A busy week....

Had some good times these past few days. Most Importantly, it was Michael's birthday. We celebrated by eating brunch at Otaez, in Alameda. It was nice to get out and not cook. Michael's birthday was on a Thursday and he had to work. So, the real celebration commenced on Saturday. We went to Water World with Chris, Niccole and Kai while Lucius spent the day at Erin's house. It was a blast. I can't even remember the last time I went to a water park. It was a warm and sunny day AND they sold booze! Good times. We used a waterproof camera and have to get the pics developed.

We also did some East Bay exploring and made our way to Lake Anza in Tilden Park with Erin, Mary Jane, Eden, Sara and Race. Another warm and beautiful day and they sold ice cream and espresso! Only in the Bay Area! It felt like a mini vacation.

Birthday Flan!

Happy?

Hangin' out at Kelly's house with the kids! We got together to welcome home Alex and Araliya from their long trip to Sri Lanka. It was good to see them doing better! Araliya got very sick in Sri Lanka and was hospitalized for many days. We were all very worried for her and glad to see them home!

Storytime before bed. He's so sweet. We read the same 3-5 books a night: Big Dog Little Dog, Moo Baa La La La, Hop on Pop, Hands Hands Fngers Thumbs and Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear? I can recited them all from memory complete with the voices and sound effects!

He loves wearing my shoes, cute. He says "Mama, Shoos"

I thought that these monkey bandaids would help distract Lucius from the pain of a boo boo. I think they actually freaked him out! He wouldn't even let me take them off. Poor Baby! Scraped both knees real good.

The Fam at Lake Anza post Chocolate Cherry Coke Float

Pretty cool huh? Unfortunately we went on a Wednesday. Turns out that's day camp day. There was about 75 kids. You can see that the water is marked off? If you swim outside that area, you get fined $250. Ouch!

Finn, Lucius and Race post haircut. We went to Sara's house and there Bridget cut all 3 boy's hair. Race and Lucius didn't do well. On the other hand, Finn faced it like a champ. Either way, they all look very handsome!

Happy Independance Day!!

Had a great day today. Saw the Alameda July 4th parade for the first time. The Garvie's, the Hunt's, the Ward's and the McConnell's all rocked it out at Kathleen & Dave's place. After the parade, Dave fired up the BBQ and busted out some great food. Then the kids all jumped into the kiddie pool. It was a great time, considering Lucius didn't nap. BUT, he did go down at 7pm for the night, as opposed to 8:30! Happy Independence Day!!
~mami jen
ps, thanks to Grant & Erin for the photos. Can't figure out how to make them fit in page.... sorry!

1st Annual Acker Sterling & Hunt Family Vacation!

Beautiful sunny Lake Tahoe. The weekend before July 4th, the Sterling's and the Hunt's joined us in Lake Tahoe for a super fun weekend filled with horseshoes, bocci, bbqin', hot sunny beach, bubbly hot tubbin' good times! (oh, and babies too!) We had so much fun... we decided that it was not long enough time and that we need to do it again!!

(Some photos are courtesy of Stacey.... Thanks Stacey!)

~mami jen

The view from the beach umbrella

The great house!!

The boys playing Bocci Ball

Stacey and Thomas

The Mountains

Sunday was Stacey and Greg's Anniversary. We celebrated with a steak dinner... Yum!

Mami & Baby Lu

All the kids!

Lucius Loved the hot tub. But really, who doesn't???

Arrr! Ye be walkin' the plank!

On June 20th, we meet up with the Sterling's and the Hunts in Vallejo for a Pirate Festival. It was a rip roaring good time! The Acker's love to dress up and we looked great... if I do say so myself! There must have been 15,000 people there eating smoked turkey legs and wearing eye patches. They had a tall boat that was firing cannons and live music to dance to. We had a blast dancing, drinking and exploring all of the vendors booths. The most fun was at the gambling corner where is was like a Chuck E. Cheese. One game was called Mouse Maze. Basically, there was a round, roulette style table and which ever # the mouse went to won! Then you could exchange your winnings for prizes. We had a great time and for sure won't miss next years festival!

Father's Day

We had a great time on Fathers day. It began with a ferry ride to San Francisco. This was the 2nd time Lucius rode the ferry. He loved it. Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day: sunshine with a cool breeze. We met up with Niccole and Jose for lunch at Boulettes Larder, a restaurant where our friend Laurie works. It was nice enough to sit outside. We ate everything! Lamb chops, sardines, beignet's and a fresh salad. We left feeling full and happy. We caught the ferry home, but this time we we rode around the bay and got a great view of Angel Island. It was a great day even though Lucius peed on me and Michael. Ahhh, the joys of parenthood!

The morning ride, 1st stop, Jack London Square!

Lucius loved the boat ride!

Waiting to board the ferry at Peir 41

After a well deserved nap, we all went to Foster's Freeze for dinner (Papi's choice!) and there Lucius had his very first ice cream cone. What do you think.... did he like it?? You will see to the right, there is a link to our videos on you tube. I posted a short video of him chowin down on that cone. Check it out!

Mmmmm, Ice cream!!

