Uncle Joey Our Hero!

(Wikipedia)

This afternoon my kiddos and I went to my sister's to celebrate my nephew's 17th birthday.  Swimming in the pool was part of the festivities.  So when it was time for that part, I sprayed sunblock on all the little munchkins (cousins) and off they go to the pool.  I specifically told Sophia to stay in the shallow jacuzzi section of the pool with her cousin Kaelyn.  She said okay; my brother was the adult watching them; and Leno and a couple of his friends were good swimmers so good, I go inside the house.  Later I go to the sliding door and see Sophia on the deep end of the pool, arms holding on to the edge, head seemingly on the way down with her body ...she wasn't actively drowning but she was in the deep end and you can guess the terror that overcame me.  I screeeamed her name over and over again and before I knew it, my brother jumped into the pool and I'm out in the scene just as quickly.  I see my brother flailing (he really doesn't know how to swim ..maybe manage a dog paddle) but my eyes were concentrated on Sophia who at that point got out and headed back into the jacuzzi section ... and my brother managed to fight his way off the pool safely.

I hadn't realize that there was pool steps/seats and Sophia was standing on it!  So she was actually not sinking but I happened to catch her at the moment when she concluded climbing over the jacuzzi/deep end divider and on her way to stand on the steps.  At the time my brother's eyes were on his phone but as soon as he heard my panic yells, he looked up and from his point of view, he thought Sophia was drowning and instinctively jumped into the pool after her forgetting he couldn't swim! 

Boy, that will be forever be a memorable moment!  Our family excitement of the decade!  I gave everyone present there a big scare with my desperate screams.  It all happened so quickly and reactions were overall shock.  Those in the pool and in the house were stunned and BOOM! it was over.

We (my parents, sister, brother and I) had a good laugh afterwards because the "lifeguard" who ended up jumping in the pool couldn't swim and could have drowned!  Of course, it was only funny because everyone was all right and we were having post tension perspective. 

Through it all, I looked at my brother with love, gratitude, and admiration because he dove to rescue his niece, my daughter!  What a loving and brave uncle!  Thank you my little brother, our hero!!

(Here's a last year pic of my brother that I have on hand ..with his daughter Kaelyn and nephew Calvin)

**This one time the kids did not have their life vests because they out grew them.  Not happening again!  Next time they will have some sort of floatation device and that pool will be covered with all types of floatables!! ..and maybe a certified lifeguard! LOL.

ANYWAY,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE LIN!  WHAT AN EXCITING DAY!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Birthday catch up

Steven's birthday celebration lasted about a week and a half! Been quite busy with that and other things so I haven't been able to make time to blog as they came. So here's my attempt to update his birthday adventures. Making collages seems to be the simplest way to showcase several pictures at once.

This was on his actual birthday. Little David had school so he wasn't in the blowing of the cake pictures. After David's school the kids and I went to Chick-fil-A for lunch and play (Daddy went to work). Later that evening we went to David's swim class.

This was a combination birthday celebration for Leno (my nephew, 15yo) and Steven at my home. We did the usual: food, socializing, pinata, cake and ice cream, and opening of presents. I dropped the ball and seriously forgot games and party favors!! ... I don't know where my head went! But we had fun nonetheless.

One day I had a girl's day out with my friend Jackie (dropped the kids off to my sister's) and she sent me back with a gift for Steven. He loved his Leap Frog fridge phonics and especially his card ... can you tell by the tight hugs? Thanks Auntie Jackie and Uncle John! --Then on another day, my youngest brother and his kids came over since they weren't able to make it at Leno/Steven's birthday party. Always a treat to see them!! Thanks Uncle Joey and cousins ... don't know yet what to do with the boatload of money!! :)

Wii fun with Uncle Joey & cousins

My brother felt bad about missing Steven's birthday party last week so he, along with Ryan and Kaelyn, came over today to visit him. It's been a long while since we've seen them. We don't live too far from each other but we seem to be playing "visit tag" lately. Anyway, my kiddos enjoyed spending time with their uncle and cousins (Aunt Tricia was at work and Ate Tia at her grandma's). The kids had a ball playing Wii! Ryan got into the boxing and broke a sweat, so cute! Of course, Uncle Joey didn't come empty handed. He brought presents for the birthday boy and his siblings (also for Sheil's boys) ... how generous! Thanks Uncle Joey!!

P.S. Steven is getting a better handle at walking! He did about 4ft today, several times. Oh no, before I know it he'll be running!! Yikes!!!

Uncle Joey and Family Visits

My brother and his family (except Tia, she was at her grandparent's) came over the house a few days ago to visit. They met Steven for the first time. It was a nice family gathering. Thanks Jo and Trish for a pleasant visit and for the baby gift. --We mssed you Tia.

Meeting Uncle Joey, Kuya Ryan, & Ate Kaelyn

Meeting Aunt Tricia

English Park Picnic and a Visit to Uncle Joey's

My mom was off work for President's Day so we planned for a picnic at English Park in Chino Hills. My parents, my sister and her boys, and me and the kids were able to come. The weather was pleasant and we all had a good time. We enjoyed a potluck lunch, feeding the ducks, a stroll, and playing in the playground (not pictured, I was too tired to join the kids and forgot to give them the camera).

Since we were in town, the kids and I visited my brother, their Uncle Joey. By that time Sophia fell asleep in the car, so she ended up sleeping through our brief visit. There we hung out and played in the front yard. The kid's Aunt Tricia and cousin Tia wasn't there at the time. --We were about to leave when Aunt Tricia showed up so we were able to just say hello and goodbye. David enjoyed his visit with his cousins and especially getting birthday money from Uncle Joey!


Posing with Grandpa

The boys enjoying their chocolate cake


Ran out of bread so the ducks went to the other kids

Can you tell which are fake turtles?

The Boys striking a pose:


Leno

Blake

David

The boys with Sophia

Ryan showing us his new hamster; with Kaelyn and David