Gammy's Lunar New Year Picks

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My Sweet Grands,

Before I came to live with you I spent 18 years teaching sixth graders about the eastern ancient civilizations.  I loved teaching.  Learning about how others lived, their customs and traditions, the advancements in science, math, language, religion, writing and art, plus the development of tools and technology is fascinating.

I most enjoyed getting to know the people of each civilization.

At this time of year I enjoyed teaching about the Ancient China civilization, specifically Lunar New Year.  I know you are years away from learning about this unit for your self, but its never to early to start.

Today I gathered up a few of my favorite books and some your parents have purchased for you to specifically read over the next 15 days.  

Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot.  This is a beautifully illustrated board book introducing young children to the customs, traditions and history of Lunar New Year.  It is part of a series called "Celebrate The World".  I love that these books are teaching children about other cultures and customs in such a beautiful way.  

Lunar New Year

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang.  After watching her mother, father and grandmother make bao, Amy is determined to make the "PERFECT" bao.  But, she runs into a few obstacles.  The fun illustrations and engaging story make this a "perfect" read for any age.  Best part, it includes a recipe for bao.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang.  Amy is back for another adventure.  This time she is trying to create a dragon, but she can't seem to get her ideas on paper.  I love that the story identifies the difference between Eastern and Western dragons as Amy allows her creativity to take shape.  

There are several other stories about Amy Wu, I'm excited to collect them all. 

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi.  Even though this story is about a Korean family it is still a wonderful read during Lunar New Year.  I love the strength of the main character as she finds her way living in a new country.

The Name Jar

D is For Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet by Carol Crane.  I have a few of these alphabet books on different topics and LOVE them!  Each letter of the alphabet focuses on a different element of life in China, from ancient times to present day.  Each letter is introduced with a simple sentence or two accompanied by incredible engaging illustrations. What sets this book apart from others are the more detailed explanations of each topic, thus engaging more advance readers and adults.

D is for Dancing Dragon

Lon Po Po by Ed Young.  I was introduced to this story many years ago by our school librarian.  Since I was the only one who checked it out I was gifted the only copy we had.  As you read the story it will feel familiar as it is "A Red-Riding Hood Story From China."  My students loved it.  It was a Caldecott Medal winner in 1990.

Lon Po Po

I save the best for last:

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.  Grace Lin brings the rough farming life of Fruitless Mountain to life as she weaves the adventures Minli takes in hopes to change her families fortune.  The book is filled with lovable characters, colorful Chinese folktales and life lessons we can each learn.  I loved this book so much that I purchased a classroom set and each Lunar New Year we read the book.  

I have my youngest daughter to thank for this book recommendation.  It has been may favorite since my first read.  I rank it among my favorites, right next to  "Charlotte's Web".

I will hold off on sharing this book with you now, but I can't wait for us to read it together.  

Grace Lin has several other books.  I am in the process of reading her other titles.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

I get so excited to share part of my teaching life with you and can't wait till we get to learn all about the ancient civilizations together.  For now we get to read wonderful stories with beautiful illustrations together.

Love you,

Gammy

GPa & Paulette Visit

 Well boys, it is time to meet your Great Grandpa and his fiancee Paulette.

Cutie E, you met Great Grandpa and Paulette shortly after you were born, but Cutie O, you have not met them yet.  This is going to be a fun month for both of you.

I haven't seen my dad since May, but the last time I spent a long time with him was just after we left our home Oregon, so this visit is long over due.  Its a good thing we had a month to fit in all that they wanted to explore.

Paulette has never been to the DC area, she wanted to see and do EVERYTHING.  I tried my best to show them all that DC had to offer.  This was a real test of my Tour Guide abilities.

Sightseeing began just after landing at DCA with a short stop at the Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial.  I knew after the long flight they would love to get out and stretch their legs.  This was also a great opportunity for Holly and Dreyton to spend a little time with them as I was in Denver at a family wedding.  Both boys enjoyed getting our of their carseats and stretching their legs.

View of Washington Monument from Air Force Memorial

After a few days of rest we hit the pavement.

My dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He served as a signalman aboard the Davidson.  His love of country and serving in the military is where I get my deep love for our nation.  I knew he would love to connect with the Navy, so off to Annapolis we went.  This is not only the capitol of Maryland, but also the home of the Naval Academy.  I didn't realize how much he would love reconnecting with his navy days.  WOW!  He enjoyed it so much that any time we had free time he wanted to go back.

Annapolis has so much to explore, you can easily spend 3 days visiting historic sites, museums, walking the wonderful shops and eating yummy food.   I always start with the Maryland State House, where George Washington resigned as Commander in Chief, then to  St. Anne's Parish.  The State House was the first capitol. building built and is still used for official business.

Maryland State House

This time I started with the William Paca House, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and prominent man in Annapolis.  Since I wasn't taking my Dad and Paulette to Williamsburg or Monticello I knew they would love this tour.  Getting to see inside the home of a signer or president is quite special.

The three of us took the boys on this tour.  I was really impressed by our tour guides efforts to involved both boys.  They were only 20 and 10 months old.  My favorite was watching  Cutie E reach to hold my Dad's or Paulettes hand as he walked up steps or down the street

View to the Paca House Gardens

Fort McHenry is another special place.  Its historical importance is not overshadowed by its breathtaking views.  The Fort is located on Locust Point overlooking the Patapsco River.  I'm not sure what they enjoyed more the view of the Fort after the shot movie, the cannon's or the view of Fort Baltimore.  I love coming here, because the boys can walk or run around, explore and be outside.  Next time I want to have a picnic on the grass along the river.

My dad's trip was strategically planned, so we could enjoy some of our favorite things together.  He was here for the election, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. It has been a long time since we enjoyed election night together.  I made my favorite dinner, fried chicken and mashed potatoes.  To enjoy the evening we had to have a typical American dinner.  

In November of 1984 I remember sitting on the couch with my dad watching the election coverage.  I was amazed as state after state elected President Reagan to his second term.  That is my first memory of the elections and I got to do it with my dad.  This year was special, because we got to watch the coverage together. 

Another special day to plan for was Veteran's Day.  I gave my Dad and Paulette options for this day.   They could join the president or vice president at Arlington National Cemetery while one of them laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and give a speech in the amphitheater, OR visit the monuments and memorials, OR play in a national park OR visit the home of a past president.  Knowing there were going to be large crowds at Arlington they chose to visit Mount Vernon on Veteran's Day.

I wanted to visit Arlington National Cemetery near Veteran's Day, so we planned it for the Saturday before the holiday.  It was a beautiful warm fall day.  Due to the size of Arlington and hills my dad and Paulette chose to take the shuttle.  Arlington offers a wonderful service for a fee to get visitors from one key location to the next.  This is super helpful in the summer when it is hot and humid.  

Arlington Amphitheater 

Sean and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and walked from site to site.  We visited the key sites: Kennedy, Civil War Unknown graves, Arlington House, Mast of the U.S.S. Maine, Columbia Memorial, Challenger Memorial, Iran Rescue Memorial, Memorial Amphitheater, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard. 

Getting to see the flags blowing in the breeze between the pillars at the Memorial Amphitheater and behind the stage was awesome.  Event Services was getting ready for the Presidents visit and speech.  The emotions my dad felt took him by surprise.

Even with the shuttle I'm pretty sure I wore Paulette out.  It was a full four hours.

Kennedy Gravesites, Arlington House

We decided to spend Veteran's Day at Mount Vernon, I couldn't wait to show Paulette around.  They had a special book for all Veteran's and current military to sign, plus special pricing for them on the holiday.  Holly was awesome, she made sure her Grandpa was able to enjoy all that was available to veterans.

Normally when I'm here I have students and only 3 hours.  This visit I was able to slow down and explore a few more areas.  The upper gardens are so pretty and just behind them are the slave quarters, blacksmith shops, spinning house, salt house and overseer's quarters.  I had not visited these areas before.  We were able to give Paulette a nice taste of what life was like in the late 1700's.

George Washington's Home, Mount Vernon

Our visit didn't allow a full house tour because it was under refurbishment in preparation of 2026's 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We toured the main dining room and kitchen and then explored the grounds.

On Veteran's Day any member of the military, veteran or adult able to lay a red carnation at the tomb of President Washington.   I have done this once before on a student trip.  My family enjoyed being able to pay their respects to our first President.

