Simple Joys of Life

The girls are so funny. Since they can't have real pets (not because we don't like animals but our life style does not lend itself to caring for animals the way they need) so they have acquired two inset pets. The grasshopper belongs to Ayden and the dragon fly to Taylor. The thrill of catching bugs and jailing them in glass pickle jars. What a simple joy. This reminds me of the time Kong went to Newport Beach, CA for work and the girls asked him to bring them something back. He bought them each fun t-shirts (that were too expensive) and Taylor's comment to Kong was, "Oh, we were hoping for something like a seashell from the beach." They just wanted something simple. Nothing fancy. Anyway, see if you can identify where the insects are.

I had to include these pictures because they are hilarious. Last weekend Taylor was at Girl Scout camp so Ayden had nothing else to do but play by herself. She decided she was going to be Wonder Woman. To my surprise I found her outside sitting at the top of the front stair. I asked what she was doing and she said that she was waiting for a big gust of wind to blow her cape so that she would really look like Wonder Woman. She insisted on the hands on the hip pose as it was more realistic. I have no idea how long she had been out there or what people passing by were thinking but here is a series of pictures of her waiting for the wind gust. She finally gets the gust she's been waiting for.

Lastly, want to share that Ayden tested for yellow belt and she passed. She's been working really hard to remember her Ki Cho Hyung and techniques. We are really proud of her

Hallelujah!!!!

Kong just found out today that he passed his CFA Level II exam. I guess the fourth or fifth (we've lost count) time is a charm. The important thing is that Kong didn't give up. Maybe more importantly, I didn't give up on him.

Kong begins to study for this test in February and takes it in early June. He studies every night after the girls go to bed until mid-night then he generally studies all day Saturday and Sunday. Let me remind you that we've been doing this every February-June for the last few years. His test is a big commitment for our entire family. I will be the first to say that there were times where I wanted to give up, I wanted him to give up and I gave him ultimatums. I'm so proud of Kong and his persistence. Now...just one more CFA test next year and if he passes he'll be a Charter Financial Analyst which apparently is extremely important and prestigious in the Investments world.

As for me, the LSAT prep test class is going well. Lot's of improvements already from my original test. I'll be taking another full length exam on Wednesday so I'll have a better idea of how much I've improved. It's amazing how you don't feel old until you are in a room filled with young kids. Most of the kids in the LSAT class are either going to be Seniors in college or just graduated. I've always been the youngest in class, sports, job, etc...so it's hard now to participate in something where I'm literally the oldest. It's been quite the unique experience.

I don't know if between Kong, the girls and me if we'll ever be done with studying and going to school. Kong's plan for after I finish law school (my hope is to get my MBA at the same time-wishful thinking) is to get his PhD in Economics or Finance. He met with the head of the Economics PhD program at the U a few weeks back and is really exited about it.

Anyway, enough about us. This past weekend we took one last mini trip to Jellystone Park in Warren, Wisconsin before Mom and Dad head back to Laos to resume their missionary work. It was nice having them home. We will miss them. Especially the grand kids since Mom and Dad love and care for them so much. Below are some pictures from our trip. Everyone had a great time. We stayed in a really big cabin that accommodated our entire family.

On our way to go fishing. The pond was really choked with weeds so we did not have a lot of luck. Ayden caught the only fish of the day.


Yawm Yawm (Grandpa) helping Gabe with his bobber and worm.
Yawm Yawm fishing with Roan.
Tom and Ethan getting Ethan's line all ready for casting.
Tais Tais (Grandma) joins in on the fun and helps Gabe cast.
Gabe and Roan enjoying some quite fishing time.


