New toys!

We found a nice store called Green Mother Goods here in Boone that sells wooden toys (which we prefer to buy). Paul and I wanted to check out this shop for some time, so we did it yesterday. And Luke got a new toy -- a wagon for wood blocks!

This morning, we put the toy in the living room. We want to surprise him when he woke up! Little early Christmas --- hahaha

So far, he has more enjoyed riding on it than playing with the wooden blocks (^-^)

A day in the park!

I took Luke to the local park and this was his first time play there! We have a very nice park not too far from our new townhouse. Today was a perfect day to spend time outside, and we had a great time (^-^)

He was not too happy with the swing...

but he liked to pick up wood chips, and of course, chew them...

Luke met a lot of new friends today. People here in Boone are very friendly, and Luke likes to follow other children, even though he is not old enough to catch up with them, but he was trying anyway!

I took him to this park the other day, but I accidentally locked my car keys in our car when we arrived... so instead of playing in the park, Luke and I had to walk to the university to get Daddy's spare car key --- it took nearly an hour to walk there, but again the weather was beautiful like today. Luke and I enjoyed being outside. And we had a late lunch with Daddy!! It was a fun day!

Luke's new friends!

Today Luke had a great time with Kiki and her kids, particularly her youngest son Wyatt, who is only one month younger than Luke. They are so cute together!

We need to see them more often, so that they can be a good friend just like their Moms.

Mission Reunion

This weekend I had a wonderful opportunity to attend my mission reunion! Months ago when I received the invitation, I never thought that I would be able to attend. But amazingly, everything come together and Paul and Luke also joined me to go to Utah! We stayed at my friend house (she was my favorite companion!) for the weekend. Thank you Kiki!!! We had such a great time spending time with her and her family. It was such a blessing. And it reminds me again how much I had wonderful time during my mission!! Kiki still makes me laugh as always (^-^)

Mission reunion was great, too! It was great to see all the sisters again. Paul was planning to come to the reunion as well, but on the way to the reunion, we got phone call from a baby sitter... she told us that Luke would not stop crying... poor Paul, he had to go back to my friend house and stayed with Luke --- but Paul had great time with Luke that day! But it turned out to be for the better, because if he had come to the reunion, he would have had to stay until 11:00 pm... thanks to Luke! Heeheehee

It was so nice to see President Snow and Sister Snow again. They both gave wonderful talks. I'm glad that I had chance to listen to their talks.

Birthday Boy!

I can't believe Luke is already 1 year old!!! We wanted to do something special for his 1st birthday, but we just moved into a new place, so boxes are all over the place... we tried to clean up as much as we could before his birthday --- but the place was still a bit of a mess... sorry Luke (*0*)

We got two balloons for his birthday. Every time we go to the grocery store, Luke points to the balloons and make cute little noises. So I promised to him that I will get one for him on his birthday! So I did. He loves them!!

I made cup cakes. This is his 1st time eating sweets.

He enjoyed it very much. After dinner, Paul gave him a bath. A few cake crumbs fell put from his clothes into the bathtub, Luke still tried to eat those.... yes, he definitely got a sweet tooth from Daddy (and Big Daddy)! --- hahaha

On the way back to NC

We had a wonderful summer in Japan. And also great time with Paul's parents in Virgina Beach for a few days before coming back to NC. It was very nice 7 hour drive back. We took a few pictures at the "Rest Area" on the highway.

It feels like autumn is right around the corner!

He is much better walking now. But still I want to hold his hands!!!!

Goodbye to Japan for now!

Today we are leaving Japan. My Mom wanted to come with us to Tokyo to make sure we are okay! I think all mothers are worried about children, even when her kids are already 35 years old --- hahaha We also contacted our good friends (the Mayhews). They were always there for me after my mission, and when my life was up and down. It was so nice to see them and introduce them to Luke!

We would love to spend more time with them next visit!

Fun visiters

My Mom's parents visited Luke and I, before we leave Japan. My grandma (on my mother's side) is very thoughtful for to think about staying for few days with us, and a day after we leave --- She was worried that maybe my mom will get lonely after we leave. She is so nice, isn't she?

Do you remember? This is our traditional picture taking spot. Here we are again take a photo ----hahaha

I had to boxed up all the hand-me-down clothes for Luke. My Mom, Aunt and Grandma were helping me (oh my goodness, I'm glad that they were here to help me!!! So many things to pack...) When we were sorting out, we found a cure tiger outfit! Of course this outfit is in the "NOT take" pile, but it was so cute outfit, so I had to put it on Luke! Here you go --- what do you think?

My Grandpa (on my Mom's side) was taking a nap in warm sunshine. But Luke decided to play with him!

We had a wonderful time with them! Thank you for coming and staying with us.

Visiting IUJ

Today Paul and I went to IUJ (International University of Japan) which we met each other 10 years ago. It is very memorable place for us (^0^)

It was very nice to see our old coworkers and introduced Luke to them. We would love to visit again!

During naptime

Paul had a chance to experience Japanese calligraphy (Shuuji) during the Japanese program at the Yamasa Institute school this summer. I wanted to see his writing, but he didn't bring it with him. Well, Luke was taking nap, and we had some time to do have fun --- we decided to do Shuuji together!

My Mom was a teacher for us today! Usually, my grandpa's job (he is very good and professional), but he got sick early this month and staying at the hospital since then (we visited him at the hospital, and he is already got better. But he decided to stay little longer there. Yes, he had too much busy time for three kids chasing around the house! I won't bream him to seeking peace and quiet --- hahaha).

Very good, isn't it?! I will frame this and pit it in our house (^-^)

My mom and I were trying to write Luke's middle name in Kanji --- Two similar Kanji characters together, so it was hard to make it right. We decided to wait until my grandpa comes back from hospital and write Luke's name for us!