Our Newest American (in a 4753-way tie)

After months of paperwork, hundreds of dollars in fees and a scary interview and quiz with an Immigration Officer, Huong finally got to take her Oath last Friday and become an American. 

We arrived early so I got a front row seat in the spectator section. In about two hours, 4753 immigrants slowly filled the large hall. Most applicants walked alone but a few were in pairs, maybe sibling combinations. At least seven wore U.S. military uniforms. Most people dressed up in a suit and tie or a nice dress. The poorer people did their best. The screens beside the giant American flag gave the statistics. Exactly 133 countries were represented here. The top five countries were Mexico, Philippines, El Salvador, Iran and Guatemala, in that order. 

A clerk announced how the LA Convention Center was going to become a temporary courtroom. We all stood as the judge entered. He granted some legal motions and swore in the crowd with an Oath. He welcomed and congratulated the new Americans. Everyone applauded and several people cheered. The crowd recited the same Pledge of Allegiance that every American learns in grade school. A talented black singer sang The National Anthem. Some spectators and a few new Americans sang along. A video played on the big screens while Lee Greenwood's I'm Proud To Be An American played in the background. It was all very moving. There's something about patriotism and large groups that puts a lump in my throat every time.  

We went to The Pantry for Huong's first real American breakfast as a real American. 

Riley the Trombonist

This blurry photo is Riley as I sit behind her at her BJH Band performance. The best performers go on last, so she is waiting with the rest of her audience in the back of the auditorium. The girl sitting next to her is Madamba Number Two, I found out.

At the end of the performance, the teacher wanted to make a note that out of all these kids, only a few kids tried out for the So Cal Honor Band, only one performer made the band and only one performer made "alternate". Riley was the one that made alternate and all her fellow band members applauded. Riley is not one to seek the limelight, so it was unusual to hear her name. Naturally, she turned bright red in the back of the brass section as she stood up. Nice job, Riley!

Holden in the Kitchen

Holden has ADHD. When he is around his brother and sister, or his friends, he empties his energy reserves by jumping, whistling, dancing, or something else which might be annoying. When it's just the two of us, he does some kind of project like cooking. It might be because I don't react or get annoyed easily.

In this case, he made cookies. These were delicious Nutella cookies. They are like chocolate chip cookies with a Nutella center. After that, he cleaned up the cookie mess and started carving apples based on a Youtube he found. The swan you see what his first try. I love it when he does stuff like this.

Christmas Family Photo

Hey, look at my happy, attractive kids! Yes they are happy; those are genuine smiles. I hear about the challenges some parents have at my job and I know I'm a lucky dad. It seems strange to say I have a 10, 13 and 17 year-old! These kids are pretty great. Holden is just about to join the gymnastics team. Riley is focused on her trombone and school. DJ is looking forward to joining the Marines - this summer or after college.