Learning more and more

The amazing thing about school is how quickly it makes children aware of reading and writing. I have noticed Arya's increase in enthusiasm for all things learning. The mind is flourishing and ready to absorb anything it sees, hears or feels. And I hope I can feed the need.




With the good progress comes good rewards...and more toys. I know I will regret it later, but this positive reinforcement is working good so far so I will keep doing it.



There's just something about seeing a smiling child that is more fulfilling than anything else.



Then there's the fun of exploring new things that grown ups do. What is it that makes kids wish they were grown up already? I remember the same when I was little. Then when you are grown up, you wish you could be a kid again. :)

Water fun

It has been hot. Yes, very very hot! And what better way to relieve the heat than soak in cold water? Ali came home a few times after work and decided to spend time with Arya in his pool. So cute and funny these two were. Couldn't help capture these great moments they had together.









And Arya's fun time outside with water

Arya's first day of Kindergarten

Today Arya started his first day of school. We managed to get a few photos before we left the house.



All three of us (Ali and I were more nervous than Arya...like it was our first day of school..haha)



On our way there. Took about 20 minutes to get there and find a spot. Then we walked the rest of the way.





So glad Ali could be with us.



At the office.



Meeting the teacher with the other kids outside. She's the one with the black and white dress (Mrs. Segestrom) hard name to say...hehe



Sitting with his class. Supposed to be 29 kids but a few didn't show up.





Arya's first activity. Heart Hand. It stood for something but I can't remember what they said...



And another..



The school entrance.



I have a few more pictures I will add here later. But all in all the day was good. I took off work today and tomorrow for Arya and then next week he will start the afternoon class except for Thursdays. I'm so glad we got transferred to this school. Earl Legette Elementary is the only one right now with 1/2 day kinder. They are very welcoming and seem to care about their school and kids. I am relieved that they have lock doors and cameras to see everything.

Very proud of you today Arya joonam. You did amazing. You were confident, respectful and did good in all you were told. Glad you had a great day azizam. (We got him a gift bag when we picked him up and took him for pizza) :)

Ramadan 2013

Ramadan came to us July 8th and ended August 7th this year. Another year of long days and heat on this blessed month.



As difficult as it was, the WILL of man is one that can truly be felt when it is tested it to its limits.
Life throws curve balls. It is chaotic. It has many obstacles. But it also has its rewards. And through every hardship, I believe there is a true reward that shall come of it.

Without faith, it can seem like life is a waste of time. What good is all the effort a person puts into it, if it's not for a reason?

But with faith, there is a Goal. We can have so many worldly goals, but those always lead to others. It never ends and we are never satisfied. I think the ultimate goal is the one we do for our Creator. God. When we do things for God, it is our soul that gets satisfied.

Without faith, it's like we are thirsty and drink salty water. With faith it's like being quenched with clean crisp water after being thirsty for so long.



Eid Fitr was indeed a lovely celebration with lots of food and togetherness and appreciating all the things we have in life. May God bless everyone in their times of hardship and reward them with the dearest rewards.

Ali's 45th Birthday

Today my dear husband Ali turns 45.



We celebrated a few days earlier (on the weekend) with the family, cake and fun.



It's always nice when he is home. We get to bug him a lot and he gets to be away from dogs :) Here is the cake I made him for his birthday. It was a strawberry cake with glaze and whip cream. Needed more filling in the center, but wasn't too bad.



Opening presents with Arya



Horsey ride with Daada and Jamil

Papa's 77th Birthday

Our dear Papa turns 77 this year. We are truly thankful that we can be with him and he with us in this amazing age. Happy Birthday our sweet, kind and amazing friend.



Our life moves fast and each year as birthdays come and go, it is with thanks that we enter another number to our experienced lives. May each bright candle that we see on our cake bring joy and happiness for the light we have that surrounds us.

 

May everyone's family be filled with warmth, love and happiness always.

Arya turns 5

My dear Arya...you are 5 today. Thank you for being in our lives and shining your positive energy upon us these 5 great years. I pray that God's love & mercy always be upon you and those lives whom you touch.



Arya and his Papa before the events of the day begin.



We decided to decorate the great room with balloons and party activities for Arya this year.



Arya hitting the banjo pinata



Kamran pretending to have a monobrow :)



Arya with his home-made Lego cake decorated with Lego men.



Mommy & Baba with Arya



The Tadjeran and Monabbat family



Cutting the cake after singing. I used buttercream this year. Not going to do it again. It was too buttery!!



We decided to go to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom the next day. Ali and I had our first date here. Brought back so many memories 11 years later with our son. (and we were both wearing red then as well) :)



Arya got chosen to be in the Looney Toons show!!! What a fun event for him!



He danced with the whole gang..Bugs Bunny, Lola, Tweety, Daffy, and Sylvester.



Here is the video



What an amazing day!



A pic with Tweety. How sweet.



Eating a Macho Nacho and



Enjoying a forbidden treat. He ate the entire blue cotton candy by himself! Wow!



It was a very hot day. Luckily not as bad as Sacramento (109!) it was only 85 where we were. But thought it would be fun for Arya to cool off in the fountain area :)

Totally out after walking out in the heat all day. He won a Garfield Plush and Monkey plush in the game section.