School Assembly

Barely one month into the new school year, we were hit with a pleasant surprise. Hickory Elementary gave us notice that Casey was being presented with an award at the year's first assembly. It's always good to hear you child is getting an award, but I'm especially proud of this award, mainly because of what it stands for. He was given an award for "Helping Others"... Way to go, big boy, Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you.

Helping Others Award

Award Winners

Doesnt He Look Thrilled

Sydney is Happy for his Brother

3rd Grade Winners

Sydney's First Track Meet

In May of 2017, Sydney competed in his first track meet. He had been going as a spectator for two years, but finally became eligible to compete in the Kindergarten division. He competed in three events. The 100 meter dash, the long jump and the 50 meter dash. His first race was the 100m. He ran an effortless race. Some athletes make it look easy, like they are not exerting too much energy, not trying very hard. Sydney looked like he was out for a Sunday stroll, without much sense of urgency. He finished in 19.18 seconds, which is a great time for his first 100 ever. His second event was the long jump. Again, he cruised through it, seemingly without exerting much effort. His best jump was 4'8". When it came time to announce the medalists, Sydney crowded around with anticipation. This is the first I realized he WAS motivated to win a medal... In his final event of the day, the 50m; something clicked. He ran with a purpose!! The focus and intensity was definitely there! He ran a great race, and as he passed the finish line, he was SO excited, claiming "I won in 3rd place" Alas, he was edged out for 3rd place, and finished in 4th, barely out of the medals.

Preparing for his first event ever

Action Shot: 100M Dash

Long Jump Approach

Long Jump

Videos

Sydney's First Track Meet: Long Jump from p wang on Vimeo.

Sydney's 1st Track Meet from p wang on Vimeo.

Mother's Day 2017

For Mother's Day 2017, Da Wang boys made gifts for Mommy and Nai Nai. It was an adventure... Trying to make concrete garden stepping stones for the first time. The idea was to celebrate Mother's Day while simultaneously commemorating the 3201 Onrado house. Daddy and Da Boys snuck over to the Onrado house and mixed the cement and poured it into the mold. It hardened to the point where Da Boys could add stones and personalize it. Mommy's read: I love you. You're the best XOXO. Love, Casey and Sydney.

Da Boys repeated the process for Nai Nai's stone. This time, instead of handwriting the messages, they used stencils. It read, "Thank you, Nai Nai and Yeh Yeh" . It was a way to thank them for all the help and support and to have a little piece of them in our new house.

Da Boys Making Garden Stones

Mommy's Garden Stone

Presenting Nai Nai with her Stone

Internet

Yet another sign that they grow too fast. The other day, Casey was working on a homework assignment. He was writing a report on George Washington. So, he went to 'his' laptop, turned it on, fired up an internet browser, and typed "George Washington" into a search bar... All by himself, without direction. I just stood back, watched in silence, with my mouth agape.

Oh, did I mention.. 30 seconds later, Da Boys managed to search "Mario and Luigi Videos". And there went good ol' George Washington. I guess that's elementary school procrastination, digital-age style. Time for me to install parental controls on 'his' laptop!

Hurt Shoulder, Melted Heart

I just got shoulder surgery. Torn labrum, blah, blah, blah. The first night I came home from the hospital, my right arm was numb from the nerve blocker. It just dangled by my side. I was pretty helpless. I needed help with pretty much anything and everything. I couldn't complete even the simplest tasks. For example, tying shoe laces. Try doing that one handed; with your non-dominant hand. We got out of the car, I sat in the garage, trying to figure out how to get my shoes untied, and off. Casey, who had already gone in the house to put his shoes away, came back out to the garage, bent down in front of me... Lifted one of my legs and held it. He untied my shoe and pulled it off my foot. All without saying a word. Then he grabbed my other foot, picked it up, held it, and untied and removed that shoe too.

He also told me that he had a surprise for me. That night, I took painkillers and went to bed, assuming he forgot all about my surprise. I woke up the next morning, and wasn't allowed in the kitchen. Turns out, Da Boys decided to make me breakfast in bed. It was all Casey's idea. He needed a little of Mommy's help executing, but Sydney make sure to tell me that it was all Casey's idea. Both Da Boys served me waffles, fresh strawberries, banana, bacon and orange juice in bed.

So yeah, my shoulder hurts pretty bad right now, but my heart is melted; full of joy and pride.

Basketball 2017

Casey just finished another season of youth basketball; Jr. Clippers at the YMCA. He played in the 7-8 yr old division. Daddy was his coach. It was so amazing to see his improvement. He is now watching basketball on TV, discussing strategies, and imploring the professional players to 'rebound the ball' and 'play some defense'.. He's really gettin it!!

Two blurry game videos, featuring Casey (#40 in black)

Rebound and basket

YMCA Basketball 2017 from p wang on Vimeo.

Coast to coast for the layup

YMCA Basketball 2017 from p wang on Vimeo.

Sydney's First Tooth

On Friday Feb 17, 2017, Sydney lost his first tooth. And it's about darn time. Long ago, the permanent teeth decided they couldn't wait for the baby teeth to vacate, so they started growing in... right behind the baby teeth. But, finally, the first tooth decided to come out. Perfect timing too, because it coincided with the 'biggest rain storm in recent So. Cal. history'. At least, that's what the news media billed it as. Alas, it did rain that night.

At night, we put the tooth in the tooth fairy pillow. Come morning... the tooth was still there! The working theory around the Wang house is that because of the rain, the tooth fairy was not able to come. Something about her wings getting wet and she not being able to fly... I mean, it's either that, or Mom and Dad failed to oversee... Nah, it's gotta be because of the rain...