Anna's Karaoke Birthday Party, Part 3

Here is a view of the living room/karaoke corner. Don't be surprised if the decorations stay up for several more months! A big thanks to Rob, Mr. Karaoke Mixer: he made a huge you-tube discovery which allowed him to upload songs with the lyrics for the singers!


He had a chance or two at the mike as well! Love this photo!


A rousing rendition of Piano Man by the boys!


Finally, we had a pull-string disco ball pinata, everyone simultaneously pulled a colored ribbon to release the candies! So much better than bashing it up!


Anna and classmate Kyle closed the party down. What a fun day. Thanks to Anna's guests for making this a special day. Thanks also for Mama and Yumi's cooking!

Anna's Karaoke Birthday Party, Part 2

The girls finally gave in and got into the singing, most of it was a cappella, songs they learned from church or school. Beautiful voices!


To shatter the serene mood, the adults would chime in with current Top 40 pop hits or 80's tunes.


Jeremy could not let go of the mike, he did have a funny rendition of Copacabana, with Star Wars lyrics.


Rachel and Anna were great troopers entertaining us all.


Sam didn't leave Steve's side most of the day and they made the most of it!


It was cute seeing Anna with her friends!
Last, more karaoke!

Anna's Karaoke Birthday Party, Part 1

Let me preface this blog by saying a big "Thank You" to Steve's parents for coming all the way down here from Walnut Creek for Anna's birthday. They didn't have an easy drive, but were still so helpful with the preparations for this special day. Sam and Anna had a lot of fun with them, thank you so much Marilyn and Ted!


On Sunday, February 22, we celebrated Anna's birthday. Grandma Mieko, Anna and Sam eagerly await the party guests.


The menu included my mom's California rolls, chicken salad, pizza, fried chicken, strawberries, and chips and hummus.


Hard to believe that Anna already reaches Yumi's chin!


Mari and I pose before all the "noise".


The guests start to arrive. Rachel, Anna and Maddy enjoy some lunch.


In the backyard, the airplane seesaw surprisingly offered tons of endless fun for the kids. I don't know what the boys would have been doing without it.


Lucy, another Sam, and Maddy enjoy the ride.


Fortunately no one got injured despite the various tricks being performed.
Next, singing madness!

Disneyland in the Rain

Everyone should go to Disneyland in the rain at least once in their lives. You are almost guaranteed no crowded lines. This day, Anna had a scheduled conference in the morning to go over her excellent report card, and Steve and I took the day off.

We headed over to the park on the monorail. (Sam went to his preschool.)


We waited in line for Finding Nemo for less than 15 minutes, impossible any other day... although I believe they have fastpasses for this ride now.


Too cool for words!


We then had a Mexican lunch, I love the hanging lamps.


Small World was recently remodeled and we braved the rain for it even though there is an extensive outdoor boat ride at the beginning, umbrella out!


The changes to the Small World were noticeable but did not distract from the original styling. Old and new Disney characters were added to the attraction, here's Alice.


Woody and Jessie, so charming! We loved spotting the new features.


The ride probably lasts around 5 minutes... when we emerged outdoors, surprise! Sunny clear sky!


And clouds again...


We went on a couple more rides before heading back home. And none of us caught a cold because of our wet trip, thankfully. Disneyland in the rain... don't hesitate to try it.

Valentine's Day 2009

The day before Valentine's, Steve and I went to Kasen for a sushi dinner and dessert. The funny thing is, we were still hungry afterwards so we went to King's Fish House for oyster shooters and fish tacos. Everything was delicious, and thank you to Yumi for babysitting the kids!

Fashion Show

Howdy!


Ni-hao!


Hola! **


Bonjour!


Buona sera.


Haai!


Pree-vyet!

*Thanks to wikiHow on how to say hello in different languages.
**Unsure of the origin of this mask, any suggestions?

Bowers Museum and Kidseum

Will I be finally caught up with my blogging and write about present day activities? Let's hope so. In January we went to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, from the front it looks like my beautiful dream home.


One of their exhibits included a striking display of photographs taken in Africa, don't Sam and Steve look like they are part of this scene... well, almost.


These horses are part of a permanent collection, the Ancient Arts of China.


The quiet sereneness of Bowers didn't do much for Sam, so we headed to the Kidseum across the way. The kids enjoyed this hands-on museum much more.


And we cannot resist the dress-up. Who is the show-stopper of the family? (My next blog entry will feature Anna in various outfits from Kidseum.)


Steve probably enjoyed hamming it up in different hats and clothes just as much as Anna.


Sam, on the other hand, felt somewhat coerced. Next entry, fashion show.

Olivia is 4!

Olivia turned 4 the same day Sam did, January 1st. Can we guess the theme of the party? Princesses, of course!


Being the princes of the day, Olivia had at least two costume changes, do you see her in the front row as Snow White?


Pinata time, yippee! The party at a park with a great view overlooking the beach, the day was so clear I remember seeing Catalina Island!


It was a super party, happy day Olivia!

Maggie the Cat

Maggie is having a little vacation stay at my parents' house. All the girls decided to pose with her for this photo.

Maggie sure is a sweet, gentle cat.