Happy Anniversary Darling

Kyle and I were actually married in at the court house in Seattle a month after he prosed. The elopement only happened because Kyle had accepted an offer abroad. Since we did not want to spend a year of engagement apart, we thought we would get the paper work out of the way and plan a totally awesome wedding for the following year. Two weeks later we found out that we were expecting Aidan. In our case order never mattered. I believe what happened was meant to be.

Our secret to staying married is quite simple. Those who sleep together stay together. We try to as best as we can to go to bed at the same time. ( with a few exceptions such as when Ethan was three months old and I was so exhausted at the end of the day Kyle graciously tucked me into bed before putting the boys to bed) Here is the start of our family. I love the detail in this picture. Kyle's look of love. The orchids in my hair, I would wear flowers in my hair every day if I could. And me holding Aidan's hand to include him in on the first dance.

Hurricane winds hit the golf course site were we were expected to say our vows over looking the green. Our secret to passing the hard issues in our marriage is a bit of a joke to say we already weathered the storm. By the time we hit our first year anniversary we had already moved abroad, adjusted to a being married and had our first child together.

What it really comes down to is lots of good coffee helps us stay married:) I love you bumpkin'.

Pike Place Market

Every trip to Seattle is made complete when we have consumed large bowls of Pho and made our visit to Pike Place Market. The second best job I have ever had in my life next to what fills my days of motherhood now, was when I worked for an organic farm for one summer at Pike Place Market. I love the market best first thing in the morning. The fun part for me was to see how the market unfolds before the streets are filled with tourist.

Just say CHEESE!


Post Alley is one of my favrite Seattle streets. It's very short yet has lots of character.

What a lovely place to chat the day away on these bright table and chairs.

If my sisters and I had a Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) Shop, some version of this sign would be fitting for us.

Ethan is delighted to be in front on a pig. Aidan looks so unhappy because he does not get to be first. I'm overjoyed to be captured in a photo with my babies while Kyle rights the crowd to snap this shot. I love family vacations!!!

A little smirk came from Aidan when we did a retake of just him.

Faitfully, everytime we visit Pike Place I pay a tribute to the first Starbucks on the face of this planet.

Aidan is getting the word on the money ball. It's a tennis ball with a lit on half the ball to hold money and pay change between the guys in front and behind the counters. They make a show of it for the tourist in addition to throwing sea food in the air.

Can you see Pup Pup in Ethan's hand? Yup, I was so worried the whole walk through Pike Place that he would drop Pup Pup on the dirty floor because Pup Pup was given a bath the night before. But Ethan held a good grip on his friend the entire time.

Kyle and I usually fight for the last nap pea pod. Makes my mouth water just looking at this picture.

Hot dad alert.

Is it crazy that I had to have this exact strand from Pike Place in my kitchen?

I love everything beautiful. Aidan and these gorgeous flowers from the market makes me smile ear to ear.

James Royce

These boys are ready for an adveture at the park.

James Royce's wild side. He give's the like a bike a try.

Why did the parks people build an entire play ground when they could have just stopped after installing the water foutain? This is where James, Aidan and Ethan hung out while we were at the park.

You can't tell in this picture because Vanetta looks so fabulous, but's James will a BIG brother. Vanetta and I grew up together. This was our first get together with our kids. James, Aidan and Ethan got along famously. Thanks James for sharing your toys. You will be an awesome BIG brother in deed.

Friends + Popcicles = Summer Fun

Ethan, Aidan, Claire and Max stay dry and cool after playing in the sprinkler.

Claire and Aidan

Max is all about his mom. Thanks for a fun play date Anna!

Girls night out in Seattle

Top: Julia, Thu, Kim

Bottom: Molly, Diana, Annie, Nellie

Congratulations to Annie for getting engaged!!!

It was far too much fun to catch up with all these lovely ladies in Seattle. They make smart and beautiful look effortless. Thanks Nellie for hosting.

E is for Ethan

Ethan tuned two July 5th. We had a nice family gathering for him at the beach were I grew up. Since I was busy catching up with family, not many photos were taken. In honor of Ethan's two year mark in life, here's a look candid look at Ethan from birth to two years old.

Pictured above is Ethan's first meeting with Aidan in his first 24 hours. I love it that they are holding hand. I remember Aidan saying let go because Ethan had such a tight grip on his hands. Aidan was two years old at the time. He is normally bouncing off the wall with lots of energy. Nothing is more calming than a sleeping baby. It's nice to see how the boys balance each other.

An Ethan sandwich.

Those cheeks are Ethan's trade mark. Back to birth weight on day two. I do not know how that happened because my milk did not come in until day three.
His Uncle Brian nick named him Eatin' for good reasons. Ethan has a piece of bread in his hands. This was the only way I was able entice him to hit. I have the rest of the loaf hanging over my head to get him to look up while taking this picture.

Make way - expert crawler on the loose. Yes, that is left over lunch on his left chin. It must be sweet potato puree because he ate it all the time like a desert. What a total cutie!

Our family went for a walk when it started to rain. We hid under this playground until the skies were clear enough to walk the rest of the way home. Ethan thought this cut out was so much fun to hang out of. The cushion platform was an excellent for Ethan to practice his new walking skills.

Ethan is about one almost one and a half in this picture. At the beginning he was very diligent in brushing his teeth. Writing in mommy's journal.

With so many teeth Ethan is up to the challenge of eating corn on the cob.

Hottest toddler on the block, who does not like a guy in uniform. By default of becoming a home owner Kyle became a Mr. Fix Everything. Anything Kyle likes to do, he always has two little guys in his shadow.

Ethan and his brood. I was doing stretches on the floor next to him. So apparently anything mommy can do Ethan can do too...while eating popcorn.

Doesn't this picture scream HELPER? Yup that's my guys making preparing pumpkin seeds for the oven.

Boys and dirt is a match made in heaven for a mother who loves to garden. This picture is of Ethan with his bag full of bulbs and his shovel ready to plant last fall.

This is what two year old love to do best. "Me self" in the words of Ethan. It's goings to be another exciting year with Ethan. He's so independent, willing and able to try nearly anything by himself. His lack of fear is a bit if inspiration to the rest of the family.

What a catch!

This year's trip to Seattle was laden with list of must do's for the kids. It was Ethan's first visit to Seattle and Aidan is finally old enough to participate in more activities. To be a Tran is to fish or love eating it! My brother Thao ( who Aidan calls " Gao Sau") took Aidan on a very memorable fishing trip off of West Seattle where this picture was taken.

My dad is the greatest fisherman I know. This salmon he's holding weighed in at 28 pounds! My mom is a great cook and my dad always brought home fresh ingredients. To this day, I have a hard time buying seafood from the store because no matter how "fresh" the sign may suggest, it's never fresh enough.

What a beauty!

One of the many highlights of Aidan's adventure with Gao Sau was to be able to drive the boat.

Aidan's first catch was on Gao Sau's fishing rod. Believe it or not, Aidan's Spiderman fishing pole that is only as long as he is tall works great. Aidan caught his second flounder on his own rod while we were all in disbelief he caught on to fishing so quickly.