More fun....

The rug they are playing on is heated. They do things special in Japan.

Osaka ~ having fun

We arrived in Osaka on Thursday afternoon, just after lunch. Heather and Lili were waiting for us at the airport and someone from their church had kindly driven them to get us. They live an hour and 20 minutes from the airport so it would have been a fair slog without them there. The airport is on a manmade island apparently. Japan, well this corner of it, is beautiful. My favourite thing to do at present is to look at the food on display in the stores. So beautiful and lush, some of the fruit and veg look like wax. Now I understand the supermarket system in Taiwan, it's an exact replica (how they tray things up etc) though it's much prettier and a lot more expensive!! It's very expensive here. We went to church this morning. They put on a huge spread of chicken and potato soup, sandwiches, fruit, desserts and chocolate. Cofffee for the ladies and whatever liquid the kids hearts desired. And all in a room by ourselves on a beautifully set table. They attend a church that participates in the Franklin Graham Festival of which Chad is the Director. He's in India at present and as I type is in the middle of the India Festival. He'll be back just as I leave. Tilly is having fun with her three friends and Ya-Ya and Heather. She's really getting into it now and is quite enjoying having ready made siblings. It's bitterly cold outside but toasty in. I didn't bring a jacket (winter is never much in Taiwan) so am a bit chilly! but not too bad. The Japanese are friendly and we are having fun saying thankyou in Japanese. They aren't like the Taiwanese though and don't fawn all over you when you say something to them in their own language. Different cultures, let me assure you. It's a nice language and might be my next. ""Arigato Gozaimos!!"" I love all the bowing and nodding ones head. It's fun, don't know how long it would be fun though. Will keep you posted.

Lili's 3rd Birthday Party ~ A Princess Tea Party

Talking to her daddy on the phone....Chad miraculously

called during the party. He's in India and didn't even

know what time it was.

Osaka

Long ago....my sweet angel

Found this while looking through old photos and videos. So cute...

Christmas fun.....

These two are the dearest of friends. So good together and just like little sisters. Tilly is blessed to have such friends....

I had the good fortune not to have to attend a three and a half hour "Christmas Party" for the school and got to keep Sarah instead, while Paula went to said party.

Getting ready for Christmas

Trying to confiscate Boydie's presents....

Decorating the beautiful tree with Nan and Pop

Getting ready for a bake off!!

Sharing a moment. Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when little ones come on board, especially in a country that does not celebrate the occassion or take time off work for it. Will be working this Christmas, but the whole month as been geared towards it, from decorating the tree with Nanny & Poppy, Christmas performances for playgroup, to making gingerbread men with friends. It will be an ok Christmas afterall...

Trying to run off with Baby Jesus at the..

...Grace Baptist Christmas party.

Sarah and Tills making X'mas biscuits, with "lickings" (icing).

Sarah doing a poor job of prentending to eat the "lickings". Haha!

More baking.....

Cooked and ready to ice.

Need.......... more.......... gingerbread........

So pretty.

Tilly ends the fun but hectic day with quiet Playdough time. She rolls it into balls.

My instructions were "Say WOW to the playdough Mama."

What's she doing there with her hand? "L" for.... lovely?