere-themed cake. Click on the thumbnail picture and see more pictures of Jaker's birthday parties.

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Jacob's 4th Birthday

The following day, he was joined with friends from the neighborhood and around town at the Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, VA. There, Jake and his pals discovered the world of science, using everyday stuff to replicate volcanos, tornados, and other exploding things. It's better to have things explode at the Curiosity Zone than have a bunch of mad scientists blowing up things in our house!

Hello World

Hey you. Here's our first attempt of opening up our world to the world wide web. Hope you enjoy our ride.

Anything prior to this blog, I'll be adding a brief history to chronicle our lives together as a I remember them and have the time. Visit us later for new updates.

p.s. My apologies in advance to all the cliches and quotes. There is nothing in me that's original.. half the words out of my mouth is from a movie or tv show or a quote grep-ed from the internet... it's easier for me to regurgitate what someone else so eloquently sang or wrote, so why should I re-invent the wheel, yes?

2006 Holiday Newsletter

To our dearest family and friends, we hope this holiday greeting finds you all warm, happy and healthy. 2006 was a banner year for the Arzaga family (see more pictures from 2006 on Snapfish). In contrast to last year's newsletter where we described our many travels, this year we stayed close to our nest. That's because our roost got a little bit bigger with a new addition to our family. We are proud to bring a new life into the world, Joel Thomas Ernesto Arzaga or as we like to call him, Joey. He was born on a Saturday, July 1st. He is a smiley and healthy 8lb 13oz, 20" baby boy with a full mullet at birth.

We were excited to find out we were having another child in November '05, but it became real to Trina and me on Valentine's Day when we found out the gender of 'Cletus-the-fetus'. We were torn what names to bestow our next boy. (Some people were actually relieved we didn't choose Cletus - again.) We finally compromised and favored Joel in the end.

Trina didn't have the easiest pregnancy with Joey; blaming me every five minutes for doing this to her. I was after all, the basis of her nausea and general discomfort for 10 very long lunar months. As a good husband, I accepted all culpability and took it on the chin like a battered ex-champ ready to hit the canvas.

We suppose it's nature's way of fooling us to procreate, but how quickly we forget...just 3 short years ago, we were in the same quagmire. Did we not learn our lessons with our first born while Trina shrieks during delivery? Or when we stumble in the dark to answer the 2 am shrills for feedings; or when we're sprayed with the "fountain of youth", so to speak, while we're changing diapers; or nodding off, half-sleepishly through office meetings. Quite honestly, we couldn't have asked for anything else. We love that we spend our days horsing around the house and our nights reading books and watching tv. We have 2 wonderful boys and 2 wonderful dogs that keep our house unkempt, loud and alive. Just the way we like it.

Big brother Jake wished for neither a baby brother nor sister; but rather, wished for Sydney, his next door neighbor. In other words, he wanted someone who came to visit and play, but never stayed around long enough to endanger his kingdom. Imagine Jake's surprised look when he found out his baby Joey was not a baby kangaroo, but rather a wrinkly coneheaded version of Mini-me. After a couple of days getting used to the idea that Joey was here to stay, Jake warmed up to Joey. Jake is now happy and proud to tell his friends, teachers, and telemarketers that he is Joey's big brother.

Joey joined Jakey at his daycare when mommy returned from maternity leave. He is adjusting well in school and making friends with his classmates and teachers. We cannot express enough how much Joey loves to smile. We like to think Joey's big warm smile makes everyone's day just a little bit brighter. Trina and I can't wait for that moment every day when we see the smiles on both kids after a long day at the office.

Jakers turned three this past April. His vocabulary and interests continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Daddy coached Jake-a-Boo’s first soccer team this fall season. The whole experience was a bit overwhelming for him and half his team. Let's just say, he was the best-dressed soccer player crying on the sidelines.

Jacob still amazes us with his ability to point out the names of every Thomas the Train character in his books and every John Deere tractor and Caterpillar construction vehicle he sees on the road. Unlike the Trekkie that is his daddy, Jake managed to attend every other model train convention in the DC metro area, ride every kiddie train at Burke Lake Park and shopping malls, and visit Strasburg, PA again and again and again.

