Auntie Resa came for a visit!

She was her for 4 whole days.  We didn't do anything particularly special....but boy, was it a special time. 

We got to eat out at lots of yummy places.  Auntie Resa used to live in the East Bay but she moved to Disneyland (yes, literally....I believe that my Auntie lives AT Disneyland). So, she doesn't always get to go to yummy East Bay restaurants..she had to take advantage while she can.  Disneyland is so so cool, for so so many reasons..but one must admit that they do not have the most amazing food choices on the planet. 

We also got to go to the park with Auntie Resa...and we got to go on the swings and on the slides and everything.  It was so so fun.

Come back again soon, Auntie Resa....we sure do love you!

Happy Birthday Gogo

Last year we made our Gogo a birthday cake in Arusha. 

This year, we made him a grasshoper pie!  Oh my goodness.  We had to go hunting for grasshopers!  Aki and I looked and looked for grasshoppers.  We heard frogs croaking and we found lots of dirt and mud....but the grasshoppers knew we wanted to eat them and they hid! 

So, Mommy told us we would have to use the frozen grasshoppers we already had in the kitchen.  Why in the world would Gogo want Grasshopper pie?  I understand the oreo cookie crust...and I totall get the mint ice cream....but why would you put grasshopper pieces in the mint ice cream?  Huh....I guess it's the protein, but Gogo's never been what I would call health consious?? 

Well, to each his own....your wish is our comand Gogo....Happy Birthday.  I love my GOGO!!!!

Bradi

We got to spend some time with the Ross family in Portland.  I had so much fun!  There was Bradi....the head of this household.  She is Mommy's friend from childhood and from what Mommy tells us, she can handle the job.  She's one tough cookie! 

Then there is Ron, Mr. Ross!  We didn't get to spend too much time with him since he has this pesky JOB thing I've heard about before.  But, when we did see him, he seemed to spread a calm presence around the house.  He's so nice and he and Bradi make a pretty great team.

Then, we have Emerson.  He's super fun and inquisitive and smart...and he can speak Chinese though he's shy to do it in front of an audience.  He's a super great sharer and made sure I was included in the fun.  What a really nice boy.

Finally, there is Flannery.  She is fun and full of flirt!  She is girly through and through.  And, she put me in my very first tutu.  I so wish we lived closer and could play with Flanny more often.  She woud easily be a big sister for me to look up to.  And, she's bossy too!  Just like my brother...

Thanks so much for having us stay Ross family.  I loved playing with you and laughing and cuddling.  I hope you'll visit us soon too. 

The Donleys

Jen Donley and my mom have been friends for many years...since they were freshman in college (whatever THAT means).  Jen moved to Portland with her husband and son many years ago and mommy moved to....a lot of other places.  So, they haven't seen each other in a lot of years.  So...while this visit was supposed to be so that Jen could meet Aki and I....it sort it didn't feel very much about us at all.  Those two just wanted to talk and talk and talk. 

Don't worry....we found our fun....two words - shea butter! 

Thanks for taking these beautiful photos of me Jen.  I really loved meeting you and can't wait to see you and YOUR beautiful family again soon.

Ouch!

Hey ducks....I'm trying to FEED you.  Get it...I'm being NICE! 

Please stop biting me.  It hurts!!

2011 - So happy to see you...

I woke up today and it was a whole different year.  At least that's what mommy told me.  Quite frankly, I have no idea what that means and everything feels exactly the same.  Whatever...Mommy sure seems excited. 

This afternoon I got to go to my great Aunt Lin's house and spend time with my family.  We only missed having my mommy's cousin Sarah and her husband, Evan and Auntie Resa there....oh, and of course, we missed having Grandad there. 

To start the new year off right, Akira and I got to get some very clean, fresh, BRISK air at the local park....I loved it and there were tons of kids out playing so lots of others must have had the same idea. 

Tonight, we went back to the house for a yummy dinner and time spent with family.  It included a dance party to music by Akira, Lin, Tom and Joe.  I thought they made a fantastic band.  Only, when will I be big enough to join in?? 

Well, with such a great start to the new year, I can't wait to see what is just around the corner this year.  Yay for 2011!