Jacob, 7 years young

I'm a little late but last weekend Jacob turned 7. According to him, it's 7 years-young, not years-old. "I'm not old. I'm just a kid." Indeed. But this kid is growing up way too fast. He's at that age where his baby teeth have started falling out. Several days before his birthday, he lost a front tooth while eating dinner. Then, during the family Tet party, he lost the other front tooth while playing outside. Now there's a giant gap in the middle and I can't help but smile when I see him talk.

Year of the snake

Happy lunar new year! It's the year of the snake, my mom and brother's year. So what does it all mean? I have no idea but it can't be good. We're talking about a snake here. But there's no need to worry about horoscopes and fortunes because it's all fake. You make your own luck.

The actual day landed on Sunday so that meant any festivities were to be done on that one day, unlike previous years when you had both Saturday and Sunday (and even Friday).

Baby #4?

No, we're not having another baby. No. The thought of having another baby is ridiculous. It's a life changer. We would need a bigger car to fit six people. And no, we would never ever get a minivan. We would need a bigger house. What little free time we have to ourselves would cease to exist. The answer to "Are you guys going to have another?" was an emphatic "No." Without hesitation. But just recently, I may have a change of heart.

Annual snowboarding trip (Colorado)

This year the group decided to go back to Breckenridge for our annual snowboarding trip. Why? Because Southwest had some crazy cheap flights to Denver. But this time around, instead of going straight to the mountains, I wanted to take a day to explore Denver.

How smart you is?

I was actually asked that question once. Obviously the person asking that question wasn't so smart herself. If you're not sure and would like to know, Mesna is offering its online home test FREE for the month of January. A little over a week left to find out if you are Stansbury material! (Please tell me you understood that reference.)

Sunday brunch with Tyson

After checking out Trader Joe's this morning, which was small yet awesome, we needed to eat. Being that it was 10 am, our options were limited. Empire Cafe was close by so that's where we went. Just us three. Lynn and I... and the fun baby known as Tyson.

My resolutions

Okay, it's the new year which means it's a fresh start. Clean slate. It also means time for the obligatory New Years resolutions. Looking back at last year's, this year's resolutions are pretty much the same, maybe just worded a little differently. For the most part, I think I kept up with them. Here's the updated 2013 version.

A winter "vacation" (Angel Fire, NM)

Last week we've been away on "vacation" (hence the lack of an update) but what was supposed to be a fun and relaxing time turned into an exhausting experience. The plan was to drive the day after Christmas to New Mexico (Angel Fire) and spend five nights there, leaving on New Years Day. This trip was planned months in advance (April) but no one could have foreseen the endemic to come.

Gingerbread village

Instead of making one big family gingerbread house, we went with the gingerbread village. Although the houses were smaller, everyone could have their own to decorate. The two boys thoroughly enjoyed putting their own style on their house. Tyson on the other hand was more interested in eating the candy than decorating his house. No surprise there.

Christmas lights

The other night, the boys "helped" me put Christmas lights outside. They were more interested in playing with the lights and running around than actually putting the lights on. Kids will be kids. But once they come to age, I'm making them do it.

My wife's birthday

Happy birthday Reed

My other godson/nephew Reed just turned two recently and he had a fire fighter themed party with what else, an actual fire truck. We got to go for a ride on the fire truck and the friendly fire fighter educated the kiddos on various things. I didn't stay for the whole show because it was hot. It's December and I'm sweating outside! Personally for me, the best part of the party was the chicken banh mi. It's the best I've ever had and thanks to Julie, I will be checking out Nguyen Ngo pretty soon. Maybe tomorrow.

Thanksgiving weekend

Once Halloween came, time went exponentially fast. And it will probably remain that way through the new year. The boys actually had the whole week off for the Thanksgiving break but mine began Wednesday afternoon. Here's a quick recap.

How early is too early?

When is the appropriate time to put up a Christmas tree? I've grown up to believe that the earliest one should put up a tree was the day after Thanksgiving.  This was always the standard... or so I thought. But in recent years, I've noticed Christmas decor appearing earlier and earlier. Christmas music is already playing 24/7 on one radio station and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But I don't care. Why not put a tree up early? The earlier it's up, the longer you can enjoy it. Besides, Christmas is my favorite time of year.

Date night #2

Last Saturday we had date night #2 (since the awesome arrival of Tyson). These nights are rare so when we do have it, I try to make the most of it. I love my kids very much but for those people without kids... don't take your kid-free life for granted. Go out to eat at all the fancy restaurants. Go travel the world. Go crazy and stay up past 10 pm. Okay, that should be the last time I mention that.