J.N.W.T.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Jackson's first written sentence

Documenting for posterity, Jackson recently showed me a piece of paper and read to me what he wrote. "A log got hot, hot, hot, hot."

Update: This was not actually authored by Jackson. A week later, he brought home a book he had been coloring at school. One of the pages read "A log got hot. Hot, hot, hot!"

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Monday, October 1, 2018

Today I was giving Jackson a hair cut (long overdue) and hair was going everywhere. As we were talking, Jackson pauses and then says matter-of-factly "I'm just like Daddy". Sensing a heart-warming moment with my son, I gently ask "How so?"

Jackson raises his arms level with his shoulders and says "I'm covered in hair!"

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Norah's birthday weekend

Norah has been looking forward to her birthday weekend. She specified the guests list and the food and the venue. (Cupcake request was fulfilled but Pump it Up was overruled.)

I chose the Little Gym for her because of the attention the birthday boy/girl got last couple times we went for other kids' birthdays. 16 kids came and we all had a blast. The two coordinators did a great job managing activities and kept the party going smoothly.

Norah enjoyed being the center of attention. After the party, she told me she would like to have her 4th birthday party at Little Gym again, not Pump it Up. This feedback made the planning worth it. Little Gym only provides venue and activities. I had to get the food, drink, cupcakes, utensils, decorations and goodie-bags separately. It's thrilling to see she liked our choice.

We had her second party at our house on Sunday. She was so excited to have grandparents, aunt and cousins in her house. She is a lucky girl!

She asked me about a third birthday party for her at school with her teacher and classmates. I firmly replied No. :-D

Norah liked the Little Gym

Norah with Jackson and the other Nora

Three years old!

Second birthday party at home

Pink bike!

Monday, September 3, 2018

2018 Labor Day @ Austin

We went to visit Chloe and Bruno this Labor Day. It was two years ago we visited Austin for Emma's baby shower. A trip to Austin was overdue.

Friday afternoon, we picked them up early at 3:30. Jackson couldn't hide his excitement of going on another trip. With a dinner stop at Chick-fil-a and traffic, we got to Chloe and Bruno's place around 8:45. Both kids were still excited and didn't fall asleep till 11pm.

Saturday we visited Thinkery. I have heard Chloe talked about how cool it was and wanted to check it out. It is an interactive play museum for kids. And both adults and kids loved the activities. We climbed, built, experimented and had fun. It also has a great playground nearby.

After nap, it's pool time! Chloe and Bruno has setup an above-ground pool in the backyard. And kids were begging to play in there ever since they saw it. Meg, Andi and Maiya joined us too since they are in Austin the same time visiting Meg's sister.

Ready to make big splash!

Relaxing on a hammock

What is he puzzled about? (Jackson was scratching his eyes)

Three artists

Sunday we went to Zilker park for the train ride. Our ex-neighbor family the Tarrazas joined us too!

An Austin tradition

Splash pad fun

Evening entertaiment

Kids table

Monday we went to Mueller park to stroll near the lake and feed the ducks. It was right next to the Thinkery we visited on Saturday. And it has a Farmer's Market every Sunday morning with live music. This is a great area for family activities and very close to Chloe's house.

After the walk, we met with Erdem, Ciler and Devangi for lunch. Our drive back was very smooth. We planned our route carefully to avoid the 35 traffic and got home in about 3.5 hours.