NASA Workshop during the Doodle4Google in 2014

One of the judges during the annual Doodle4Google contest in 2014 was an astronaut.  Rylie was  so excited that she got her  Doodle4Google book signed by him and she also got a picture with him during the  meet and greet.  He was a very nice and friendly man.    I remember my son was really quiet when he was telling us  things about being an astronaut.  It was my first time meeting an astronaut so it was very memorable.

EJ was very excited upon seeing the NASA workshop  sign when the activities have started.

 The NASA workshop was the last activity that they did  before the awarding ceremony have begun.

 They were provided different kinds of materials to build something,

 EJ who is very interesting  building stuff was into this.

 The wooden wheels is what attracted him the most coz you know, anything with wheels is awesome for him.

 He was trying to work with the big kids but  they kind of just ignored him so he just did his own thing.

 Although initially we were told that only the  winner and one parent can come to the  prepared activities, I am thankful that Google have accommodate even the extra family because  me and my son got to go too and he was able to participate.

 Rylie and her partner  worked so well together in every activities.

 She also love doing crafts so this was right in her alley.

 As independent as she is, t's funny to watch  that when Daddy tried to help, she said "I got it Dad", kids!

 The two of the were very happy  when they tested their creation and it run.

Doodle4Google was  a great experience for  the whole family.  We will cherish the memories we've had in California.  If yourkids are into arts, watch out for the Doodle4Google contest, they do it every year.  A $30,000 scholarship would go along way plus the school get a $50,00 education grant as well if your child win.  My kids  did not get any inspiration  for the theme last year so they did not submit any entry.

Third Graders' Saint Day

Today is the first day of going back to school for this year.  My son is not feeling it so he teared up when I said good bye to him at the school door.  I think that once he saw his friends, he won't be feeling like it tomorrow.  It just hard to go back after  a long break. Anyway,  the photos below were taken during the 3rd graders' saint day on December  the 16th of 2015.  Their calls saint is St. Lucy.  

 I always get emotional when I saw my children participating at church.  I can't explain that feeling I always have but it happens every time I go there and see them as part of the ceremony.

 His teacher asked him to draw St. LUcy and this is what he came up with.

 He was also the one carrying it to the altart.

 I had a stage fright growing up so I am very glad to see both of of my kids  not having my fear.

 EJ always look forward to  their  saint day because they get to dressed up.  His coat was a little big but he didn't mind.

 in  11 days, my little man is turning 9 years old.  Oh boy, where did the time go?  As much as I would like for him to stay little, time is slipping away.  Both of them are growing up like  weeds.

 I am so fortunate that I get to witness  their growth.  I get to stay and work at home and take care of them.  Not every mom  have that kind of oppotunity so I am so blessed!

 I am happy  that my husband  took a day off just so he could attend  the evenyt at church.  He missed   a lot of events at school just because of his job.

St. Lucy i December the 13th but  the third graders  celebrated it on the 16th because  school masses are always held on Wednesdays.

A Mickey BIrthday Party

A month ago today, we attended a first birthday party of a a friend's  first born.  The venue of the even was located near our place but we have never been there.  You can tell that we don't go out to eat very often because a restaurant that close was never visited by us.  

 The event reminded me of the  very first birthday of my kids. Both of their  first birthdays was just celebrated at home with close friends and family.  With our daughter, I didn't know much  people then so we only have my in laws and one  Fil Am couple that  we  recently met at the mall.  With our son, we hosted it at our home.  It was a bit crowded since our house is small but invited many.  Both parties were  so much fun tho=ugh.

 We met  two new Fiipinas at the party.  I don't attend Filipino gatherings anyore so I  only knew few  around the area.

 Taking photos on every occasion isd an Asian thing.  We could never get together without taking any photos.

Thanks Aurelyn for inviting us!

Christmas Eve with the Cottrill Family

We visited the  family on the 24th.  We always get tgether on Christmas eve but  ever since my kids starting going to school, we can only visit for few hours as the kids has  a function at church.  

 My daughter was very fond of their dog Toby, he is a sweetheart.  He is  16 years old but still look good.  You can tell he is  an old dog though because  he walks  very slowly.

I am not sure what breed he is but he is so gentle and  really nice with kids.

 They opened gifts before we left.  Thanks for the gifts everyone!

Dad was in a very good  spirit  that day.  Although I was told that after the gathering, he did not want to leave.  He  said that it is his house so he isn't living.  He is now living with my sister-in-law and my niece -in-law's family  is the  one living at his former house now.

We are blessed that we are  given another Christmas to spend with  Dad.  

 The Asian cousins. Shelby is 25% Korean and my kids are 50 percent Filipino.  Our family is  mixed race but race is never an issue with us.

I thank God for another  great Christmas!  I have so many things to be thankful for this year. I am looking forward for a great 2016, hopefully it would be another great year.  2015 was a tight year financially but we managed   okay.  This year, I am hoping that with be a lot easier whenit comes to finances.  Other than that, 2015 was  great for my family's health and personal relationship.  

Visiting Family

 We visited  Dad at my sister-in-law's house the day after Thanksgiving because we only got to see him for a brief moment  when we went to his former house.  He was out of breath during the Thanksgiving celebration that he has to leave early.  His health is declining  drastically which concerns all of us.

My niece-in-law  is now living  at my FIL's former house so they hosted this year's  Thanksgiving.  We  were late   because I also  made a dinner at home and we ate before we went  and visited everybody.

 It is so hard see your parent get weaker each day.  I remember when I first came here, Dad was  still very strong and healthy.  He is a big part of my children.  We lived at his house for  a year before we bought our home and  he is the best father-in-law anyone could  have.  I am so blessed!

 Even though he doesn't recognize us anymore, I still see him  the same when  I first met him.  He is the kindest person I know.  My kids are very fond of  their memories with him when they were younger and Dad can still drive.  He would visit us and they would take them for a drive going to his house.

 At 93, he still look great but his strength is declining.  He can no longer  walk far.  Just walking to  one room to another, he is catching his breath already.

 I got him to smile  for me.  I told him that I will  show his picture to his sister, so he gave me a  big smile.

When we were about to leave, my sister-in-law's  daughter and granddaughter also visited so we took pictures of them with Dad and kids before we left.

It was a nice visit.  The last time we went and visited, he was asleep so we did not get to see him.  But anyway, here are  my babies having fun in front of the camera.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas everyone!