The personal website of Grace and Jason Rhee
First day of school for Olivia (11th) and Lucas (9th). It’s hard to believe we have two high-schoolers! It’s also bittersweet that Liv will be driving them both to school.
We had a parent social at school so we walked Lucas all the way in and Grace gave him a big kiss goodbye inside the school. That was a bold move with potentially tragic consequences. Lucas is so new to high school, he didn’t seem to mind.
It’s going to be a great year!
Yesterday, Lucas and his classmates completed 8th grade and graduated from middle school. We had a full day of celebrations for the kids and adults to mark this amazing milestone.
Each student delivers a 100-word speech along with honoring and introducing a classmate, chosen at random. It’s as touching to hear what they have to say about each other as it is to hear them reflect on their time at Nueva. They all have come so far and did so well.
It’s bittersweet for all of us to close out this chapter of their journey. Thankfully most of them are moving up to the upper school together this fall. A handful of amazing classmates are moving on to new schools and will be missed.
We’re super proud of Lucas and all he’s accomplished and look forward to Olivia and Lucas being together again in high school. Great job, Lucas!
Lucas turned 14 on Tuesday. We’re already missing the little boy in him, but teen Lucas isn’t too bad (most of the time).
We celebrated as a family with dinner and opening cards and presents from family. This weekend, he invited several of his school friends to celebrate with him at Pinstripes and at home.
Happy 14th Birthday, Lucas! We love you!
Lucas had a small birthday party with some friends from school. He wanted to do VR at Sandbox, which only allows 6 participants. Afterwards, the kids came over for dinner (Delfina, his favorite) and hanging out.
Lucas also received generous presents from his family.
Happy Birthday, Lucas! We love you.
Lucas turned 12 today. All-in-all, he’s taken COVID-19 in stride and his birthday is no different. We celebrated with our pod-mates, the Lees, at All Spice in San Mateo. I had no idea they served brunch, but it was one of the tastiest meals we’ve had in the area, pandemic or otherwise.
He only had a couple things on his wish list, and I got both of them 2nd-hand (vintage?). He received thoughtful cards and gifts from his grandparents, family, and au pair. It was all low key.
He still seems more little boy than pre-teen, which is perfectly fine with me. Even though it was his birthday, I got a hug, which was a great gift. I’m thankful for all the time we spend together.
Happy 12th Birthday, Lucas! We all love you very much.
Lucas turned 11 on November 1st. We had a family dinner at Benihana and he invited a couple of new school friends from the neighborhood. They are super sweet and polite kids. We opened our family presents and cards at home afterwards. Grace and I usually don’t buy the kids presents because they get so much from their generous family and friends. However, this year Lucas’s had been white boarded his list all year (ranked), so we took some cues and knocked out #1. He was so happy. We also got him a dozen golf balls in his favorite color, orange. I was so happy.
In keeping with our tradition of themed birthday parties at home, Elin and Grace prepared Lucas’s favorite meal of spaghetti and meat balls along with his Pokemon decorations. He had a small group new and old school friends.
Grace also organized an escape room activity for them. Despite the creepiness, they worked together really well and managed to escape with 90 seconds to spare.
Happy 11th Birthday, Lucas! We love you.
