Valentine's Gifts....

Today, Jasmine received her Valentine gift box from Grandma and Grandpa Baker. It contained lots of stickers, candy, a Dora bouncy ball, socks and a shirt. She also received a new outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Blakeman.

Opening her presents.
New outfit and bouncy ball.

Asian New Year's Party

Today, after going to Kid's Club (the gym) and swimming lessons, we went to the FCC/FCV (Families with Children from China/Vietnam/Cambodia/Malaysia) New Year party at Tempe Kiwanis Park. The weather was a perfect 70 degrees, sometimes even too hot in the direct sun.

We started in the kid's section in Jazzy's favorite place.... the bouncy house. She was in there forever before I could get her out. We then went over to the tee shirt making booth where we stenciled red Asian designs on her shirt... a lantern, dragon, bonsai tree and other designs. There were many other booths.... face painting, necklace making, sticker designs.... and of course the cake walk where I was assigned to work. Jazzy did the cake walk many many times and never won. I don't think she understood the process because she kept looking at the table with all of the cakes on it and asking for a cake..... even though she didn't win one:(. Since I had to stay there and work for awhile, she put on her sunglasses, laid on the grass and took a short nap.

We had a nice Asian lunch, and the entertainment was continuous. Chinese dragons, storytellers, drummers and musicians.
There was even a "parade" of kids according to the Province from which they came from in China/Vietnam/Cambodia or Malaysia. It was a really fun day, but Jasmine fell asleep in the car within 3 seconds of us getting in.... and I am not exaggerating!

Modeling the tee shirt Jasmine made
Jasmine eating lunch
On stage next to the Vietnam sign
Dragons
Very worried when the dragons came into the audience

swimming lessons....

Every Saturday morning, we drive to Chandler for swimming lessons. Jazzy got a new bathing suit, which she is modeling in the photo. After swimming, we went to Whole Foods market for shopping and lunch, then to Target to shop for a couple of birthday parties we will be attending. The first party is for cousin Damion who is turning 5. The second one is for Gadiel, Jasmine's boyfriend of one year now. Her relationship has lasted longer than most of mine do!


Modeling her new swim suit
Waiting for swim lessons to start

Casa Grande Street Fair....

Today we went to the Casa Grande street fair where there were lots of arts and crafts displays and sales. We got a bit of birthday shopping done for the myriad of birthday parties we will be attending in the next few months. We also saw so many people we know from the gym, dancing and gymnastics ... as well as my patients that I haven't seen in 15 years! Jazzy always wants popcorn, lemonade, and other "fair food" too.

new dancing lessons....

We started a new dance lesson location. Much better since parents get to watch. It's a combination of tap and ballet. Very cute...!

impromptu wild New Year's Eve party......

Yesterday, we decided to have a New Year's party. We invited our neighbors.... Grandma and Grandpa Blakeman, Aunt Dorene, and cousins Jade, Justin, Dylan and Damion. We went to a local dive restaurant that was open and got alot of appetizers: chicken quesedellas, mozeralla sticks, zucchini sticks, potato skins, as well as lots of junk food from the grocery store and Whole Foods. We topped it off with a big chocolate cake. Everyone colored, played with Jazzy's new kitchen, ran around like crazy people in the tent, and had alot of fun.

Damion, Jade, Dylan and Jazzy
Jade and Jasmine
Grandma and Grandpa Blakeman

Columbus Zoo....

Last night, we went to the Columbus Zoo to see the lights. Right when we arrived, it started pouring down snow, plus it was way too cold. We didn't stay very long, but did get a good look at some of the amazing lights. Later, Jasmine learned to play the piano:)