tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56779422012-01-29T12:11:44.432-05:00Keeping in touch with family since 2002Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.comBlogger6561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-20582558574700235602011-09-28T19:18:00.000-05:002011-09-30T17:27:19.744-05:00

When asked to choose a musical instrument to learn at school, Maddy passed up on percussion and wind to choose a stringed instrument, the cello. I would have never chosen the cello, of all instruments, for Maddy but therein lies the beauty of his selection. He chose it and after playing around with it this afternoon, he loves it and since he loves it, we do too. Thanks to Batgran, he has

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-20519595876936572932011-08-08T09:46:00.002-05:002011-08-08T09:46:32.764-05:00

August is birthday month for the Mano'o clan and today is Batgran's turn. Happy birthday Mom! Hopefully this is the last birthday that the Washington, D.C. crew will miss. I hope you get spoiled with some nice chicken wings, rice and potato salad today. Just don't let Sachi cook and everything should turn out good! Much alofas from all of us in D.C.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-36788475199645938062011-08-04T11:26:00.004-05:002011-08-04T11:26:49.785-05:00

Last week, Maddy found out that one of his bowling friends, Charles, got a dollar for every strike and 50 cents for every spare he got during league games and practice as an incentive. It didn't take him long to ask me if we could do the same because we did something similar during the basketball season. I thought it would be a good way for him to continue to learn the value of money and

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-88866089043506479272011-08-03T11:11:00.001-05:002011-08-03T11:11:18.340-05:00

Dear Papa, Ia manuia tele lou aso soifua! We hope that you have a wonderful day and may the Lord provide you with many many more birthdays in the future. If you're still in Samoa, have a koko Samoa, luau and fasi talo for us! Much alofas from the Washington, D.C. crew

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-43106055495036049562011-07-25T11:50:00.003-05:002011-07-25T11:51:02.477-05:00

We threw a birthday party for Maddy and his friends yesterday at our local bowling center. Most of his friends that weren't away on summer vacation came to have a few games, eat pizza & cupcakes and sing one of the worst renditions of 'Happy Birthday' that I'd ever heard. We managed to sing it in 3 different octaves and with 2 different tempos. The party was organized chaos. Rach did a great job

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-28910339420321102692011-05-16T13:51:00.001-05:002011-05-16T14:00:50.783-05:00

 Maddy got a note from school today, congratulating him for a job well done in music class. Here's what the note said: Hello, This is Ms Presley ( name changed for privacy), Madison’s Music teacher at Stenwood.   I am writing to let you know that Madison had his name drawn from the Bravo Box in Music class today!   Students put their name in the box anytime they are seen doing something great

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-78878847718851220152011-05-16T09:24:00.000-05:002011-05-16T09:24:58.374-05:00

We spent the majority of yesterday by Lake Burke which is about a 30 minute drive from where we live. Most of what we do on the weekends is spontaneous in nature and for the most part, we are normally pleasantly surprised by what we find when we get there. Lake Burke, to our surprise, had a mini golf course, amphitheater, train, play area and ice cream store. Our train ride was cancelled at the

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-1938791765120798832011-05-13T13:19:00.000-05:002011-05-13T13:19:23.457-05:00

Most parents think they know what their child is thinking, either from experience or by judging from their facial expressions but let me tell you this; chances are, they're probably wrong. Case in point: I was walking Maddy to the car this morning when he asked me if I thought we could get a haircut this weekend. This struck me as odd since kids don't usually ask to go for haircuts so I asked

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-11466244477196060302011-05-12T11:50:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:40:03.862-05:00

Maddy, Rach and Dad's scores from yesterday Maddy took his game to new heights yesterday during practice, scoring a 190 game. His new personal best featured a 5-bagger, or for those of you who are unfamiliar with bowling jargon, 5 strikes in a row. He was giddy from excitement to beat both mom and dad in the same game. Unfortunately for him though, his string of luck didn't carry over to his

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-89338732557031776382011-05-10T12:21:00.000-05:002011-05-10T12:21:41.664-05:00

  Maddy has taken a liking to bowling, which comes as no surprise because it's kind of our family game. As far back as I can remember, the Mano'o family has bowled together since we were young. I could never beat my mom in the first game and Dad would be super competitive even if none of the rest of us were. We all enjoyed a family outing to the bowling alley, or bowling centers as they like to

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-4107174126200298842011-05-08T18:46:00.000-05:002011-05-08T18:46:22.310-05:00

We spent part of the day touring the Pentagon Memorial That's the memorial behind us and the world's biggest office building September 11, 2001. Where were you on that day? The lighter part of the Pentagon is where the plane struck Air Force Memorial. It's supposed to represent 3 airplanes in flight We made an impromptu visit to Great Falls Park The Great Falls of Northern

