A New England Christmas

Ever since we moved here we planned on spending one Christmas in town--going to neither Hawaii or Arizona--and inviting family to come up. Since this year was S's year to go home, we had her family come up (plus we didn't think the HI family could handle the cold;>). 

We had a great time opening presents, playing games, and just hanging out. We attended the Boston Pops Christmas concert and helped K build her first snowman. K woke up this morning to a more empty and more quiet house. She sure misses her uncles and grandparents, she's been calling for them all day. We loved our white New England Christmas.

Santa Baby

K doesn't remember it, but this is her second run in with the man in red. She did pretty good this time, considering all the other kids her age were screaming their heads off. She also enjoyed her first candy cane afterward. 

Keshmish is Coming

K is finally old enough to join in the Christmas festivities; well, kind of. Here's a video of her "helping" decorate the tree. Be warned, it's over 3 minutes long so unless you're truly one of her "devoted" fans, you might not make it through. Ya'at'eeh Keshmish! 

P.S Happy Birthday Uncle D

Thank You

Today is not only Thanksgiving but it is also M's birthday. The past 7 years we've been together, I can't help but reflect on how much he has changed my life. Often I wonder why I am so deserving of such an amazing companion, he has surpassed all my expectations. Here are 3 ways he has improved my life in no particular order:

1) M has showed me parts of the world I never expected to see. I will never forget when I saw the Sistine Chapel ceiling or wandered around the Great Wall of China. I loved exploring the small city of Toledo outside of Madrid, Spain and touring the small towns of Tuscany. I enjoyed watching the Beijing acrobats and Le Miserables in London. With his continuous efforts, he has shown a small town girl the beauty all around us.

2) M has always been so supportive of my career choices. Even after I decided to return back to work part time after K was born, he has coordinated his schedule so we can balance his PhD studies and my career. While I am at work, he watches K and get up with her every morning so I can sleep in. We have balanced our parenting schedule so that he is a part of her life just as much as I am. No wonder K adores him so. ;)

3) M always sets goals and continuously works hard on accomplishing them. He balances his life priorities well, managing his time equally between his studies, work, family and church duties. His example of always improving himself encourages me to do the same. His passion to live life to the fullest and not waste a minute of it shines bright.

Happy Birthday M, I love you so much and appreciate your continuous efforts to improve your life and those around you.

Languages 101

M and I are trying to teach K some Navajo, Hawaiian and Chinese words. Let me emphasize trying. With some extra effort, we are attempting to use all three languages. Just this week K started using some of the words.

For example, after she's finished with dinner or lunch, she says, "All pau" (all done, in Hawaiian). She also likes to point to her bellybutton and call it her "piko". Today while we were out in 40 degree weather, K said, "deesk'aaz" (It's cold, in Navajo). Its amazing how much toddlers can learn at this age, so we are going to push forward with our efforts. Who knows, she might come up with a whole new language, a combination of all three. ;)

Its that time again...

Its almost that time of the year again, and this time we want to be ready. Last year we not only didn't order enough holiday cards, but also didn't have all the addresses we wanted. So this year, we figured we'd use our blog to get the info we need. We don't want to forget anyone, so if you'd like our family Christmas card, email us your address (send it to ingohana(at)gmail(dot)com). Not that anyone should be dying to get our card or anything, but... well, alright, I'll just be honest and say we want to show off our cute daughter!

Rice, please!

Growing up in Hawaii, M ate rice everyday, with almost every meal. I, of course, grew up eating potatoes more often than rice (Navajos are more of a potato loving people;>). Over the past few years we've learned to balance our potato and rice meals equally--not playing favorites to either one. I've learned how to make loco moco, and M enjoys my Navajo breakfast burritos.

The other day while K waited for her dinner, she made one small request, "Rice, please." It looks like K's Hawaiian Chinese roots are shining through, and I've been outnumbered. How can I turn down a "please," from this adorable face?

Fall Photos

Fall is one of the most beautiful times in New England; and we'd like to think that K is one of the most beautiful girls in New England. So... combine the two together, and here's what you get.







One of our friends out here, EP, takes wonderful pictures and we've now had her take our family pictures two autumns in a row. Thanks EP!

Our Little Ladybug

She didn't quite catch on to the whole Halloween idea, but she sure did enjoy the M&Ms!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Our Getaway

For the past few weeks, M and I planned a little getaway. Originally, we decided on Paris, but unfortunately plans fell through. So instead of visiting France's capital, we visited our own.

We spent our time touring the sites, talking about K, visiting some of the museums and talking more about K. In the evening, we went to the movies, video chatted with K and went shopping. It was tough being away from K, (if you couldn't tell already) but it was nice not to worry about packing the diaper bag and coordinating our day around nap time.

Thank you Grandma G for flying from AZ to take care of K. And of course Uncle V for all your support. We couldn't do this without our travel connections, thank you Grandpa I for devoting many years to Delta so we can take advantage of the flying privileges. And Aunty M for the countless hotel hookups. 

Our only picture together while on vacation.

Also a vacation from shaving.

Contemplating a career move? I'll stick with 'GBH.

Some early Hawaiians must have made it to DC.

I didn't know you could buy this, had to take a picture.

Newest Member of the Red Sox Nation

The Day in the Life of K

7:30am Awake and try to eat breakfast with Dad
8:30am Finish watching Curious George
8:35am Wake up Mom ;)
8:45am Actually eat breakfast with Mom
9:15am Wake up Uncle V
9:30am Get ready to go to Boston's Children's Museum
10:15am Arrive at the museum

10:30am Drive her car

10:45am Ride a duck.

11:00am Manage a train station.

11:30am Learn to write her name. (OK, Uncle V wrote it.)

11:45am Marching to the beat of her own drum.

12:00pm Her first slam dunk.
12:30pm Wait for her personal driver (Dad) so she can take her afternoon nap.

Fall Traditions

One of our family traditions in New England is visiting Salem, Massachusetts in October. It is the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season. This year we gathered with friends for breakfast at Red's and explored the historic town. K loved running around the seashore with her balloon and throwing rocks into the ocean. It was the perfect way to start our holiday weekend.

Entertaining an 18 year-old and an 18 month-old

One of S's work-perks includes free admission to many of the Boston area's museums. Today, we visited the New England Aquarium, featuring the amazing jellyfish exhibit. K saw some penguins, fishes, sharks and turtles. Uncle V enjoyed the seals and looking for the anaconda supposedly featured in one of the display windows. What a great way to entertain an 18 year old and a 18 month old. Afterwards they were both exhausted and took an afternoon nap.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Ing

K loved the time she spent in Hawaii. Every morning grandpa would take her on a walk, and basically let her finger point the way, looking at flowers, animals, and basically anything else that caught her interest. You can tell that since she's been back she's missed her morning-walk companion. Here's K trying to reminisce.... Hope to see you soon Grandpa!





On a side note, it's getting harder and harder to get K to hold the birthday sign. She crumbles it up or throws it down before we can even get the camera to take the picture, so sorry there isn't a picture with her and the sign.