Tais Tais and Ayden on their walk
Smiles all around for Yawm Yawm and the boys on their stroll.
Getting ready to go to the water park. Well...at least Aleah was. Everyone else was just laying around. Ayden riding a leaf wave with Tais Nee (Aunt Stephanie) supervising.
Aleah braving the slide.
Aleah still smiling after the slide.
Yawm Yawm making water balloons for Ethan and Gabe so that they could play the water balloon games. Can't forget Ethan at the bottom of the picture looking fierce. Gabe eyeing his target.
Dlaab Phil (Uncle Philip) splashing around with Taylor and Adyen. After this shot he tossed Taylor into a backward flip. Hope they didn't get in trouble. Nice hair Dlaab Phil.
Ethan sounding off after a safe landing.
Taylor and Ethan getting doust with water.Here are pictures from another time we took the girls fishing. We caught a ton of fish. This is a picture of Taylor with the grubs. An important ingredient to catching a ton of fish! Just a funny video from our fishing trip.

Amazing Weekend: MMA & UFC

(Who is this guy? For the non MMA-Mixed Martial Art fan, read on and you'll find out.)

Just to clarify, it was an amazing weekend for Kong and his older brother Cheng.

Cheng, Logan and Julia arrived at our house on Friday night. Saturday the three of them, Kong, Taylor and Ayden went to the Science Museum to visit the Star War exhibit. They had a great time at the Omini Theatre, meeting the characters and seeing all of the Star War artifacts. After the exhausting day they made their way to Mickey's diner (an actual box car diner). It was a nice experience for everyone. I did not join the weekend festivities because I was at my LSAT class. That's right, I said LSAT.

The day was topped off with the UFC 87 fight which actually took place at the Target Center. The guys decided that for the seats they could get they would have a better view watching it on Pay Per View. It was better that way. Kong and Cheng had the evening all planned out; A gazillion wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, beer and a tub of celery sticks and Blue Cheese. The fights were amazing. The guys were so bummed that Roger Heurta, a local Mix Martial artist who went to school at Augsburg College here in the Twin Cities lost his fight. They went on and on about what an amazing martial artist Heurta is and the adversities he had to over come. He was abandoned as a child, hustled on the streets to feed himself, and joined a gang early on in life to survive. Just an amazing story. Anyway, it was fun to see all of the stars and athletes from other sports at the area. When the cameras panned over to "Donna" from That 70's Show, we were all like, "What's she doing there?"

Our plan for Sunday was to have Dim Sum at Mai Village. As we made our way to brunch I realized I lost Kong and Cheng who were driving behind me. I waited in the restaurant parking lot with the kids thinking they were getting gas. About 10 minutes later the guys pulled in, rolled down their window and shouted, "We just met Roger Huerta!" They sounded like two excited school girls. Apparently, as we drove down a local road close to our house they spotted someone who had similar tattoos as Huerta. They didn't want to miss the chance to meet him so they whipped a U turn in the middle of the street, Kong jumped out of the car, Cheng double parked and they ran to confirm if it was him.

It turns out it was Huerta and he was stepping out (probably to have brunch) with no one else but Laura Prepon (Donna) from That 70's Show. They had a conversation with Huerta who was so apologetic that he let down his fans. He was kind, gracious, smart, articulate and so appreciative of his fans. It's funny because when they realized it was Donna standing next to Huerta, Kong said, "Hey, aren't you that girl from, um...um..." and Laura sweetly said, "Yeah, I am." They were so star struck by Huert that they completely ignored this attrative and tall figure standing next to them.

It was an amazing chance meeting. They guys could hardly focus during brunch. For anyone who knows the Hers, there is nothing that stands between them and their food. Kong and Cheng couldn't get over that they didn't take a picture to capture the moment. They rationalized and rationalized until they came to the conclusion that it was for the best that they didn't. After losing the fight to become the number one contender for the belt, the most respectful thing they could do was not hassle him for a photo when he's feeling down.

For Kong and Cheng this could not have been a more perfect weekend.

The kids with Darth Vader.

The kids with a storm trooper. That's what you call them, right?

Cheng, the kids and I think that's Chewy.

Jumping on the trampoline after returning from the Science Museum.Dinner after swimming. Yum - brats, hamburger and fruit.