Universal Studios.....

We finally made it to the big theme park! It was a nice day for our adventure....a bit warmer than it has been lately with sunshine. Chad and Yaya took the 'big' kids to ride the Spiderman ride while Lili and I wandered...riding a carousel, browsing a photography shop with loads of princess dresses, eating carmel corn.....when we finally met up with them Nykolas was all stories of his first REAL theme park ride and Mia declared she was done with rides 'it was scary!'. So off again went Chad, Yaya and Nykolas to the Jurassic Park ride.....the girls and I had a snack and then went to the Hello Kitty store, bumping into characters on the way. Once we met up again even Chad said that it took his breath away......but Nykolas and Yaya loved every second. Parades, lights, characters, too many people, snacks, stores.......equals a very fun day! On our way out of the park we had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe....ahhh American food!

One really sweet note.....my grandmother had given the kids money for Christmas and Nykolas extra for his birthday. One of the big deals, well at least for Mia, was shopping with her newly acquired loot. The Hello Kitty store was high on the list. As Nykolas observed Mia's indecision at the store he whispered to his daddy that if he could he wanted to sneak away with daddy and buy the girls a Hello Kitty t-shirt....Chad said, 'Nykolas this will have to be with your money', to which Nykolas said 'That's ok daddy, I have what I want and now I am ready to go home anyway.' So off they sneakily went to come back and deliver very much loved t-shirts to the girls. They both slept in them last night. LOVE seeing a sweet generous heart in my boy!

Universal Studios....getting there.

Often in our lives getting to our destination is the biggest adventure and while Universal Studios was practically magical the three hour (yes three hour!) commute (keep in mind it's just across town) ~ trying to manoeuvre the Osaka train system, creative entertaining on the train (finger puppets, eye spy, hand tricks, Nintendo Ds) plus potty breaks, plus lunch standing on a sidewalk was by far the greatest adventure. Amazingly we pulled it off. Thankfully getting home didn't take as long and next time it should be a breeze!

A date alone with daddy....she truly twinkled brighter than the Christmas tree!

I'm not sure what they are pretending to be but it sure was funny. It was cold that day and we don't have central heat (only space heaters)...it took me an hour to convince her to get dressed, not sure how her little goosepimpled body stood it....someday she will hate me for these!

Mia's favorite Christmas present....

This is Nala, she travels most everywhere with us now. It's a mechanical lion cub that purrs, meows, and closes it's eyes to sleep. And to think I almost didn't buy her....only opting for her at the last. Mia is in love. I must admist it is a bit weird when we are walking and she is in her back pack that Mia can say something and the lion purrs or meows sweetly at just the right moments.

my oven and my office....both leaving things to be desired....

this is how Nykolas spent most of the holidays....

and you didn't think fairies existed....

adiv>

Christmas morning....sweet bliss!