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-48209826647996393142011-04-27T11:00:00.000-05:002011-04-27T11:00:03.286-05:00

On our way to bowling practice yesterday, I asked Maddy my standard set of questions when I pick him up from the bus stop. How was school son? Did you get any disciplinary notes from your teacher? Did you get any homework? Did you get any tests back today?  His reply was as follows: Good. No. Yes. Yes. Ever the conversationalist (it's like looking into a mirror for me), Maddy thought his

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-72787434422286978712011-04-26T19:15:00.000-05:002011-04-26T19:15:31.768-05:00

Maddy's new high score of 171 Maddy and I went for some bowling practice this afternoon. He said he was a little tired from school but decided to throw a few with his old man anyway. He ended up playing 5 games, 2 more than me. After his first 3 games (141, 124, 171) he was so pumped from besting his previous high of 142 that he wanted to bowl 2 more. His last 2 games were 148 and 103,

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-54954763641789039712011-04-22T20:11:00.011-05:002011-04-22T20:35:40.180-05:00

I also had to take Madison to work with me one day of this week. We spent the first day of Spring break with Annie, then the second and third day with Dillon.We did a lot of fun things including movies 2x, games, swimming, walks, parks but the most interesting time the boys had was when we went to the gym. They have a kiddies play area which Maddy absolutely loves. Not only does he get to run

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-67795280468528790672011-04-22T12:42:00.000-05:002011-04-22T12:42:37.499-05:00

Maddy is spending his final spring break day with me at work today. He has been well behaved and quiet, which comes as no surprise. Last time he was here, he drew me several nice pictures, which I have hanging in my cubical. But this time he has been too busy on the computer to break out the drawing tools. We have stocked up on all the necessary tools for a successful day at work, namely, Oreos,

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-82586312880242903442011-04-20T12:13:00.000-05:002011-04-20T12:13:07.845-05:00

Maddy has the entire week off school thanks to Spring Break. Lucky for him, he gets to spend it with his good friend Dillon, who is staying with us for most of the week. Dillon (9) is a friend that Maddy met during his swimming classes a few years ago. Horseplay with Dillon At the play center at Golds Gym Enjoying the pasta at Noodles & Co. Time warp: Space Invaders at the movie

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-54053047827983453072011-04-18T07:14:00.001-05:002011-04-18T07:14:23.982-05:00

This is just to let our family overseas know that we are all fine and that we were unaffected by the storms that raged across the southern part of the state. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that were affected and lost loved ones.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-73668423922097650252011-04-17T12:09:00.000-05:002011-04-17T12:09:32.305-05:00

4 feet, 11 inches at 8 years old Our Maddy is a growing boy, he is almost 5 feet tall at only 8 years of age. To put it into perspective, it took my mom 16 years to get to that height. He towers over the kids in his age group at school and I can tell that he takes a measure of pride being the tallest. I keep telling him that it's better to be the smartest but I have a feeling that kids value

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-82367212111892814822011-04-17T11:48:00.001-05:002011-04-17T11:48:48.208-05:00

This is a test.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-62461920870990016692011-03-08T11:31:00.000-05:002011-03-08T11:31:54.907-05:00

Last night was Maddy's first night without his Mommy.  Mommy is away on vacation in Hawaii and this marks the first time the two of them have been separated. Maddy took it in stride. He doesn't like admitting it but I can tell he misses having her around. I picked him up from school yesterday and the first thing he asked me was, "So what are we doing today, Dad?", as if the fact that Mommy wasn't

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-61232756398613042732010-11-07T20:11:00.014-05:002010-11-07T20:28:46.999-05:00

We've had a busy Fall season with two halloween parties and the Merrifield Fair. Madison decided he didn't want to play soccer because most of the boys were playing travel soccer so I tried to find other things for us to do this season. Basketball starts up mid November YAY which Maddy can't wait to get right in to. Here are some pictures I took of us at the Fair, Christophers pumpkin painting

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-26195368453960435902010-11-07T19:56:00.009-05:002010-11-07T20:10:09.520-05:00

Maddy and I were invited to the Samoan church Hallelujah night (before Halloween) for fun and games and trunk or treat. All the kids were dressed up in costume while a few of us (namely Vai, Elizabeth, myself and one other parent) dressed up in costume. The youth leaders put on a great show with fun games, kids performances, lots of yummy food to eat and then ending the night with trunk and treat

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-7616530230305223712010-11-06T08:58:00.000-05:002010-11-06T08:58:28.334-05:00

My last job took me to Mongolia and China. Talk about going to the far reaches of the planet. It was a 15 hour direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Beijing and then another 2.5 hours to Ulaanbaatar. The time difference between DC and UB was exactly 12 hours. It's hard to get any farther from home than that, in fact the Mongolian staff called UB the end of the line. Everybody off the train,

