Ocean Park

The last time I visited Ocean Park was 18 years ago, never realized back then the next visit would be with 2 kids...thanks to our tour guide, a.k.a. Uncle Henry, we had a wonderful (& exhausting) time. (Audrey, so glad u were able to join us at the last minute, Yoshi had so much fun with u...) (& Thanks to Auntie Winnie & Carman, your baby/toddler assisting service is greatly appreciated. ^_^ I bet u are very tired....)

Dumbo the Elephant

When u think of Dumbo the Elephant, what comes to your mind right away?

Poor Yoshi, he got a severe bug bite (most likely) on his left ear. It got very red and swollen. So we took him to see a doctor this evening. Got some cream and medicine, hope he will feel (& look) better soon. It doesn't seem to hurt him, only itchy.

(This was before bug bite at the farm. We spray his whole body with bug repellant and covered his neck with handkerchief, still his ear being attacked.)

(Thanks for the doctor recommendations from few of you, but all the pediatrians were off on Wed afternoon, so we ended up visiting the Sanatorium Hospital Outpatient dept)

A very important coin

Tonight, Yoshi had learnt the importance of a HK$10 coin (=US$1.25). Grandma gave him a coin, and he kept that in his pocket the entire car ride (with his right hand in it, worrying it would fell out). He knew that coin would meant another twist and turn to collect his favorite shinkansen (train) toy capsule.

So far, he had collected 3 of those, luckily, he didn't get another bridge again (which has no train inside). I'm sure by the end of this trip, he would have a long rail...

Happy kids

Chatting on computer with daddy, showing his new plane toy.

Grandma drove us to the beach today. Lucky to have grandma there with us, otherwise, I don't know how to handle both kids at the same time...can't wait for Kiharu to be able to walk on the beach as well.

I used to be ok......

I've lived in the US for 14 years. Though I have been back to Hong Kong almost every year for visit, but I always thought to myself, I used to be ok with........ now that travelling with 2 kids, it makes a lot more difference...

I used to be OK... shopping in the mall. But now, shopping from one floor to another, felt like we have to walk miles and change elevator few times before getting to another stores...(not even to mention squeezing the stroller into the crowded elevator)

I used to be OK... waiting in lines for my favorite restaurant. But now, we have eat early to avoid waiting in lines with the hungry (& fuzzy) baby. To wait for more than 30 mins....I would rather get carry out somewhere else.

I used to be OK...hopping onto any transportation. But now, felt like I need a team of people helping out the process. (Luckily, grandparent has a car...)

I used to be OK...with the 4 seasons weather in Hong Kong. But now, the hot humid July is making me so exhausted everyday....

Afterall, we are still excited to be back. Luckily I have a team of grandparents and Uncle Henry along the way. (Thank you)

(Yoshi was so excited with the tram ride. Riding on different transportation is so far the highlight of the trip everyday. He rode on the bus today with grandpa)

Who won't give his uncle a BIG hug and kiss after receiving (or about to receive) a big gift...

Since we were awake EARLY in the morning (4a.m for Yoshi), we went to the park after breakfast. Yoshi even ran/walk one round along the trail, perfect for the following 3 hrs nap.

Severe separation anxiety

Suffering jet lag with 2 kids are much more difficult than before. In the middle of the night, it's hard to avoid a crying child waking up the other(s). The only solution is me having sleepless nights......hope this will soon be better. To make the day even more challenging is Kiharu's separation anxiety (severe). No matter who holds her, she would turn her head around looking for me, I guess it's good physical therapy for her neck muscle. She won't calm down till she is back to my shoulder. I know someday I will miss this relationship with her, but it's a bit more severe than expected. I think she isn't comfortable with this new environment yet.

But on the other hand, Yoshi is enjoying a lot- quality time with grandparents & uncle Henry, all the double deck buses, taxi, tram, high rise buildings...and of course food.

Arriving at the HK airport

At the Hong Kong Airport....we did it!!

(Yoshi's shyness.....seriously?!)

(1 minute after we got into grandparent's house, the suitcases were yet being opened, but Yoshi already got the TV remote on hand, experiencing their new flat plasma...Nori, that's your gene...)

(Yoshi's first reaction seeing Uncle Henry....)

We did it!!!

We finally arrived to Hong Kong. It was a LONG flight. The watch seemed to click really slow on the first half of the flight. But the kids did very good, they slept for almost 6 hrs straight (it was their night time sleep). I couldn't sleep much, but I got to watch the Disney movie "UP"...I didn't realize until then what a precious moment to watch a movie, when was the last time....

Before the trip, I was more prepared to climb the Mount Everest, now, I felt like I can do everything...(did I just say that?!). The bathroom on the flight was probably most challenging, u know how "spacious" it is...I should have brought the camera with me in it...^_^, all I could say is, at least no one get wet and we got all our "business"taken care....

(on the phone with Nori)

Yoshi: "Mama, lots of plane...LOOK!!"

(Left- Yoshi's first flight at 6 months old)

(During transit in Detroit)

(Almost there after 24 hours since we left home)

First morning....or should I say first night?! the kids were having jet lag, wide awake at 4a.m....

After a breif morning nap, time for Yoshi's favorite cha siu bao...(pork bun)

(Kiharu is surely very attach to me, almost like a magnet to my shoulder. Even with grandparents, she is still crying for me, feeling insecure with the new environment. It will probably take a while for her to adjust, unlike her brother Yoshi....)