Student of the Month

"Guess what mommy! Iʻm student of the month!" Miles announced one day this month when he got home. He was one of the 3 kids in his class to make student of the month for September! He was honored and as his mommy, I felt proud! I helped him prepare his speech which he recited infront of his class the following day. Gramma got to hear his speech over skype and gave him some public speaking pointers.

He started his speech by introducing himself loudly but started trailing off to barely a whisper as he went on, feeling shy! Boy, I could totally relate. I just wanted to give him a hug to encourage him but he did fine.

After his speech, we went to the cafeteria for the assembly where all the students of the month at the school were honored.

I asked Miles, "Why were you picked for student of the month?" He replied, "Mrs. C picked me because Iʻm a nice kid and I help my friends and always listen."

D.I.T.C.

Adding to his vinyl collection, Justin took Miles on a treasure hunt for records. He came home asking me, "What does Thrift mean?" His favorite 45" is his MJ Thriller. His 12" collection includes Disney movie albums, a Star Wars soundtrack, and all of our records that are somewhat of an inheritance. Some of the records are passed down (or stolen) from Papaʻs collection!

808 Bound

Up bright and early to head for the Oakland airport.

Miles & Darrien were sooo ready to be on the islands!

BFFs! We were so thankful that Jen & Eric let us bring Darrien along!

Darrien was ready for the Ocean!

Miles, Darrien, and Ro had fun hanging with Uncle Mikey.

Uncle Mikey enjoyed their company as well!

Dengs & Miles also got to hang out with Caleb & Logan. 

We had fun hanging out with the kids and teenagers, Aunt Cydne, Ate Angel, & Ro, during the Ukelele festival in town.

Darrien enjoyed our stay at Waikiki.

We did plenty swimming & plenty eating with Aunty Trisha!

Overall, Darrien and Miles loved their trip to Oahu. Miles had an extended vacation--a month long trip with his Gramma & Papa. He even got to swim with dolphins and hang out with his family in Big Island. 

Thanks Gramma & Papa for giving Miles some of his best childhood experiences and memories, island life!

Loma Vista Farm

One summer day, Miles and Darrien visited a local farm, Loma Vista. I use to go to this farm and help tend to the animals as an elementary school kid. It was nostaligic to be back, sharing this special farm with the boys. We met up with my childhood bff, Stacy, and her two kids, Anthony & Zoe. Anthony was a gracious tour guide, introducing the farm animals to both Miles & Darrien.

Anthony introduced us to the farm cat.

Darrien was not fond of the farm aroma.

Milesʻ favorite animal at the farm was the turkey.

The cows were moo-ing up a storm!

The kids visited the Pig Palace.

Anthony & Darrien were greeted with friendly licks from the llamas.

The sheep were also friendly, allowing the boys pet them.

We learned about the two different types of turkeys at the farm. 

Miles liked this turkey the best.

Darrien loved the bull the best but did not enjoy the cow aroma.

The bunnies were fun to pet.

The goats were hungry but not so bright.

The kids also learned about the different types of chickens at the farm.

After meeting all the animals, it was time to play.

Stacy is a great multitasking mama!

Zoe took a moment to enjoy the flowers.

It was great to see our kids play. After all, Eric, Stacy, Genie, and I grew up playing together--outdoors everyday.

We explored the garden and found a family of ducks roaming around.

It was a great summer day at the farm!

First Day of School, First Day of School

I know you guys probably have watched Finding Nemo. Remember the scene where Nemo wakes up excited about going to school, bouncing up and down, chanting "First day of school! First day of school!"? Well, that scene is what has been in my head the past couple days, preparing for Miles first day of kindergarten. Iʻm not sure if I want him to leave the anemone yet. Ha!
Miles was quite anxious yesterday, saying, "I feel scared and shy about going to school. I donʻt want to go." Honestly, I felt scared for him, knowing he was going into a kinder class with a ratio of 30 kids to 1 teacher. But of course, had my poker face on and calmed my nerves to only generate the positive, warm vibes he needed for encouragement.

Got him in bed early so he could wake up at 6:45 am. His Gramma & Papa are here too. They brought Miles back here from his month long Hawaii vacation (pictures to come soon). So what a treat it is for Miles to have them help him get ready for kinder. Miles felt assured, knowing he would have an entourage escorting him to his first day. His new alarm clock woke him up, got ready, had breakfast and we headed out before traffic.

It was great running into his preschool teacher, Mrs. Szasz, welcoming him back. It warmed him up to see a familiar person, reminding him that he knows the school routine. He also found out 3 of his preschool classmates were in his class! And his bff, Ace, is in a class nearby.

This is his "shy" face.

We stayed to listen to Mrs. C read them, The Kissing Hand, and I have to admit I was getting teary eyed, thinking, "I better leave before I start sobbing!" Why does every milestone make me feel so emo? Miles came up after to exchange kissing hands before we left him on his first day of kinder! He seemed fine, taking it all in and paying attention to his teacher closely.

Itʻs official. Miles is a big kid.