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-16486671526463931932010-10-10T21:25:00.004-05:002010-10-10T21:28:05.394-05:00

Maddy as Snake Eyes - his new halloween costume for this year. He'll be going to Christophers house next Saturday for a pumpkin painting party and then the following week to Dominics house for a Halloween Party :-)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-17039477208244898492010-10-10T21:22:00.002-05:002010-10-10T21:25:02.857-05:00

Having fun with Nicholas, Patrick & Andrew @ Silver DinerSchool Fundraiser

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-73232713932713142452010-09-15T17:19:00.004-05:002010-09-15T17:26:28.247-05:00

Maddy has made a new friend and his name is Patrick. It just so happens he is in the same class as Maddy and they live in our apartment building too. This is one of many more playdates to come :-)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-7535791444744777822010-09-09T19:54:00.003-05:002010-09-09T19:57:33.181-05:00

Happy Birthday GrandmaWe Miss & Love YouMatt, Rach & Madison xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-521900274583482962010-09-08T16:04:00.003-05:002010-09-08T16:06:15.921-05:00

Hope you have a fun day today and get lots of goodies from Mareko & MicahMuch Love Matt, Rach & Maddy xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-170043704478327322010-09-05T15:01:00.000-05:002010-09-05T15:01:12.930-05:00

Albania's location in Europe My latest travels took me to Albania and Moldova. Albania is a small country in south eastern Europe that shares a border with Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece. It has coastlines on the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. If you've never heard of the Ionian Sea before, that would make 2 of us. Due to a hectic first 2 weeks, I was not

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-52632732900976912972010-09-04T17:18:00.004-05:002010-09-04T17:24:42.177-05:00

Happy Fathers day DaddyHope you're enjoying your steak meal in Moldova ;-)We miss and love You xoxAlso Happy Fathers Day to Papa, Uncle Mark, Uncle Tolly, Grandpa, Uncle Lloyd, Uncle Poko, Uncle Junior and Uncle Ivan. May you all enjoy this special day. Much Love xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-15326385999533974482010-08-27T11:36:00.009-05:002010-08-27T11:50:39.977-05:00

I was asked by one of our Sales Managers whether Madison would like to take part in a back-to-school fashion show at Macy's and to my surprise, he said 'Yes' straight away. Last Friday was the show and even though he was shy at first, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is keen to do more in the future.Epic Thread GearsLevi Jeans and Epic Thread Tee and Shirt/HoodyAfter the kids show, we

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-70676647800075462092010-08-27T11:33:00.003-05:002010-08-27T11:35:37.893-05:00

Hope you had a fantastic birthday and got lots of pressiesMuch Love Maddy, Matt and Rach xo

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-14867778761790065622010-08-12T10:07:00.000-05:002010-08-12T10:07:38.602-05:00

Yesterday was ridiculously hot. It was 100F (37C) on the way home from work yesterday which was further compounded by the fact that our car's AC is on the fritz. Even at night it never dipped below 91F (33C). If you thought Samoa was hot and humid, it doesn't even compare to how hot it gets in DC. Yesterday it was a mere 72F (22C) in Apia. Our tour guide in Niagara Falls told us when he asks

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-60309166574331552422010-08-09T08:33:00.000-05:002010-08-09T08:33:38.492-05:00

A big happy birthday goes out to our dearest BatGran from the whole crew here in DC. Wish we were there to celebrate with you at the Japanese restaurant Mom!

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-67068143481861383022010-08-07T12:54:00.000-05:002010-08-07T12:54:19.410-05:00

You won't find Maddy too far from a swimming pool At Fantasy Island theme park Maddy makes friends so easily Maddy getting squashed but having fun Maddy and Rach going up the Silver Comet rollercoaster Maddy loved the bumper cars, especially crashing into other cars At the wave pool Maddy would stay in the pool all day if he could Ready to hit the road for Pittsburgh

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1Niagara Falls, 7000 McLeod Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7K3, Canada43.070397 -79.111784643.054722 -79.1409671 43.086072 -79.08260209999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-33518912818601699332010-08-07T12:34:00.000-05:002010-08-07T12:34:15.827-05:00

Our original plan was to just take in the sights unassisted but at the last moment we relented and decided to take a guided tour. The selling point was we would be able to see all the sights in 5 hours that normally would take the average tourist a day and a half to see on their own. It turned out to be the best decision we made on the road trip. Rach and Maddy enjoying the view Preparing to

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0Niagara Falls, 7000 McLeod Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7K3, Canada43.070397 -79.111784643.054722 -79.1409671 43.086072 -79.08260209999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-4266774104362314132010-08-04T20:47:00.000-05:002010-08-04T20:47:42.665-05:00

