oops

I messed up. We won't have internet service until Friday. Bummer.

and off we go

Tomorrow is our move day. I get to unpack the boxes that I pack today. Maku wonders why I tape the boxes, "Don't you need that stuff when we move to the other house?"

I'll be back here later next week. Have a Happy New Year everyone.

o sweet Christmas

You are probably tired of seeing Christmas tree photos by now, I just want to give my sister a big thank you for hosting another memorable Christmas. We spent the night at her house and waited for Santa together. I also want to thank her for my new sewing machine. Yes! Now I don't have to keep borrowing hers.

The children received what they wished for. A dollhouse for Snow, a ninja for Maku and a plane for Jin.

things to love

It's not easy gettting into the festive spirit amidst moving boxes. I am so proud of Snow for her creative festive efforts. I love our paper tree.

I also fell in love with these dolls. They are handknitted in Peru from blablakids. They are so soft and so cuddly and best of all they are washable. I wonder if their recipients will love them as I do.

now the fun starts

We are officially on holiday. Two full weeks of no hurried breakfasts, dirty lunch boxes or bedtime before dark.

While the two are monkeying around, my niece Jin and I are working on a big craft project. An apron is not necessary but she felt like wearing one anyway. ^_^
I've been busy organizing and packing. I don't keep too many things but we're moving to a smaller place so I want to get rid of the little bit of clutter I have.

I hope Snow will do the same.

an after-school treat

a mid-week, right-after-school unplanned visit to the beach
no suits, no towels, just my camera and a hot cuppa

here's Maku occupying himself (again) with an upside down pot

it was such a treat, especially for me ^_^
with the wind and the waves muffling the sometimes fun and sometimes frustrating noises three children can make

but the real treat was catching a glimpse of hungry seabirds diving for dinner

and watching creepy crawlies scurry back into the gulf.

that unexpected break

enjoying the cool breezy days before winter
wrapping presents
and packing up for our 4-mile move

Goodbye white houses! Goodbye white cars!
Goodbye lollipopped trees and neatly squared bushes!
Perfectly lined palm trees and pesticide-filled grass!