Daddy- Son Time

Posing

I found these shots when I was loading the pictures onto the computer from the camera. After talking to Chan about not using the camera without asking first, I had to giggle that these are the poses he took. Nice biceps, although it doesn't look like he was flexing.

Katja's Letter

We all adjusted in our ways. The year went fast and slow at the same time. The weekdays went by fast with work & the weekends slow with memories, especially Friday nights. This is the time Bob & I always spent together.

It’s becoming easier. After the USC football season, I no longer set out the LA Times Sunday sports section for him to read, and when the season of 24 started, I could no longer watch it. It was his favorite drama.

I miss his political discussions and his reading out loud any sports heartbreaking column from the Sunday paper, and I miss his hugs. He was such a hugger that this is the first thing I missed. There was such emptiness without him.

During this year, Bob would have been proud of USC winning over and over again, proud of Carissa making the Dean’s list, proud of his friends helping me through all that legal and financial paperwork, and proud that Avrielle and Chandler are growing up so beautifully.

Bob did not want to be forgotten and I don’t know how he thought this might happen. He is in his children’s and mother’s thoughts all the time, and he left us so many memories that are tied to our daily lives that we can assure him that he will never be forgotten.

We made it through all the holidays with Bob in our hearts and family made sure we were together. All I can say is that I have only the fondest memories of him, not one disagreement with him comes to mind, because he was always there to please and enjoy life and he would want us to do the same.

One Year Ago

Today has been a really emotional day, so I won't write a lot now. The service went really well, Chandler laid a autographed picture of Mark Sanchez on Papa's grave and wore his shark necklace. Katja wrote a summary of the past year without him that was really touching. We all laid pebbles on his grave which is a Jewish tradition. Everyone went out to eat after, and then the kids and I visited my grandma. I will try to write later in the week.

My Dad's Gravestone

Open House

This is Avrielle's school room for Open House. Chandler is missing from all the pictures because he was in his classroom eating all the Black Hole Truffles. Each class served food related to what they were studying. Chandler had a space theme and Avrielle's was Ancient Civilizations.

San Fernando Swim Meet

Avrielle dropped 16 seconds in the 100 breast and 9 seconds in the 50 fly!
Chan swam his first 200 Individual Medley!

Dress up Book Report

Chandler's class had to read a biography, and then dress up as the famous person. Chan read about Dr. Benjamin Carson a famous pediatric neurologist. He had a great time acting like a doctor the whole day.

Sea World

Trip to Andi's House

Andi's front yard.

Having Breakfast at the 19th hole

Dinner in Little Italy

Buena Swim Meet

This was the first long course meet of the season. (They swim in meters as opposed to yards)

Warming Up

It's cold in there!

Speech Meet

Chan and his pal Bryan.

The kids holding up their ribbons.

Avrielle getting ready for the big day.

The girls in 6th grade.

A few weeks ago the kids participated in their school's speech meet. Avrielle recited "The Most Beautiful Flower," and Chandler recited "The Night the Lions Lost Their Appetite." Avrielle won third place and Chan came in first. I was so proud of both of them for trying so hard. Getting up and talking in front of people isn't easy, so I am glad they get the opportunity to practice in events like these at their school.

Fun Around the House

Chandler tormenting our dog. By the way, Chandler got to meet Mark Sanchez from USC last Saturday at the boat show. He was so excited!
Trying out my neighbor's new exercise invention. I was hoping I could say I lost 5 lbs in 2 days, but I can't. They are supposed to work your core when you wear them. I think my core needs a lot more help than shoes can give it.

Happy Makes Us Happy