Listed as one of the must see destinations of a lifetime, Niagara Falls was a place we just had to see while we had the opportunity and it didn't disappoint. Of course Maddy insisted we started the day off with a dip in the pool Maddy made me sit in a pink rocking chair while we waited for our 5 hour guided tour to start At Terrapin Point overlooking Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2Niagara Falls, 7000 McLeod Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7K3, Canada43.070397 -79.111784643.054722 -79.1409671 43.086072 -79.08260209999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-9466999362847121502010-08-04T20:20:00.000-05:002010-08-04T20:20:04.575-05:00

On our way out of New York City we stopped by for a quick visit to Coney Island. We managed to visit the NY Aquarium and the beach before made our way to Niagara Falls. The NY Aquarium at Coney Island On the Coney Island boardwalk Maddy enjoying the beach The Sea Lion show Ground Zero in NYC New York City was one of a kind. I don't think I could handle the hustle and bustle of NY City

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1New York, NY, USA40.7143528 -74.005973140.4541228 -74.47289210000001 40.9745828 -73.5390541tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-22306637314859475642010-08-04T07:18:00.001-05:002010-08-04T07:27:02.022-05:00

Philadelphia, PA to NYC, NY  Trip distance: 94.1 mi Time: 1 hr 48 mins  The trip to NYC from Philly was a short hop up the New Jersey Turnpike. It was quite a thrill for all of us to see the Manhattan skyline for the first time. Manhattan skyscrapers from our car window Our first stop was the hotel in downtown Brooklyn. As we pulled off the freeway, Rach looked at me with the look that said

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-64954343528974976922010-08-03T06:32:00.000-05:002010-08-03T06:32:44.965-05:00

Happy 67th birthday Papa! Judging from the photos posted on Isla's website you are still looking young and malosi, malo lava Dad! We hope you had a good day and we will celebrate your birthday with a piece of cake here in New York. Much alofas from all of us.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-39492142162772713632010-08-02T21:37:00.005-05:002010-08-03T07:01:34.300-05:00

Philly was supposed to be a mere afterthought on our way to New York City and Niagara Falls but ended up being a very interesting stop. We managed to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, National Constitutional Center, the Rocky Steps & Statue and the Please Touch Museum. Behind Independence Hall with Maddy In front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-40110535078846120432010-07-31T07:36:00.001-05:002010-07-31T08:01:30.421-05:00

Washington, DC to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Trip distance: 150.3 mi Time: 2 hrs 49 mins  Off we go on our road trip to Philly, NYC, Niagara Falls and Pittsburgh. The entire trip will take about 6 days and we will drive just over 1100 miles. We're picking up a rental car this afternoon and then setting sail for Philadelphia, PA. Some of the sights we hope to see are the Liberty Bell, National

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0Vienna, VA 22180, USA38.8950354 -77.257757138.8616344 -77.3161221 38.928436399999995 -77.19939210000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-19544686932554755672010-07-27T18:25:00.005-05:002010-07-27T18:34:59.229-05:00

At Silver Diner for dessert & cake At Sakura for Maddy's 8th BirthdaySo happy Daddy is back home with us. Maddy and I missed him bigtime. We are so looking forward to our vacation in a few days. We are going on a road trip to Pennsylvania to see historial sites and stay for the night. Then onto New York for two nights and then to Niagara Falls (NY) for another two nights. It's been a long while

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-41939199553479080262010-07-25T04:34:00.003-05:002010-07-25T04:49:00.067-05:00

Barefoot Maddy @ 4 years old Maddy is growing up so quickly. What happened to my little Samoan speaking, barefoot 4 year old? It seems like only yesterday that we were walking down a gravel path on the National Mall when our 4 year old Maddy kicked off his shoes to walk barefoot because he said his shoes made his feet hot. I can still remember the look of horror other parents were giving us as

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-33261468527810621072010-07-25T04:08:00.000-05:002010-07-25T04:08:50.870-05:00

If you come from my side of the world (i.e the South Pacific) then you would be forgiven if you needed to look up a map to find out where Romania and Bulgaria were. That's what I did when I found out I was headed for Bucharest, Romania and Sofia, Bulgaria for my latest assignment. A map of Southern Europe My first stop was in Bucharest. What did I know about Bucharest before I landed there? Try

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2Sofia, Bulgaria42.6976262 23.322283942.192989700000005 22.388445899999997 43.2022627 24.2561219tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-9135978369241588842010-07-13T06:39:00.003-05:002010-07-13T06:50:59.180-05:00

