Making Paper Cranes

The Ladybug and I started a little project the other day. We decided to make some paper cranes, in honor of the people of Japan. The Ladybug is so diligent in her work and soon became an expert at pressing each and every fold. I am amazed at her creation and concentration, as well as her enthusiasm for the activity.

The idea of making the paper cranes came from a book called Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It is based on a true story of an inspiring young girl. This description comes from the back of the book:

"Hiroshima-born Sadako is lively and athletic - the start of her school's running team. And then the dizzy spells start. Soon gravely ill with leukemia, an aftereffect of the atom bomb that fell on her city when she was only an infant, Sadako approaches her illness as she did her running - with irrepressible spirit. Recalling a Japanese legend, Sadako sets to work folding paper cranes. For the legend holds that if a sick person folds one thousand cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. Based on a true story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes celebrates the courage that made one young woman a heroine in Japan."

I started this little project at school with my students, in honor of all the people of Japan. With each crane that we fold and create, we are sending our love and prayers for all of the suffering and loss they have endured. Each crane also comes with many wishes for a new tomorrow.

~~Aloha!

Silly Lips

The Baby Butterfly has a very silly personality, she definitely keeps us on our toes. She is wold and crazy and loves to laugh, dance, and play all day long.

Just the other day she and I were talking, and I moved my lips back and forth while I was thinking about something (don't remember what it was though... must be old age!). She tried to copy what I was doing, and ended up making me laugh. Her "silly lips" were totally unexpected, and now the funny movements makes me chuckle each time I see her wiggle her adorable lips.

Enjoy!


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

(If the above video did not load, try clicking here.)
~~Aloha!

The Ladybug is Now Five!

We knew it was going to happen, we had been planning it for several years. I just cannot believe that it finally came. The Ladybug turned five years old!

A few years ago the Ladybug was walking with her daddy when they passed some children on a baseball field playing ball.

She asked him what they were doing and he replied, "Playing baseball."
At just two years old she proclaimed, "I want to play baseball!"
Her Daddy said, "Sorry honey, but you have to be five years old to play baseball, and you are only two. You will have to wait three years before you will be allowed to play."
The Ladybug was a bit disappointed, but seemed content with that answer, and continued on her way.

Over the next few years, each time we passed a baseball field with children playing, the Ladybug commented that she wanted to play baseball, but she knew that would have to wait until she was five years old.

The age of five seemed so far off at that point in time, twice her age away as a matter of fact! But as time passed, the inevitability of that number seemed to creep eerily closer. And, this past Saturday, that day finally became a reality.

To help make the day extra special for the Ladybug, her Nana Schoo came out for a special visit.

On the eve of her birthday, after the Bug had gone to bed, the three adults (Nana, Daddy, and Mommy) spent time wrapping gifts and decorating her bedroom door. We took some simple red balloons and a permanent marker and created some adorable ladybug balloons. We also made a couple signs to help announce her special day.

The next morning, the Ladybug walked out of her room, walked by her door, stopped dead in her tracks and then backed up. She looked at the door and in a state of shock said, "Whoah!!!" It was an awesome response for all of the fun we had decorating.

Rather than making her wait until later in the day or evening to unwrap her gifts (an extremely agonizing thing to do for a young kid), we decided to allow her to open her gifts in the morning. She loved this option! She received a few fun little gifts, her favorites being a few archeological digs, a new doll stroller and accessories, a pretty princess dress, and her very own tool box. When looking at the gifts, I am amazed at the broad range of things she received... from princess to archeologist, to hands-on construction. This kid definitely likes a wide range of things, and I am so proud of her for that. Kudos little girl!


Her gifts from both Nana's, Mommy, Daddy, and her sister.

The Ladybug's favorite gift, her very own toolbox with real tools inside!

A Sonic Screwdriver (Dr. Who fans know what this is!).

The Baby Butterfly trying on her sister's new safety goggles.

After a fun afternoon together, we finally made our way to the Ladybug's favorite restaurant. It is a place we only visit about once per year because it is rather expensive, but it boasts the best Asian food around. We all loved the food as well as the time together.


The Butterfly writing and drawing before dinner. I just love her concentration.

A silly little grin during dinner.

At the end of the day, Daddy and I tucked the big girl into bed. She gave us both great big hugs and thanked us for a great day. As we walked out of her room she asked, "So, when do I start baseball?" My of my, that girl has a memory like a steel trap!

We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful time as a family celebrating the Ladybug's fifth birthday. I still cannot believe that my little baby is already five! How can this be?!?!? Amazing how time seems to fly by.


Age one.

Age two.

Age three.

Age four.

And finally, age five!

Happy Birthday beautiful girl. I love you always!!!

~~Aloha!

Wordless Wednesday, Butterfly & her Blocks

~~Aloha!