Portland Visit

We went up to the Great Northwest for a visit with family and friends last week. We left a snowy and cold Tahoe for sunshine and warm temps in Portland - go figure.

Kenzo really soaked up all the activity: birthday parties (Kinya 76 & Kaz 5), kindergarten visit, parks, zoos, restaurants, and lots of love and attention from everyone!

Chillin' with Jiji in the morning...








Clapping for Grandma...













The girls were very excited to see Kenzo again!

















We went to Maya's school for a special presentation. Everyone gave a report on the animal of their choice, and Maya's was polar bears! Each "book" had beautiful illustrations on each page to go along with the information. Maya dedicated her book to Fuji, the former family cat.









Henry and Kenzo at the presentation.

















Maya's kindergarten class...yep, all 10 of 'em. Everyone did an amazing job with their presentations. I was quite impressed by these little people.











What do Portland-ites do when the sun comes out? I don't think they work. Jamison Park was busy with parents and kiddies, playing in the water fountain, enjoying the gorgeous day and trying to not get sunburned. Aah, green grass, blooming trees, blue skies - it finally felt like Spring to Portland's population, and a couple of Tahoe folks too.









Cute.

















We went to Kaz's 5th birthday party at the basketball gym - so fun! Kaz and Nikko were sporting their Lakers and Blazers jerseys. Those boys are superstars!











Nikko showing off his mad skills...

















We made a quick trip to the Portland Zoo after school & met up with Julie, Lauren & Ryan. It was such a nice afternoon and great to stretch our legs around the zoo grounds.















Ryan, Maya, Naomi & Lauren getting their African drum beats on!












Naomi and Lauren pose at the lion area.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to me. And, of course, to my mom and to all the great moms I know and love.

I was asked yesterday "what's been the most surprising thing about motherhood?" I answered "that I love it so much!" Well, it certainly helps that Kenzo is THE BEST BABY EVER! Seriously, he makes this so easy and so much fun.








Mother's Day morning at the Hagglof home! Yum...so full...great friends...lots of laughs...thanks for the amazing breakfast!












Yesterday we went to Sacramento to enjoy some warmer weather, grocery shopping at Oto's for Japanese foods, and a birthday party.

It was so nice to be in short-sleeved shirts for a change! We made a pit stop at the park and stretched our legs...

Kenzo and dad sharing a good laugh...











Later that day we went to Mieko & Nick's house in Woodland for Kiyomi's first birthday party! It was great to see everyone & to celebrate this milestone with family.











Birthday girl Kiyomi!

















Uncle Alan with Caden & Kenji...

















Seiko and sweet little Jack (14 months old). Thanks for all the hand-me-downs you guys!

















Kenzo got lots of hugs and kisses from everyone....he immediately chilled out when Auntie Yuki got hold of him!













The birthday girl had her own mini cake to devour!

Happy Boys' Day

Well, actually now it's "Children's Day" but I always remember May 5th as for the boys and March 3rd for the girls.

While I don't speak any Japanese (except when in Japan and faced with the decision of what to eat) I would like to keep some Japanese traditions alive in our home and to remind Kenzo of his strong heritage...as if his name weren't enough!








Colorful carp flags fly outside the home to celebrate the day. They symbolize a strong, powerful spirit that can fight it's way up fast-moving streams.

The carp has great strength and determination to overcome all obstacles, and it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. The day celebrates the healthy growth and development of young boys, and now all children.

Kenzo has a big, red carp flag in his room, and we'll hopefully get some to hang outside next year.








A gift for Kenzo from my friend's mom in Japan.

Momotaro and Kintaro (I think?)...both defeat evil demons and are two warrior dolls often displayed for the celebration.

Gads, I'm a lousy Nihon-jin ...gotta get my legends straight and at least remember the stories to tell Kenzo! Maybe next year we'll have a party with some good Japanese food & sake. OR since we're in Cali, we could do tacos and combine the party with Cinco de Mayo?!

Eight Months Old!

Eight months old....two bottom teeth....four top teeth....almost 18 pounds...

Routine errands are so interesting for Kenzo: trips to the grocery store, the post office, getting coffee at the Tahoe House, and even car rides don't put him immediately to sleep any more. Everywhere we go, Kenzo's sweet face makes people pause and smile!








It's been a long and cold winter and now into spring, but
finally....sunshine! We are definitely ready for some nice weather and spending time outside.











Kenzo out enjoying his new ride, compliments of Julie, Dannielle & Kristi. Does this mean I have to start jogging or can I just walk quickly?