Maddy and I have been spending quite a bit of time at the movies during the holidays. The following list are the ones we have seen so far :)The Last Airbender in 3D will not dissappoint. Was awesome and the effects were just as cool.The Karate Kid was slow going at first but picked up half way through and ended with a bang. Thought Will Smith's son did a great acting job.Toy Story 3 I'm actually

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-17720682037866846132010-07-12T12:43:00.009-05:002010-07-12T13:34:08.779-05:00

It's been a while since we updated our blog so I thought I would post a few things that we've been doing since the last one.Maddy is now on summer holidays and enjoying his time off school, even though he misses his friends.The first week was spent with his friend Nathan at a basketball camp for a week. He LOVED it. I just wish it wasn't so expensive, or else I would have put him in the camp most

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-49422726179407292392010-05-16T19:43:00.005-05:002010-05-16T19:51:28.069-05:00

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-25724403836580692502010-05-16T07:03:00.001-05:002010-05-16T07:05:18.870-05:00

My job with the US Peace Corps involves a lot of travel. Too much travel if you ask me but it is interesting work. I get to meet our overseas staff, work with counterparts and see places I would have never otherwise seen. Waiting for a taxi in Rabat, Morocco Morocco marks the first of many work related trips this year. After Morocco, I will be going to Albania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, China

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4Ar-Ribat, Morocco34.015049 -6.8327233.8727605 -7.0661795000000005 34.1573375 -6.5992605tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-51666845321655973502010-05-15T20:17:00.003-05:002010-05-15T20:27:47.379-05:00

Hyena Droid Bomber

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-35799294374847381032010-05-09T21:22:00.004-05:002010-05-09T21:27:49.518-05:00

Happy Belated Mother's Day to Nana, Grandma, Aunty Sachi & Aunty Lagi, Aunty Jojo, Aunty Ake, Aunty Trish & Aunty Brady :). Hope you all had a lovely mother's day yesterday. Thinking of you all, much love, Matthew, Rachel & Madison xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-74467318069041770752010-04-19T14:32:00.003-05:002010-04-20T05:47:25.175-05:00

Maddy's MVP #10 Team USA jersey Maddy played his first soccer game of the season last weekend. His team is named the Green Geckos, a name the kids selected for themselves. Maddy did well, scoring his team's first goal and was awarded the Player of the Week for being a good all round teammate. The weekly award came complete with a white Team USA #10 jersey for the awardee to wear/show off all

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-69829158317471726542010-04-19T09:10:00.003-05:002010-04-19T09:16:51.213-05:00

Madison Luke's 2nd Grade Class PhotoWe got Maddy's school photos in the mail last week and were pleased with how they turned out. Rach wasn't sure if she should have dressed him in a polo shirt with collar or go with the All Black jersey his Uncle Ivan sent him. I think she made the right choice, Maddy looks like a future All Black in the making.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-3153075851433531022010-04-06T06:22:00.000-05:002010-04-06T06:22:57.773-05:00

On a nice warm spring day, Mommy took Maddy to the National Zoo The entrance to the Zoo is at the top of a hill which means you walk downhill at the beginning but end up walking uphill to get back to the exit. Taking a break from all the walking Maddy reads up about the Asian Elephant

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-85976998819357565992010-04-05T11:56:00.000-05:002010-04-05T11:56:06.639-05:00

Maddy is back in school after spending an entire week away from home. Vai and Fati were kind enough to allow Maddy to spend the week with them and the kids. Maddy was a little reluctant to go at first but in the end he didn't want to come home. We missed our boy while he was away, the house was too quiet. The weather has been very pleasant lately, spring is finally upon us! One of the

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1Vienna, VA 22180, USA38.8950354 -77.257757138.8616344 -77.3161221 38.928436399999995 -77.19939210000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-68666745655706007332010-03-28T09:26:00.002-05:002010-03-28T09:27:57.854-05:00

Maddy was complaining of a sore tooth yesterday so we all made a trip to the dentist. According to Dr. Vu Maddy had a deep rooted infection and needed to have it cleaned out. The entire procedure took over an hour (poor Maddy!) but he is feeling a lot better this morning. Maybe now he will heed our warnings about eating too many sweets. Then again, I doubt it.

