Our 2023

Finally feel settled into our home

By Victoria & Michael Chou

December 13^th, 2023

OUR HOLIDAY FAMILY PHOTOS

Our highlights from our 2023

A few ski trips to start the year

It's been very gratifying seeing Adrian make a lot of progress this year in learning how to ski! Here's a video where Adrian just got the hang of a green circle run and I started taking him up blue squares.

We did also try to introduce Avery to skiing and he was still just a bit too young. This year he'll be 3.5 years old so hopefully he'll also find enjoyment in skiing as well.

Milestone birthday for Michael's mother

We got our family together up in Healdsburg for several days to celebrate Michael's mother's birthday. We rarely spend several days together as a family in the same spot, so it was a really nice treat to be able to do so. A great chance for our kids to spend time together as well.

Victoria's parents came to visit in April

Our children love their maternal grandparents and when they came to visit the US this year, our children were so excited about meeting them at SFO.

Even though Victoria's parents are in Taiwan for long periods of time, it's heartwarming to see how often they are in our childrens' thoughts. Both Adrian and Avery often ask about their "Ah Gong" and "Ah Ma" in Taiwan.

Disney Cruise in June

As what can only be described as "Adrian's happiest day in his life", we took the kids on a Disney Cruise to start the summer break. Both of us didn't know much about Disney Cruises but left thoroughly impressed with the quality of food, activities, programming, and the ship.

We were so impressed, we booked another cruise for 2025.

Finished with our Remodeling

When we bought the home in 2015, we were ok that the basement was not in a situation where we could get much use out of it. After saving up for 7 years, we finally started the project to remodel our home in late 2022.

The remodel got done around August of this year and we really enjoyed the new space for the rest of 2023.

August: One last summer trip to Lake Tahoe before school starts

It's become a family tradition to take the kids on a vacation the week before Adrian's school starts in late August. This year, we took a trip to Lake Tahoe to enjoy dedicated time with the kids and to teach them life skills.

We spent time getting the kids familiar with water, tennis, basketball, and also riding a bike. A great way to end the summer.

November Trip to Taiwan

We took the opportunity to visit Victoria's grandfather this year in Taiwan. We hadn't been back to Taiwan since early 2020 so it was great to also see extended family and introduce Avery to Taiwan.

Chewie's Year

Chewie turned 7 this year and he continues to be our best behaved boy (it's not even close). He still follows Michael closely into the home office everyday to keep Michael company while he works. But Michael's company returning to the office has made Chewie lonely for 3 days a week.

Overall this was the 2nd straight year where we had a very healthy Chewie after we put him on special diet. We're really thankful for that.

Lastly, we're pleased that we were able to teach Chewie some new ways of communicating with us this year. It really is true that you can teach an old(er) dog new tricks.

Adrian's Year

Adrian turned 6 this year and the 3 words we would use to describe him are: "playful", "brave", and "exuberant". From left-to-right, these photos captured Adrian's year.

Adrian started the year fascinated with Star Wars still (thank you to the Zeman family for this Boba Fett outfit).
Adrian started playing baseball this year. Not great at hitting but actually has some natural ability catching ground balls. Coaches John, Mat, Mo, and Jack made it such a great first experience for Adrian.
We also added basketball to his list of sports this year. Basketball turned out to be his favorite sport, followed by skiing and tennis. Thursdays at Coach Vinny's is what Adrian looks forward to every week.
Adrian's maternal grandfather got him into golf. This is one sport he will likely want to do more in 2024.
When Avery was reunited with him after he was cleared of COVID, this was one of the happiest I've seen Adrian to see his brother. It was a really sweet moment.
We taught Adrian to ride a bicycle this year up in Truckee. Video of his first ride here on Instagram!
Adrian's first day of First Grade.
Adrian made a lot of progress in martial arts this year. He got his yellow belt and participated in his first tournament this year.
While Adrian still loves Star Wars, he really turned his focus to Pokemon by the end of the year. This was a nice family moment where we watched Ahsoka together in our newly remodeled basement.

Avery's Year

Avery turned 3 this year and the 3 words we would use to describe him are: "sweet", "jovial", and "creative". From left-to-right, these photos captured Avery's year.

Avery loves dressing up as a superhero.
We challenge you to find a happier toddler than Avery receiving a gift at a classmates' birthday party.
You can tell from this photo that Avery loves his preschool teachers and they love him as well. Our family has been embraced by, and our children raised by, the Jewish community and school we have chosen to send both of our sons to.
In July, Avery caught COVID and Michael started to isolate with him. He recovered quickly as most children do.
He learned to ride a scooter around the same time Adrian learned to ride his bike!
While others are playing golf, Avery walks around with the flagstick with great purpose causing havoc wherever he goes.
Avery lines up behind Adrian hoping we don't notice him when Adrian walks into his first day of 1st grade, but he knows that we know what he's doing...
Avery's first day of school standing next to his best friends: his Roborock vacuum and Chewie.
Halloween dressed as a Roborock vacuum with Michael's parents.