Grant's 1st Birthday

A couple of weeks ago, we were invited to a friend's first birthday party (dohl in korean) in Port Washington, Long Island at Louie's Bar & Grill. Thanks for inviting us Cailee and Kyu and happy birthday again to Grant. It was the perfect day to be by the water. Here's Tyler running around on the pier.

Here is a pic of me and my good friend Cailee in her hanbok (traditional korean attire).

The happy Hwang family with Grant in hanbok too. He is too cute. What a trooper he was that day. Hanbok is usually not that comfortable for little kids.

The delicious dulce de leche cake with the adorable candles.

There was a magician to entertain the children and I think Tyler had the best time. No really, Tyler was the only person laughing in the room. Thanks Cailee for entertaining my son. :-)

Siamese twins? Thanks to my friend Cailee who bought the matching ties for my boys. I owe this picture to you.

Tyler engaged in his favorite party activity. Eating the cake/cupcake.

I thought this pic of Justin holding onto Tyler's head for support was cute. All in all it was such a fun party for the kids and the adults. Thanks again C & K.

2nd Annual Great MOMS Walk

About 2 weeks ago, our family had the opportunity to take part in a wonderful fundraiser to raise money for mothers in need. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) organized the event and it was an impressive 1 mile walkathon filled with goody bags, raffle prizes and BBQ afterwards. Personally I have been so blessed by MOPS (which is a Christian organization that meets to encourage and educate mothers during the challenging period of having newborns and school age children).

Here is Tyler at the starting line ready to walk.

Justin decided to take another route.

Families walking the 1 mile.

Each child received a medal for finishing the mile...very cool.

Justin with a very good friend, JJ.

Group Pic. I think there were more kids than adults.

Here I am with two good friends of mine, Maria (middle, who was in charge of organizing the event) and Susan (right). I'm so thankful for them.

Barber Shop

I think it's the mundane moments of growing up that will stand out later in life so hence this post. By this time you've noticed that the boys only have one style of hair, the army crewcut. Eugene prefers to cut the boys hair short since it's easier and cheaper and you don't need to do any styling. It's a whole production where we have to set up a DVD player with a movie so that they are distracted. We'll see how long the boys will last until they decide they want a hairstyle of their own. Until then they have their own personal barber at home.

Eugene hard at work. The boys will need to tip him one of these days.

The after shots - good for another month.

Brotherly Love

My boys are the best of friends and the worst of enemies. They can fight one minute and hug each other the next. It really is endearing to watch them grow together. Justin is growing up so fast since he wants to catch up to his older brother. They are definitely blessed to have one another for life. Praise God.

You know I love the back shots. Justin loves holding Tyler's hand.

Over the Memorial Day weekend we went to Central Park with friends and the kids had a blast. We met at Heckscher Playground and my boys didn't want to leave. I was told the playground was recently renovated and the highlight for Justin was walking in a circular walkway with running water. I think I need to bring him to a waterpark soon.

A Day in Brooklyn

If you have boys you can understand me when I say that I have to take my kids out everyday or they get cabin fever at home. So when it is a nice Saturday afternoon such as this past Memorial Day weekend we had to make a day trip somewhere. We decided to venture into Brooklyn to the New York Aquarium. (Just as an aside, if you're a member of the Bronx Zoo, admission is also free to the New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and the Prospect Park Zoo.) This is one membership we renew annually since our kids love animals.

It was kinda weird to see penguins out and about in high 70 degree weather.

Justin awaiting with excitement for the sea lion show to start.

The sea lion showing off his dance moves.


The highlight of the Aquarium is the sea lion show. Make sure you don't miss it.

The sea lion getting ready to jump off the diving board.

Afterwards, we took a stroll down the Coney Island boardwalk. The diversity of people that was represented as you take a walk is quite amazing.

Eugene protested against this photo but here he is thoroughly enjoying the Nathan's hot dog. You can't go to Coney Island without eating a Nathan's hot dog!

Tyler enjoying his hot dog...

...and his french fries.

Justin is intense even while eating a french fry.

Lil Justin

I must admit that I do take less pictures of Justin than I do of Tyler. Poor second child. It's not an excuse but Tyler will actually stop for a second and let me take a picture whereas Justin will run the other day. So I'm really lucky when I get a decent shot of Justin and I realize his personality really shines through when I just let him be himself and I can capture the moment. Here are some lucky shots I got of Justin. As you can see he is a very expressive child. Here is Mr. Tough Guy Justin


The usual shot I get of Justin

A rare shot of Justin looking towards the camera

Justin's signature smile

My favorite - A pensive side of Justin

Scootin'

Tyler has been fully potty trained for about a month now and Eugene and I honored a promise that if he is potty trained he can finally ride his scooter he got for Christmas (Thank you SS). Boy, was Tyler excited! He even wanted to wear the elbow and knee pads as well as the helmet. Tyler picked it up pretty quickly and before you knew it he was racing through the playground. It really humbles me sometimes when I see my kids find joy in the most simplest things in life. Here is Tyler striking a cool pose on his scooter.

Forced to smile here for mommy.



It was hard to keep up with Tyler. :-)