President & Martha Washington's Tombs

When visiting Washington DC everyone wants to tour the White House.  It takes a little planning, but it can be done.  Three months before their trip I made an official request for tickets through our congressman.  There is no guarantee you will get tickets, especially in an election year and just before the holidays, but one week before their trip I got great news,  WE GOT TICKETS!

White House June 2024

Taking the boys on this tour would have been a bit of a challenge, so they stayed home with Pops.

The White House is stunning and we couldn't wait to see it together.  After walking through security check points and scans we had finally made it to the East Wing.  In October Dr. Jill Biden updated the tour,  making it more accessible to visitors.  Instead of standing at a rope and peering into each room, you can now walk into parts of each room.  There is a guard there who is happy to answer questions.

This visit was so much more!  We got to enter the library and China room.  On my previous tours we could only see part of each room from the rope.  Plus, we were able to see into the Diplomatic Reception Room.  A lady in front of us noticed the foot prints in the carpet and asked if they were the Presidents.  Guess What?  They were.

  

Paulette was amazed by the beauty, detail, age and history of the house.  My Dad couldn't believe he was in the White House.  We took a lot of pictures, spent our time studying all the details.  By the time we left we realized we had spent over two hours in the house.  What is incredible about that, is at no time was anyone rushing us along.  

Presidential Seal is just above our heads

One of the highlights for all three of us was buying our 2025 White House Christmas Tree ornament in the White House.  Usually I get it at the museum shop, but this time I was prepared to buy it at the little stand in the East Wing.  Our entire visit was incredible, one I know we will not forget.

White House Tour Map

As we exited the White House there was a motorcade that came up the street and headed for the White House.  For a time my Dad, Paulette and I got separated while the motorcade came through.  I looked up the Presidents schedule and saw that he was meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.  Super cool!

We grabbed a quick lunch and walked the mile to begin our visit of some of the monuments and memorials.  Of course we did stop to take a look at a few souvenirs along the way.  

Our first stop was the Washington Monument.  I had Paulette do the kid thing.  Lay on the ground with your feet up and look towards the top of the monument.  My Dad and I couldn't stop laughing watching her get down and try to get back up.  She was a great trooper and tried it all.

Each of the monuments and memorials are beautiful.  They tell part of our story and the story of those they honor.  Its hard to leave one and move on to the next.  My Dad's favorite is the Korean Memorial, Paulette loved all of them.  We were able to visit Washington, WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean.

I get asked a lot when the best time to visit the monuments and memorials is.  That is hard to answer.  Each of them have a different look and feel depending on the time of day you visit them.  I love going during the day so you can see all of the details and read the inscriptions easier, but at night they have a beautiful, subtle, reverent glow about them that I love.  Don't even get me started on seeing them at sunset or sunrise.  Oh my!  There isn't a bad time to visit them.

Jefferson at golden hour

A couple of days later we added to our very busy week by touring the Capitol Building and National Archives.  I love the Rotunda in the Capitol, but I know that my Dad and Paulette will always remember being in the crypt as Vice President JD Vance walked right past us.  I have to admit it was pretty cool to see a government official that close.  It was Paulette's number one highlight of the trip.

Paulette spent some time with family that live in the area, which gave my Dad and I some time with the boys.  We played on the floor, read books, took walks in the neighborhood and enjoyed a little slower place.  

The week of Thanksgiving was wonderful, my sister and her family came from Nashville.  It has been eight years since we have spent a holiday together.  I couldn't wait till she got here.  I know my dad couldn't wait till he was with both daughters at the same time.  

In five days we packed in a birthday celebration, date for my nephew, games, walks, lots of yummy food, a trip to the park, and Annapolis.  Our temperatures got quite cold and our California Family is not use to east coast cold, so we had to cancel seeing the monuments and memorials at night.  It was ok, we played more games and watched our first Christmas movie of the season together.  

The boys loved all the extra attention and having everyone to play with especially at the park.  My nephew is proudly known as "Ball".  Cutie E called him "Ball" because he would kick the stuffed soccer ball with him.  It was adorable.  

