Thanksgiving 2023

Last minute change in "venue" since our original host got sick. Sounds like us last year.

Tennis, pickleball, and glamping

Another busy weekend. Friday night, Andrew and I met up with Anh Vien's family to play pickleball (and to celebrate his birthday). It's such a fun and easy game to play. I can see why it's growing in popularity.

On Saturday, Tyson's first tennis season came to an end at the district tournament. He won his first match 6-2 to advance to the next round. On his second match, it was tied 5-5 and Tyson had triple match point (first player to win 6 games). Subsequently, he lost five points in a row to lose the game and match. What a heartbreaker. For the third place match, he beat the kid 6-0? or 6-1? Basically, it wasn't close and he medaled for the team.

Sunday, we were back at Anh Vien's place but this time with the whole family. I did a little bit of BJJ with the cousins while the kids swam. Afterwards, it was more pickleball action.

Later in the evening, I took Lynn and Elliot on a Getaway, i.e. glamping trip. We got to do all the fun stuff associated with camping (sitting by the fire, making smores) without the misery (sleeping outside on the hard ground).

Thanksgiving lunch with Elliot

Not her usual smile since she had a mouth full of food.

Dad of four kids

That's me. And I'm not talking about my Fortnite profile. While Lynn was gone for a few days on a girls trip, I played the role of the single parent. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle but it just meant that the kids had to "step it up". For example, the big boys had to pack their own school lunch. I resorted to Chef Boyardee for the little ones' lunch. Tyson made it even easier by bringing the whole can and eating straight from it. Haha. And with my work from home situation, it was no problem to take and pick up the kids from school. Everything was doable but just more busy.

Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man ready for action candy.

Back in Cali (Los Angeles, CA)

It's been 10 years since we were last in Los Angeles, CA. Back then, I was almost certain that it was going to be the last time I'd go to LA but times have changed, i.e. we had another kid, so I gave it one more chance. 

But the main reason for the trip was to visit the newly opened Super Nintendo World. Since the kids had a random week off of school in October, this was the perfect opportunity to go since we would be avoiding the crowd. 

Annular solar eclipse

Posing for a quick photo but they couldn't see through those "glasses".

My other genius

Andrew crushed his first AP exam!

Random weekend pics (and more)

Just chillin' at Levy Park.

Elliot's 8th birthday

Traditional birthday donuts.

National Honor Society

Jacob's NHS induction ceremony.

Jacob's confirmation

Jacob's confirmation.

Extended getaway (Portland, ME)

It's been so long since we've traveled without the kids. Sure, we've made quick weekend getaways without them but it's been over nine years since we last booked a flight together sans kids. 

Why so long? Elliot. 

It's always been really hard to leave her. She's fine during the day but when it's bedtime and we're not there (e.g. sleepover at her cousin's place) she might miss us and get sad.

August birthdays

August is a popular month to be born.

First day of school on his birthday

Happy birthday Tyson, time to start your first day of school.