Ali's Birthday 2012

What an amazing month July is as it welcomes many of us into this world. I am thankful for the health and presence of the dear family members in our lives born in this month. Arya is almost a July baby so I think he counts too :)

For Ali's birthday we had a party the day before with the family and then celebrated his day the day after. The birthday boy turns 44 this year :)

We had khoresh Gormeh Sabzi that I made along with khoresh Geymeh.

Forgot to take a picture of it but it turned out good. Nobody complained :)

Later followed by a chocolate/chocolate mousse cake from Whole Foods. It was yummy! :)

Papa's 76th Birthday

Papa had his birthday today. It was nice to see him smiling and looking so handsome. We came a bit early and Nana was making Lamb kabobs. Yummy. They cooked together and gave us such a delicious dinner.



The kids played as usual and we talked a bit. Though it was short, it was sweet.
Here are some more pics of us on this day.







Arya got tired very early and we had to drag him home. My dear son, I hope you don't end up becoming a zombie like me. :)

This is the last picture of us with the yummy coffee birthday cake & ice cream.

Arya turns 4

Our dear Arya turned 4 June 29th.



He began the day with a couple gifts from us and then we went out for a day of activities. He played at Wacky Tacky (where there were bouncers and slides, balls and tunnels). Then we went to a surprise place that had all types of superhero and comic characters he liked. He was so excited to get home and play with his new toys.



After lunch and a very long time of play, he crashed really, really late as we promised him no curfew for his birthday.

The next day we went to ChuckeCheese for more fun. This was his cake.




Some pictures of the party. Everyone was scattered. It was a bit loud and crazy but I think the kids had a good time.

















God keep you healthy and safe my son. Tavalodet mobarak basheh azizam.

Arya starts Sparring for TaeKwonDo

So one of the things I was hesitant about was letting Arya Spar, which means "free-form" fighting with Rules in Martial Arts. The reason is I didn't want to encourage this, but the curriculum requires it and the good thing about this place we are going to is that it teaches kids when to and when not to fight. And who to fight with and who not to fight with. I like their way because it is clear that they want the kids to love and respect first and self defend themselves or someone else second. So here is our little guy all foamed up. He had fun getting into the gear but I don't think it was easy for him at first. I'm sure he'll get it sooner or later.

Yellow Black Belt

Arya has been awarded the next Belt for his TaeKwondo Class. He is now a Yellow-Black Belt for his group of Little Dragons.




We arrived at the Ceremony tonight around 5:45 or so and the place was decorated for their 5 year Anniversary. I brought brownies for their potluck in which we ate first. The kids then had to sit and wait to walk on the red carpet in front of everyone. It felt so much like graduation. This is Arya before they went outside.


The instructor "Sir" talked a bit then presented the belts then everyone had to wait until all the awards were given.



Took 3 hours total for this ceremony.
Arya fell asleep in my arms before it was over.


Then he woke up at home for another 2 then went to bed. :D
I think he was happy to receive it but too tired to enjoy it. Hopefully next time.
Here are the videos for tonight's event:
When we got there

Red Carpet walk to places

Arya getting his new belt

Music and Dancing and Baseball?

An amazing thing happened a few weeks ago. We went shopping and afterwards for some reason I wanted to go to the music store. I found one in Folsom that I didn't think would have much but luckily they had a sale on speakers. I got a great deal on a Fender for my keyboard and wanted Arya to finally see what my Alesis could do. Ali hooked it up when we got home and they were on it for the rest of the day :) So happy I bought it.




He loves to dance. I think this is in his genes from his dad's side :). If he could choose between anything and dancing, he'd pick it any day! :D

Here he is at Nana & Papa's shakin' it.


I will upload more videos of him dancing later.

And here's something we can't figure out. Arya likes Baseball. Baseball? Out of all the sports this was one we didn't think he'd like much but out of nowhere he tells Papa that he loves it and wants him to buy him a glove and ball for Christmas. Hahahah. Well, and there you  have it.
Here's some 1 on 1 with Papa...

And actually hitting a ball. A BIG ball that is :) haha...

Mother's Day 2012

Every day of being a mother has been one that I will cherish forever. And every experience makes me feel my mom even more. My dear Arya, I hope that you will enjoy going through this blog when you are older. And see your mom and Nana each year, azizam. I love you.



We were fortunate to have had my dear Daee Saeed and beautiful cousin Anahita visit us for a few days. It is always nice to see family. The kids also had a good time together. I love how they respect each other. Love you two.






 
Kami and Ali got to watch some tv and chat.


 
A good one of Mom and Dad together. They were apart after so many years when mom went to visit khaleh Pouran in Los Angeles with my uncle.


 
Me and my sissy.


 
And the three of us.