Culture Camp Wrap Up

A few weeks ago we got back from the East Coast Catalyst Culture Camp.  It was definitely an experience!  Super fun for the kids but more than a bit "heavy" for the parents. The kids enjoyed a bunch of camp activities including arts and crafts, story -telling, a water balloon toss, and  the Amazing Race, a Lip Synch evening and a night market.  In the morning while the kids were having fun, the parents were discussing heavy topics like racism in America (amplified significantly by the current political environment), how to react to inappropriate comments aimed at our kids, the apparent higher rate of suicide among adoptees and how to find birth parents. In the afternoon, there were fun family activities like yoga, spring roll making, and chocolate making.

All in all, it was worthwhile and thought provoking.  I would have liked a bit more emphasis  on Vietnamese culture for the kids. Yoga and chocolate making, while fun, are not very Vietnamese :)The following are some snaps from the camp:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Coast Culture Camp Attendee List

The East Coast Culture Camp Attendee List has been circulated to attendees and we saw one TDH alumnus we recognized.  Looking forward to catching up!

Building a School in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province

I'm excited to announce that I will be funding the building of a 2- room school in Ba Ria- Vung Tau Province!  One of my goals during my trip to Vietnam this January was to find a project in Maya's birth province.  I thought it would take a while. But a project was quickly found and now the school is expected to be built by the end of September....  a lot faster than  expected!  I hope to dedicate the school to my mother, who died in 2012 and taught me the value of giving.

Aidan's Birthday Party

Every year for the past 3 years, Aidan tells me this is his last big birthday party.  Even though he is 13 he still wanted one last big party with his classmates.  So I relented.  Here he is with his friends after 2 hours of jumping and climbing at AirRiderz.  They had a great time!

 

 Aidan (in blue and yellow) with friends after jumping and climbing

 Dabbing version !

Maya Turns 7!

Last month, Maya turned 7!  She has grown so much in the past year and looks much older with her adult teeth.  Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit and were able to celebrate her birthday at our house and also her birthday party the next day.  Maya had a party at Visual Arts Mississauga and chose to do clay sculpture.  Here are a few photos from her birthday dinner and her party.

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Blowing out the candles on her cake

 Opening her presents

 She got some Star Wars lego and put it all together the next day.  Maya loves lego!

 Here she is in her new Elsa style bike helmet. 

 Maya chose a tiger / leopard theme for the sculptures

 Aidan enjoyed himself

 So did Grandma

 Maya with friend Aleyna and their creations before they painted them

 Maya blowing out here candles at her party.  About 10 of her friends attended.

 Family photo after the party

Maya with Grandma and Grandpa

Aidan Turns 13!

 I am now officially the mother of a teenager!  How did that happen?! Aidan turned 13 yesterday and we celebrated with a family dinner.  He wants to have a go-carting party in a few months when the weather is warmer.  Here he is forcing some smiles as we take photos...

 Aidan with birthday cake

 He got a new basketball and a subscription to MLB TV

 Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Sarah bought him a new PS-4 game

 Thanks Julia for the new book!

He also got a bunch of clothes including jeans, shorts, a polo, and some pajamas

Celebrating Tet Last Month

 

Maya sporting a new au dai from Vietnam

 Receiving their lucky money

 

Meeting friends for Vietnamese food. 

 Arn, Carol, Mike and Sharon (so nice that Sharon is feeling good these days)

The boys... Aidan, Isaac and Nathaniel