Emily entered in an art contest at Aaron Brothers and her picture is up at the store on Newport Avenue at Tustin Plaza in Tustin, CA. Whoever receives the most votes wins. So I have been campaigning for Emily's picture by sending out emails and on facebook. When I see how badly she wants to win because Emily loves to draw, she wanted to have Hello Kitty America as her art, I had to campaign for her. I told Emily that there is a chance that she may NOT win because this contest is all of California, Arizona, and Nevada. But I told her that her artwork is awesome and we are so proud of her.

Then to my amazement my friend from high school who lives on the east coast CALLED the store to place a vote for Emily's art. I could not believe she would do that. And talk about being so grateful. I am just overwhelmed by her reaching out to do something that means so much to me!

Emily sure loves to draw and loves being in art class. I think she has a talent for this creativity. I hope one of these days she will win and be recognized for her talent and skills. She's only 7 years old!! Way to go, my sweet Emily!!!

If anyone is reading this blog and wishes to vote for Emily's art, here is the information. You need to go to the store to vote. But maybe you can CALL like my friend Dee on east coast!

Aaron Brothers Art
13771 Newport Ave Ste 15
Tustin, CA 92780
714-734-8009
Vote for picture number 76 (hello kitty america)

**The theme was "Show Us Your America".
Whoever receives the MOST VOTES wins. And my school Canyon View will receive $1000!!! Please come out this SAT (9/26) or SUN (9/27) to the store and submit a vote for picture #76.

So what a great Labor Day...We had a great pool time fun bbq with the Imus, Van Raes, and Ujjie's! Emily has been lucky enough to make some truly super special friends from the age of 3 at the preschool she attended called, "Creator's Corner". And though Emily does not attend the same school with these 3 great girls, she still sees and gets together with the girls. And who would have guessed that at this young age the friendship is truly special enough to last for a very long time! And as an added bonus, David and I got to know the parents throughout the years and now we consider them our special friends! Oh the conversation and the time together is so much fun!!!

Thought I would post some pictures showing how much the girls have grown from the time they met when they were at preschool and NOW - going onto 2nd grade (Shelby is going into 3rd grade)!

Oh yeah! Dave & I just loved laughing, drinking, and kicking back with the moms and dads!!! These are definitely the type of friends we would have hung out with from work and school!!! Friends for life, you guys!!!

In this picture is Miss Carol who was the nicest preschool teacher. And you see Emily and Amanda listening to her read while dressed in princess dresses.



More pics with Amanda & Emily 



Emily, Shelby, and Sydney (age 4)


** not sure why Emily is giving off such a silly face! Oh what a great teacher!


Emily & Shelby




Age 5 - Emily & Sydney


Emily & Shelby

 




Here is Emily, Amanda, and Sydney


Emily & Sydney


Emily & Amanda


Now check out the pics of the girls today!!! They are older but their friendships are still close as ever!!!

Colorado was such a beautiful state! here's just a few pics to capture our trip to Colorado Springs, CO!

Visiting Jin and Min & their 3 wks old baby girl Faith! Jin also got Maryland crabs to have with the family!


Two daddies holding his little girl! Emily is a TAD bit bigger!!! hee hee



Smore's with Uncle Jin! So yummy!


On Our Way to Pike's Peak (sorry for the side view of the photos! Xanga just does not seem to support the functionality to rotate pictures! bleah!!!)




Higher up on Pike's Peak. Getting colder!




We reached the top of Pike's Peak! Over 14,000 Ft High Up! Feeling dizzy and COLD! It was snowing and 32 degrees!!! BRRRRRRRHHHH!!!!!
They are known for their delicious donuts at top of Pike's Peak! Dad said he tried the donuts back in 1960s and he said the one he just tried tastes MUCH BETTER!!!


Emily found her new favorite souvenir. GEMS!
 

Driving back down!


Passed "North Pole"


Lunch Time @ Manito Springs which was at the foot of Pikes Peak.
 

Dinner with the family @ P.F. Changs


Smiles from my little girl!



Back at Uncle Jin's home!



Garden of the Gods. Look at these beautiful rocks!!! I was too afraid to climb to the top because I had on platform  heels. But I enjoyed taking pictures!
 


Gift Shop at Garden of the Gods (Emily got some more gems and marbles from there!!!)



Airforce Academy

(dorm room)


Mom and dad sitting pretty for the camera!