This past Memorial Weekend, my families (yes, everybody…sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, family friends, etc.) all went to Hawaii to celebrate my cousin Hieu’s matrimony. The weather was averaging 84 degrees in the AM and 72 in the PM. It was perfect weather, nice and breezy. We rented a mini van (candy apple red even) and drove around to explore and transport people. We stayed where my other family members were staying. We all had condos w/ 2-3 bdrms. They were all furnished with kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, living rooms, etc. It was a home away from home. Now I know how I should travel. Because there were so many of us, we got a sweet deal as well. More than 120 people showed up for the wedding. My cousin was planning for 75. We were all spread out to only a few hotels.
Unfortunately, our second night (but her 5th) there, my mom broke her foot. Initially, it was nothing so she kept walking for a couple of blocks. Then we sat down for dinner and she couldn’t get out of the restaurant. So, to the ER she went.
We had so much fun. We spent time with our families and friends, catching up with old stories and current events in the families and world. It was a much needed vacation for all of us. So we are all grateful to my cousin and her husband for choosing a destination wedding. Their wedding site was like a page of a magazine book. It was beautiful. I hope you guys will enjoy the pictures below. I was not able to get all the photos of the wedding and families but these are good for now. More to come later. Enjoy.

My son was so excited to talk to his sister. She was telling him they were getting ready to go to the beach. His flip flops were so cute but they were not comfortable. We took them off shortly afterwards.

My nephews came down from their rooms to say hi. Then my nephew Japhy thought his gesture was so funny. Here, you could see my daughter and nephew Andrew in the background laughing with him. He is the leader of the group. He’s 4. The other two are just 2, almost 3 yrs. old.

My mom broke her foot the 5th night she was in Hawaii. We were just walking on the sidewalk when she tripped over an uneven pavement. After dinner she couldn’t walk back to hotel so the guys took her to the ER. Unfortunately, she has another week to go before leaving for home, a few days before the wedding and has yet to enjoy Hawaii. Here she is on her bed telling everyone about it on the phone. It was one call after another when my families found out. Poor Mom.

At the Hanauma Bay waiting to get in. No, we do not teach our kids to shoot. The girl learned it in preschool from the boys. My boy was just copying his sister.

Another day at the beach with Diamond Head as the background drop.

Yes, that’s my husband using my daughter’s hands to touch another woman’s boobs. Pathetic I say!

Reception site before sunset

Night view

My cousin Hieu and her husband at the wedding. He teared up when he saw her coming down the walkway.

My mom in the wheelchair at the wedding. She was so bummed about sitting in that thing the rest of the week.

Mr. Vu (just kidding) and daughter at the wedding site.

Me and my sisters. The oldest one is in the middle and my younger sister was one of the bridesmaid in blue. I know, I look older than my older sister…so sad. She’s only older by 1.5yrs.

Tiana dancing to the beat of her own music

Tiana was so sad we had to leave. She kept asking to stay at “other people’s house”, meaning our rented condo. So disappointed that she had to go home.

I’m coming to get you!

Our little guy just loves to smile. He wakes up in the morning smiling and goes to sleep with a smile on his face. He recently discovered what it means when we say “cheeesseee”.

I know I lived in Omaha for 4 years but never once did I go sledding. But we went and it was so much fun. Why I didn’t try it earlier is beyond me. Even Theodore loved it so much. Tiana hurt her finger on her first run down the hill but she insisted on continuing. My husband’s so happy that we had such a good time that he’s already buying me my own “bib” and all those clothes! I think ever since we met, he has not been to the snow. Something about being cold doesn’t appeal to me. But a weekend is great. The first time I went down the hill, I went down backwards and almost hit a bystander. I was deliriously out of my mind from pure joy that the poor guy probably thought I was crazy. It was so much fun. Definitely will do it again next year.