~mami jen

Fun at Tilden Park

Yesterday, Lucius and I picked up Stacey and Thomas and we all went to Tilden Park to ride the Carousel and the steam trains. It turned out to be a beautiful day and we had a blast. Lucius particularly loved the trains! Choo Choo! He's so sweet.

Lucius rode the rooster, Stacey and Thomas were on the Frog, while I was on the Lion!

What's that what's that??? (his new favorite phrase!)

The train car we rode in.

Aren't these the cutest trains ever. Perfect miniature replicas!

It was a full train.

Hawaiian Vacation

Well, May was definitely the travel month for Lucius and me. First, we all (including Michael) went down to SoCal for a surprise birthday party for Lucius' Great Gramma. She Turned 90 on the fifth and she looks grrreat. I can only hope to be that healthy and witty as she when I am half her age! Then Lucius and I went to Hawaii for a week. Mom is moving to Vegas and is planning on renting her home out. Thus the trip home. I had to clean out my room and see if I wanted to keep anything. Turns out no. Seems after 7 years, I can live without most of it. I did find some great photos of Em and I. The good ole days! Ha! Anywho, after our trip to Hawaii, Lu and I went to The OC again for a visit with Emily and Oliver. Good times.

Needless to say, it was too much time away from my husband. It feels good to be back home and close to my sweetie!

Magic Island Baby

Halmoni and her babie-ya

In Halmoni's backyard

Lots of Koreans!! My aunt and 2 cousins are visiting from Korea. It was cool to see them and for them to meet Lucius!

She couldn't get enough of him. I am glad that she will be living closer to us! I can't wait!

SoCal Trip, May 2009

Lucius, Emily, Oliver and I went to the OC for a few days. Emily was in a wedding and I went to help with Little Ollie. While down there, we got a chance to visit with all 3 of Lucius' great grandparents. We all stayed at Grammy Patricia's home and had a great time. In case you all didn't know, I have the best Mother-in-law EVER!

3 Generations

Bubbles (one of Lu's new words!)

Gram and the happy Baby!

Totally fascinated with the koi pond

Doesn't everyone need a pic with Santa like this?

He wasn't really frightened of Grandpa Santa, he just didn't want to go to bed!



Finally, the girls and their kids, my how we've grown. I am gonna scan in some of the ancient photos I found back home, should be interesting!

Weekend Day Trip

We all went for a nice drive this past weekend and went over the Crockett bridge to Vallejo. We went to a bayside marina and enjoyed the sunny day. It was great to hangout with the fam. I am a lucky person.

Lucius smelling the flowers

My sweet guys

Me and my baby

A self-family portrait!

Lastly, this is something new Lucius is doing... while watching Sesame Street, he pulls at his diaper and puts it below his butt! It's too cute and very funny!

Duh!

Ok, I'm a big dummy! I was trying to upload all my photos from my memory stick.... and yeah, I deleted them all except for these! So what will I never have anymore??? Pics of Lucius (duh) hunting for Easter Eggs in front of our home, his first haircut, and the best of all.... Lucius' first visit to Hawaii and the beach. I am totally bummed. Oh well. nuthin much else I can do. I hope I have learned my technical lesson. Wish me luck, Lucius and I are heading down to SoCal for a few days. Lets hope I can successfully upload those photos. (still feeling blue!)
~Virtual Idiot, Jen


Update, 6/3/09:
Turns out most things are not truly deleted. Thanks to Emily's genius (and clear /level headed thinking.... yes, Emily) I recovered the photos from the recycle bin. Thank goodness!

Oliver Reid Sterling

This is our new God Baby, Oliver Reid Sterling. He was Born on March 22nd, to Emily and Eric Sterling. He's just the most adorable and sweet baby! Michael, Lucius and I go up to Sacramento almost every weekend just to hang out with him... oh, and his folks too!



Wow, looking back on the last post, I can really tell how much Lucius has grown and changed! He's a little man now: running, pointing, and talking(kinda!) He's just the cutest kid ever. We are just getting into our summer vacation. I am now on break from work until August. But we won't just be sitting around! With a trip to Hawaii in a few days and then back to OC, it'll be a travel packed May. Yeah, that's just this month! I am really looking forward to that (can you hear the sarcasm in my voice??) Nay, it would be more enjoyable if Michael were coming with us. Unfortunately, he'll be working... pooh! But in the mean time, here's some photos of the big boy!

Michael and Lucius at the Easter Scramble

That's my handsome boy!

Lucius and Eden with the Bunny

At the Academy of Sciences

Baby Steps

Here is our little boy, taking his first few steps! It's amazing how fast he is growing.

These are some pictures from breakfast and lunch! Lucius is the Prince of Cherrios and Blueberries! We had too much fun.


Let's see. so Babaloo is now 1 year old. My mom flew from Hawaii to help celebrate his birthday. We had the Party at my work... Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity in Berkeley. It as a party to remember. I mean, how many first birthdays are at a frat house? It was great. My Aunt Vickie and her fiance Gary drove up from Southern California. That was a special treat. It had been four years since my mom and Vickie saw each other. The last time being at Michael and my wedding (is that gramatically correct??). Anywho, here are some photos of that:



We are getting ready for a trip to the OC for Christmas. Should be good times. We are looking forward to spening the holidays with the family(s). Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
~Mami Jen