We got to attend another Chinese New Year party at a restaurant in Rockville.  It was for a Chinese language and culture school (mainly for adoptive families and other Chinese Americans.)  I lady I met through Families with Children from China invited us.  The best part was the lion dance!  Ariel got to participate and feed money to the lions.  Alice was in town for a short visit, so she got to go with us. 

We also visited my friend Norma, who I worked in a lab with.  She has a son, Miguel, who is Ariel's age.  It was the first time we'd seen each other in 7 years.  Forgot to take any pictures, but we had a nice visit / play date.

The next day was warmer and sunny, so we had a nature walk at Huntley Meadows nature preserve.

After Alice's visit, Ariel caught up on her rest with Nene.

 Ariel has a renewed interest in Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon cat.  We have one Doraemon video with English songs, and this Doraemon doll that I got on a whim from a thrift store in Japan.  Little did I know these items would become so loved.  Of course, it's all guided by the spirit of the real Doraemon, one of Ariel's first cats.  His portrait hangs in the dining room.

Nene & Ralph's daily cuddle time.

Happy Valentine's Day

This picture is from a year ago, while Jeff was deployed.  Ariel & I stopped at our east side shoppette (a convenient store on a military base), and they were having a Valentine's Day party.  It was a cold, dreary day, and we were the only customers.  We could sit on this red couch and have a photo taken.  Imagine Ariel looking at about 6 Japanese and Filipina women laughing and trying to make her smile.  I'm not being racist, but you just have to picture it, and maybe it explains the flabbergasted look on her face.

The nice ladies printed this photo and gave it to us.  I kept it in my car, then must've stuck it in a library book. Several months later, one of the librarians saw us and gave it back to us.

Two years ago, Doraemon and Ralph enjoyed Valentine's Day snuggling on a snowy day.  We miss you, Doraemon!

We're grateful to all be together this year on Valentine's Day, and that Nene can spend it with us.

Doraemon

Recent photo of "the triplets":

I'm still catching up on some trip photos, but need to tell everyone that Doraemon passed peacefully into cat heaven yesterday. He was not doing well, so I made the hard decision to take him in. Our vet knows him, so she was very kind and let us take plenty of time. She was sad to see Doraemon go, too. He was a wonderful "old man son" for the almost 2 years we've had him. I'm glad I at least had a week to cuddle him after we got back.

life in the "fallout zone"

These are some photos from the few days before we left Japan.

our babies

Doraemon in his special treat position.

just playing

the shoppette is stocked with essentials!

Who's the boss?

Year of the Rabbit

We've been catching up at home, getting ready to celebrate a late Chinese New Year together. We were honored to meet Yaoyao's new baby yesterday, while Ariel and Becca played together. Welcome baby Sydney!

Have a shoe.

Thank you.

Busy at the piano.

a concerto for her brothers

happy naptime, Schmig

Cats, Cats, Cats

our sweet boys

Milo will stay until the end of February. He brings a happy energy to the house. Ariel adores him.

Friday

Doraemon goes out. He just wants to enjoy the outdoors, and isn't climbing the fence. At this moment, they were bird-watching.

We attended a "hail & farewell" and awards ceremony at the flying squadron. Meredith is D.C.-bound. She and her husband arrived here the same time we did. We'll miss you!

Destry gets a medal and tells a few stories of his year in Afghanistan.

a big hug for Cameron

Cutting loose at home after our busy day.

eyeing Doraemon's flounder fillets

watching Dr. Oz

in the spirit of Christmas

(for Jeff and cat-lovers everywhere)
a video of Ralph cleaning Doraemon's ear:

Christmas Eve

We were invited to a friend's house for Christmas Eve, but just need to stay home and rest. Ariel is doing much better, but I'm still sick.

We tried for a group shot that flattered everyone.

I sensed a disagreement over the heating pad.

bedtime

Once the hand-licking starts, the Sandman is on his way.

almost too tired for books

Doraemon always gets in on the snuggling.

We did find out his cheek mass was malignant (we suspected, since it's already grown back at the corner of his mouth.) We were prepared for anything when we adopted an older cat. So at this point, Doraemon gets whatever he wants.

sweet dreams, my sweetie

She's growing into some hand-me-down pajamas from friends.

She can even wear a 2T if it's shrunken enough.

the boys

Still no diagnosis for Doraemon, but we don't think it's good. He's in good spirits, though.

catnap with Ralph

still nice weather

Doraemon had his sutures out yesterday. We don't know the pathology report on his mass yet.

Ariel & Japanese persimmon (kaki)

walking partner!

autumn at home

We're in the Christmas spirit already!

(Yes, Mom, they are all white lights. They are already installed on the tree. It's easy and simple and will have to do. Any more wires, and the cats go batty with them.)

Skyping Jeff in his dorm room in Kabul.

Sleeping Beauty and Prince D-Mon.

Having fun thinking about self-feeding. She will put a handful of food to her mouth and smile, but doesn't eat much that way.

The big toy giveaway: Audrey & Brian let us pick out some toys as they get ready to move. Thanks so much for the special toys! We might come back for more! Pretty outfit courtesy of Grandma Barb and Papa Rich.

Sarah, Ariel, and Flat Daddy.

Walking!

The shoes are hand-me-downs from Marina & Kent. They're Swedish shoes.

"Watch me twirl my leaf."