Second Day and the School Bus

Here is Aaron on this second day of school. I wasn't planning to take pictures, but he actually wanted me to take a picture of him with his beloved backpack. What a nut! ;-)
Ok, so originally I had him signed up to take the bus to and from school. (I was under the impression that the bus only picked up preschool kids.) When I found out the the bus was for the whole school, I somewhat freaked out thinking poor little Aaron will get lost in the midst of all the older kids. Anyway, to get him prepared for the bus, all summer long I have been telling him that he will ride the yellow bus to school. But I never thought that it was something he would look forward to. Anyway, on the first day of school, when I was picking him up, he ran to me and said he was going to ride the bus (home). In addition, his teacher told me that Aaron was talking about the bus all day long. Much to my surprise, he was very sad that he did not get on the bus. So, that day I decided to allow him to ride the bus home but still take him to school in the mornings. (The ride home has about 4 kids and they are all in the same class-- plus the driver was nice.) So on the second day, Aaron got the ride the bus home! (with me driving behind it.) Don't worry, today, he got to ride without his crazy-paranoid mom following him.

First Day of School!

What an exciting day! I could barely sleep last night. Today was Aaron's first day of school! He entered pre-school today. Of course, like any other normal parent out there, Brent and I came to the school with a video camera in hand (two to be exact, plus one camera phone-- our regular camera got lost at Legoland...) So three cameras total. Anyway... we dropped him off and Aaron began to notice that everyone had backpacks. He said, "Look Mom! He's got a backback! Look! He's got one too!" I then had to explain that all kids in school had backpacks... and he was so happy 'cause he also had one. Then when we met with his teacher and began to walk away, I decided to stay behind the fence to catch a few more moments on camera.... Aaron was totally content playing, and talking to his teacher, but then he looked around and noticed Brent and I standing from a distance taking his picture. He then yelled out, "Mo-om! (His classic whiney voice) Go!" Everyone in earshot looked at us and giggled. So Brent and I turned around and left.
Here is is running around our front door. An attempt to get him standing straight and smiling at the camera failed.
After school, Aaron went on to his gym class (a class he has been attending for while now...more pics later) Then when we got home I noticed that no-one was at the pool (it's been a bit crowded lately) and I knew the pool guy just cleaned (Yes, I'm a germ-a-phobe) so I offered to take Aaron swimming.
The pool was probably empty because it was the first day of school and also a huge thunder/lightning storm was a few miles away and it looked like it was heading our way. It never came though, but a couple of hours ago while we were at Aaron's gym it was raining really hard. Later on, I saw on the news that certain spots in Las Vegas flooded.

Anyway it was an exhausting first day of school, but it was a fun day for all of us.

Aaron's First "A"!

I'm so happy! Aaron can write an A! I have been busy trying to write my research paper and studying for finals, but I plan to teach him more letters soon! Tonight I cooked ABC tater tots (bought at Albertson's) and when he saw them, he said, "Wow! Letters!" I'm so proud of my son and his developments! I feel as I have been waiting and waiting to see progress and lately it's been one right after the other! Praise God! Also, he starts pre-school next week. I can't wait to see all the new things my son is going to be learning!

Star Wars and Car Racing!

This Sunday, we went to see the new Star Wars movie. As soon as I saw the opening credits, I knew that the movie was going to be targeted to kids. Usually the opening scene of a Star Wars movie is a summary of what's happening floating up into space. This time the summary or the prelude was spoken by a narrator. It was an OK movie. Aaron totally loved it, but it was definately more fighting than talking (or plot). Aaron is totally in to Star Wars. He has always loved it (since we watch the other movies pretty regularly here at our house), but now he loves it cause he sees the new cool toys that are out promoting the new movie. (BTW: if you don't know what to get Aaron for his B-day... Star Wars toys will definately make him super happy!)

