Glacier Point

 

Just when I thought the views could not be any better, Glacier Point proved that this was the view of all views.  This overlook is a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country as we gazed down from 3,214 feet above.  I could not help but feel that this was God's work that gave us this beautiful view.  This overwhelming feeling that I had spurred on quite a discussion in the car on whether God was real, how the world began, and what the boys believed or sorta believed.  I am thankful that we had this time to share and discuss with one another the meaning of it all... what is the meaning of it all???

Mariposa Grove

Our Yosemite adventure began with us getting on a 4 mile moderate/ severe trailhead in 100 degree plus heat with little water and a handful of snacks.  Sounds terrible.  In fact, it felt sorta terrible as well until we decided that we would take this opportunity to trek to the giant Sequoias because carpe diem!  I, for one, was so glad we did.  I loved seeing the trees, taking the hike, and once I saw the Bachelor and Three Graces there was a profound sense of wonderment that I could feel staring at these trees that have been around for thousands of years.  The Grizzly Giant was not too far away and to see a tree that had lived over 2,700 year was pretty amazing.  I would love to come back here again... when will that be???
 

Tunnel View

 

In every review of Yosemite, it is said that Tunnel View should not to be missed.  It really can't be because as soon as you emerge from the man made tunnel, it is the first glimpses of Yosemite that you can see.  We stopped here several times throughout our time in Yosemite and every time we were it was a little different.  It was a great way to start our trip because the majesty of it all is so wonderful to look at...  when will we come back again???

Tennis Tournaments

This was the first tennis tournament that the boys entered ever!  What a completely new experience for all of us!   This particular tournament was set up as a Round Robin so they got to play multiple games.  This was a great day of learning for the boys and we hope that they had fun.  When will they play in their next tournament???
 

Goal: Junior Life Guards 2022

 

Let's speak it into existence...  Junior Life Guards 2022.  I didn't realize that the tryouts happened for this past summer so hopefully the boys will be able to secure a tryout date for 2022.  The boys have been swimming weekly and the last time I timed them, they both made their qualifying time for 100 yards.  I hope that they will be able to perform like this next summer during their tryouts.  Will they be able to make it next summer???

 

Boba or youtube?

The kids went to get boba with Billy and Jawsh and this is the picture that Jawsh took while they were there.  I found this to be a sign of our times.  Instead of just waiting patiently, a phone is whipped out and everyone is staring at a screen.  The way that the kids paired off is an indicative of how they have been spending time together.  Noah and Kaitlyn are usually talking about anime or playing a game together, whereas Micah, Liam, and Emma are off doing something else.  It's nice that they that have one another.  I wonder if they remembered they were there to get boba???
 

16

We went back to the exact spot we were married (7-24-05).  16 years or as GA would say, "sweet 16!"  We are still coming back to Shutters to reminisce but this year we stayed on the boardwalk.  The summer boardwalk was quite busy unlike last year and it was so hot we decided to walk to and get some lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick.  We returned home and we had a staggered dinner.  The boys had sushi first and then Jawsh and I had our meal... take out from n/naka.  It was really amazing.  This was definitely a new way to celebrate 16 years, but I am so thankful to celebrate this milestone with Jawsh.  What will we do for our 17th year anniversary???

Glasses

 Noah  chose his new glasses from the optometrist by trying them on and sending me selfies.  He landed on this pair from Prada!  What's ironic is that Noah does not know that this is a a high label fashion brand rather he liked the look and fit.  Does Noah have naturally good taste???

USC Engineering Camp

Micah was selected to take part in the USC Viterbi Engineering Camp at USC which is a two week program that engages students throughout LA with the principles of engineering.  He was one of 30 students selected out of a pool of 150 applicants and we were so happy that he got to have this experience.  The staff was very strict about following COVID guidelines and Micah was provided lunch every day from all of the fast food restaurants that he never gets to eat from... he enjoyed lunch from Little Caesars, Yoshinoya, Chick Filet, KFC, and El Pollo Loco to name a few.  We hope that Micah left with more memories than just the fast food... but who knows???
 

Beach days

Every summer, we head to Vegas with Kaitlyn and Co but this summer that was off the table.  Kaitlyn and Co ended up spending a week in Crystal Cove so we were able to visit them and head to the beach.  With the boys being vaccinated and the beach winds constantly flowing we felt it was safe enough to go and hang for a few hours.  The kids loved playing volleyball and spending time with one another.  I hope they look back at these times fondly.  They are so lucky to have their cousins close in age and proximity, don't you think???
 

Inspired

Jawsh is inspired by many things... one being coffee.  He enjoys trying new coffee shops whereas I just like the coffee he makes me at home.  He has been making a cup of coffee every day for the past 2 years.  Thank you Jawsh.  When will I learn how to use the aeropress???

Rocking a not too pink guitar

Micah has really taken a liking to the electric guitar and we have the Fender program to thank for that!  One of the highlights of Quarantining last school year was the opportunity for the boys to learn how to play a stringed instrument from Fender for free!  Micah was so interested in learning that he wanted a whammy bar that his guitar did not come with so Jawsh contacted a friend at Fender who was able to get Micah this awesome guitar for less than $100!  When we showed the guitar to Micah he said, "it's not pink, pink, it's more bubble gum pink" which meant that he would like it.  What song will Micah learn how to play with his new guitar???

Beach with the boys

These boys have been friends since they were 6 years old.  One has moved to Thailand and two have gone to other middle schools, yet they have remained friends throughout the years.  It is so wonderful that their friendship has endured space, time, and COVID 19.  When will we all see one another again???
 

Quiplash

Cousins + Quiplash  = Fun.  It was so interesting to play this game with the kids now that they are literate and have their own distinct personalities.  Every answer from Kaitlyn was too long and cut off, Emma's answer revolved around teasing her siblings, and Liam's answers involved the word "poop."  How will their answers change in the next few years???
 

5 years later

We celebrated the 4th of July at the Westchester Parade with the W Family.  It felt like old times watching the parade as familiar floats and cars drove down the street.  It weirdly felt like COVID 19 was no longer here but we were reminded when we saw families in masks and then put our own back on.  We are thankful that we can see friends again now that we are fully vaccinated.  When will it go back to normal???

Happy birthday Kona

Happy 3rd birthday to Kona.  I can't believe that she is already 3 years old.  Will she enjoy her doggy cupcake???
 

July 3rd

Happy July 3rd!  We spent the day with the cousins and before we left the kids got to light some sparkles.  It almost feels like the old days, but with masks.  When will we see the cousins again???
 

Beach days

The boys have been waiting for this day for sometime... a beach day with the K family.  It was so nice to hang out again.  It took a minute for Micah and B to warm up but once they started playing sports it was easy to hang out again.  Sometimes I forget how weird it can feel for the kids to reacquaint themselves with friends especially since it has been such a long time but they were fine.  When will we see them again???

Chess Smiths

Noah has been working hard to develop a program called Chess Smiths.  It is a two-week introduction course to the basics of chess.  He had 3 students join and he met them over Zoom for 1.2 hour sessions.  It is really nice to hear Noah be so encouraging to his students and to watch him prepare all of the slides that he is using to teach.  Will his students enjoy the game of chess???

F9: The Fast Saga

We hosted a celebratory movie screening for Noah and his friends who completed middle school and are off to high school!  The Cinemark rents out theaters for private parties so the kids watched F9: The Fast Saga.  It was so nice for the kids to reunite.  When will Noah see his friends again???