Making Pizza on Her Birthday

On her birthday Akemi wanted to have pizza and helped make it. Take a look:

Howdy Ribfest

Last Sunday we made it to the Ribfest and had our long awaited ribs and corn on the cob. This year I made it to three different stands - Kentucky, Uncle Sams, and Billy Bones. The first and the last were good, but that Uncle Sams was terrible - no wonder the line was so short.

Akemi was more focused on her corn-on-the-cob and lollipop. I don't think she even tried one rib this year. They also had face painting, rides and a magician - and a place that sold cowgirl hats.

Canada Day Fireworks

What a fun-filled Canada Day! In the morning we went to Centre Island and met up with my friend Brent and his family from Ottawa. The day passed so quickly that it was after 5 before we left.

After a very long nap by everyone, we went to the Ribfest to have ribs and corn on the cob, and to see the fireworks. We had been talking about this the whole week and Nina was so excited to be allowed to stay up and see fireworks for the first time in her life. It was just before 9 by the time we got there (very long nap) and I was starving. However, the line up to get in was outrageous and not moving. Later we found out the the food part closes at 9.

We were debating about going home, but we didn't want to cheat Nina from seeing the fireworks. We sat on the grass at Centennial Park and feasted on stale popcorn and warm cashews. Prior to the real show, amateurs were sporadically launching fireworks in different areas of the park. This alone was enough to amuse Nina. In between the random sparks, she would play a game where I would say "Look at the fireworks!" and she would jump up and say "Pop!".

In spite of her long nap, she was getting sleepy, thirsty and hungry. The feeble layman pyrotechnics failed to amuse her anymore and before 10 when the show was supposed to begin, she was ready to pack it in. However, we managed to distract her until the main event.

With the first explosion of the real fireworks she lit up with awe. Each subsequent display was her new favorite and she was assigning names to them. By the end of the show, although sleepy, her tiredness was gone. She was ecstatic about her new experience. This morning when I asked her what she dreamed about, instead of saying "My little pony", she said "Fireworks!".

First Odori Concert

Akemi had her first odori concert on stage last Sunday at Momiji. It was literally standing room only. I saved some seats in the front row for my folks and my Aunt Maki and Aunt Haru.

It was pretty much an all-day affair. Silvina had to be there at 11:30 to get her prepared and the concert started at 2. I don't think we left until after 4.

This frowny face was only after the concert when she was resisting the camera.