A birthday and some goodbyes

Papa celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday (22 Nov). Auntie Nena (my New York-based aunt) and her husband threw a party for him, which also served as a send off dinner for my cousin Trixie, her husband Ariel, and their son Angelo. They are moving to Canada and are leaving this weekend. So it was a fun night, but kind of sad too. Everyone seems to be leaving to try their luck somewhere else. To be honest, I've thought about it myself, but I don't know yet.
Anyway, the kids had great fun. Ben and Jaden actually played together, a first actually since before Jaden had been to shy to play with him. So I've got some pictures here from that night.
Ben with his Lolo Emon and Lolo Miguel
Ben and his cousin Jaden
Ben and his Kuya Angelo
Ben and Gwen
Getting writing lessons from Kuya Jovin
Kuya Daniel, Kuya Angelo, and Ben enjoying a little video game

A new haircut, and a great school report

Well, the trip home to Baler was okay. It was pretty much raining the whole time we were there, so we stayed mostly at home. Ben did get a short side trip to his favorite Biklat River to cross the hanging bridge, but wasn't able to join us to visit his Lola Pen's grave.
He also got a haircut in Baler, and I thought I'd post a photo of him. He's a bit chubbier now.
Then just this afternoon, I had a talk with his teachers in school. Two weeks ago, he had his mid-year assessment, and this afternoon, his teachers told me that he has been doing very well in school. There are some things that he needs to improve on, but on the whole, he's doing great. The teachers said he's quite advanced for his age. So I'm real proud of the little bugger. I also scanned his report card and the assessment report from his teachers to show off. I'm giving him a prize as a result. Anyway, second semester starts on Monday, and he's already excited to go back.
Ben with his new haircut
Ben's assessment report for the first semester
Ben's report card, page 1
Ben's report card, page 2