After the movie we went to have more fun! There is a little amusement park here in Vegas called Las Vegas Mini-Grand Prix. We decided to have dinner there ($6.99 large pizzas!) and let Aaron ride a couple of rides. Brent and Aaron raced around the track and rode on one little roller coaster. It was fun day!

"Brent's" Birthday Cake

On Brent's birthday, Aaron and I went to Carvel's and bought a cake. I made the mistake of letting Aaron pick out the birthday cake. He picked out a blue race car ice cream cake. Because he picked it out, he was confused and thought that it was his birthday, not his dad. (The fact that I have been planning his upcoming birthday party lately added to this...) So when we were singing happy birthday to Brent, Aaron kept correcting us, saying, "No...not happy birthday dear daddy! Happy birthday Aaron!" We sang about 3- times with no success of finishing a song for Brent, so Brent just let Aaron think it's his birthday. I felt bad cause I Brent got cheated out of the birthday cake and song... plus the race car would probably not be Brent's first choice of cake. ;-)

Fourth of July Parade

(still catching up to current posts...)

This year, we volunteered Aaron to be a part of the Fourth of July Parade in Summerlin (they were looking for kids to ride bikes during the parade). So we went to Michael's and bought a bunch of decorations for his bike. Aaron was super excited, though he did not understand why we were doing it. ;-) I think we did a good job on the decorations, but later on we realized we over did it! Most kids had like one bow on their bikes, but Aaron's bike, as you can see, was very festive. After they did the mile walk, they joined me in watching the rest of the parade. Later on we ate a cake I made. It was a hot, but fun, day. (BTW: During the parade, Aaron thought they were in a race. As they walked by, he yelled, "Mom! I'm racing!" ---he's into Speed Racer right now ;-)

Father's Day Weekend Part 2

Sunday, we went to lunch with my dad before he went to work. That afternoon, we found out I am pregnant! Brent was extra happy to find out he was going to be a dad again on Father's Day.

Father's Day Weekend Part 1

Ok, so I'm still catching up on my posts, sorry! Anyway, Father's Day Weekend, we went to the beach on Saturday with some friends from Oki. We had a great time. Brent surfed a bit, and Aaron had a blast playing on the sand with friends. He's afraid of the water though, because he is convinced that there are sharks. He doesn't like the big pool either, just the little kid pool by our house. I hope he grows out of this stage soon... anyway, we had tons of fun and we were blessed to spend time with some old friends from Oki (plus Lizeth and her kids from Corona.) Great day!

Announcement!

I have only told a handful of people and I was going to wait until my first doctor's appointment to announce it, but I can't wait! I'm pregnant! I think I'm about 4 weeks along, but we'll see after I see the doctor. Brent and I are so excited. Aaron is almost 4 years old and about to enter preschool, so we figured it was time for the next one. Please pray for a healthy and safe pregnancy!

Recent Haps Part 3: Sister's Visit

Another big thing that happened with us this past month was my sister's visit. She was here for almost 2 months. It was great having her here. She helped with Aaron a lot and I got a break from giving him baths and potty training. ;-) He loved having her here, cause he's tired of playing with me. ;-) She got here while Brent's mom was still here so their stay overlapped, but it was fun. I'm afraid I did not get any other pictures because I lost my camera charger. Anyway these pics are from Hoover Dam.

Recent Haps Part 2: Brent's Mom

So, on to the recent haps update: Brent's mom, Melanie, came to visit for about a week. While she was here, we took her to the strip (of course), Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Fremont Street. It was great to be able to spend time together. I wish she stayed longer, she's fun to be around.

I love my new grocery store!

