Making friends--one cupcake at a time.

Does anyone over the age of 9 love their birthday more than me? I think not. This year, in an effort to make friends through baked goods, I invited the entire Relief Society over for cake at lunchtime. Since I couldn't decide what I wanted most, I went ahead and made all my favorite treats: coconut cupcakes, lemon cheesecake, and the classic chocolate layered cake. YUM! What a great 5th Anniversary of my 29th birthday.






Happy Birthday to me!

Friends Rock!

Our good friends came to visit last week and we had WAY too much fun...because now that they are gone, I am in a funk. But check out all the fun things we did (besides the hours of pinnocle--shocker).

The fish nibble at the dead skin on your feet. It feels insane! I almost climbed out of my skin until I got used to the feeling. It's crazier than ninja spit. I am taking every person I know to visit the fish doctor. What an experience.

Ryukyu Mura--a traditional Okinawan village. Loved the dancing and drums.


We also spent a few days at a beach resort, had our toes done at Cocok's, and watched the whale sharks at feeding time at the aquarium.

Sushi at Delicious. I'm not kidding--this stuff was AMAZING, and I'm not a huge sushi fan. The chef was a freaking artist.

2nd Article of Faith

So our church has something called "The Articles of Faith" which is a list of 13 statements about our beliefs. We've been working with the kids to help them memorize all 13. The 2nd Article of Faith says this: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." Here's Jackson's rendition:

Roller Slides

Japan has the absolute coolest parks. One of my favorite features is the roller slide. You usually have to hike up a little hill or climb some steps to get the the start of the slide. Then you sit on a piece of cardboard and slide down on a series of spinning rods. It is so much fun. Some slides are faster than others. Some jiggle your butt and some make it hot from the friction. The other day we bought what can only be described as lunch trays, to sit on while sliding. They significantly increase your speed--and isn't that the whole point?! As you can see in the first picture, Soren goes pretty slow and the locals get backed up behind him. But the kids always go back for more. Uncle Chris was a big fan when he was here. We found a park near the airport that had the longest roller slide we've seen. Chris and Christian found a flat piece of wood to ride on and they were flying! I'm starting to realize that it's the little things, like crazy park slides, that you really miss when you move.

 
 
 

Happy Birthday Sydo!

Is is possible that my first born is seven years old? We had a fun day today full of everything Sydney. She started the day by running her first 5K with her dad. I couldn't believe how awesome she was. Three miles is FAR for a little girl! But she did it. Immediately after, we headed to Dunkin Donuts. Nice. Then she opened her birthday presents including the bike she's been wanting. So we rode around the neighborhood before lunch at her favorite restaurant. Next we hit the beach and yakisoba for dinner. Whew---what a day. It was like a triathlon for Sydney. She is such a great kid...we are lucky to be her family. Happy Birthday to Sydo the Kiddo!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Easter egg hunt

Some friends from a nearby neighborhood do an annual Easter egg hunt. We were so excited and got there just before 11:00, ready to find some candy-filled eggs. However, it seemed strange that the big kids were already looking for eggs when we arrived. Come to find out, the hunt started at 10:00. Oops. The one thing I had planned for my kids and we totally missed it. This goes on my application for "Mom of the Year." Luckily there were still eggs to find and my kids didn't seem to notice that everyone else had gone home. Happy Easter!

 
 
 

Old Friends

While Christian was away, I had an old friend here to keep me company...Veronica Mars: seasons 1,2, and 3. Oh how I LOVE Veronica Mars. Why do they always cancel the shows I like? But is was so nice to have the whole gang back to visit. This seems to be a pattern with me...move to a new place, feeling a bit lonely, so I call on my dear friends Veronica and Sydney Bristow. What I appreciate the most is that they always make the move with me. No leaving them behind with only emails and phone calls to keep us close. Seriously, I don't understand people who don't watch TV!