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-988425317355713582010-03-25T09:11:00.001-05:002010-03-25T09:13:18.628-05:00

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-72603168779717999562010-03-24T18:24:00.005-05:002010-03-24T18:50:53.594-05:00

I’m joining millions of other kids to help save lives with the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope For Heart Program! Will you help me? I’m doing Jump Rope For Heart at my school and learning about kids with special hearts. I’m also learning about my own heart, and how to take care of it. And I’m getting active and jumping rope! Some kids have special hearts – and need our help! I’m

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-74845074027893434152010-03-24T09:53:00.002-05:002010-03-24T09:55:50.690-05:00

The latest rule in the Washington DC Branch household is as follows: No TV or computer until homework is done.I don't have to tell you, it is not a popular rule with Maddy, but it seems to be working so far. If you're wondering what this new blog theme is all about, it's a tribute to MaddysMommy's favorite Facebook  game, FarmVille :)

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-24480849095509693532010-03-19T08:27:00.004-05:002010-03-24T09:24:54.662-05:00

Rach and I were talking about the changing seasons yesterday and came to the realization that we have been in the U.S. for almost 4 years now. Where did all the time go? Has it really been that long? It doesn't seem that long but here we are, Maddy is in 2nd grade, almost eight years old and he has 2 new cousins named Micah and Isla that he didn't have when we moved here in 2006. Wow. The

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-39506848924442597612010-03-02T12:06:00.004-05:002010-03-02T12:10:16.585-05:00

Madison's artwork was chosen to be displayed at the Vienna Post Office for a few weeks. We went by today after his doctors visit to take a picture of his paper weaving artwork. Nice work Son!!!

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-60085202417905108522010-02-24T11:31:00.001-05:002010-02-24T11:33:01.787-05:00

I got a call from the school nurse yesterday asking me to pick Maddy up early from school since he was sick in his classroom and had a slight temperature. By the time I got there he was feeling better but school policy is if a child vomits at school they have to be withheld for at least 24 hours for observation. Of course Maddy is feeling a lot better now that he has his feet up on the couch,

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-31487471954427992292010-02-22T10:39:00.002-05:002010-02-22T11:48:44.308-05:00

I don't want to jinx ourselves by declaring that the worst of winter is behind us but it seems like the worst of winter is behind us. It was pretty dramatic watching the drama of 2 consecutive snowstorms unfold on the TV from the comfort of my couch - car accidents on the roadways, power outages from downed power lines, grocery stores running out of food and people grumbling about how much the

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-37673434353162450722010-02-19T22:53:00.006-05:002010-03-24T18:34:19.190-05:00

Thanks for the pictures Sachi :) and glad he likes his Wagon :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-86023611420690798672010-02-06T11:49:00.003-05:002010-02-06T11:59:25.636-05:00

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-53244264272390946042010-02-05T08:58:00.005-05:002010-02-05T09:12:17.864-05:00

Hip Hip Hooray, can't believe you're TWO today :)Hope you have a habby habby birthday and eat lots of cake and goodies tooand I hope the PO finds your home address second time round lol.Much Love Always Uncle Matt, Aunty Rachel & Cousin Maddy xoxPS Happy Anniversary Aunty Sachi & Uncle Mark :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-66141225075021618222010-02-03T10:23:00.002-05:002010-02-03T10:27:36.428-05:00

My sister Lagi is due to have her first baby this weekend. We are all excited for her and Tolly.Good luck guys!We'll be eagerly awaiting news of the new arrival and newest addition to the family.Tolly, we'll be expecting pics bro!Much alofas from the Washington DC Branch :)

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-19516899708044159022010-02-02T20:26:00.002-05:002010-02-02T20:41:23.185-05:00

Mommy started her birthday event early with a Skype session with her family in NZ that lasted throughout the wee hours of the morning. The joy of that reconnection lasted throughout the day in the form of a smile that wouldn't go away. Daddy arrived home after work with a bunch of flowers and we ended the evening with a birthday dinner at the Silver Diner where we ate too much! Now we're all

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-44470004943590912872010-02-01T23:16:00.008-05:002010-02-01T23:23:12.438-05:00

Yay time to play in the snowTried to make a snowman but the snow was too soft and fluffyA neighbors hot water tank burstsFiremen to the rescue

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-41281792429762734572010-01-31T14:47:00.012-05:002010-01-31T15:00:10.921-05:00

Maddy played his best game ever yesterday, picking up 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 intercepts (according to Daddy's statistics LOL). We also gave him credit for shooting more (at least 5 attempts) as he rarely does and passes off to his team mates. I managed to capture a few pictures but kept forgetting to film him in action as I was too busy cheering him and his team on.Shooting practiceHalf time

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-3590385540533573152010-01-31T14:34:00.006-05:002010-01-31T14:43:05.985-05:00

After his 9am bball game - not afraid of the cold or snow lolPoor Red Dragon lolWe decided to go for pancakes at IHOP.It looked like others had the same idea because the car park was packedTraffic on our way home

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-61064268130449296222010-01-24T20:39:00.003-05:002010-01-24T20:45:52.910-05:00

Thanks Alison, Stuart & Emma for the awesome P-Town Tees & Calendar. Made me miss home more LOL

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-39911601095916004462010-01-24T20:35:00.003-05:002010-01-24T20:38:20.044-05:00

