So sorry

Hello.  I am sorry obachan and ojichan that we have not contacted you.  This last semester I was working and finishing my school, and it was very hard.  Yoshi has also been very busy.  We are okay and will call you soon!

Also, sorry no pictures in this blog.  I have not downloaded them to my computer yet.  I will share some soon!

Maia, Tai, and Emi miss you very much, too.

Birthday celebrations etc.

Hello! We are alive and doing pretty well although the weather is COLD outside. Emi is now 2 and Tai is 6! Also, Tai had a celebration at school where he had to dress like a man who is 100 years old. The results were pretty funny!

Tai and his friend

This cute video is Tai and his friend singing "Everything is Awesome" from the Lego Movie.  They are so funny!

Job

After 5 long years of being a stay-home mom, I decided that it was a good time to return to the working world. Actually, I found a job that I could not pass up. My dream had been to find a part-time job so that I could still be home to take care of the kids as much as possible, but still have an opportunity to use my education and work with kids. My schedule is working on Mondays from 9-12 and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-4.   I've been working almost a month now, and I feel more comfortable with balancing everything.

I am extremely fortunate, because this is an ESL job, and they hired me before I have even finished my master's degree. I will be finished this Spring, but I am taking my last official class right now.  The situation could not be any more perfect.   I am enjoying working with kids again! Finding the time to balance everything has been challenging, but I'm getting used to it! Maia, Tai, and Emi sometimes don't like waking up earlier, but they are also adjusting. Also, Emi doesn't mind going to her daycare, which is a huge relief. I am so happy to be teaching again.

Thank you!

Thank you, Obachan and Ojichan for the great presents and money!  It is very kind of you.  Maia, Tai, and Emi are very happy!  We hope you are doing well!

Some pictures:  

A lazy summer day eating ice-cream in their own individual "boats."

Watching the train at the zoo

Emi and Tai decided to take a break because they were so tired!