Older siblings Paddi-cakes and Ty-Ty are getting older in their ways. Both canines prefer to be left alone by their younger counterparts. They still enjoy their walks around the neighborhood and are content sitting out on the front yard and porch.

We were graced with visits from family and friends, especially Lolo, Lola and cousin Aaron, just to say hello and see our kids - both 2-legged and 4-legged varieties. We look forward to Kappa’s weekend visits and it’s always a joy to see cousins Nick, Sean, Will, Mary Elizabeth and all of the DuHoffmans during Thanksgiving. We miss you Tristan, Kyle and Schulyer, who moved their Tweezer chapter to Anchorage, AK.

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my family and friends, the old and new." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson.We are grateful for grand-Kappa, Lolo and Lola and all the uncles and aunts who ceaselessly spoil and love their grandkids/nephews whenever Trina and I are busy and tired; for our families, friends and teachers who offer their patience, kind hearts and generosity; you are all a big part of our lives.

We hope you enjoyed this year's edition of the Arzaga Christmas newsletter. Writing it is a lot easier and more interesting when a child enters your world.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Ernesto Arzaga, Jr., Trina Arzaga,
Jacob Arzaga, Joel Arzaga,
Paddington and Tyler too!

Our Christmas Newsletters from the yesteryear.

2005 Xmas Newsletter

Welcome Joel Thomas Ernesto Arzaga

Big brother, Jacob Arzaga and his canine siblings, Paddington and Tyler would like to finally announce the arrival of their new baby brother, Joel Thomas Ernesto Arzaga. He is a happy and healthy baby. Mommy, Jacob, Paddi and Tyler are all doing fine. Yeah, daddy too.

We would like to thank everyone who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful to all the well-wishers who’ve dropped by for the gifts to both Joey and Jakey and for the hot and yummy meals. Your kind hearts and generosity helped us tremendously during the first weeks of Joey’s life.

Finally, a BIG thank you to Jake and Joey's grandma Kappa, who spent every night of the last week of Trina’s pregnancy in case J-Day arrived early, for enduring the breakfast incident at McDonald's while babysitting Jacob and for answering all of Trina’s beckoning call at the hospital. We couldn’t have survive the weekend without you.

Our apologies for the delay in sending the pictures...so many diapers and feedings, so…little…sleep. Here they are as promised.

Take care always,
Ernesto Arzaga, Jr., Trina Arzaga,
Jacob Arzaga, Joel Arzaga,
Paddington and Tyler too!

"Midnight moonlight shining through the curtain lace
Paints a perfect picture on your perfect face
One sweet angel sleeping in my arms
You are the promise I knew God would keep
You are the gift that makes my world complete

And you'll never know how much I love you
But I'll keep on telling you my whole life through
Now I believe in miracles, and you're the reason why
So dream on while I sing you my angel's lullaby"
Reba McEntire

2005 Holiday newsletter

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people...and on earth peace, good will toward men... " Luke 2:8-14

To our dearest family and friends, we hope this holiday greeting finds you all warm, happy and healthy. Jacob continues to grow and GROW and GROW. He is learning new words, new songs and new ways to get mommy and daddy tired and asleep by 9pm. Jake loves his Elmo, Barney, the "TubbieTubbies", and the Wiggles (he even took a date to see them live in concert). But it doesn't compare to his maddening obsession with choo-choos. (Suffice it to say we are now addicted to caffeine and Tivo just to keep up with Jakers and maintain our pre-child hobbies and interests.)

Believe it or not, we are enjoying his terrible twos (knowing that the teenage years are still ahead of us), because he is just the bestest kid we could ask for.

We are blessed to have family and friends so close to help us. With "Kappie", his cousins (2 more were born this year), his 15+ neighborhood girlfriends, and his daycare teachers and classmates, JakeJake doesn't have a shortage of activities and love to keep him laughing, learning and enjoying being two.

We were able to finally take several vacations and weekend trips this year (see more pictures from 2005 on Snapfish). It's not an easy task when we're traveling with a kid, 2 dogs and at times, Kappa and her BIG-bag-o’-hair stuff. In May, we spent a day out in Thurmont, MD (near Camp David) to celebrate Mother's Day at the Cozy Inn buffet and a train ride on the Walkersville Southern Railroad, MD.

