Catherine's Baptism

Catherine was baptized on November 29, 2008. We were thrilled that Grandpa and Grandma Wright were able to be here for the baptism. We were also honored to have so many friends come to the baptism. 

Catherine was very happy at her baptism. It was a joy to see the expression on her face as she emerged from the water. We feel blessed to have such a wonderful daughter.

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving, we had a lot to be Thankful for. My parents came to join us all the way from Utah.  Joining us for the wonderful meal were some former colleagues and students of my parents in China, who are now here studying in Texas. Mao May, He Yan, and Li Tong are in an MBA program at the University of Houston, Victoria. Hong Mei is a student in our PhD program at UTSA. Also joining us were our friend Francesca and her daughter Soriya. Cathy and Josh, and their new adorable baby daughter Soriya stopped by earlier.

Phal made an amazing meal with the help of my Mom and Hong Mei. Tong entertained us with his guitar and gave Catherine and Michael a guitar lesson. Everyone enjoyed looking over our photos from China and Cambodia. 

The day after stuffing ourselves, we participated in the ancient American tradition of waking up early to hit the after thanksgiving sales. Tong and I came home with new MacBook computers from the Apple store. May and Yan came back with a bag of new clothes.

Family, friends, delicious food, and shopping. Thanksgiving doesn't get any better than this!

Asian American Youth Workshop in San Antonio

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Originally uploaded by Wayne E. Wright

I had the unique priviledge of working with Dr. Li Jia and leaders from local Asian American organizations here in San Antonio to help them organize the Asian American Youth Cultural Heritage and Leadership Development Workshop, which my Department and College at the University of Texas, San Antonio was able to co-sponsor and host on November 15, 2008. As part of the workshop I was able to teach the participants--mainly local high school students--a little about Cambodia. I was impressed with how engaged they were throughout the event. I hope this is something we can continue to offer each year. In a city where Asian Americans make up less than 1% of the population, its rewarding to be able to provide this type of opportunity.

Catherine Turns 8

Catherine is now 8 years old! She really wanted a birthday party, so we invited several of her classmates and friends from Church. She was thriled to get cool gifts like Pokemon cards, a Pokeball, an enlarged Barbie Doll head so you brush and braid her hair (sorry Jeffrey!), and other cool stuff.

From Mom and Dad she got Wii Music, Alvin and the Chipmunks CD, and something she really wanted -- a scooter so she can keep up with Michael on his on their way to school each morning. She also got a generous gift certificate from Grandma and Grandpa Wright she is anxious to spend (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!).

As I told Catherine the morning of her birthday, I've never had an 8 year old daughter before, and I'm looking forward to it!

Cheap parents skimp on kids' Halloween Costumes

Halloween was low key this year. Jeffrey decided he was too old now for trick-or-treating, so he took charge of passing out the candy to all the trick-or-treaters who came to our house--including several of his classmates who apparently were not too old to trick-or-treat. Catherine decided to create her own costume -- an Alien Newspaper Delivery Girl. Michael wanted to be Indiana Jones, but this cowboy outfit was close enough.