Great Uncle JP

We didn't make it to everything on our list.  Hopefully they will come visit again so we can see the MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial, the inside of the Library of Congress, Great Falls and the Washington Monument in Baltimore. 

I had been looking forward to my Dad's visit for months.  I could not wait to show him where we live and what makes it special, enjoy the election together and spend time with the family.  Showing Paulette all that I  love about DC and our history was so much fun.   

The time together just doing the normal daily things were my favorite parts of their visit.  It doesn't really matter where you are, time together with those you love is the best time.

Father Daughter matching sweatshits

Celebrating Veteran's

Since I last posted on September 23,  I have been pondering what I want to do with my blog while reducing the time I spend on social media.  I will save that for another time, today I want to honor our nations Veteran's.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day.  Living in our nations capitol there is always something you can do or experience and Veteran's Day is no exception.

Dad & Paulette at Mount Vernon

The most notable activity in the area is to attend the Presidential speech at Arlington National Cemetery.  Yesterday was extra special, President Biden, Dr Biden, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman were all in attendance.  The President and Vice President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
 Arlington National Cemetery

On average 5,000 people attend this special Presidential speech.  One day I will attend, but this year I took my dad and Paulette to explore Arlington a few days before in order to avoid the big crowds.  We had a beautiful blue sky day that was like no other I have experienced.  

The National Park System acknowledges our Veteran's with special  free admission into all of its parks. Restaurants offer free meals or special treats and many other businesses offer discounts.  There are parades, concerts, flag displays, run/walks, and ceremonial events.  It isn't hard to find an activity that fits you to help honor our Veteran's.  

This year I spent the day with my family at Mount Vernon, George Washington's home.  I love Mount Vernon.  I love being in George Washington's home, walking part of his plantation and through his forest.  To honor Veteran's they had a special book for them to sign, entrance was free and they provided red carnations to any adult that would like to lay it at his tomb.

Our family had a wonderful day.  As Cutie E was sitting on my lap during one of the films I wondered how each of these events and the places we visit will shape his life.  He ran around the bowling green, walked through the house and held our hands as we walked through the gardens and slave quarters.  He was so good.  Cutie O enjoyed a lovely stroller ride through the grounds of our first president.

Not every kiddo has the opportunity to visit, experience, explore and listen to the words of the men and women who laid the foundation for our country.  They are so lucky to have these expereinces build who they will become.

Fort McHenry

I continue to wonder,

How will their parents, uncle and great grandparents military service shape them?

How will the words and information they hear about our nations history impact them?

How will running around the first presidents plantation shape their future?

How will these experiences early in their life influence their path?

I am excited to see who these beautiful boys become.

I am so honored to be part of a family that has been willing to serve, that love our country  and the history it holds close to its heart.  I hope all Veteran's felt loved and appreciated on their special day. 

The Gang's All Here

When the kids were growing up I always slept better when everyone was home.  Safe and sound, and all tucked in.

When the fridge, freezer and pantry were full after a Costco run I couldn't stop smiling.  There was plenty of food and everyone could eat when they got hungry.  I never wanted the kids to go hungry.

Their safety and full tummies were priorities for me.

Three weeks ago I went to bed smiling.  Everyone, all 10 of us were under one roof, tucked in for the night.  The best part was we were in our new home in DC all together.

After a little paintball fun

In January at the end of a busy Disneyland vacation Sean and I didn't think we would ALL be together till 2028, our next family trip.  Much to our surprise we were together in DC to celebrate family and the 4th of July.

Disneyland: Blue Bayou

Our family celebrations began with Marissa and Jake reuniting after another separation.  Riss was gracious and shared time with Jake with the family.  We started his visit with a trip to the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum.  I love this place.  The history of flight is top notch.  Getting to see actual planes from history like the Enola Gay or the Blackbird or Tom Cat are impressive, but the Discovery Space Shuttle steals the show.

Despite the heat and humidity we did make a quick stop at Great Falls National Park.  Sean and I couldn't believe the difference of the falls from spring till early summer.  We haven't had much rain since March  which is why the falls weren't as dramatic, but still beautiful.  This time we had Holly, Dreyton, the boys and Marissa & Jake with us.