Ok, so we've been getting advertisement flyers from this new store near our house. Because I've been shopping at Albertson's for several years now, (I mean before and after Okinawa), I didn't see what the big hoopla was about. Until... they sent us a coupon for 5 dollars of a purchase of 20. I figured, hey, why not? As soon as I got there, I realized that the store was very small. I also noticed that about 75% of the aisles consisted of fresh food like, vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy, and ready to cook meals. About 3-4 aisles have things like cereal and sauces and some canned foods, ect. I realized that when I went to check out, I bought mostly things that did not have preservatives and mostly organic! It occured to me that when I go to Albersons, I end up spending like over 100 on some fresh food, but mainly JUNK! This is because I spend most of my time going up and down the aisles filled with junk food, and by the time I get to the fresh food part, I just get a little because my cart is full! This time my cart was not even half filled, but I have about enough food to last a week AND no junk!

I think overall, buying organic does cost more, but I think I'll save a lot on junk food! ;-)

Relatives from the PI

After we returned from DL, we were visited by relatives from the Philippines. My cousins and thier kids came to Vegas for a few days. Here is Aaron is his (second?)cousins.

Recent Haps Part 1: Disneyland

Ok, so this last 2 months have been extremely busy! So busy, that I haven't had time to post anything on this blog. After Kate left, we decided to go to Disneyland... THEN some relatives from the Philippines came, THEN Brent's Mom came, and THEN my sister came (and stayed for a month and half!) So I'm go to post these events one by one starting with Disneyland.

We decided that we needed family time so we took Aaron to Disneyland. Taking him to DL is getting funner and funner since he is getting more and more aware of what he sees.


We normally go to Disneyland, so this time we decided to spend most of the day at DCA. Here is Aaron with the letter A (from the California sign outside the park).


We always take Aaron to see the playhouse disney show, even if we just do that and go straight to Disneyland afterwards. But this time, it was better because they updated the show with Aaron's favorite shows! The show now has Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Winnie the Pooh. He was ecstatic to see "Rocket."



Here we are on the Ferris Wheel. (I forgot what this ride is called.) Brent apparently thinks it's funny to torture his son. ;-) Just kidding, Aaron was scared during the really swin-gy parts but overall we all had fun.

When the park closed we went over to DL for the rest of the night. We can never leave the park without going to the Buzz lightyear ride. He is and will probably always be Aaron's favorite character. We always start with Playhouse Disney, and end with Buzz. ;-)

Day Two: The Strip

We spent the entire day at the strip. We really should have planned out the day better. We planned to see so much stuff, but only got to see a half of what we had planned. We got distracted the M&M store. Lol. I think we were there for like 3 hours... by the time we got out it was about 9 pm and were were starving. In the end, we were too tired to make it to Bellagio, Wynn, and Treasure Island. Oh well... it's another reason for Kate and Moriah to visit again.... (like next week...hint, hint, Kate). ;-)

Kate and Moriah, here at last!

Today is the first day of our little vacation with Kate and Moriah. After their plans for Grand Canyon fell through, I suggested that the pair spend the Spring Break with us instead. They arrived today and right away the fun began. Thanks to Ate Aida, Kate's mom, the kids have their own tents and sleeping bags. We also took a walk to our kiddie pool and the kids got to swim for a bit. Afterwards, in my attempt to get Kate to move close to me, we checked out the model homes. Aaron and Moriah are having fun, especially Aaron. He has been wanting friends so bad, and today he kept calling Moriah "friend". He thinks that's her name. ;-) Everytime she leaves the room, he gets sad because he think she will leave him forever. How cute.

Egg Hunt with EGGS!!!

After service and lunch, Brent went to our couryard and placed eggs for Aaron to find. Aaron was ecstatic when he saw the eggs, grabbed his basket and began collecting them. In the end, he "found" a treasure chest filled with big eggs (containing little toys).

Easter with CC Spring Valley

We attended Easter service with Calvary Chapel Spring Valley. The service was held at the Cox Pavillion at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV. The message was good... Pastor John Micheals reminded us that Jesus' promises are true 100%. He promised us that he would die for our sins, and He did. He promised us that He will rise again, and He did. Jesus promised us eternal life, and that we shall have!