Holiday Snap Shots

on the road to visit friends

Munch trying on her new scooter

Hubs spent several hours straight putting together Munch's toys.

enjoying the spa Christmas evening

hanging with Daddy

posing with Poh Poh

jump

Munch adores her Uncle Mark.

Munch making Poh Poh play jump rope with her

trying on her new tiara

Thank you, Auntie Sara, for all the holiday pictures!

Mini Reunion

This past weekend we traveled to Bradenton to meet up with good friends, Faith, and her mommy and daddy. Faith and Munch are adoption buddies going way back to Wuhan (Hubei), you see. They are only a week apart in age and are similar in other ways too. We had a marvelous time with the L family and can't wait to meet up again next year. Faith, you are the hostess with the mostest. Thank you for having us, Judy and John. Stay warm once you get back to Ohio.

American Sweetie Pie

The 3Ds would like to send out congrats to little Amelie and her mommy and daddy. Last Tuesday, Amelie became the newest and cutest American citizen. The F-S family invited us to join them on this very special occasion. Munch took a good nap that day and thoroughly enjoyed herself with Amelie during the evening celebration. Red, white and blue become you, Amelie. We're so happy for you!

Christmas Show 2009

Munch on her way to the Christmas show at her preschool

strutting to the stage to perform

Ms. Denise directs Munch and her classmates

After leaving the stage Munch complained that she wanted to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star instead...too funny.

Getting Into Holiday Spirits

inside the giant Christmas tree

giant red teddy and Munch

Munch and giant Christmas tree

posing with Santa

father and daugther enjoying the scene in downtown Delray Beach

can't pass by a carousel without Munch wanting to get on

at a restaurant in downtown Delray Beach

Well, we made our yearly holiday trek to downtown Delray Beach. This year Munch really enjoyed all the lights and festivities. She even people-watched and expressed how much she liked being in the crowded area. We took the opportunity to grab a sinful burger and some fries at Doc's. Munch was fascinated by the "ice skating" rink there but alas they did not have her size in skates so we had to do with watching the other kids bump and slide around. The 3Ds would like to wish our family and friends a safe and jolly holiday season. Bring those referrals on for 2010!

Scrapbook Homies

let's do lunch

Sammy PJ as Cinderella

How fun it is to scrapbook with the mommies while the girls play with each other! Gi and I can't wait for the next scrapbooking get-together with the gang.

Gobble Gobble

turkey lurkey Munch

pilgrim Munch

Gi's Thanksgiving craft projects from school were used as table decoration.


the Chinese side of the family

Hubs before and after the turkey feast

Munch actually went for the wing. Hubs finished this drumstick.

The 3Ds would like to wish all our family and friends a happy Thanksgiving! Poh Poh, again, did the honors by marinating and roasting the big bird. This year we solved the issue of unwanted left-overs...Poh Poh roasted only half of the turkey. Munch grabbed the giant wing, picked and devour all the crunchy skin and declared herself "all done." Oh well. She ate some animal protein at least. Anyway, we are most thankful for Munch and our family and friends who provide us with love, support and guidance. Astounding how this is Munch's third Thanksgiving already. Time flies when you're blundering parents.

Happy Birthday Sammy Pajammy!

A big shout-out to Sammy Pajammy. She is now officially four! The party was perfectly executed...great weather, great park, great food and great company. We also want to send big congrats to Mr. Ed now NB certified. Yeah! Thank you, Hawkins, for having us.

Santa At Last

Score one for Mommy! For the last few months, Munch has been assuring me that she is no longer afraid of Santa. She explains, "I'm a big girl. I'm not going to cry." I beam at her with enthusiastic uh-ha(s) while trying to hide my skepticism. I know my Munch...she's going to pull a bait-and-switch on me, giving me enough hope to approach mall Santa with her and then melting down into a crazed fright. So Poh Poh and I take Munch to the mall yesterday for a free breakfast at one of the fast-food eateries. Gi catches a glimpse of Santa from afar and again tells us that she is not afraid because she is three now. Buoyed by Gi's repeated declarations of new found bravery, we enter Santa's Polar Express studio. No sign of fight-or-flight instincts from Munch. Munch is apprehensive but in a curious way. Gi and I high-five Santa as an introduction. She answers Santa's questions diligently. What do you want for Christmas? A new Princess camera. (Ok, I did not expect this response from Munch). Have you been a good girl? Yes. Did you brush your teeth this morning? (Perfect question because Munch usually makes us earn our parenting badges when it comes to brushing her teeth). Yes, I did. She, too, seem surprised that Santa inquired about her teeth brushing. At this point, I gingerly put Gi on Santa's lap and away we go. After a couple of shots, we get the picture that we want. No tears, no squirming, no frightful fleeing. Big sigh of relief from Poh Poh and Mommy. Finally!

Gi-ism 3.0

"Mommy, you dolt and I children."

"We humming beans."

"I ov waddermeldon."

"Peter go to my cool."

"I go to bal-li-a."

"Mommy, where you jubella?"

"I ov tsunami."

"Mommy and Daddy eat shi-shi."

"Bue-di-o"

Translation for the uninitiated

"Mommy, you're an adult and I'm a child."

"We are human beings."

"I love watermelon."

"Peter goes to my school."

"I go to ballet."

"Mommy, where is your umbrella?"

"I love salami."

"Mommy and Daddy eat sushi."

"Beautiful"

Cultural Buddies

We have to thank Ms. Robin and Amelie for turning us on to the Parker Playhouse and their kid-friendly shows. So far, the four of us have enjoyed Charlotte's Web, Fushu Daiku drumming and so-to-be-enjoyed, the Shanghai Circus. After the shows, we go to a nearby park where the girls can frolic some more before heading for home. Thanks for the the great pics, Robin!

Snow White and the Two Big Dwarfs

Another fun Halloween has come and passed. Munch started her Halloween this year by attending her school's dance party where she celebrated with some of her classmates and teachers. The following night, Gi went trick or treating with her daddy and then helped her mommy pass out candy on the driveway while feasting on pizza and other sugary delights. This year Munch opted to be Snow White while Hubs and I complimented her new persona by donning our lazily constructed costumes of Sleepy and Sneezy. Munch finally went to bed after 10:00 p.m. and proceeded to wake up at her usual time the next morning. No rest for the weary, right? Hope all our family and friends had a fun-filled Halloween. Gi is already talking about what she would like to be next year.

Boo at the Zoo

Miss Butterfly/Snow White and Miss Hello Kitty Kat sans doctor costume

Gi and Amelie are getting their face painted. No fear or fuss from both girls.

We made our annual trek to the Palm Beach Zoo to meet up with Ms. Robin and her cutie, Amelie, for some Halloween fun. Gi donned her Snow White costume (courtesy of Vovo Lydia). Amelie shined as an ER MD complete with stethoscope and syringe. Both girls consumed copious amounts of candy and even had their faces painted. Nothing like a little Halloween fun in humid 90 degree Florida weather. Happy Halloween everyone!

Rite of Passage

the consultation

ready, set, pierce!

Poh Poh admiring the handi-work


ta-da!

certified glamorous

relaxing at home

My Munch got her ears pierced!!! Ever since seeing her bff with earrings, Gi has been begging me to have her ears done. So we had it done today at the Sweet and Sassy kiddie salon (Thank you, Ms. Lori, for the recommendation). Munch was a champ! No crying or fussing the entire time. She picked out a pretty pink crystal flower stud. Afterwards, she was awarded with a glitter star on her cheek, glitter for her hair, a fancy lolly, and a certificate with a her picture on it. The girl was in 7th heaven!