The Valdez family had a great time at this year’s Hawaii State Farm Fair, held for the first time at Bishop Museum. It was an odd venue to say the least – livestock and a planetarium sharing the same space – but what we thought was going to be a parking nightmare, turned out to be non-factor as we caught Katrina’s cousin walking across the street to Kapalama Elementary, where she was setting up her classroom. She opened the locked school gates for us to park. Thanks, Gart! Oren got warmed up in Aunty’s classroom by playing with animal dolls, then it was off to the fair where we enjoyed some good food, saw some cool exhibits (museum admission was included. The new science center is GREAT), and of course, Oren got to ride a pony! We thought she’d be scared of it, but she saddled up like a pro. Yee haw!

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Just wrapped on a video project for my friend’s fantasy football league. It stars none other than our little linebacker in pink! Last year, I filmed her in a simple park training montage. This year, she’s in an all out war! Check out the video to see the drama unfold!

Uploaded a few more completed projects to my portfolio (including this design I did for a T-shirt contest) Yup, I’ve been busy! Click “Gallery” in the menu above and browse the “updated” sections!

In celebration of Mommy’s first birthday (after 30), Oren assumed the role of nurturing mother as she rocked little Katrina to sleep. She picked that up from the infamous “Love You Forever” book, which I’m sure all parents are familiar with.

The celebration was typical low key Valdez style – I cooked breakfast in the morning, we vegged on the couch while watching “Mama’s Boy” (horrible), then went off to the pool, where Katrina did some laps. I made dinner, presented a cookie cake and handmade card to my wife, then gave her a massage to end the festivities. The big present was a shoe shopping spree the day before at Nordstrom. I’m still waiting for those $300 jeans to go on sale…

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Here’s a vid of Oren treading water for a good 20 seconds (with the help of the huge float suit of course). She certainly celebrated “Independence Day” appropriately!

Last week was our 6th anniversary. Thank you, thank you, you’re too kind. As usual, we hit Sand Island Beach Park for the traditional reception garb photo (this will be our 3rd pic with Oren. That’s the Kryptonian symbol for 6th anniversary btw.:P). But our tradition of Kakaako Kitchen takeout was thwarted when we arrived 30 minutes early before lunch service. And they wouldn’t take our order! We got some club sandwiches from Big City Diner instead, then headed off to Magic Island for a picnic and beach day. Oren donned the infamous swim armor, impressing us again with her enthusiasm in the water. I, on the other hand, was not so much enthused with the crazy amount of rocks on the sand. Ouch. Six years? Amazing how time flies when you’re with the right person. Love you, babe (and baby)!

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Being part Filipino, Oren’s got moves from birth!

Oren had a blast a couple weeks ago at our friend’s Nate and Kelly’s son Ensen’s bday party at Dave & Busters (man, did that sentence make sense?) She dug the rockin’ goody bag, and even won enough tickets on the games to score a teddy bear (even I never got that many tickets). Can’t wait to see what Ensen does for #2!

June 15 – Playing a little catchup again with the blog. Few weeks ago, we took Oren to Sesame Street Live! Not sure bout the exclamation point, though, cuz Oren seemed pretty bored for 3/4 of the show. Even when one of her faves, Elmo took the stage, she remained stoic. She did enjoy cleaning up the confetti from the ground, though.