Hana and Gabriel say Hello!

School Uniform

Hana wore her school uniform today. It's too cute!!!!

Ice Cream Cones

Hana and Gabriel went to the mall and each got an ice cream cone! As you can see they both loved it. It was Gabriel's first experience with the cone itself.

First day of school

Hana's first day of school (and all week) was a success! There were no tears! Really we didn't have time for any! They took her fast from me and called me out of the classroom quickly! They are pros:) She did not cry at all during the week. She said she has fun singing songs (Japanese) and she is already trying out her new Japanese words/phrases and bowing! She also likes both of her teachers, so that helps!!!!

Hana's Entrance Ceremony for School

Hana did very well during the ceremony! She did not cry at all!!!!! She looked back at us a lot, but she did it!!!!!! Her Vice Principal, Ibachi-sensei, seen in the 2nd picture speaks English. She will help Hana transition in her classroom as well.

Playing at the park

We have a park nearby (about 2 mins. away from the house) and the kids love playing there!

Bikes

Wow....Hana and Gabriel are riding bikes! Daniel put together Hana's Christmas gift from Hooey, a princess bike! Gabriel got a Mickey Mouse tricycle that speaks Japanese! They want to ride them all the time!

Wanpaku park

We went to a going away party at Wanpaku park! It's a wonderful play park and we will be going back soon!

Anpanman

Gabriel is having fun on Anpanman! Both he and Hana just love this cartoon character! Gabriel can even say the name!!!!!

Playing together

Here is a picture of Hana and Gabriel playing together! They were having so much fun!

Taking a bath!

Hana and Gabriel taking a bath in their "new" bathtub! They just love it!!!!

Happy Birthday Papi!

We celebrated Daniel's birthday at home. We ate Enchiladas, arroz and German Choc. Cake! Yummy! Hana and Gabriel bought him a shirt for his birthday gift!

Play Group

Every Thursday there is a church play group that I've been taking Hana and Gabriel to. It's a bunch of songs and play and they just love it! Of course most of it is in Japanese, but they don't seem to mind! Here they are waiting for their snack!

After the play group we went to a school to play. Even though there's a language barrier Hana and Gabriel always manage to make friends!

Anpanman!

Hana and Gabriel went to an Anpanman show! However, Gabriel fell asleep before it started!

Pictures of our home

Front of Home, Front door, Entry

Play Room/Tatami Room, Kitchen, Living Room

Gabriel's room, Hana's room, Master Bedroom

Random photos...

Here are some photos of the kids at their best!

Old friends come to visit...

Hana and Gabriel with Kanai-san and Masaki-san.




Hana and Gabriel with Nomura-san!

Happy 3rd Birthday Hana!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Hana! She was tired, but she managed to eat some birthday cake. Later that night we had to rush her to the emergency room because she was having trouble breathing. Somehow, she ended up with the Croup! However, she recovered wonderfully and has no problems since!

Jet Lag...

Well we made it and as you can see the children had some serious jet lag happening! They would fall asleep everywhere. Gabriel would fall asleep eating:) It took them several weeks to get adjusted to the new time. Of course during that time we were also dealing with major illnesses so that didn't help!

In flight

This is Hana and Gabriel on the American flight. Oh my gosh....that was so hard getting both carseats and luggage on the plane. Not one flight attendant offered to help!!!!!

This photo was on the Japan Airlines Flight! This was a wonderful flight. Of course we sat business class so that always helps! When we arrived at Chicago, there was a JAL flight staff waiting for us to help. Unfortunately, she did not have anything for me to transport all my "stuff" to the other side of the airport. However, the Lord was watching over us because a passenger from the American flight literally carried both carseats and luggage and walked us over to the International section of O'Hare! That gentleman was a true blessing!