Trung, Grace, Lydia, & Sophie's Blog

Roosevelt on Youtube

2012-01-24T23:50:00.000-06:00

Melodious Minji

2012-01-22T00:52:00.000-06:00

After an early dinner, my Dad and I drove down to Anaheim to attend my sister-in-law Minji's concert. Once again, she did a fantastic job, this time with a full orchestra; she truly is a talented pianist. We are so proud of her!

Minji performing with an orchestra

Can you get any faster?

Cousin Christine, Dad, me, Minji, Mike, Uncle Stan, and Aunt Monica

Party Day

2012-01-21T23:36:00.000-06:00

Today we attended Maggie and Xander's birthday party at their house, literally 1.5 blocks away from us. The kids played pin the tale on the donkey, hit a pinata, and had a grand ole time. While we were at the party, Trung was at a conference near LAX and picked up my Dad after his session. We met them at home around 2, went to the library for awhile, and then headed to my Aunt Monica's house for a Chinese New Year's dinner celebration. We ate way too much as we always do at my Aunt's. Happy Chinese New Year!

Pinata time!

Candy all around

Maggie, Nurit, and Lydia

Trung, Lydia, and my cousin's daughters dancing

Yummy food

The usual gang, plus my Dad.

Roosevelt Read-a-thon

2012-01-18T16:29:00.001-06:00

Roosevelt Elementary had their second annual flash mob dance today to promote reading. The entire school of 800 kids danced their hearts out and did a wonderful job. So fun!

Lydia in the middle

Bright Book Light ("Dynamite")

Actor Jon Favreau (in the blue) watched his three daughters dance along with the rest of us.

MLK at Menchies

2012-01-16T22:15:00.000-06:00

Our friend Angela and her son Logan came out to Santa Monica for a play date today. The last few times we have gone to their home in Burbank, so we decided to change the atmosphere a little. The kids spent most of the playing with the girls' new kitchen, then we had some lunch, and then we had dessert at a nearby frozen yogurt place called Menchies. Menchies is located across the street from Lydia's school and happens to be a popular celebrity hang-out. On this particular day, we actually did see a celebrity, Maria Bello, for Prime Suspect and "A History of Violence". I didn't ask to take a picture with her since she was with her son, but I did stand behind her at check-out and snap a random shot of her later. :P

Dirty Sophie heading off to the restroom

At Menchies with Angela...

and Maria Bello!

Flash Mob

2012-01-12T21:35:00.000-06:00

Lydia and Sophie practicing the flash mob dance that Lydia's entire school will be presenting on Wednesday.

Mammoth

2012-01-10T14:15:00.000-06:00

Trung went on his annual guys ski trip this weekend, this time to Mammoth. He said that there wasn't any real snow since it has been a pretty dry winter, but he had a great time hanging out with the guys. While he was away, we girls did what we do best...shop. Well, I shopped while Lydia and Sophie got their fill of Netflix and Youtube videos. What can I say, it's the best way to kill time. :)

Austin buddies together again

"Danger" is Trung's middle name

Snow-less

Until next year...

Long time no visit

2012-01-03T22:12:00.000-06:00

Since it was the last day of vacation and Lydia has been asking about the awesome kid's meal at La Grande Orange Cafe, we decided to trek up to Pasadena for the free monthly family night at Kidspace Museum and for dinner. One of our first LA friends, Christine and Elyse, joined us and we had did a lot of catching up. Christine thoroughly enjoyed dinner and there were no complaints from Elyse either. Now for school to start up again tomorrow!

Sophie can bike by herself now

An Elyse sandwich

"Go faster!"

Tonight was Chinese New Year themed. The girls practiced writing their Chinese characters.

Gentle strokes

Hanging on for dear life

Lydia spelled our her name in Wiki Stix

Starting the year at Disney

2012-01-02T23:42:00.000-06:00

I finally convinced Trung to purchase a Disneyland Annual Pass and we all went before all the holiday decorations came down. We went to our favorite rides, saw our favorite Disney characters, and watched spectacular shows. We arrived at 9 AM and left at 11 PM, and had a heck of a time!

Trung took the wheel for a smoother drive at Autopia

Who's watching the road?

Grumpy girls

3D Fashionista

Sophie getting a high five from one of the Phineas and Ferb dancers

Too cute!

The "It's a Small World" ride was decked out for the holidays

Watching the Christmas parade

We stood behind the VIP, so we ot lots of smiles and waves from the characters

A special message from Santa

Sophie showing Snow White her boo-boo

"It's a Small World" was so beautifully lit up

Lydia had been asking about snow and she finally got it!

10 PM and waiting for Fantasmic...

which was fantastic!

New Year's 2012

2012-01-01T23:45:00.000-06:00

Trung and I had our place to ourselves for the first time in awhile since the kids were all passed out at Snow's place. We didn't really get to do much since we were exhausted from the party and then woke up early (9:30) to pick up the kids to have brunch at M Street in our pajamas. Yes, brunch in our pjs...we'll do anything for a free meal!

A family of seven?

