Happy, Happier, Happiest Birthdays to Ben!

Ben's birthday celebration began on Thanksgiving when he had a dinosaur cake...



He was a little shy and didn't like all of the attention the first time around, but he was agreeable to a few photos with his "3".



To prepare for his preschool birthday celebration, Ben helped make happy-face cupcakes. On the drive to school he said, "Make sure the candies don't fall off of my cupcakes!"



For his birthday dinner, Ben asked for gyoza. He loves the orange garnish they serve at restaurants, so his dinner wouldn't be complete without them. How can you not feel special when you've got the red plate and am embelished birthday crown?



To cap it all off, Ben had an ice cream cake and blew out his "3" candle, making a wish. I'm sure his wish was that his next birthday wasn't so far away.

Thanksgiving in San Francisco

The Kozuki and Higuchi families gathered in San Francisco to celebrate Thanksgiving. It was such a treat to have everyone together...



While in the city, Ben saw a fire truck up close! Thankfully, no emergency. Just some hungry fire fighters.



The kids took their first trip to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 for the best fish and chips Sho's ever had! When leaving the city, Kara said, "I love San Francisco" and was glad to know that we'd visit again.





When we got home and were ready for bed, I asked Kara and Ben about the best part of their day. Kara said it was having our whole family together... Ben's was having a lollipop!

Hope you enjoyed time with family and friends and we are thankful that you care about us and that you're checking out our blog :)

Too cute not to share

When I got back into town after being away for a few days, Kara surprised me with the picture she drew of herself, me and her baby brother. As you can see, Kara is learning to sound out words and spell. The days of spelling out words to communicate things we don't want her to understand might soon be coming to an end.

He's looking at me.... No, he's looking at me!

We've been trying to get pictures of all three of the kids together... looking at the camera... and smiling. I know this is asking a lot! I asked them to sit on the couch to take a picture and it turned into Kara and Ben arguing over who got to hold Jason. They also argue over who Jason is looking at or who gets to sit closer or who gets to touch Jason. At least we know he's loved!



So Kara got to hold Jason first and then Ben decided he was fine to just do his own thing. Our cute, little independent thinker.

Goodbye to Nat's

For a few years we've been going to eat breakfast at Nat's in Sherman Oaks and earlier this week, we had our last pancakes and waffles with our friends there. It was sad to say goodbye to the people who have kept our tummies happy and watched our little ones grow up...



The waitresses knew our usual order, but before we left, Kara and Ben discovered their hot chocolate with whipped cream and they were happy to finally order their own "coffee" in a mug.



Like all of our friends and favorite southern California spots, we'll miss you and we'll be back to visit soon.