Olivia's Ballet Performance

Right after preschool graduation was olivia's ballet performance -
this was QUITE an event with practices almost every night, dress
rehearsals and two performances on Sat. Her entire ballet school
participated so she was able to watch "real" ballerinas rehearse
and perform. It was a really wonderful experience for her. She
was a hedgehog in Alice in Wonderland. I helped backstage for a
few of the rehearsals and one of the performances - they did not
allow photos during the performances, so i just took these quickly
while in the dressing room.


One silly


One Serious

A new chapter

Olivia graduated from Jake's Place Christian Preschool in June - Teacher Patty organized a beautiful ceremony where the children sang, performed a May-Pole dance, and recited some their academic skills. Teacher Patty complimented all the children on their Christian character - Olivia's gentleness and joy. She has been sad to say good-bye to her special teacher, but it helps that we see her at church often.



Phuong and I have been really thinking and praying about where Olivia will go for kindergarten and we have settled on here at our house! We are going to home school for now and see where it takes us. We chose My Father's World curriculum and are on day 2. So far, I'm super impressed with how much hands-on learning there is - this is perfect for her. it is also very centered around the Word of God. Drew also has his own curriculum for his little almost 4-year old self...but he really likes doing what Olivia is doing most of the time. So, it should be a fun year - we are looking forward to taking advantage of all the benefits of homeschooling like field trips, occasional sleeping in and plenty of arts and crafts!

meet the Holbrooks

My friend from childhood visited with her family this past week - you have to meet her. her name is Annette and our families were good friends while we were growing up. So - she's my oldest friend. Her family moved to LA when I was in the 3rd grade - i still remember how devastated I was. We have kept in contact mostly through Christmas cards for the past few years, but this was really the first time we've been able to re-acquaint ourselves. She now has 4 children 7 months to 7 years. They are all charming - oh! and i can't forget her funny husband Aaron - he is a 5th grade teacher where they live in Hemmet, CA. They came in their RV and parked in front of our house...we played all day and at night when all the kids went to bed we stayed up late and talked about old times and new...here they are


OK - well, here's me and Annette


and here's their oldest - Zach he can be smart and silly at the same time.


And here's sweet Madeline who is only 10 days younger than Olivia


here's Kami - She and Drew were kindred spirits - they both love adventures


and busy BUSY Justin - what a cutie!


And here's Annette and her funny husband together - I made them pose for me they're not usually so cheesy. oh, and her husband has a blog - it's funny.

heavensent

we visited ella kathryn today and she is SUCH AN ANGEL!!! just look at her sweet, innocent face. i can't stand the cuteness. This is Sara and Dave's new addition and she is certainly a doll.

Linh and Monica

i first met my husband's little brother 8 years ago when Phuong and i were still dating. I remember the day vividly because it was my first day at Phuong's parents house and I was a bit overwhelmed with the all the Vietnamese culture. We were in San Diego, but for me it felt completely like being in another country. Linh showed up (I think Monica might have been there too) and was cool and super friendly, made me feel so welcome. I was so relieved.

He married Monica last year...we love her and isn't she just beautiful!!! I love this picture so much.

End of the Year Field Trip to the Farm

Every year Teacher Patty ends the school year with a field trip
to ride horses and see farm animals.
The children performed their line-dance for all the Moms
and said "good-bye" to preschool friends.

Guilty?

oh so good...mmmm..good...me want cookie





what? you talking to me? something on my face?