Waiting ourside for our table

A picture of a picture being taken

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve with Eddie Money

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000-06:00

Tonight we celebrated the coming of a new year with Trung's co-workers at Shutters on the Beach. We had an awesome buffet with raw seafood, sliders, pizza, an open bar, and desserts; and 80's singer Eddie Money rocked the night away with his hits. Happy New Year!

With my love

Trung got to invite more people, so we invited my good friend Snow, whose husband was watching our five kids

"Take Me Home Tonight"

"Two Tickets to Paradise"

Eddie Money!

The kids were fast asleep while we partied....four little girls in a row.

A holiday week

2011-12-30T21:46:00.000-06:00

Though both kids were home from school, the week went by rather quickly. Tuesday, we went grocery shopping and then I dropped the kids off at the library with Snow to do crafts while I made dinner for everyone. It was my first time making prime rib and it turned out pretty well.

Straight out of the oven

Prime rib, ratatouille, and garlic potatoes

Wednesday, we went to the outlet and shopped until they kicked us out. We didn't get home until 10:30 and were exhausted, but I got some really good deals.

The kids entertaining themselves at the Coach outlet store.

Thursday, I did three loads of laundry in the morning and then walked with the kids to Color Me Mine to do some ceramic painting. Sophie picked a Snow White piece and Lydia picked a unicorn. They were doing so well until Sophie dropped her princess and beheaded her, but at least now we know that she's still a bit too young for this activity.

Such concentration

Lydia likes colorful things

Friday, we had couple playdates. After lunch, Lydia preschool friend Ava came over and soon after, Snow brought her three kids. Snow and Ken went on a date night, so I watched the kids by myself for a couple hours until Trung got home. The kids were all pretty good, but it's definitely an experience.

Goofing around with Ava

Life with five kids

Iron Chefs

2011-12-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

When we got home on Monday, the girls had their biggest Christmas present awaiting them...a play kitchen from Mommy and Daddy. Since I had to get my crown put in at the dentist, Trung just asked the girls to stay upstairs as he put the kitchen together. He got through most of it by the time they got restless and came downstairs. They were super excited and even helped put the rest of it together.

Assembly

As a friend put it...Iron Chef meets America's Next Top Model

A Sunny Christmas

2011-12-25T21:58:00.002-06:00

We left early Saturday morning for Orange County, first dropping by The Beachcomber Cafe to see if we could get in with a decent wait. Alas, it was not to be as the wait was 1.5 hours. So instead we had brunch at a nearby bagel shop. We arrived at Mike's place by noon and munched on Vietnamese food and played board games the entire afternoon.

We spent Christmas Day watching basketball games and finally at 5, we headed to my Aunt Monica's house for a potluck dinner. We had a feast and later, six kids went wild opening presents. Fun stuff!

Christmas on the beach

Jenga time!

This is how the girls were all Christmas day watching My Little Ponies while the adults watched basketball.

A pile of presents before...

and after.

The whole gang

Merry Christmas!

Christmas sing-along with my talented SIL Minji at the piano

Resting after a busy evening

LTP Christmas Party

2011-12-22T20:53:00.001-06:00

Sophie's Learning Through Play class had a Christmas party today and since Lydia is now out of school for the rest of the year, she came along. After snacking on PB & J quesadillas, chicken nuggets, and veggies, the kids played musical chairs and parachute. Sophie has had a wonderful time in this class and will continue attending twice a week until the summer.

Kids playing musical chairs...this could get nasty.

How Sophie got out

How did I know that Lydia was going to win? She's a competitor like her mommy and she was the oldest one there!

Under the parachute

Hitching a free ride

Sophie and Teacher Anna

Chipwrecked

2011-12-21T19:51:00.003-06:00

We went with a group of about 20 people to watch the new Chipmunks movie "Chipwrecked", which was pretty cute. Then we walked over to Santa Monica Place and had lunch together. By the time the kids played on the whale and we walked home, it was already 5! What a great way to spend the day!

Part of our group heading over to Santa Monica Place

The kids engrossed with Gymboree TV

We walked by Skechers on the Promenade and saw a sign that Hall of Famer Joe Montana would be there in about 15 minutes, so of course, we waited. :)

Candy Cane Lane

2011-12-18T21:34:00.001-06:00

Tonight we went with my friend Julie and her family to the famed Candy Cane Lane, where street after street is lit with Christmas cheer. It certainly was a sight to see, with people selling snacks and hot drinks along the way. After walking a few blocks, we went to Star BBQ and ate our hearts out.

Bella, me and Lydia

Candy Cane Lane

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

A fun-filled day

2011-12-17T18:06:00.001-06:00

We started off the morning with gingerbread cookie decorating and storytelling by Mrs. Claus. Someone had tickets to the event and was unable to attend, so she gave me her tickets which she received a month earlier. Santa Monica Place has such wonderful events and for free! Afterwards, we enjoyed free carousel rides at the Pier and took pictures with Santa. The weather was a bit strange, raining randomly throughout the day, so we headed back home for lunch.

