The 2008 Review

Ah.. The year end review.. I don't like to look back in the past but rather focus in the future. But there is one thing that I don't mind looking back often. I love to review our travel trips from the past to relive the fun and treasure all the memories we have created with all those trips.

At the beginning of 2008, I have made a list of Top 10 Weekend Trips that we could do from our homebase in Atlanta.. How did I do..

We did take a trip to Helen for our anniversary. It wasn't the romantic getaway that we were planning for but nonetheless it was the fun family trip that my kids are still talking about.

Then in September, we took a day trip to Chattanooga for the fun full day at the Creative Discovery Children Museum and Tennessee Aquarium.

And to celebrate my birthday in October, we went to Destin for a few days.. Oh!! This will be one of my annual trip as long as we can afford it. The beaches are gorgeous.

So we managed to check off 3 out of 10 from our list. Not too bad. In between, we also went to the Carribean on Carnival cruise. It's yet another one of our favorite vacation type. I already start planning for the next cruise.

I can't wait to start planning for 2009 trips.. So far, one is already in progress.. Stay tune for our next adventure.

The American Girl Bistro

This Christmas Miss J got a brand new American Girl doll. Ok.. I know.. I know.. American Girl doll is a bit (maybe a lot) expensive doll. For $90 per doll, it seems kind of excessive for a 7 years old girl. However, I love their concept of the girl with character. I really like how they tie history to a doll character with books. Maybe it's my childhood dream to own one that push to get the American girl doll for Miss J this Christmas. I can't be sure..

So a couple days ago we took her to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro for a night out with her new friend. It was so cute. She got matching outfits from Grandma and Grandpa. Her new friend had her own chair.. The bistro is nicely decorated with the modern style in there. It was very nice atmosphere. The menu is pretty much straight forward. The price is fixed per person.. At $14.50 per person, I think it's way too expensive. But I guess most of the time, it's for special occasion.. With that you gets the choice of one appetizer and one meal. The food is pretty decent but small in size. I guess they don't expect girls to eat much. After the meal, she got to stroll around the store and checked out all other accessories. Now she just has to save up her money for those if she wants any.. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!

I was planning to write up this long post about how proud I am of myself to celebrate my first Blogniversary. But I just don't have it in me today to do so..

So to me, Happy 1st Blog-niversary. I have enjoyed my journey and met several new friends. I hope this year journey will be more fun and greater than last year.

The Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre

Today we took Miss J and Mr. Z to the Fox Theater for the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker show...

Ah.. It was such a great experience for both of them and myself. It was the first time for me to visit the Fox theater. What an amazing theater!! I was so in awe for the beauty of the architecture and details of the building. I didn't know about the history of the Fox until to read it from their website. It makes the experience of the show even more magical. The history that has been preserved through time makes me feel like we have been transformed to the different time.

The show is no doubt fun and captivating. This will surely be one of our holiday activity from now on. Maybe next year I might invest in a better seat. :) I wasn't sure how they will do with such a long show.. So I purchased the cheapest seat. To my surprise, we were almost at the front row but to the left of the theater. I guess next year we can try to get a seat on the middle section of the theater.

Miss J and Mr. Z got to enjoy the musician during the intermission on the front row.

Photo Friday: English Tea on the high sea

Sometimes (or most of the time) the best experience we have had during our traveling is when we didn't plan for.. This is one of the case. During our cruise trip on Carnival, after we had checked the kids in for their kiddie program, we walked around and stumbled upon the English tea at the cigar room. Typically, we probably wouldn't pay attention or have enough interest to go check them out ourselves. But the setting and the little pieces of pastries were calling our name. We sat down and enjoyed our little quiet time san kids in the afternoon over the sea.. Ah.. That's what I call 'vacation'...

Check out other Photo Friday participants around the world at Delicious Baby.

It's CHRISTmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Last night we had a small Christmas eve dinner with friends. Nothing big just us and their family. It's my first Christmas eve dinner that I cooked and prepared everything myself. I'm pretty proud of myself. Bonus for a small gathering is everyone gets to eat at the dining room.. Ah.. What a treat!

Santa has arrived in Atlanta at 11pm. Look what he brought with him to the Q house!


I was so touched this morning as we woke up to Christmas day. Miss J and Mr. Z saw what Santa brought for them and the first thing Miss J said was.. 'We have to pray to God and thanks him for Jesus'. That's what Christmas is all about!!!!

Someone was asking for American Girls and guessed she has been good!


A bit OCD??? Mr. Z lined up his toy in a perfect line. That's just how he likes it.