Sunday, March 20, 2011

B is for Bowling

We took the girls bowling for the first time today. What fun!


The girls were especially excited because Grandpa joined us too.


Big expectations:

And big excitement!



I suspect this will become a more regular thing!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Feeling Lucky

There are certain parts of the world that are not feeling lucky right now. We are thinking of them and feeling lucky, on this St. Patrick's Day, that our family is safe and sound.

This is especially so in light of the events that happened today. There was a huge explosion of a main gas line near Willa's school. The city could not shut off the gas line or control the fire for a couple of hours. They evacuated the area around it. The fire was so hot that it melted cars down the block and business signs. There was a concern that the fire was spreading through the sewer system. The freeways were closed down and traffic was very congested and cordoned off by her school, but I was able to get there through some back alleys and bring her away from the area. Jia's school thankfully wasn't as close, but it was still put on lockdown and the kids were not allowed outside all day. Anyway, both girls are home now and safe and sound!

Once home, they each got a tasty rainbow with a marshmallow cloud and gold coin!



We shared some plates of rainbows with the kids in the neighborhood, too.

A sneaky leprechaun also tricked Jia. She was stirring her yogurt and it turned green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Maple Syruping

We are members at our local nature center and learned all about maple syruping today. Our friends Binh and Anabelle came along.


The naturalist told us all about maple trees and the sap process, and then we trekked out to find some. Here is Jia drilling one:

Willa drilling:

Inserting the spout:

Anabelle hanging the bag:

Then came the waiting.

And waiting.

And waiting.

For...nothing. It was too cold for the sap to run! (Thankfully, we knew this was likely.) We hiked back to the center and learned the process of making the syrup.



Then we enjoyed a pancake and homemade syrup treat!


The best part: we have some sugar maples in our yard and might give it a try ourselves!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

King Cake

We made a King Cake for Mardi Gras again this year. In the spirit of Mardi Gras, the girls wore funny hats while they made it and we all listened to New Orleans jazz music.

Both girls love working in the kitchen.

Spreading the butter:

Placing the baby:

Mixing frosting:


And spreading it:

Of course, licking the bowl!

The final result! The girls pretty much did all the work!

It was yummy! Jia got the baby this year. She promptly shared it with Willa (so nice)!

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Milestone of the Dental Variety

Jia has a loose tooth! Very loose! I quickly sewed up this little tooth fairy pocket pillow for her. I used fabric we had around the house. I love that the pillow fabric (from too small jammies) says, "Watch me grow!"

Speaking of growing, when Jia showed me her wiggly tooth, I said, "Oh! You're growing up!" Then a little tear slid down my cheek. Jia saw it and said, "Mama, you're crying!" Then she burst into tears! Guess I scared her. My big girl. Sigh.

Our nephew, Han, is turning five shortly so I sewed one for his birthday too.

Now we're just waiting for Jia's big toothless moment!

I drafted this a while ago and now we have an UPDATE:

It's so tiny!

She lost it at school and came home with it in a treasure chest. Do you remember these from when you were a kid? I do.

Attempting the straw trick.

The tooth fairy will be coming tonight!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Princesses Everywhere

In our own home...

with fancy hair...


and on ice!
Yes, I know it's blurry. Thankfully, we had a great view in person! The girls were thrilled to go to the Princesses on Ice show. We enjoyed the dress exhibits and seeing a real Tiana beforehand.



Tiana in front of Tiana.

The show was really well done. It included some amazing skating, a fire-breathing dragon and fireworks.



The girls were enchanted and we had a terrific time.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Writings

This is a post about random writings the girls have made lately. Jia made us the sweetest valentines almost every day last month. What a love! Here are a couple (click to enlarge):

"Baba is a nice dad."

"Mama takes care of me."

Jia has also started writing her name in a very fancy way:

One day I noticed this sign on the fridge:


Reminiscent of the original Fancy Nancy book, it says:

SINE UP FOR NANCY'S CLASS

x_______________
x_______________
x_______________

EVREETHAING FANCY

It also listed two times: 6:10 and 7:50. Of course, we all signed up.

Lastly, I can't find this writing, but I was so amused when I saw it. The girls debate a LOT about whether to play "princesses" or "babies." As a result, Jia drafted a contract that said something like: "For two weeks, we will play babies for 15 minutes and then princesses for 30 minutes each day. For the next two weeks, we will play princesses for 15 minutes and then babies for 30 minutes each day." Then they both signed it. Jia is a corporate lawyer at heart!