Five extra tickets were given to five happy little girls

Storytelling was a bit boring, but it was a cool concept

The girls showing off their face paintings

Our first time on the carousel at the pier

Photo opp with Santa

One of the girls favorite things to do...chase pigeons

Jessica and Tom hosted this month's potluck. They did a great job cleaning up their place and even added a Christmas tree! The adults had a white elephant exchange while the kids each got gifts from a Secret Santa. Don't you just love Christmas?

Sweet kids

I didn't know even that Lydia could hula hoop! Apparently, she practices a lot at school.

And apparently Trung practices at work too!

My afternoon in a nutshell

2011-12-14T23:00:00.000-06:00

As I was walking with the girls to the library for a dance workshop, Trung called to inform me that the T-mobile elf was at our local store. He had been following T-mobile on Twitter because the first person to tweet about the elf after seeing it in person would get $1000 and a free $500 phone. Since I was already halfway to the library and Snow was waiting for me, I had to go, but once I arrived, I literally left the girls with Snow and dashed to the store. Since I didn't have a Twitter account (Trung was going to tweet once I got there), it didn't matter that I was there, but fortunately, Trung ended up coming and got runner-up and the $500 free phone. Yay!

First place winner, the elf, and Trung

Since I got back to the library after the performance had begun, I was locked out and couldn't go back in until it ended. At least I got go in afterwards and still watch the lessons.

Lydia prancing around

After the workshop, Snow, her kids, the girls, and I went to The Fairmont Hotel for some hot drinks. It was a really nice hotel and we felt a little out of place with five kids, but the kids were pretty well behaved and really enjoyed their hot chocolates.

Entertaining the kids with Youtube videos

Our little group

Decorating

2011-12-11T23:52:00.000-06:00

We purchased Princess themed wall decals from Costco for the girls' room and they have been dying to put them up. So, finally the weekend came and put their favorite princesses next to their beds while Maggie did the other ones.

Lydia put Ariel near her top bunk

Trung insisted using the toy camel's bottom to smooth out the decals

Sophie showing her favorite princess, Snow White

Kinecting

2011-12-10T21:45:00.001-06:00

Lydia's classmate Maggie's family invited us over tonight for a potluck and to play Kinect. We ate some delicious pulled pork and chili, and embarrassed ourselves trying to dance with the Kinect. Maggie has three other siblings, so the girls always had someone to play with, which is always a good thing.

Maggie's twin brother Xander and Lydia

Sophie was missing half the evening playing in the kids' room with Marina

The celebrity neighbor James Madio, known for is younger roles in "Hook" and "Band of Brothers"

San Diego Friends

2011-12-09T22:57:00.001-06:00

Sabrina and her kids Ava and Pierson came up to LA to visit Disneyland for a few days. After all the fun, they spent the night with us Thursday night and we hung out around Santa Monica this morning. We don't get to see each other that often, so it was fun catching up with her.

Yes, it's true, my 3.5 year old can barely keep her 18-24 months bottoms on

Sabrina, me, and the kids at Santa Monica Place

Christie and her family came over for a simple dinner tonight since our complete families rarely get together. The kids were nice and rowdy, but they had a blast.

Christie's three goofy kids in deep meditation

Like nothing happened

2011-12-04T23:58:00.000-06:00

Before heading back to Houston to catch my flight, I had lunch with my old Austin friends and their growing families. We tried to catch up during the little time that I had with them, but of course, it wasn't enough. At least I got to see everyone and their adorable kids.

John, Jamie, Allie, and Ian

Henry, Yuri, and Trevor

Sing, Maggie, and Fiona

Wendy, Nick, Kaitlyn, and Ethan

Jason, Betty, and Brandon

Talking to Daddy before take-off

Tiff getting married

2011-12-03T22:10:00.002-06:00

As part of the bridal party (I did a scripture reading), I partook in most of the pre-wedding events. Since I already got my nails back home for Mike's wedding reception, I just made a Starbucks run for the girls. Then after a quick lunch with Wendy, I went to Green Pastures for the rehearsal and Salt Licks for dinner and got my fill of Texas barbeque.

Back together again after a year

Rehearsal

Barbeque buffet

The bridal party

I got a makeover at Sephora in the morning, met Jen for lunch at Threadgill's, and got a haircut all before the wedding. The wedding was beautiful and I am so happy for Tiffany and Albert. Though I was a bit tired, I still joined them downtown afterwards and hit the nightlife...it's been a long time.

The newlyweds

The new family

My new friend Lily and I, yes, that is a turkey on my head

Congrats Tiff and Albert!

Heading downtown in style

Driving solo

2011-12-01T22:50:00.000-06:00

Today I left Sophie behind with my parents and drove up to Austin to spend some time with old friends and participate in all of Tiffany's wedding festivities. I arrived around 4 and paid my old next door neighbor Bonnie a little visit. Then I hung out with Sarah and her adorable kids until we had to meet our Happy hour group. We purposely went to Steeping Room first for my favorite Creme Brulee steamer, but just my luck, the espresso machine was broken. Oh well, all the more reason to return to Austin. :)

Justin and Amy, growing up so fast

Happy hour at Jasper's with the ladies