Accident & Emergency

About 8:30 pm on Friday, I made my first trip to the emergency room with one of my children. Maddie decided to stick a shiny, green bead up her nose after I tucked her into bed. I tried but couldn't get it out, so I decided we better head to the A&E. After waiting to see a doctor for 45 minutes, the treatment only took 2 seconds. The doctor had me sit down and Maddie stand up in front of me. I had to plug her other nostril (so push down on it with my finger), and while doing so, blow into her mouth. The bead popped right out! Maddie grabbed the bead and threw it in her bag. I guess she wanted a souvenir. Unfortunately, I don't have any pretty pictures to post from the hospital. I'm just hoping that if something like this ever happens at your house, I can save you a trip to the A&E!

Snow Day 2

Last night, we got another text from ASL about 9:00 pm saying that school would be closed again. So even though the buses are moving people, the sun is shining, and the snow is melting, we got an extra day to enjoy what was left of London's rare snowstorm. After lunch, we took Izzie out to play in the slushy snow. She absolutely loved it and didn't seem to mind when she'd tumble over in it. She just smiled and laughed the entire time.

Snow Day

Maddie chasing Mom.

Maddie posing patiently for Mom.

London had its best snow day in 18 years, today. ASL sent out a text about 5:00 am letting us know that school had been cancelled for the day. No buses, barely any tube lines running, and few taxis makes for a quiet day in London. Luke worked from home, so while Isabelle was having her morning nap, Maddie went out to play in the snow.

Class Reunion

Recently, Maddie had her first class reunion. Her teacher, Suzanne, moved to Hong Kong at the end of last year. She came back to London for a visit and was able to come to a reunion with the kids who are still at ASL. Here are some pictures of Maddie at the reunion.

Maddie and Suzanne

Maddie with Suzanne and Lynn

Too Cute

Isn't she just too cute?

Outfit by Baby Gap

Accessories by Maddie

Hair Styled by Sticky Lunch Fingers

Sisters

Even though they are four and a half years apart, Madeleine and Isabelle still love playing together. They think it's great fun to push each other around in the doll stroller. Here are some action shots of their adventures down the hall.

Just getting situated

Looks like fun

Crash and burn

Here they go again

If you look closely, you'll notice Maddie's Fancy Nancy shoes and Izzie's shopping bag hanging from the stroller. Isabelle doesn't think that a stroller is ready to go unless it has bags hanging off it. She knows best... shopping bags!

Christmas in Tokyo

We had a great time in Tokyo. We arrived just in time to visit the Imperial Palace and celebrate the Emperor's birthday.

The Emperor giving his birthday speech accompanied by the royal family.

Izzie with the flag that the Japanese Boy Scouts gave her at the palace entrance.

We may not be royal but we're a happy family.

Papa Ricky, Maddie and Jack heading for Ginza.

Maddie, Jack and Luke at Ginza to do a little shopping.

Grammy Bammy and Papa Ricky took us to all the fun playgrounds.

We spent Christmas Eve at Tokyo Disneyland. We got home just in time to eat dinner, read Luke 2, and make cookies for Santa.

Tokyo Disneyland

Maddie's Favorite - Minnie's house.

Maddie made herself right at home in Minnie's chair.





It's a Small World

Izzie at the playground next to Goofy's house.

Dumbo

Izzie's Favorite - Mickey's House

Santa's Cookies

We tucked Maddie in for the night, and when we came back to check on her, this is what we found. She must have put on the reindeer hat on before she fell asleep. We quickly took the picture and ran out. We were laughing so hard that we didn't want to wake her up!

Izzie in Japanese fashion with her Japanese talking mobile phone on Christmas morning.

Maddie in Fancy Nancy/Japanese fashion.

After opening presents, we headed out to visit the Senso-ji temple.

The day after Christmas, Luke, Ally and Izzie headed to Kyoto and Nara on the bullet train while Maddie stayed behind to entertain Grammy Bammy, Papa Ricky, and Aunt Krissy.

The Golden Pavilion

Izzie walking around the grounds at the Golden Pavilion.

The Zen Garden at Daitoku-ji Temple

Izzie and Luke with Buddah.

Izzie and Luke overlooking Kyoto from Daigo-ji Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Gion - We saw five geishas going to work.

While we were out seeing the sights, Maddie was going to the playground and eating at Wendy's.

Ally and Kristina at Harajuku.

The girls only get McDonalds in London so going to Wendy's in Tokyo was their favorite outing.

Izzie just likes fries.

Maddie is all about the burgers and fries.

One day, Grammy Bammy stayed home with the little kids. Papa Ricky took the big kids to Kamakura.

Ally should have practiced using chopsticks before the trip. Papa Ricky had to feed her a snack.

Luke, Ally and Kristina with Daibutsu, the Great Buddah.

Luke and Ally with a little but very cheerful Buddah.

Papa Ricky and Grammy Bammy took Maddie to see Hachiko, a statue of a loyal dog who waited for his master every night for more than a decade after his death. Grammy Bammy has a storybook about the dog and Papa Ricky read it to her before the outing.

Thanks for a great holiday, Papa Ricky and Grammy Bammy! We had an amazing time. Come visit us soon!