the chang story

between winter colds and holiday craziness we’ve been super busy around here. we are looking forward to spending the rest of the year together with our families. we hope you have a blessed holiday with your friends and family too!

When we tried out a free preview class in May I had no idea that Gymboree would become such a big part of our weekly routine. In addition to a structured class once a week our membership gives us access to open play gym. We try to go at least three times a week. Emi has grown so much in the past seven months. When we first started she sat in the middle of the room and watched everyone else play. Now she explores and climbs everything she can!

Today was full of new adventures. We spent the morning visiting Emi’s soon-to-be classmates and teachers. She enjoyed exploring a new place, but by the time her regular morning nap time came she was ready to go home. In the evening we went to a friend’s house for dinner. There she found a new toy, learned a new word and met a real live bunny! After so much excitement Emi passed out (in the five minutes it took to get home)!

We got an early start again today and went back to the Great Mall to exchange a few things. We had plenty of time to explore before the holiday rush of shoppers came in. Afterwards we went to ABC Seafood to celebrated baby Zachary. Emi enjoyed eating all of the yummy food – especially the mango pudding!

Pau Pau and Gong Gong came to visit today. They watched Emi while we got some things done around the house. The stockings are hung, the garland and lights are up, the tree is decorated, and the Snoopys are out – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We took a trip down to San Jose for a few of my favorite things: Sonoma Chicken Coop, Christmas in the Park and fully loaded hot chocolate! We had a yummy dinner of chicken, rice, veggies and focaccia bread. Auntie Judy, Uncle Chris and Lauren joined us at the park and we watched Emi take in all the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Today we went to Home Depot to pick out our Christmas tree. Emi enjoyed exploring the textures of the different trees. We chose a five foot Douglas Fir this year. It was so small that it fit in the trunk of the Accord!