2012 Family Photos

Here are this year's family photos. I was envisioning photos in a tall golden grassy field, so the photographer introduced us to the Pearson Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto. Luckily, we had some amazingly warm October weather that day. Not surprisingly, Kaitlyn refused to smile for the camera, and we spent the first half of the session trying to get her comfortable with the photographer and camera. It wasn't until we bribed her with gummy fruit candies and lollipops that we got some decent smiles.

All photos by Kim Tsui Photography.

At first Kaitlyn refused to leave our side and walk toward the photographer. However, after Kim gave her a few fruit gummies, Kaitlyn kept running back for more.

Finally happy with a lollipop.

Hong Kong! Playdates

Hong Kong, Part I

Hong Kong, Part II

And the last post from our Hong Kong trip... 

While we were in Hong Kong, Mommy set me up on two dates. Oooh, dates with boys! I couldn't complain -  it was more exciting than hanging out with just Mommy and Daddy and shopping.

First, I had a date with Markus. His mommy Auntie Jessie and Mommy were roommates in business school. He took me to this gigantic playground that was part of their apartment complex - there was so much space to run around! Markus really knew how to show me a good time; I played so hard that I fell asleep during lunch. When I woke up, I kept asking "what happened to Markus?"

My second date was with two boys, Evan and Justin. Their mommy Auntie Valerie and Mommy were also roommates when they lived in LA. I had fun playing with their toys but more importantly, I met their dog, Nobu. Sadly, I was more interested in playing with the dog than with the boys.

Hong Kong! (More Adventures)

Here are some more photos from our Hong Kong adventure.

Being in a busy city, Mommy and Daddy had to find ways to keep me entertained in Hong Kong. We went to so many malls, but they weren't exactly ideal for active toddlers like me. I have a lot of energy and all I wanted to do was move around.

At least most of the malls had their huge Christmas displays up already, which helped to keep me entertained.

I did not want to leave this giant bear!

The best decorations were the giant LEGO exhibits at Times Square. Mommy went picture happy with all the cute little LEGO men.

We also spent an afternoon at the Hong Kong Museum of Science. I especially enjoyed building giant castles at the kids area.



It wasn't until halfway through our trip that we discovered a huge playground right around the corner from our hotel. And since 70 degrees is considered "cold" in Hong Kong, we were practically the only ones there. It was so big - and clean too! Wish we had discovered it earlier.

Also by our hotel was this touristy walkway along the waterfront, with views of the Hong Kong skyline.

Mommy: "Look, it's Bruce Lee!"
Me: "No Bruce Lee! Bruce Lee scary!"

We ♥ Hong Kong!

Happy Face

Kaitlyn learned how to draw a happy face. :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

"Happy birthday Daddy! I want party. I want cake." - Me

I got to help pick out Daddy's birthday cake.  I've really been into snowmen lately.

Hong Kong!

My first international trip!  Mommy and Daddy took me to Hong Kong for a week. We visited family and friends, and did a ton of walking, eating, and shopping.

I don't even know where to begin, so let's go straight to the pictures.

All ready to sit in that plane for 15 hours!

We survived the long flight. I spent most of my time watching iPad, coloring, drawing, and even slept for a few hours.

The main reason for our trip to Hong Kong was to meet Tai-poh, Daddy's grandma, for the first time. I was shy when I first met her but it didn't take long to warm up. It helped that we shared a love for stuffed animals.

I also got to spend time with my aunties and uncles from both Hong Kong and Vancouver.  

With "other" yi-poh, yi-poh, and Auntie Sammy. We started calling Auntie Tonya "other" yi-poh so as not to get the two yi-poh's confused, and the name just kinda stuck.

One of my favorite things about Hong Kong was just getting around. We rode so many different modes of transportation. My favorites were the subway and ferry, but I also loved the taxicabs (sitting in a car with no car seat!) and the double-decker tram. There were also elevators and escalators galore. It never got old for me.

Subway!

Ferry across the harbour.

Mommy bought me this cheap stroller when we got there. I barely even sit in my stroller at home so it was amazing that I actually wanted to sit in this one. 

I also rode in the "Mommy backpack" a lot. We did a lot of walking, and had to take lots of stairs to go down to the subways and cross streets. Mommy got a great leg workout with a 25-lb weight strapped to her.

Many naps were taken like this. 

We all went to a small street market one morning. While Mommy and Daddy shopped, other yi-poh and yi-goong took me to visit the pet stores in the area. I came back with a surprise.

Look! Other yi-poh bought me a pet fish!

We appropriately named him Baby Red Fish, after one of my favorite episodes of Dora.

And of course we ate a lot. Our favorites included breakfasts at Australia Dairy Company (macaroni soup, egg and toast, and milk tea all for under $4!), Shanghai dumplings at Crystal Jade, lots of dim sum, wonton mein, and LOTS of sweet desserts. 

Even breakfast at McDonald's was yummy! Sausage and egg macaroni soup, hash brown, and milk tea. 

Afternoon tea! A must-do when you're in Hong Kong.

There was so much to see and do in Hong Kong, it was a fun, but very tiring trip. Stay tuned for more photos!