What's making us happy? Young Capitalists

Two weekends ago, it was our neighborhood Garage Sale. We didn't sell any of our worldly possessions, but what we did was teach the kids about making a product, selling a product, and reaping the rewards of the sale.

Davis helped mom make the cookies and rice crispy treats. They helped color the signs. We encouraged them to say hello to everyone who came by and wave at all the cars that drove by. The friendlier that we were and made a connection, more cookies and treats were sold. Cause and Effect, in full effect. It does remind me of a story from H White about what his mother told him... "You let that be the last time you ever walk by somebody and not open up your mouth to speak, because even a dog can wag its tail when it passes you on the street." This was a totally different  and positive situation. After that, they waved and said hello more.

They made $21. More than enough for yogurt with all the fixings! They did good!

What makes you happy... "Ready player One..." and the joys of summer

Week 3.

I wasn't sure if I was going to have something happy to think about, but working out today, I heard Matt Damon's MIT commencement speech. It was funny and inspiring to them and me. He was describing that we may be a be a cosmic simulation and his response is "you need to do really interesting things, important things, inventive things, because this world has some real problems that this world needs you to solve." and "turn towards the problem and face it head on...". Inspiring.. If you needed a pep talk, like I did, take a look. "Ready Player One, Your game begins now". I am going to search for other commencement speeches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9nU5oKtFyo

The weekend was hot. Very hot. And what did Davis do? He spent 3 hours in the pool at a birthday party. He had a great time while I met his classmate's parents. Isn't that what life is about? Enjoying the simple things and making connections? If that's what this summer is like? I'm all in.

Hope you all are finding your things that are making you happy.

What's Making Me Happy... New Cyclist on the street

What is making me happy this week? Davis has broken away from training wheels and is a true cyclist! He'd been working on the balance bike and said he was ready for his real bike. Within a couple minutes, and a cut on the leg, he was pedaling away. The next day, he and I rode around the block, not once, not twice, but three times! He's proud of himself and so are week. 

What also is making me happy is something called... Summer hours! A very nice perk for Nike employees, From Memorial Day to Labor Day, if you've finished your 40 hrs, you can leave at noon on Friday. Finishing 40 is not a tough ask for the majority, so we get to a little longer weekend. Something, that I am happy about!  Happy Summer hours!

What's Making Me happy.. Old Sega Test

It's been a little while since we blogged and about time to start this up again. I am plagiarizing with pride from a new podcast that I am listening to called "Pop Culture Happy Hour" and at the end of the podcast, they go around and tell what is making them happy. So, this week, what is making me happy is.. Sega Test Training Video. It's an old video of my days as a game tester. If you watch closely, near the middle, you see me testing. It's been 20 years and fun to think about the old days. This video has sparked a facebook stream from the testers. Those were the days when I would study and do job interviews by day, and then test at night. Fun times... Enjoy.     https://vimeo.com/166472288

Also, since I missed last week. What made me happy was seeing both kids be a part of Mook-lan's wedding. Davis the ring bearer, and Olivia the flower girl. They did the Wongs proud!

Tropical Turkey Vacation with poke and spam musubi! (Thanksgiving 2014)

What's Thanksgiving like in Hawaii? We were determined to find out... and it was great! The weather was warm and with the exception of a couple restaurants (Denny's for Thanksgiving dinner & Zippys) we had great meals. Davis' favorite part of the trip was Auntie's clubhouse at the Aulani. For the three days we stayed at the Aulani, he stayed there practicallys 9am-9pm. Kid paradise. Click on the link ( Hawaiian Thanksgiving 2014 ) to see our pictures or enjoy the ones below.  Aloha!

Davis has great onstage presence! - Davis' Christmas Performance

Davis' class has been practicing for a while now for the Christmas party. He did great on stage with his classmates. Keep an eye out for his future performances!

Davis and Olivia's Summer activities

We had a busy weekend of fun. It was in the 80s and 90s so we did a little inside and little outside. Davis and I started by watching the Guardians of the Galaxy, the kids and I went to the zoo on Saturday, and Sunday we divided the kids: Kristen and Davis went to PDX Playdate and Steve & Olivia hit Munchkin Playland. We (the parents) are exhausted and ready to go to work to get some rest.

LA Trip to Disneyland

We had a great time with Dina, Welly, Ryan, Jen, and the kids. They went to a pumpkin patch and then to Disneyland the next two days. It's a totally different experience with infants and preschoolers. We spent more time in the bathroom and child care center than on the rides. Davis loved the Lightning McQueen and Mater ride. Olivia had a great time on the It's a small world ride. We just liked seeing Disneyland through the kids eyes. Here's a couple pictures. Click on the link to see the rest. Link to pictures

Halloween Fun

We had a festive Halloween. All had a costume and gave out treats to the trick or treaters. Olivia is a great Yoda!

Olivia's weekly class update. Great picture of Olivia and a pumpkin

Olivia the Painter

Davis' first comic con!

Yesterday was the Rose City comic con and thought it was was time for Davis to see what happens at a comic convention... mostly people dressing up. There was an added bonus, he got to meet an artist that draws my little pony. 

Overall, it was a success. He was hoping to meet Supergirl, but was happy to meet Batgirl, Wonder Woman, and Black Widow. Maybe next comic con.

Olivia's 2nd week of school. Happy and standing... with a big bump on her head.

Olivia's 1st day of Nike School

Tuesday was Olivia's first day of Nike school. She did great for day one. Slept, took a bottle from the teachers, and made some new friends! Day two was just as successful. She's a Nike girl now.

 

Davis' first Pony Lesson

Davis had his first pony lesson today. We found out about this place via a groupon. He learned all about ponies: how to groom them, get them ready for riding, and ride them. Black Beauty the pony that he rode around the barn. Cowboy Bob said that Davis was a very good listener and would be ready for a pony trail ride next time. Davis had a great time and really enjoyed riding by himself with no hands! Here's a link to the pictures: Link to Pictures