On Sunday, my best friend Debbie organized a gathering with some of my dearest girlfriends to celebrate my 30th birthday at Zen Tara Tea in Bethesday. She reserved a private tea room for us and we had a lovely, intimate tea time together with just us girls! Dan watched Mio at home so that I could have a couple hours of relaxed fun with everyone. (Thanks hubby!) Debbie did such an amazing job selecting a lovely location and preparing lots of treats and goodies for us to take home, and had encouraged several of my friends to donate to my charity: water campaign — I was so moved by all the thought and effort she put into it, and it made for a 30th birthday celebration I’ll never forget!
The private room for our group at Zen Tara Tea
Lovely holiday decor ♥
The ladies ordering tea
The cutest manekineko mugs – I had to get one!
Debbie ordered me some cherry blossom white tea. 🙂
The bestest had also bought these macarons from Macaron Bee for us all to share!
Lots of laughters, smiles, and girl talk!
I always have so much fun with these girls. 🙂
Thank you to my wonderful girlfriends for making my 30th so memorable! ♥
Debbie even prepared these homemade cake pops (green tea and azuki-flavored) and Japanese snacks for everyone to take home! She was so generous and put so much thought into everything… 🙂
Thank you for planning such a lovely tea party, Debbie! ♥
Last Saturday, we went to a holiday potluck party with friends. Everyone brought such delicious food, and we also had a Secret Santa gift exchange. It was great seeing a lot of my high school girlfriends again, even some I hadn’t seen in years! Special thanks to Lucy for hosting the fun gathering at her lovely home.
My best friend Debbie and I in front of the Christmas tree. 🙂
Enjoying delicious food and chatting with friends
Mio was anxious and overwhelmed by all the people at first, and wanted to be held for the first half of the party.
Beginning the Secret Santa gift exchange! It was fun to find out who each person’s gifter was!
The girls opening presents. I was Yonmi’s Secret Santa!
My Secret Santa was Ploi, and she got me the Naked palette from Urban Decay! I was so surprised! I’ve heard so much about the Naked palette, and was so delighted to receive it. Thank you Ploi ♥
Revealing each other’s Secret Santas
Mio was really curious about my gift.
Already a fan of makeup, she grabbed the box and wouldn’t let it go.
…and then she tried to eat it.
Mio warmed up to everyone a lot more after a while, and started checking out the Christmas ornaments and running up to everyone.
I was so surprised when in the middle of the party, my friends turned off some of the lights and started singing “Happy Birthday,” bringing over a birthday pie lit with candles! I was so touched. :’)
A sweet surprise!
Thank you everyone! Special thanks to Debbie for buying the pie from Pie Sisters – it was so delicious!
There was so much good food at the holiday party!
I hadn’t seen Yonmi since college! We’re both moms now. 🙂
A family picture!
We had a wonderful time at the holiday party, and it didn’t go too late so we were able to get back in time for Mio’s bedtime!
My nightly routine of reading a few books to Mio before bedtime.
Reading together ♥ One of my favorite moments together.
Last Saturday was our friends’ daughter Aubrianna’s first birthday party! The three of us were happy to go celebrate the special occasion with them, and they hosted a lovely party for sweet Aubri. Here are some photos from the party!
Mio reaching for a balloon at Aubrianna’s birthday party.
The spread at the party was amazing — so much good food! We all stuffed ourselves.
Yewon made mussels with garlic — heaven for a seafood lover like me!
Mussels with marinara sauce, cheese, and hot sauce.
Chinese chicken!
California rolls made by Shin Nan.
Everyone was impressed (or rather, aghast?) at how much Mio was constantly eating… lol.
In the Korean tradition of Doljanchi, there were items placed in front of Aubrianna for her to choose something that represents her future calling. (Very similar to the Japanese tradition of Erabitori, which we prepared for Mio’s first birthday.) Everyone watched with anticipation to see what little Aubri would choose!
Aubri was intimidated by everyone watching her, and burst into tears.
After getting comforted by Mommy, she chose… the PlayDoh!
…and then the toothbrush! Future dentist, perhaps?
Celebrating with one of the prettiest birthday cakes I’ve ever seen! Yewon’s friend is a professional cake decorator and made this gorgeous cake for Aubri.
The adorable birthday girl and her lovely mama!
Daddy’s girl sitting in Dan’s lap.
Mio had a great time playing with the other kids at the party, and especially enjoyed indulging in all the delicious food offerings! Happy first birthday Aubri!
Instead of hitting the malls and going shopping on Black Friday, we spent the day meeting up with friends who were in the area! It was food-and-fun-filled holiday weekend — this is what the holidays are all about! 😀
Lunch date with Akiho at Sushi Yoshi. She has just finished her PhD and is now a licensed psychologist!
We met up with Aiko, my friend of 25 years, and her husband Anthony. They were visiting from Boston and got to meet Mio for the first time.
Hanging out at the park. I’ve known Aiko since we were 5 – I can’t believe how much time has passed since then!
Later in the evening, we went to Honey Pig in Centreville to celebrate Liz’s birthday!
With the birthday girl!
It was our first time seeing newlyweds Luice and Jeremy since they tied the knot in August. They’re the cutest couple!
Dan and Mio chowing down
So much good food!
On Saturday, Mio had a playdate with Joelle and Clara. Here are the cuties together!
And I shall conclude with our adorable burrito Mio!
This was our second Thanksgiving as a family, and the first time in six years that I got to spend it with my family in Virginia. It was all the more enjoyable because I’d missed celebrating with my family so much!
First Thanksgiving in Virginia for our family!
Mio pointing at the turkey. She was excited about the “big bird.”
Already getting a head start on dinner…
Pretty girls! Mio with Auntie Miwa.
Mio and Mama, both excited about Thanksgiving dinner!
My brother Ted jumping into the picture.
Can’t wait to dig in! We all worked together to make such an amazing meal!
The family at dinner.
Dan is a pro at carving the turkey!
Dan made the most delicious skin-on mashed potatoes!
Getting piggy-backed by Uncle Ted, running around the house!
After stuffing ourselves like the turkey that we ate, we spent the rest of the evening playing board games and spending quality time together with the whole family! 🙂
AMio and I stacking blocks together.
Mio was so cautious…
She did such a great job stacking them high!
Clapping at herself for doing a great job building her block tower. 🙂
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, full of laughter and love shared with family and friends! I love this time of year! 🙂
