More from New Year's Day

New Year's also represents seeing family and eating Mama's delicious osechi ryori. My favorite is the ozoni (mochi with special soup).

11 Years Old

I remember thinking that Sam would always seem young since he hasn't hit double-digits in his age... well, last year he turned ten, and now, eleven. Now I still think he seems young because he hasn't hit the teen years yet. But that will come soon enough.

Sam currently enjoys the Wii U game console, which he received for Christmas and his birthday, and Mario Maker. In the game Mario Maker, players can design courses as well as play other maker's courses from around the world. It's quite intricate and fascinating! We celebrated Sam's birthday with bundt cake and presents at our house.

Looking forward... to 2016

Museum of Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance contains many exhibits about the Holocaust. Anne Frank is featured, with reproductions of her diary, a 360-degree feature film of her time in the annex, and an interactive lab where visitors can record their thoughts. We had a nice afternoon visiting the museum with Gabbi, Olivia, Seth and Rachel.

Anna's Mochi Project : Step-by-Step

December Candids

La Jolla and Mount Soledad

I'm still amazed at the places we have yet to visit in Southern California. We decided to do a little excursion to La Jolla, where Lily's soccer tournament took place recently. We took a walk along La Jolla Cove and watched several sea lions as they relaxed on the sand at their own private beach. Many would waddle in and out of the water, mostly waddling onto the sand to sun themselves. Afterwards we drove up to Mount Soledad and its infamous cross. It's a spectacular view of the whole city once you climb up the stairs to the summit.