Encounters of the Zucchini Kind

Nestled somewhere in this zucchini jungle is the rest of my garden.  How these zucchini became so monstrous is mystery to me.

 

Cantaloupe Melon

beans

 

lettuce and onions

tomatoes

Give peas a chance

 

peas in a pod

my sweet pea

The Marriotts do the Waffle Flop

"The Waffle Flop", no it's not a new dance crave sweeping our household, it was failing in culinary execution of Dave's Waffles.

Let's provide a little history for the story.  From the first moment we tasted the Spencer-Cheng family waffles, we were hooked.  This "enlightenment" did not come without it's cost; waffles were stricken off the menu at the Marriott house.  Now that we had palated light and golden crispy, melt in your mouth waffles we could not longer stomach "regular" waffles.

So for my birthday, I received "the" waffle maker.  Not just any off the shelf model but the same one that Dave uses to make his famous waffles, the same model that his mother used when he was a little boy, now discontinued and difficult to find (thanks Ebay).  However, "the" waffle maker is only half of the success formula.  The next half is the secret 2 day waffle recipe that the Spencer-Cheng family were kind enough to share with us.

 (yes, the recipe is intentionally blurred...)

So last night, it all began.  I could not wait to start our own "Dave's Waffles" family tradition.

The next morning...

(waiting is the hardest part)

It was all going as planned.  The waffle maker was preheating, the batter ready, our stomachs empty and waiting.  The first batch of waffles were a little too brown but neverless tasty.  The second batch stuck, a little undercooked, but were yummy as well...and the third batch, oh wait we did not make enough batter for a third batch.  D'oh, I did not allot enough batter for the heat/time calibration. 

Oh well, the mutilated waffles were still very tasty (as long as you ate with your eyes closed).  So apparently, there was a missing step that the Spencer-Cheng's leftout; I need Dave and the girls to make it for us!

Fortunately, the beta-waffles did not go to waste:

Thanks Dave, Jeanette, Kayley, and Lia for my super thoughtful birthday present!  So see you at our house every Saturday morning...indefinitely.

Gretzky Jr. Hour

Today was the last day of Jayden's hockey class.  I must admit, he was a super star!  Here are some of action shots (well, ones that weren't just a blur anyways...that little guy skates fast).

He has come a long way from the mom and tot's "intro to ice-skating" class we took 3 years ago.  This is where he learned to balance and walk on ice.  This is also when Jayden discovered the "tri-pod" skating technique, in which mom acted as the 3rd leg of support (might I add, while holding the most non-ergonomic back position ever).

However, my back breaking labor only provided the foundation for Jayden's skating skills.  True recognition goes to Jayden's very dedicated father.  Chris religiously gets up every Sunday at 4am to take his son to the hockey rink, come wind, rain, or hang overs (with honorable mention to Uncle Clay too).  I credit these guys for taking Jay's skating skills from "Bambi on Ice" to "Gretzky Jr". 

Taking a knee with the big boys...

Our Kinder Graduate

On Thursday June 17, 2010 we celebrated Jayden's rite of passage into elementary school (cue up convocation music and a few tears...).

Yes, although it may seem like the start of kindergarten was not so long ago, we have definitely seen Jay's transformation into a confident, self-reliant, well rounded, intelligent, morally and socially responsible being with a heart of gold (I could go on and on).

I could say that we are sad that he is moving on to grade 1; sad to see our baby growing up right before our eyes.  But this would not be whole the truth, sure we adoringly reminisce of the days past but moreover we feel as parents it is our job to prepare our little guy for life/adulthood, a contributor to society's greater good. 

He has mastered his kindergarten skill set (and more) and he is ready for the challenges ahead.  And to this, Chris and I give ourselves a pat on the back.  Jayden has taken a few more steps towards his future.  We see him flourishing and we welcome what life will bring.

We are so proud of our J.J..  We feel so accomplished as parents, I can only imagine how we'll feel when he is off to University!

One of my favorite kindergarten artworks by Mr.J

J and his buddy G

The Proud Podium Moment:

Jay was recognized for his creativity and artistic talent! 

 

The Graduates

Special Mention: Kinder-B teacher Ms.Meghan Trutter

All our children gathered around to show their appreciation and say their goodbye's to their most adored teacher/mentor, Ms.Trutter.  She has given our children the greatest gift of all: the love of learning and the confidence to succeed.  Ms. Trutter is not only a very gifted teacher (Jayden can skip count by 2,3,4,5, and 10 which has led to knowing multiplication by the same numbers, he understands fraction, and just the other day while writing a story he asked me to help him spell "echo-location") but she genuinely cares for our children as well.  What other teacher do you know who would give up their weekends/days off to attend a birthday party of one of their students or go to the Academy of Science in San Francisco the day after graduation?  

Yes, she is truly one of a kind.  

"Kinder B - Stands for Kinder-Best" ~ Meghan Trutter

It was a tearful goodbye.  We will miss having you as our teacher Ms.Trutter.  Thank you for loving our kids.  Take heart knowing that they leave kindergarten well prepared for the challenges of Grade 1 (and beyond) thanks to you.  You will forever be in our hearts!

 

A few pics from the class party just to lighten the mood...

Murphy Magic

 

Violin Concerto No.1

Chris and I are gushing with pride.  Jayden has given his first orchestra performance (and he is only in kindergarten).

He has made so much progress in such short time.  I still vividly remember the first time Jay serenaded me with his "nail on chalkboard" rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", I got goosebumps and teary eyed but not in a good way.  Flash forward 10 months later, Jayden's recital still gave me goosebumps and moved me to tears but it was all good.

Our little man's transformation has been beautiful and awe inspiring.  What else will this boy be capable of?  At the start of kindergarten he was practically tone deaf and now he is playing concerts.  Just goes to show that he will never cease to amaze us.

The Program: 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variation A

Lightly Row

(notice Jayden's name near the bottom left)

Here are some photo stills:

I know Jay dedicated his performance to his surrogate family, who were cheering him on with banners and huge smiles.  Thanks for all the support Lillie, Lulu, Auntie Nadja, and Auntie Julia.  We love you!