Celebrating Dillons 7th birthday @ his home :)Yummy Vanilla & Chocolate cakes :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-41494632038425579132010-01-20T18:56:00.006-05:002010-01-21T00:26:15.188-05:00

We noticed over the past few months, Maddy has been squinting while watching TV and playing games on his computer. We took him to see an Optometrist and she found that he had difficulty seeing small things far away. After trying most of the children's glasses on, we settled with this one. Doesn't he look cute?!? heheLooking very smart (and grown up) with his new specsLike father, like son :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-81488466709674214512010-01-04T11:43:00.006-05:002010-01-07T13:25:25.179-05:00

Happy New Year folks.Since the last update, the schools were closed early for winter break due to a snow storm. Maddy and his daddy had fun playing in the snow and I still had to work - crazy!!!Had a lovely Christmas lunch at Vai & Fati's place, and met up with Ben & Audrey Pereira and their children, who recently moved from Samoa. The kids enjoyed playing Monopoly and running around in the

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-28915705317412391752009-12-15T09:32:00.003-05:002009-12-15T09:41:00.932-05:00

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-51186121263061892602009-11-30T09:43:00.011-05:002009-11-30T10:53:33.846-05:00

Oopsie, sorry family, have been busy and haven't had time to update Maddy's blog. Yes I do have a life outside of facebook haha!What's been happening? After a lovely visit with Batgran it was back into the routine of things - work, school, volunteering, soccer and sorts. Matt's cousin Iasepi and his lovely wife Leone from American Samoa were in DC for a church and work conference in October, and

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-21990353340786316222009-09-29T10:49:00.012-05:002009-09-29T10:59:16.443-05:00

Digging for dinosaur fossils lego water games helicopter ride

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-16757698473957770502009-09-29T10:33:00.016-05:002009-09-29T10:57:34.650-05:00

Boat School Fireman Drill (we had to pump the firetrucks to the other end and put out a fire then race back to the finish line - we came second - was fun) Driving School - had stop signs and all. Maddy passed with flying colors and got his drivers license. This was his favorite ride.Lego Darth Vadar Baby Micah having fun Mark, Micah and Maddy Rope climb ride This was such a cool ride Miniland -

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-48577829850511689532009-09-29T10:25:00.011-05:002009-09-29T10:32:46.126-05:00

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-5639276514729004902009-09-21T08:32:00.011-05:002009-09-21T08:41:17.671-05:00

Feeding the Stingrays - was scared when they sucked the fish off my hands Feeding the Sea lions Flamingoes Gondala ride - San Diego in the backgroundWatching the Dolphins get fed Turtles Huge octopus Fishies More of Shamu

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-36494769681990211142009-09-21T00:22:00.014-05:002009-09-21T08:31:31.644-05:00

After spending four days and three nights in Vegas, we rented a car and drove down to San Diego. We stopped off in Barstow where the temperature was around 102 degrees (scorching hot) and then continued on with our drive. It only took around 5 1/2 hours to get there, and even though it was mostly desert and highways, it was a pleasant drive. Shamu Show was AWESOME Polar bear Baluga Whale Mum,

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-32660559836890574352009-09-19T14:53:00.005-05:002009-09-21T00:28:03.808-05:00

Mum, Matt and Maddy Me, Mum and Maddy Hoover Dam We decided not to go through the visitors area and just take pictures from above. Was a scorching day but well worth the visit.

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-90590893205673616372009-09-19T14:42:00.002-05:002009-09-19T14:52:20.871-05:00

Nana and Maddy on the tram, on our way to Diegos Restaurant for Sachi's 090909 birthday celebration Micah and Maddy having fun with his toy snake - Mandalay Bay HotelMassage & Spa treatment - was lovely and very relaxing The Mandalay Beach - real sand, wave pool, lazy pool and cafes Out & About Vegas after DinnerNgaire, Sachi, Mark T, Ku, Mark and Me My huge win LOL Trying our luck

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-3280917378821439982009-08-31T11:47:00.016-05:002009-08-31T12:03:16.179-05:00

Chesapeake Bay Bridge On our way to lunch at Harris Crab House Downtown Annapolis (lots of small antique shops, cafes and restaurants) Stopping for Italian Ice-cream Cafes & Restaurants across the bay Our boat that took us down Severn River Baby Niko Boats out on the bay The boys having fun on the cruise Nino steering the boat Maddys turn

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-14989444515039377162009-08-30T20:49:00.010-05:002009-08-30T21:04:09.221-05:00

My younger brother and his wife paid us a quick visit to DC last week. At very last minute, Brady had a conference to attend in Chicago so before getting to us, they spent two days in Vegas with a visit to the Grand Canyon, a week in Chicago, two days in New York and then three days with us before returning home to Melbourne, Australia.We had a blast trying to squeeze in as much as we could in

