April 24-27, 2012 - Appointments, Appointments, Appointments

I usually try to make appointments for when the boys and I are not in school.  However, when you are away on vacation during school vacations, you are inundated with appointments when you return.  The boys had their 4 year wellness visit and dental cleanings. Daniel and I committed to giving blood. And, I  had to get two crowns.  Aiyaiyai!

The smile before the vaccination tears

Latest Stats: 
Daniel:     35 lbs./40.35 inches
Anthony:  42 lbs./41.93 inches



How to save a life :)

Does getting crowns make me a queen?





April 21, 2012 - LACBD Dinner

Saturday night was pretty special!  I was invited to the 36th annual recognition banquet given by the Los Angeles County Bilingual Directors' Association.  I received an award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year for East Whittier City S.D.  About six weeks before, I had been told about being nominated by my boss, but I thought the round of applause at the staff meeting was the extent of the recognition. It turned out to be a fancy banquet dinner at the Double Tree Hotel.  Dorka, Monica, Tim, and other district personnel were there giving up their Saturday night to show support and appreciation. Josefina watched our boys, and Daniel and I got the rare opportunity to get dressed up and go out on a date :)  The plaque I received was beautiful; it read "for lifelong committment to improve educational services and advance the rights of English Language Learners in your district." 

Monica, Dorka, and Moi



Outstanding Teachers for EWCSD




April 12, 2012 - Homeward Bound

All good things must come to an end. We enjoyed Chicago very much. It is a very family friendly city with much to do and easy to get around (on foot or by public transportation). But as much as we enjoyed taking in the sites and sounds of Chicago, we were ready to be back home (Little Daniel especially).  Getting home, though, was quite an adventure.
Our flight was not until 6:30 p.m., so we figured we had plenty of time to go back to the Humboldt area and chow down once more before heading home.  The hotel did a courtesy hold of our luggage and off we went.  Somehow time began to evaporate.  It was 3:30 and we had not even begun to make our way to the airport.  We got back to the hotel, got our luggage, and high tailed it to the airport.  Yeah, we were literally that family out of a movie that has everything that can go wrong, go wrong.  There was the waiting for a late train, problems with the return ticket, being stuck in the TSA line, running to the gate, panting, seating split into two's, being the last to board and subjected to the glares of all those already seated.  Was it worth that hike to have one last taste of Chicago's Puerto Rican food and coffee at Cafe Taino?  Absofreakinlutely :)

Waiting for the train to take us to the airport

Enjoying the IPad @ Cafe Taino



Ciao, Chicago!

The IPad made the long flight much easier

 

April 11, 2012 - Wrigley Field

Taking in a Cubs game was Daniel's final Chicago Bucket List stop.  The historic Wrigley Field was small but pretty.  I loved that the boys were given a sticker that said it was their "first time at Wrigley Field."  They also received a color certificate stating who the day's rivals were (Brewers).   Our game day was sunny, but the cold weather gods blew down on us. Despite the layers and gloves, I was cold and didn't think I'd make it to the 7th inning stretch. Despite my best efforts to walk in place, I called it quits by the bottom of the 8th.  Thankfully, the gods of coffee quickly warmed me at the Starbucks across the street :)

April 10, 2012 - United Center & Humboldt Park

Daniel had a few tourist spots on his Chicago Bucket List, too! One of his must see spots was the United Center. 

He also wanted to check out the Puerto Rican side of town by Humbold Park. Needless to say, we enjoyed the food of our heritage at a local restaurant called La Borinquen. Got mofongo? Oh, yeah!!!

April 9, 2012 - The Field Museum

We couldn't go to Chicago and not visit The Field Museum that houses the famous Tyrannasaurus Rex Sue and showcases so many exhibits on what I teach in my social studies classes.  The museum did have an exploratory play room for the kids which they enjoyed, but this tourist stop had my name written all over it.


What are you looking at?




Sue's Killer Smile :)





Digging for dinosaur bones

 

April 9, 2012 - The Sky Deck @ Willis Tower

Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) looms an amazing 1,353 feet high.  We bravely took the quick elevator ride up to the Sky Deck on the 103rd floor and took in the magnificent view that millions of tourists do every year.  Daniel and the boys very easily stepped into the glass box that juts out four feet from the building. I, on the other hand, winded up experiencing MAJOR anxiety.  Nonetheless, I slowly stepped into the box but felt the weight of elephants on my chest. Do not be fooled by the smile; I was short of pooping my pants.