Poor Photon, ever since the second one arrived, he was pushed to number 3 on our priority list. No longer the only child, Photon now has to share his sofas/toys/etc. and parent time with his siblings, who constantly pull on his tail and coat. But he wouldn’t have it any other way. We still love our little guy so much.

For my daughter’s first Easter with her preschool class, I made (red velvet) cupcake chicks for fun. Unfortunately, Tiana was worried that the chicks were “looking” at her so she didn’t eat any. “The eyes, mama. The eyes…I don’t want to hurt them.” But her classmates were appreciative and thankful. Now, I am popular in that class…FINALLY! Mission: Accomplished.

Every once in a while, we all get people who ask us questions, whether it’s dentally related or not. Then there are these little poor souls who naiively ask us about “girls”. So Bobbie and I tell them know…just say “yes, ma’am” and move on. Sometimes it’s easier to just let the little things go than debate them to death. As we age, we tend to want the simpler life, right? We don’t want the headaches, the “working” on the relationship (psst…it shouldn’t be so hard), the silent treatment, etc. So pick your partner to be compatible with you. And remember, don’t say things you don’t mean just because you’re angry. Once they slip from your mouth, you cannot take them back! People forgive, not forget.

As another year is upon us, I’m looking forward to a wonderful new decade of celebration and life. 2009 was a year of many sad events. As we say hello to new friends and neighbors, we also say good-bye to great friends and acquaintances. Right before our holiday break, we were told of an unexpected death of our very young patient and it was hard to continue on with our celebration of the new year. Our hearts go out to her families and friends who have to hurt so badly. Debbie was such an awesome person, kind at heart and gestures. She will surely be missed by all of us and by those who knew her.
2009 was a good year for me personally, for it was the year of Theodore’s birth. My prince is my joy. He is the happiest baby I know. My little guy sleeps with a smile on his face. He wakes up with a laughter that is infectious to all. This past year was also a good year for me since it brought back friends from many moons ago. It was nice to know that I was sought out and “stalked” on my own website.
I know these past few months have been real hard on some people due to job insecurities and losses but I have hope that the economy will turn around and pick up again. We elected a new president for a “change we can believe in” so let’s believe that change will come to improve our current conditions and circumstances. Someone once told me that positive thinking will introduce you to many possibilities and realities. So I choose to believe that 2010 will be a great year, full of joy and happiness. Happy New Decade, Everyone!

Now every once in awhile, we are blessed with a certain presence. In this case, it’s our man’s man, Mr. M. You see, Mr. M is outgoing and funny (as you can see). He tells us jokes and makes us laugh. He even educates us on certain “things you outta know about men”. In this past week, for some reason, our office topic was “Can Men and Women Be Friends?” There seems to be a consensus that the answer is no, unfortunately. The belief is that if a woman and a man are friends, then someone wants to sleep with the other person. Apparently, no man wants to befriend a woman just for the sake of friendship and vice versa. I, however, would like to argue that but am outnumbered and “naive”. So, is there anyone out there who shares the beliefs of Team Vu?
History: I remember when I was in dental school. I was studying with a male classmate. His girlfriend then (now wife) argued that he was attracted to me so that’s why we were studying together. As he was telling the story as it unfolds to me and another female classmate, he turned to look at each of us and said, “Can you believe that? Me and Vu? No offense, but you’re so non-threatening.” That was a pin to the ego but I knew what he meant. As the bastard laughed at his own story, I had the uneasy smile. I was thinking I am threatening. I am beautiful. I am smart. I am WOMAN! (roarrrr- as Tiana likes to do). But I am also just a friend, nothing more. And the classmate? He was ugly, dumb and blind. Just kidding, he was actually very nice, smart (as he was quizzing me) and a wonderful friend.

It is still so interesting to participate in these webinars. However, this course was quite boring. I wish I was more active in other activities. But since a professor/patient commented about my lack of attention to the subject, I devoted my undivisible focus to it. Now, I have to hurt him!