I’m sorry blog, I’ve been neglecting you. I can blame it squarely on Facebook. When I put out little updates on there every day or two, it just seems like there’s nothing to put here. I guess you’re relegated to monthly catch-up updates for now, unless I decide to start writing about other stuff on here at some point.
Here’s this month’s update! Since I last wrote here, we’ve taken a couple more vacations, which were very fun, and we’ve bought a new house, too…which is super exciting.
First, in July we went to Family Week in Michigan with Julie and Jasmine and their two girls. We had a great time picking blueberries, going to the beach, making musical instruments, riding the duck boat, etc. I even found some real Vietnamese cinnamon at the very nice spice store in Saugatuck.
Then, just a couple weeks later we were off to Seattle for our cousin Lisa’s wedding. Lisa and I were born 10 days apart and were very close growing up. It was really nice to get to go to her wedding to her husband Dave. Parker was the ring bearer, and he had a great time playing with his cousins Iliana and Aurora at the wedding. We also did some sight-seeing and ate some yummy food. I had a delicious bowl of Mì Quảng, a dish based around turmeric-flavored noodles, which originates from the region of Viet Nam where Parker An was born. We also did the duck boat in Seattle – it was lots of fun.
We’ve gone to the park lots of times, Parker has been riding his bike. We went with grandma and grandpa to the “live steamers” ride-on model railroad. That was lots of fun.
So, we’ve been keeping busy for sure…and enjoying the heat, honestly. I am so not ready for autumn or winter – boo hiss, stay away!
And, now for some pictures….
One of the many diesel engines A steam engine Parker An and I on the train
Parker as ring bearer with at the wedding
The foundation all wrapped and drainage tied into the storm sewer system
A couple of updates first – Parker An is now 3 1/2 – and has the verbal and analytical skills of a 4 or 5 year old – it’s a little scary (in a good way!) sometimes what comes out of that mouth. He’s more into books lately, which is great…and has taken a sudden interest in stuffed animals, which he could not have cared less about until about 2 months ago. Lots of pretend play going on, as well.
My Vietnamese lessons are going pretty good, and I’ve even taken to reading a couple kids books a week to Parker – and, he’s beginning to understand more. He’s known his colors, numbers, animals, etc for a while, but is now understanding more, including simple questions like “what color is the dog?”. Of course, I can’t hope to give him any kind of native accent, but at least he will have a place to start from. We are beginning to plan a return trip to Viet Nam for 2012. I’m currently working on reading the Vietnamese edition of Harry Potter with my tutor.
Here’s Parker flying a kite for the first time
Ok, on to the trip we just took.
We did it! We made our first trip to Walt Disney World, in Orlando. And it was a rousing success. Our family went, 12 us in total – five children under age seven and seven adults. It worked out really well, everyone had a fantastic time…and everyone got to see everything they wanted thanks to scheduling enough days and to the wonderful Park Hopper passes Disney offers.
Parker An was very excited – for the airplane, the parks, the monorail – all of it really. He didn’t really have anything to judge it by, being only 3 1/2 and honestly there isn’t anything else that you can truly compare Walt Disney World to. I’ve always been a big fan, myself…and went many times as a kid, especially during the years our family lived in Florida. It had been a while since I’d been back, so I was looking forward to it as much as Parker, maybe more!
It was very hot during out trip, even for Florida – mid to upper 90s each day we were there. It only rained once for a short time. Parker did great in the parks, on the planes, etc – he did his part to make the trip very easy.
By the end of the trip, though, Parker is now a Disney World expert. He took away a slew of souvenirs and toys, as well – even the coveted electric monorail set.
Here are some pictures and video from our trip.
The view from our hotel room at The Contemporary Resort.
The characters opening the Magic Kingdom in the morning – they all ride in on the train each day to open the gates.
On the tea cups
Sporting 3D glasses for Philharmagic.
He really took a liking to Cinderella – we even bought a Cinderella and Snow White play set.
In the bed with his cousins
With Uncle Marc and cousin Ali on the Nemo Ride in Epcot Center
Grandma’s arm was really hurting when we were visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios – so, we stopped to get her a little sling – Parker was sleeping and the characters came in. Donald is saying “shhhh”.
Then, Donald woke Parker and he was so excited.
With Grandpa on the monorail
With daddy on the Barnstormer, a little roller coaster in Mickey’s Toon Town. Parker LOVED the roller coaster – seriously loved it! We rode it four times.
Here’s a video of us on it, we’re in the front seat, where Parker An asked to be
Our long time internet friends, who live in Orlando, and their two children (also originally from VietNam) came to visit us at Downtown Disney.
Parker and Grandpa
The suit of armor in Cinderella’s Castle – we ate dinner there and Parker got a sword and a scepter.
Holding the sword and scepter on the Steam Boat ride.
Posing with Nemo and Dory in Epcot
Not wanting to pose with the giant troll at the Norway pavilion. He did love the Norway boat ride, though, especially the hill you speed down.
Posing in Morocco with the Moroccan fan we bought.
We ate at the hibachi place in the Japanese pavilion, and the chef made a Mickey Mouse out of veggies!
Sleeping with Mickey.
The castle at night, from our hotel room.
With grandma on a ceremonial drum at the Polynesian resort. We met a nice Vietnamese family while eating there on our last day.
Monorail coming through our hotel – very convenient!!
It has been forever since I did any kind of post. This will have to tide me over.
This is how I know Parker An is done with soccer practice – this face, exactly – it means he’s tired and is done for the day and that I should come rescue him quickly, which I did – after I took the picture.
And, a video of him being a little giddy – even fitting in a couple skips!
Football (soccer for most in the US) is one of my favorite sports – ok, pretty much the only sport I really enjoy. I also love to watch gymnastics and figure skating, but those aren’t team sports.
Parker An is finally old enough to start playing! I signed him up for the Micro soccer league, which is kids ages three and four – though, I think a few parents must have signed up five year olds, because some of those kids are way big. Parker is definitely on the small side, but he’s also not even 3 1/2 yet. Anyway, it’s once a week for an hour, and Parker was very excited to play. His cousin, Samantha, who will be four in July, is also playing. He did great, and I think he’s really going to enjoy it. At this age, they keep it simple and do some dribbling drills and little games to teach them kicking and whatnot. At the end, they split into groups of six and play a little 3 on 3 game, which is cute. One thing I really like is that parents are encouraged to come onto the field play with their child. Here’s some pictures of Parker, and a couple with Samantha, as well.
A steam engine 
Parker An and I on the train 
