6 months into 2024

This year has been NONSTOP.  Summer started for the kids.  Adam is still taking ballet, started basketball at pick up USA and still taking piano lessons on Wednesdays.  He also started to play roblox and other online games with friends.  Thats what he does first thing in the morning.  He is also starting to get annoyed with Alice who's personality just gets bigger and bigger. 

They all participated in the Chinese competition this year, but none won. Only 3 in the school received an award.  Amber and Alice were disappointed but I know they will try again.  I was so proud that all 3 did it! 

Amber is still doing ballet twice a week.  She doesnt need to prove herself to be the best because she always tries her best.

Ashley started school this week.  On her 2nd day of school, Amber ran out with her favorite teddies - her cinnamon roll and offered it to Ashley, who was crying in my arms.  She told me to tell her that she misses her very much when I pick her up.  Everyone was sad when they know Ashley didnt want to go to school, because they have all been there. 

Ashley is still getting used to it and repeatedly said I dont want to go by myself to school.  Avery is there with her but she missed her usual people.  She is so alert and is talking so much.  We dont have Nora come anymore and its going to be tough. 

Branch, our new dog, joined us in February.  It's been tough! He bites and takes all their toys.  We threw away a good number of stuffed animals.  We decided to give him away but now no one is interested.  But he is like what we want in a few years when the kids take less of our time.  Right now, their schedule and my schedule is too much!

Amber and Adam did their June performance, which is the Coppellia.  They did so well and I am so proud of them to see them on stage.  Amber just shines and she is the most graceful and beautiful ballerina.  

So much has happened and I wish I can have more time to write.  The end of the year is just around the corner!  We sneaked in a quick trip to Maui and it was amazing.  The beaches are so clean and beautiful.  The island life there is a dream.

Fresh January

For the first time in long time, we stayed around during this Christmas holiday.   Last year, we went to Seattle and Victoria Island in Vancouver.  This year - I decided that it was best to stay around, take advantage of the slow down at work and catch up as much as I could before the new year begin.  We did everything from cutie cutie being back again  (and i loved how they all still believe, although Adam is really trying to), lots of hot chocolate (snoopy advent calendar), christmas lights at the arboretum, christmas lights on Valmont, all presents were opened and Santa's gifts were delivered.  It was really hard to plan out so many gifts and I am pretty happy with the gifts given out this year.   Our tree this year is a Chrismouse Tree, I suddenly had a obsession with the Christmas mouseys and they are so cute.  

Lately, Adam finally started to read Harry Potter again and it was all because I brought a book and read a few lines outloud.  He just finished the 4th book. 

Alice just finished her 2nd Kelly Yang book and loving it.  I think it has to do with how much Adam is also reading. 

Amber is doing very well at school and ballet, got invited to Daniella's playdate at her beachhouse which was so nice to go to during break. She is also asking a lot of questions lately like - did you know you are going to have 4 kids? How come the moon is full tonight? Their questions are definitely getting harder and harder to answer.

Ashley is talking so much.  Her favorite phrase is "I dont like it".  Also, whenever she sees me eating, she says "i want to try it". She is so adorable, its ridiculous.  She is so cute and silly.  She makes all of us laugh.  

Tomorrow Adam is going to Disneyland with his class.  Excited for the weekend to come because it's just another time for us to catch up with all the things piled up.