12 Years

Last night Steve and I celebrated our 12-year anniversary. (Do you like our new kitchen cabinet in the background?)


I had a lot of ideas for last-minute plans for the night, but when Steve said he'd like Japanese food, we decided to go to Kappo Seafood in Torrance, an unassuming restaurant from the outside, but very pretty on the inside, even the servers wear kimonos. Steve enjoyed sushi, sashimi, tempura and chicken teriyaki.


I had the Kappo Set which had several courses including the simmered fish and soup you see pictured here. It was a nice leisurely meal which lasted over 2 hours, we were picturing eating here with the kids and how we'd be in and out of there in 5 minutes. To say it was nice and relaxing during this dinner is the understatement of the year.


Afterwards we went to Pinkberry for dessert. Pinkberry now serves coffee flavor, yum. It was a lovely anniversary dinner.

Anna's Share Day

Anna was the Student of the Week, and today she shared the tortoises and fielded questions from the class.


The whole family came to see her shine, see Steve and Sam in the background?


The kids seemed especially intrigued by the unique names of our pets, Skipper, Muta, and Michi. They liked hearing how the tortoises occasionally get to run around the yard.


Anna showed a lot of poise and confidence. We're really proud of her!

High Flyers

Sam and Anna are ready to fly off into unknown territory, for a mind-boggling adventure.

BBQ at Dion's

We enjoyed a fabulous bbq at Dion and Lucy's house earlier this month, the weather was warm enough to enjoy the kiddie pool. Dion and Anna are two hams sliced from the same slab of meat.


I love how Sam is gingerly stepping into the pool in his old-fashioned high-waisted swim pants, or maybe he has a vintage look because he's so fair.


Rodd had a blast squirting water on the kids, that was one high-powered nozzle.

Dress-Up

Anna in a kimono...


Sam as a duck-cowboy...


Anna as a farmer, don't ask me where she learns to pose.

Caterpillar Herman (aka Green Sparkles)

Anna found a caterpillar on one of our sunflowers, she named him Herman.


Here is the flower it was found on.


Sam was a bit apprehensive at first.


He soon warmed up to the critter and renamed him "Green Sparkles". Herman/Green Sparkles is now living amongst the parsley growing near the sunflower.

San Diego Summer Part 3

Anna's favorite sea animal is the killer whale, they sure look adorable up close...


(Anna's favorite "pet" is a cat, even though we don't have one. She's recently adopted and renamed all the neighborhood cats during our walks.)


We enjoyed the spectacular "Shamu Rocks" show at night, Yumi was especially rocking to the tunes.


The next day we went to Old Towne for lunch, and strolled through the shops. I especially like this store where they sell lanterns and other items made of tin.


Here's the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego! And that was our 1-night, 2-day excursion to San Diego!

San Diego Summer Part 2

Here we are, still at Sea World. When there's a cute costumed character in sight, I usually can't resist a photo, even if I have to force Anna or Sam to pose with me. Love Cookie Monster!


Here's the Flags of the World near the Budweiser Tasting Center, where Yumi sampled some beverages...


We returned to our hotel to rest up and bit, and change for our special dinner. Anna looks really comfortable with this bay view, doesn't she?


Here we are waiting for our boat ride back to Sea World...


For a lovely buffet dinner with Shamu!


Here's Shamu, close-up!

San Diego Summer Part 1

As a last hurrah to summmer, Yumi, Anna and I went to San Diego overnight, we stayed at the Hyatt in Mission Bay, conveniently located near Sea World. The hotel is pictured in the background. This Hyatt had a water taxi available, and for a minimal fee the park was just a 15-minute cruise away.


The weather was ideal, and we felt like we were living it up, as often times we were the only passengers on this boat.


Whereas the visits with Sam to Sea World are speedy and revolve around the various animal shows, during this trip we were able to explore the exhibits with no time constraints. This here was one noisy sea lion!


The Shark Encounter was amazing, yet it was a little unsettling going through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks overhead.


On the other hand, the beluga whales were adorable.


We also saw some manatees in the Manatee Rescue display.
Part 2 to come soon!