Great Falls National Park

Jake has a deep love of and for our country.  While his sweet wife was at work he wanted to visit a few places, the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, National Archives and Fort McHenry.  Each of these experiences with him was an opportunity to share our love of history.

Capitol Rotunda

Cutie E & Freedom

Fort McHenry

Just as Harrison and Ragen were to arrive in DC six of us had tickets to enjoyed a DC United soccer game.   Tickets to the game was Marissa's birthday present. 

Each of the kids played soccer for a period of time.  Sean and I even played in your younger years, but the girls were the ones that played through high school.  They continue to love the game, whether its kicking the ball around or watching a favorite team play. 

 

Sean and I arrived at the soccer game a little late so we could pick up Harrison and Ragen.  Since Ragen hadn't been to DC before I needed to plan a trip for her that took advantage of every moment.  After grabbing a bite to eat we visited the Pentagon and Air Force Memorials.  

9/11 Pentagon Memorial

In four days we walked over 35,000 steps, rode electric scooters over 10 miles and visited every major site (25 total) in Washington DC and Annapolis.  We won't discuss the fact that I "Supermaned" off my scooter and ended up with 12 stitches in my knee.  Like a good mom, I jumped back on that scooter and rode 2 miles to our car.

Washinton Monument

White House

One of the highlights of having Harrison and Ragen here was watching Ragen experience DC for the very first time.  She was amazed by the sheer vastness of the city and architecture of our Capitol, White House and memorials.

There is so much you can do in Washington DC, but we also wanted family time.  This meant good food, games, movies and little sleep.  Some of my favorite moments together were watching the aunts and uncles with the boys.  

Capitol Tour with the boys

Jake jumped right in, as if he was a regular visitor.  He would get Cutie E out of his carseat, hold Cutie O while playing games with Dreyton, played on the floor with each of the boys and enjoyed the giggles from his silly faces and funny noises.

Auntie Riss 

Harrison and Ragen were all about the boys.  It didn't matter if they were fussy or full of smiles they were willing to hold or feed them.  By the end of their trip each of them were getting hugs and kisses from Cutie E and lots of snuggles from Cutie O.

Uncle Harrison is warm & cozy, a great place for a nap

Ring Around the Rosie with Aunie Ragen

We had big plans for the 4th of July.  Fireworks on the Mall in DC.  Since the boys are still little trekking into the city on a very hot and humid day seemed a bit too much.  We opted for a quiet day at home with games, patriotic movies and lots of food.   The fireworks were spectacular over the Naval Academy.

Maryland WWII Memorial in Annapolis

I loved being together, our red, white and blue outfits and everyone cooking in the kitchen.  Cutie E even managed to squeeze in to help as well.

Before everyone arrived Holly suggested we have a family water balloon fight like when they were kids.  GREAT IDEA!  We found these these awesome throwable paintballs called Goblies.  Best part about these paintballs is that they are biodegradable, so no clean up and the paint washes out of all clothing.  

We had so much fun smashing paint on shirts and watching them splatter as you nailed someone.  I would get these paintballs again.  Next time I'll get more, buy us all white shirts so the paint shows up for pictures and I'll make sure to be injury free so I can chase down children.

At the end we dodged pop its and lit up our cul-de-sac with sparklers.  A few of our new neighbors kiddo's came out to help us use all the sparklers.

Capturing family time is important.  I take way to many pictures, but I want to make sure to capture our time together.  Most of these pictures appear in frames around the house and in scrapbooks.  

While we were in Disneyland we were hoping that one of our character pictures would turn out good enough to replace the official family picture in our family room.  The lighting wasn't great and we were missing Cutie O in person.  On our last day together I arranged for family pictures.  There are so many great places for family photos, we settled on Annapolis along the river.  

January 2024

I can't wait to see how the pictures turn out, the boys were adorable.  They smiled at times and Cutie E even grabbed his brother for a few hugs. 

Before Jake left I caught a few moments of the kids gathered together.  

Gathering in DC at Holly and Dreyton's home was not planned in advance, it just happened.  It gave us time together to share our favorite summer activities, play, explore and eat. 

Annapolis 2024

I love going to bed knowing we are all gathered in one place.  Those 5 days together were just about perfect.  I'm already looking forward to our next vacation together.😍