Happy Lunar New Year! Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

Rock Star or Princess

Ashley was here for a quick but sweet visit. She was playing with Tori and took some of these photos of Tori playing dress up. First she was a princess, then she found the microphone and played rock star.

Valentine's Day & Tet (Vietnamese New Year)

Happy Valentine's to those we love!

Happy New Year to all our Vietnamese sweeties!

This year, it is the Year of the Tiger...The tiger is a sign of bravery. You are a tiger if you were born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, or 1998. People that are born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charismatic personalities. A Tiger is always at their happiest when they endeavor to climb the ladder of success. Attaining the top spot is his foremost purpose; being in a position of power is her ultimate goal. They are quick learners, need to be challenged and often prefer to work alone. Some Tigers tend to change careers more frequently because they get bored quite easily. They are natural born leaders and perform at their best if working towards positions of power and influence. So once there is no further room for progression, they will often move on to something else. They also seek attention and power.

What A Week

This has been an interesting world wind week for us, especially for Nick. Nick's coach at Jack Britt didn't think Nick should go away with us during Spring Break this year. Even after hearing we would be renewing our 25 year wedding vows on this trip, he told Nick he couldn't go if he wanted to play baseball. Nick asked if he could go to Fayetteville Academy, a private college prep school in town with a great reputation for its academic program and pretty good baseball team in its division as well. Nick switched high schools on Tuesday and his first week went very well.


With Valentine's Day coming, I tried a new pattern and made Tori a Valentine themed strip skirt. I can't wait for her to wear it on Sunday. Sunday is also Vietnamese New Year so we will hang some Vietnam lanterns and make some New Year Crafts to get ready for it. I just need to find the safe keeping spot I put the red envelopes.


Kailee and Sophie sitting on the same couch...not an every day occurence...Kailee usually leaves and goes to another spot to lay.


Mike was swinging Tori in the tote that holds her blocks. Amazing she's still small enough to fit it in and she loved every minute of it.

We had really high winds this week that knocked Tori's wooden swing set right over. This weekend, we are expecting snow...maybe up to 4 inches. Being from Buffalo, we laugh at the panic that the southerners feel when it snows. Not having lots of snow plow equipment and salt trucks can make driving challenging and therefore, schools and businesses shut down with the threat of snow.

Smores Anyone

The past two days I have been working on an out for Tori using the cutest smores fabric Ashley came across on the web. I know we don't get much snow in North Carolina, but I just couldn't help making something for Tori with the adorable smores fabric. I really enjoy sewing these days, but I miss Ashley being here to swap ideas, problem solve and celebrate our creations.

Blocks & Giggles

One thing Tori loves to play with is her blocks. She loves for us to build high towers with her, which she then knocks down and bursts into that deep belly laugh. She can do this time after time. Her squeals of laughter after knocking the tower down!