Our 2021

Embracing the new normal

By Victoria & Michael Chou

December 22^nd, 2021

OUR HOLIDAY FAMILY PHOTOS

We shot our family photos at Gamble Garden in Palo Alto this year. It was gray and overcast most of the day, and it's amazing how difficult it was to get some stable shots with Avery running around everywhere.

Some Highlights from our 2021

Home Improvement

Like many families during the pandemic, we put a decent amount of effort throughout 2021 improving our home. Our home was built 11 years ago and was in need of some maintenance. We started by re-landscaping our yard, upgraded our security system, added more solar panels, backed-up our home with large batteries, installed a Samsung Frame TV to our living room, and started planning to remodel our master suite and basement. Overall a really productive year improving our home.

Family without borders

The global pandemic could not keep us from celebrating Chinese New Years with family in Taiwan. Zoom was a great tool in staying close with family and celebrating when we could not be in the same location to do so.

A brief return to normalcy

Around the middle of 2021, things appeared to be normalizing. New cases of COVID-19 had decreased significantly, a large percentage of the population had gotten their vaccinations, and it almost felt that the pandemic was behind us.

This pandemic has changed so much we've taken for granted. While we were walking through downtown, I realized that I've never taken my son to a physical toy store to pick something out for himself.

This is what pure joy looks like.

Unfortunately toward the end of the year we've had a resurgence of cases caused by new variants.

My father's 70th Birthday

In August, we had the opportunity to celebrate my father's 70th Birthday at Carmel Valley Ranch. We took the opportunity to organize a mini-family reunion and spent some quality time together.

Disneyland

In December, we took the kids to visit Disneyland and California Adventure. We last went when Adrian was 2.5 years old and we felt he was a bit too young to appreciate everything. Plus it was 100 degrees the last time we came to Disneyland.

This time Adrian had a blast! He fully enjoyed everything about it except for the long drive from NorCal to SoCal. Avery also did really well but he was still too young to really appreciate the trip.

Chewie's Year

Our oldest son Chewie turned 5 this year. The pandemic has been great for Chewie overall with Michael working from home. With great purpose, Chewie joins Michael in the backyard office everyday for work. It seems to hold a lot of meaning for Chewie to join Michael for his conference calls every day, it's not just clear to us what that meaning is.

Chewie suffered several incidents of stomach issues this year. It's not always clear what's causing Chewie's stomach irritation but he ends the year healthy, happy, and guarding our family from postal workers and neighbors passing by. He also sleeps in the same room as Adrian each night to help protect him.

Adrian's Year

Adrian turned four this year and continues to be the empathetic, observant, funny, generous, and brave boy that Victoria and I have always wanted. He has a smile that lights up the room, is loved by everybody around him, and is a good big brother to Avery. We could not have asked for a better boy.

From left-to-right, these photos captured Adrian's year.

2021 was the year of Paw Patrol for Adrian. His attention shifts between toys rapidly but Paw Patrol had great staying power throughout the year.
Adrian loves dressing up and loves to lead his brother in superhero adventures
Love watching Adrian interact with Chewie. This year he's taken more of an interest in interacting with Chewbear, even insisting on walking him.
A huge highlight of this year was when his maternal grandparents came to visit the United States from Taiwan. It's amazing what a deep connection Adrian has with them even though he doesn't see them as often.
Adrian learned how to swim this year. Though he was originally terrified, he conquered his fears and loves swimming now.
He also learned to play soccer this year, and was on the same team as his best friend Tristan.
We love how Adrian is so uninhibited about posing for the camera. He has an amazing assortment of superhero poses.
Adrian returned to Pre-K this year despite being out for a year due to the pandemic. He is consistent about his career goals to become a zombie.
Adrian's paternal grandparents taking him out for Halloween. He was dressed up as Spider-Man this year.

Avery's Year

Avery turned one this year and we're going to remember him as the most sweet, happy, generous, and fattest baby ever. He's had a really happy childhood so far, constantly surrounded by family.

From left-to-right, these photos captured Avery's year.

Avery's smile and laughter fills the room instantly.
Loves cuddling with his mommy.
Avery is such an outgoing baby. He's instantaneously comfortable with almost everybody.
Avery loves "helping" his mommy.
With Uncle Jack and Aunt Ivy at his 1st birthday party.
Avery celebrating his 1st birthday with Victoria's side of the family.
When you greet Avery in the morning, he's always happy to see you and always smiling.
Avery is rarely in a bad mood. He's always ready to play and to entertain you.
Auntie Vanessa has played a big role in helping us raise these two boys. Really thankful for all of her help.