Ocean Park memories

This is Kiharu's memory of the visit at Ocean Park (Hong Kong) this past summer. She was talking about he sea lions, dolphins, whales, and the performance she watched. (she even remembers how those trainers make the dolphins jump and swim.....) Thanks Uncle Henry for taking us there.

The slow eater

Lately, every meal is a struggle (to me). Kiharu used to be a very good eater and would not stop feeding herself. But I know just as everything else, there is always a cycle. Since we came back from the trip, she seems to lost interest in eating (except snack). Not that she doesn't eat (please don't worry), but she would be very slow, or show less enthusiasm. I tried different method- encouragement, time out,  upset tone, calm tone, or even silent cold war... she doesn't seem to care. She could just sit there for two hours not moving much at all.

Grandma told me to feed her, but I refused. We came this far to train her to eat by herself, she is certainly capable in doing so. Yes, rice became cold, I would sometimes reheat for her, but there are times, it's useless. I know she is only 2.5 yrs old, and someday when I think back, I know this is definitely not worth to fight for.....but right now, that's what we are going thru, perhaps it's part of the learning & growing process....

As for Yoshi, he changed from the slow eater to the best eater. There are times he would even ask for more food.....

 (this is probably the image inside Nori's mind, melt his heart....... and.....

 ...... this is the image I see most of the time.... always up to something no good ... ^_^)

Her first "cut"

This morning, I taught Kiharu how to use the scissors & hold the paper correctly..... (yes, the safety scissors is a little bit hard to open with her tiny fingers....)

First day at Kindergarten

Yoshi started his first day at kindergarten on Tuesday. It's an adjustment for all of us- So early morning.... He had to wake up at 6:45 for breakfast. (no wonder he looks half asleep on the photos...)

 Now that school begins, Yoshi will be able to have breakfast with Nori together every morning.

 One of the things I like about this school, it's only about 5 mins away from Nori's office. So every morning, Nori will take him to school. I think it's such a great bonding time for them. What's better than riding on Otousan's car everyday. Only wish there is a video camera in the car, so I can hear what they were talking about...^_^

 Yoshi only goes to school from 8:10a.m- 11a.m. Half day only. So I pick him up from school every morning with Kiharu.

 6 months ago, I was visiting every school trying to make a decision. Can't belive we are now here, starting his kindergarten. Looking forward for a fun school year.

(As for Kiharu.......let's start with potty training first before we talk about any preschool..... she is still refusing to go to bathroom......)

Camping

Last night, the kids had their first camping experience...... in our bedroom. They were so excited, especially with that camping lantern. I think next time, I should play some forest background music and add neon stars on ceiling. I certainly like "this kind" of camping experience (with clean bathroom, no bug bites, and fresh shower...^_^)

P.s- this morning when I woke up, I saw two sets of wide open eyes starring at me from the tent (kind of unexpected...^_^). Seems like the little campers have already made tent reservation for the coming weekend. ^_^

Far apart

Since when did me and Nori become so far apart from each other?

Homemade....

I think I can say we are finally back to the routines. We start to meet our friends, getting school supplies, riding bicycles in front yard (& digging dirt), and having fun at the kitchen together....

 Thanks grandparent for your dumpling gadget, Yoshi had fun using it, he felt very productive as well.

 Well....Kiharu's.... need a second round fixing...

 One of the fun thing I got from the trip- Hello Kitty mold (Thx to my friend Connie's recommendation). The chocolate are so cute...



Almost.....?

As we expected, it takes about a week to recover from jet lag. But just as I thought maybe the kids were sleeping well at night, perhaps it's still early to say....

(in the morning, they are full of energy....)

 .... but somehow (even with afternoon naps) when dinner time comes, they can't hold anymore....

 (No, she was not playing game, she was really sleeping on the table while eating dinner...)

 (so was Yoshi too in a different night....)



Back home

We are finally back home after 2 months away for the summer.  The toughest part of the trip is not the long flight, but the jet lag afterwards. Kids woke me up at 4a.m., but thanks to them, we can have big breakfast every morning so far. The day is long, but hopefully, we will slowly be back to our routine.  Side note- since we were sleeping in the same room for the entire trip, I think Kiharu is having a hard time sleeping by herself in her own room here.... but she is doing better little by little....

The happiest boy

We just came back from an overnight trip to Nagano, Japan (about 3.5 hrs car ride). We stayed at the hot spring hotel, Kiharu and Yoshi enjoyed onsen (hot spring) very much. They had a lot of fun on the road trip with the cousins. But the highlight of the trip was to go to the Tomica toy expo. Yoshi was overwhelmed seeing all his favorite toys. Thanks everyone for fullfilling Yoshi's dream. ^_^