In June, we spent a weekend in Lancaster and Strasburg, PA riding through the Amish countryside on Jakie's favorite "Thomas the Tank Engine" train and gorging at every Pennsylvania Dutch buffet. Them folks can cook.

In late August, we ventured back to OBX (Corolla, NC) for a week with my brother's family, the Cruz’es and my friend since high school, Eric.

We did nothing but lounge around on the beach, by the pool and eat all the seafood we could see. For a brief moment, we experienced a simpler life again.

In October, we went apple picking in Purcellville, VA. Trina baked the best apple pies.

And just recently in mid-December, about 20 family members from Columbus, OH to northern VA to the eastern shores in MD, we celebrated Kappa's official admittance to the AARP. We all hopped on a cruise ship to the Bahamas and Coco Cay islands. Oh, how I miss eating at Windjammer. Did you notice a recurring theme for the Arzaga's when we go vacationing?

Both of our loving pups, Paddington and Tyler turned eight this year. They are as fluffy and cuddly as ever. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, our canine kids still have the energy and good health to keep us going on our daily walks around South Riding. The neighborhood kids came over to help devour the birthday cakes with Paddi and Tyler.

Ernesto is still working towards retirement, only 22 years left to cashing in on his 401k. Working at CACI is challenging and interesting, if not fun. Really, it is. I find myself writing volumes and volumes of software requirements, functional designs, test scripts and even online help and training documentation for the DoD. I learn something new everyday. I sometimes wonder if people are actually reading and reviewing my 30, sometimes 300+ page papers I churn out every other week. It’s not up to par with Grisham’s thrillers or kid-friendly like Harry Potter, but it’s very good reading for the insomniacs. Really, it is.

Trina has been promoted again at E*Trade. She is managing a team performing due diligence on loan portfolios of other mortgage entities. We are all so proud of her. Trina's business travels have taken her across the continental US, including, Cleveland, Nashville and San Antonio. Hopefully, my sugar mamma will make it all worth her while when she earns her bonus.

Thankfully, Trina is cutting down on her workload and travels soon (Ernesto can't handle being Mr. Mom for more than 2 days in a row), as we are expecting our second child in the summer of 2006. We are excited about our expanding brood. We figured we've got 2 cars, 2 dogs, why not 2 kids?!? We're sure Jacob, Paddi and Tyler can't wait to have another rugrat joining them in wreaking havoc to our already unstable sanity.

We wish we could see you all more often. Let’s make plans to meet at a restaurant ;-}. May your holidays be merry and bright and hope the coming New Year brings you continued good health and much joy!
Ernesto Arzaga, Jr., Trina Arzaga,
Jacob Arzaga, Joel Arzaga,
Paddington and Tyler too!

(See more pictures from 2004 on Snapfish)

Welcome Jacob William Philip Arzaga

On this day, April 28, 2003 at 4:28 pm, Jacob was born at Reston Hospital. At birth, he was 7.1 lbs and 19 inches.

You are a bundle of joy,
you melt our hearts
We love you.
-mommy and daddy
(see more pictures from 2003 on Snapfish)

"Hush my love now don’t you cry
Everything will be all right
Close your eyes and drift in dream
Rest in peaceful sleep
If there’s one thing I hope
I showed you Hope
I showed you
Just give love to all

Oh my love…in my arms tight
Every day you give me life
As I drift off to your world
Will rest in peaceful sleep
I know there’s one thing that you showed me
That you showed me
Just give love to all
Let’s give love to all"
Creed

In Remembrance

"Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?

It would be so fine to see your face at my door

Doesn't help to know that you're just time away

Long ago I reached for you, and there you stood

Holding you again could only do me good

How I wish I could, but you're so far away..."

Carole King

He'll be comin' around the pelvis when he comes

Around the first anniversary of 9/11, Trina and I found out we were having our first baby. We announced Jacob's pending arrival to the world that Thanksgiving. It was an exciting moment and frightening prospect for us. I wish I still have a copy of it, but it included the following ditty...
(see more pictures from 2002 on Snapfish)
"Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face
(chorus)
With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open

Well I don't know if I'm ready
To be the man I have to be
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life
With arms wide open
(chorus) ..."
Creed