Happy Weekend!

I’m working from home today so it gave me a chance to cook with my handsome nephew.

We made shrimp ceviche for lunch!

Tonights special: Maryland Blue Crabs

I over ordered and had so much leftovers. ;P

Poems by Chloe:

Panther Hour
Whoosh the trees rustle
The night sings its lullaby and that when the panthers will come.
Their sleek black fur moves silently under the undergrowth, it slinks under the shadows
Its body brushing against the leaves, egging it to continue singing its song.

That’s when the panthers will come.
Their emerald eyes flash
Suddenly and poof they’re gone disappeared into the night

That’s when the panthers will go.
~~
The Song Of The Fish
Splash!

I jump in the air
My fins longing for the feel of water

I fell back and let gravity pull me down
back into the deep abyss of the ocean.
~~
Flag

 I am soaring through the air the wind talking to me trying,
To make me fly but alas!
I am stuck to the pole like a butterfly stuck in a spiders web.
But if I were released, I would soar like a bird
Free of being burdened by the pole.
~~

A short fiction by Chloe:

Sink or Swim
“Jonathan, honey you seem quiet. Are you okay? Should I check your temperature?” asked my Mom.
“No, Mom. I’m fine” I managed to answer but my words were carried away by the roaring winds of California bay. My Dad glanced at me from the rearview mirror and said cheerfully, “He’s fine, dear.” I nodded in agreement. We drove along the bay down the steep gravel path to the most beautiful beach I had ever seen, “Wow” I murmured in awe, for the sand was as white as snow and the ocean was a brilliant blue the most vibrant and the breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean. As dad started driving down the path to grandma Hope’s house I thought, maybe this trip will be relaxing and fun. I can’t wait to get started!  But boy, was I wrong.

Ding-dong, we were at Grandma Hope’s petite little beach house. I examined the house, it was sky blue and had flower boxes under the windows. She had an abundant garden, a pool, and a rocky path down to the beach.  I couldn’t wait for the actual summer to begin! Grandma Hope answered the door she had brown curly short hair and warm dark brown eyes that made me feel like I was special. “Come in, come in!” she chirped.  “ I’m so glad to meet your son Jonathan,” she glanced at me and gave me a ferocious bear hug, any uncertainty about her was immediately washed away and I felt at home. While the grownups talked I went up to my room and opened the door, and came into the coolest room ever! I quickly unpacked changed and fell asleep in the bed.

The next morning I woke up by the song of birds, I got dressed greeted Grandma Hope with a kiss, ate and helped with gardening. Later she told me to change into my swimsuit, I did as she asked then hopped into the car which she drove, all the way to the pool.  I started freaking out my hands got all clammy and sweaty,  we were at the pool, no it can’t be, but yes right in front of me was a sign that confirmed my worst nightmare. I put on my brave face for Grandma and walked to the pool with her. Grandma looked at me after 10 mins passed and I still wasn’t swimming, she asked, “ Johnny, why aren’t you swimming?”
“ I have a stomach cramp from er… breakfast!” I lied
“Okay” she replied. 10 mins passed and she fell asleep, apparently there was no lifeguard and all the parents were going to a club, this can’t be good I thought and I was right. 20 mins later  I spotted a little kid who entered the deep end and seemed to be drowning, I had to do something, my chest shook, I started sweating, with all my willpower I walked to the diving board and dived in, the cold water shocked me. I kicked and propelled my arms till I was swimming. I spotted a kickboard grabbed it and swam to the little kid, who seemed no older than three. I pulled him up and placed him on the kick board I  then grabbed it and kicked to safety. Apparently the parents saw what happened and one grabbed her baby off the kick board and showered him in kisses. She turned to me and expressed her gratitude but I didn’t hear I was lost in a memory… I  remembered when my best friend Bill drowned and….

That night Grandma came to my room we talked about my saving the kid, and about Bill…
she told me to let out all off my emotions and I did. I cried and cried till I fell asleep but before I lost conscious I said to Grandma Hope “Let’s go to the beach…”

Chloe had an incredible 4th grade! She’s become really responsible and she’s been great at being on top of her school work. I can’t say enough about how an amazing writer she is! She’s written so many stories, poem and essays during this school year, I’m just only getting through half of them. “Sink or Swim” is one of the short stories she’s written and I got chills from reading because her story seemed so real. Amazing.

I finally got around to take closer look at all of kids stuff they brought home from school this year.

Here are some highlighted artworks from Shane’s 2nd grade class.

His main focus was drawing monster characters and aliens fighting. 😉 So Cool!!

We got together with Andrew’s side of family to celebrate my MIL’s birthday at Ross Dock Picnic area in Fort Lee. The weather was perfect for a BBQ outdoor while enjoying breathtaking view of GW bridge and hudson river.

Andrew showing off his impressive skateboarding skills in front of the crowds.

Happy birthday to my sweet, kind and loving mother-in-law!

I drove into the city after work to have a dinner with friends and Andrew tonight thanks to my parents watching our kids!
Delicious food at Gallow Green

On to the next roof top bar

Cheers to the beautiful night!

We are grilling Kalbi BBQ in the backyard today.

We went cherry picking at Fishkill Farms in upstate NY today.

Like my new earrings?

Eating apple cider donuts

My messiest corn eater! Lol.

My best friends came to visit from Hong Kong and California  so we met in the city and had a fun dinner at Salvation Taco.

Missed my girls!!

Each year our kids are getting taller and we are getting older. Love you guys!