Tuesday, February 18, 2014

This week is actually “winter break” for Simon’s school so he does not have regular lessons but instead “camp” which is essentially daycare. He doesn’t really like staying at home with Annie and Iris so we thought it better that he go to spend the day at school with his friends and teachers. So here I am, still packing lunch: a chocolate gold coin, strawberries, Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets, and cucumbers.

I didn’t get to take pictures of the kids until the end of the day during their bath times. Here is Iris. Lately she is not too happy about long baths (>10 minutes), I think maybe because she is tired so I’m going to try to put her to bed a little earlier from now on.

Simon at bath time.

Iris fell asleep fine but woke up around 11pm and did not want to go back to sleep. She wanted to play. After trying to get her to go back to sleep, I was not successful so Ron took care of her for a while so that I could get some rest. She finally got tired after an hour and went back to sleep.

Time to begin sleep training…

Monday, February 17, 2014

I spent the day with the kids since we were off for President’s Day so we visited Bay Street in Emeryville for some shopping and eating. We found some good deals at Uniqlo before having a snack at Red Mango yogurt. Simon loves his frozen yogurt!

Iris had her snacks too.

Ron wasn’t out with us today since he was helping to set up a fish tank for Grandpa Tam but we happen upon one of the machines that his company (Zoom Systems) makes that dispenses Proactiv.

We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen before heading home for an afternoon nap. Iris started her nap in the car.

Simon ended up not taking a nap so after an hour of rest, we took a walk to the nearby park. Simon has been a shy lately about asking other kids to play. We “scootered” all the way to the park then he wanted to turn around right when we got there. But I convinced him to at least go into the park and play in the toy train for a while but he wanted to go home. Most of the kids there were a lot older or a lot younger than him so he didn’t want to ask them to play. So here we are on our way home.

I’m guessing this is just a phase of shyness. We try to encourage him to ask another child to play and offer to go with him but he still doesn’t want to right now. He prefers kids he’s familiar with and gets really excited about play dates. At least he still enjoys hanging out with Mommy and Daddy. In a few years, I think that will not be the case so I’m going to enjoy it while I can.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Today we attended Zoey’s 2nd birthday party with a theme of gnomes and fairies. The boys got gnome beards and red pointy hats.

The girls got fairy wings and a tiara.

My little gnome and pretty fairy.

As always, Auntie Tiffany produced some super cute desserts. Mushroom marshmallows, porcupine cream puffs, and toadstool cupcakes.

There was a fairy entertainer who also made balloon animals. Simon asked for a dragon. Pretty awesome.

Auntie Tiffany made these cool toadstool stools. Great for the kids to sit on and pound on them like drums.

After a while, Iris didn’t want to wear the tiara anymore but wanted to play with the ribbons.

One more picture of the day, Iris playing with my thermos. I got this while working at UCSF to keep my coffee hot all morning until my afternoon break. It’s leak free as long as you remember to lock it and keeps liquid hot for many hours. I bought it because another co-worker recommended it and it was a great investment. No worries about burning little Iris’ tender legs. I think she was interested in the shape and listening to the liquid slosh around inside.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Tonight we have a big dinner celebrating my dad’s company’s 30th anniversary, employee appreciation, and Chinese New Year. The kids needed to be well rested to stay up for the evening so we had a quiet morning just hanging around Berkeley. We visited the North Face Outlet to see if there were any good deals. Simon was more interested in playing “hide and seek”.

Who do those feet belong to?

Simon!

Iris was a good sport and didn’t fuss while we shopped. They have limited selection for >6 months and < 5 years old. The cashier said it is variable when they have toddler sized clothing so to keep on checking back.

We also stopped by 4th Street in Berkeley where Home At Last Rescue holds there mobile adoption. We had lunch then went to say thank you for facilitating the adoption of Mochi and Misu. Their new owner has been sending me periodic updates and they seem to be adjusting well and getting to know their new owner. I’m still a little sad that they are no longer with us but they seem to be happy and at least they are warm inside rather than the garage.

After resting at home, we all headed out the the new Peony Seafood Restaurant in Oakland Chinatown for the celebration dinner. Iris and Simon got dressed up in their Chinese outfits.

We had a green screen photo setup this year (rather than the photo booth of last year) where we had a great time taking photos together with family. Here are the ones I was able to download but I think there are more. One of these will be my new Facebook cover photo, which should it be?

Iris got a lot of love and lots of people pinching her cheeks.

By 9pm, she was exhausted and fell asleep while I was holding her. Simon spent most of the dinner watching movies and playing games on the iPad but also eating dinner. He was eating things he usually doesn’t like (ie, fried shrimp balls), I think because he was too concentrated on watching his movie.

Congratulations Oakland Pharmacy Inc on 30 years of great service! Thank you to all the everyone who do great work each and every day!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Simon’s lunch of rice, broccoli, sausage, and a bunch of berries (raspberries and strawberries).

Video from yesterday for your entertainment. Iris was trying really hard to open a bag of the Valentine pretzels that Simon was giving out.

Simon and Ron bought some flowers for us, looks like from some people on the sidewalk.

We all went out for a Vietnamese dinner.

With my Valentines!

Iris’ cute Valentine’s Day outfit from Grandma Tam.

Our Valentine’s text message from Grandma and Grandpa Tam, happily married for almost 39 years!