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-56990303453875567742009-08-26T14:52:00.003-05:002009-08-26T15:01:33.225-05:00

Happy Belated Birthday Aunty LagiMaddy says "Hope you had a lovely day and hope you got lots of presents" lol Much Love, Maddy, Matt and Rachel xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-91194772958142867072009-08-09T00:13:00.002-05:002009-08-09T14:00:55.161-05:00

Much Love, Matt, Maddy and Me xox

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-82796686246226025502009-08-06T22:01:00.002-05:002009-08-06T22:03:14.307-05:00

For the awesome sticker books Maddy's received over the last few months :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-79983778246020516582009-08-02T19:08:00.003-05:002009-08-09T13:52:58.673-05:00

Hope you have a lovely day, from all of us in the US of A!PS. Check your email for your surprise :)

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-39568010698665837112009-08-02T14:11:00.002-05:002009-08-02T14:13:35.707-05:00

... For all the wonderful birthday presents Maddy received from his family and friends.

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-68150944653916394442009-08-01T18:50:00.016-05:002009-08-02T14:10:36.973-05:00

Dinosaur Cake (someone had already removed two of the dinosaurs before I got a chance to take a picture of the cake lol) Dillon and Maddy enjoying their pizza and drinks @ the Jefferson Miniature Golf Facility Food Time Enjoying each others company Avery, Gavin and Gregory Domenico and Nino Michael, Maddy, Avery and Dillon The Boys

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-38399444205857541842009-07-25T22:51:00.008-05:002009-07-26T00:56:55.193-05:00

After a lengthy teeth cleaning session for the three of us at the Dentist this morning, we decided to take Madison out for lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, Sakura - Japanese Steak, Seafood and Sushi Bar, to celebrate his birthday. His actual birthday party is not till next Saturday as it was the only day available to play mini golf.We enjoyed Hibachi style cooking where the chef cooks in

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-1585860726822243042009-07-15T21:55:00.004-05:002009-07-15T22:15:00.534-05:00

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-76111643168265803342009-07-06T11:56:00.005-05:002009-07-06T12:19:42.543-05:00

Not enough kids enrolled in the 2nd round of level four swimming classes this week, so it's been cancelled. The manager of the pool suggested we get maddy into private lessons, which will only cost us an extra $40 on top of the current enrollment fee we paid for the public lessons. After talking it over with the swim coach, he thinks it will only take a few more lessons before Maddy really knows

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-60364827181210268182009-07-02T19:46:00.010-05:002009-07-03T12:13:46.242-05:00

I forgot to charge the camera and missed out on taking more videos and pictures of Maddy learning the basics of basketball.There were suppose to be 13 kids but only 5 turned up. Not surprising, considering the muck up they had last weekend. Everyone was told different times and venues and two of us weren't told about anything lol. Oh well, at least we made it to this one on time and at the right

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-72642769809088377002009-06-23T20:53:00.008-05:002009-06-25T00:23:29.974-05:00

After 10 minutes in the pool during his first day of swimming lessons, Maddy was told by his instructor to move on over to the next class, Level 4. He actually completed Level 3 last summer but because he had not been in the pool since then, we thought it would be best for him to repeat the level again. Boy were we wrong !!! He was way ahead of the others in that class and I was impressed that he

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-5164880427559721582009-06-20T15:52:00.012-05:002009-07-03T12:12:19.858-05:00

Sorry, been busy with other things and haven't had time to post any blogs on here lol.Since the last post, Maddy has had a fun spring season playing soccer, and at the teams prize giving function, he received a trophy and the ROOKIE AWARD certificate for "seamlessly joining the team this season and becoming one of the Gold Guys!! his sportsmanship and effort are a great addition to our team."

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-86057601636839025452009-06-10T07:01:00.002-05:002009-06-10T07:05:11.438-05:00

I arrived in El Salvador yesterday via Miami. I haven't had a chance to take a look around yet but at first glance San Salvador (the capital) seems to a nice place. I wish I could speak Spanish though! I'll be here for 2 weeks then it's off to Nicaragua for another 2 weeks then back home to DC on the 7th of July. Missing my family already!!!

Matt Mhttps://profiles.google.com/114439000008488069550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677942.post-72953325147983589792009-05-08T15:31:00.004-05:002009-05-08T15:36:41.742-05:00

Her hands are like rough scales on a alligator.Her hair is like a snake slithering on the ground.Her face is like a marshmallow floating like a leaf.Her voice is like robins, chirping in the summer.Her smile is like licorish bending really softly.

Rachel Mnoreply@blogger.com5