Mini road trip

Today, we took a mini road trip (1 an half hr drive) up north to Columbus, OH to visit an old friend. It's been 10 years since meeting, and now we all have our own kids. Wish we live much closer together, so Yoshi & Towa-chan could get together more often, they seemed to get along very well, tons of fun. Hope we can meet up again soon.

We bought these candy filled microphone toy, $0.90 each, money well spent. They kept the kids entertained on the way back. They didn't even know what's inside those toys. They were just too concentrated with the karaoke party...^_^

Santa was here- Part II video.

Ho Ho Ho....Santa was here.

So Santa did come to visit us on 25th. He brought lots of presents for everyone. But most importantly, he brought lots of excitment, fun & imagination into our house. It was such a fun experience. More to share later. Here are photos to capture this year's Christmas day. Ho Ho Ho....(thank you Santa & thank you everyone who sent in your holiday wishes, cards and presents. We are very blessed.)

Santa's gifts were "specially" being wrapped bright gold color, with a special message to the kids.

Even after opening the presents, Yoshi enjoyed starring at the packaging box. Maybe I should just order more of those empty boxes instead....

Very soon, I'm going to give her the real one to "use" inside the house.

(Have been trying to upload a video for the past hour, no luck. Will try again tomorrow..)

Santa, we are ready for you, please come soon.

This year Christmas is so much fun. It's the first time that Yoshi truely understand the concept of Santa and his reindeer team. It makes the christmas much more fun to prepare for.

Before bedtime, the kids saw all the presents from us to them. Will bring out the grandparents one tomorrow. Wonder, will Santa come by tonight and bring extra ones? Ho Ho Ho!!!

The last holiday project

Finally, the last (minute) project of this holiday is done. YEAH! It was a lot of fun, I truely love working with felt materials and the hot glue gun....

(Rafael, thanks for your mom's inspiration, I let Yoshi helped me out for few stitches as well)

If u are wondering, this set of trains was from those toy capsule in Hong Kong during our last trip. I got Yoshi's approval to use on stocking designs ^_^

Today, we invited Ethan and auntie Poki over for a cookie party. It was a lot of fun for the boys (& moms)

So now, stockings are done. Cookies are baked. We are ready for Santa Clause to come. Ho Ho Ho!!! (Happy Holidays to all of you)

Santa said: "I will see you soon"

The other day, I asked Yoshi to write a letter (more of drawing) to Santa, telling him what he wants for x'mas. Luckily, he asked for the thing that is already on Santa's list. ^_^ This was his first communication to Santa. He even put on a stamp for mailing. Well, all I can say is Nori took the mail and it went straight to Santa. ^_^

After 2 days, Santa REPLIED!!!!!! Yes, he did. He replied with a video message to Yoshi. (Thanks Vanessa for introducing this communication tool ^_^ hee hee.....)

So here is the video messgae from Santa, check out Yoshi's reactions, cute...I know he CANNOT wait for Christmas Day. Ho Ho Ho.

Old fashion mail

One of my favorite Christmas is sending and receiving Christmas cards. Everyday, I look forward to checking the mailbox, as I know it's not just bills or junk mail, but fill with warm wishes from friends and families. Hanging those up for display is also fun for the kids too. Sometimes they would just starr at each photos, trying to recognize their friends. Thanks everyone for your holiday wishes (in mail & in cyber space)

Snowman

Less than a week to Christmas, I wonder if I'm more excited than the kids?! I can't wait to be the "Secret santa", seeing the faces of Yoshi & Kiharu on x'mas morning, having Nori home with us for the long holiday......it would be even better if we could get white snowy day and make our own snowman outside.......

Toys for boy & girl

Last week, we had a holiday dinner with our friends, and the kids received & opened their presents early. My friend Nora was thoughtful enough to get different toys for them- a mini doll house and a puzzle. Obviously those were meant to be for different gender interest. But who really decide that except the kids themselves, and perhaps, there are exceptions.......

Afterall, Yoshi was more into the puzzle (good!!) and finished it very soon.

Well, I guess since puzzle was done, time to get back to the other new item..

3 v.s 1

Well, it became official that I'm the only one who don't like natto gohan (Japanese bean rice). Yoshi has always enjoy eating that. Kiharu has recently tried it and shows NO sign of hesitation. As for me.......I still cannot get past the smell of those tiny beans..... so "NO thank you. You can all share without me!!"

Prefer standing

This is a typical dinner night, perhaps the chair must have some pins or rocks, she just wouldn't want to sit still (but knowing she can't leave either)....

Finally I have finished a project that I shouldn't have started, but it's therapeutic, I enjoy making it (only if I have more time). Love the holiday spirit in the house....