So "Mikaela"

Dear Mikaela,

Out of the hundreds of pictures I took over Spring break,
this one ranks as one of my Favorites.

I don't mind that it was taken inside a garage,
filled with drab colors and doggy hair.

My eyes keep getting drawn towards that hot little red face
in the picture, with That Expression. Your expression.

The same one that greets my sleepy eyes each morning,
as you ask for "Apple Juice!"

The same one that faces me when you talk animatedly
about Lightning, Mator, and Curious George . . .

It's the same one that tells me, "You're so you."

I didn't think I'll actually get a good picture of you that moment when I called your name.
You've been good at blinking just when I snap my camera, lately.

Or walking right up to me for a hug and a squeeze, so I can't get your picture anyway.

But this time, you looked directly at me, and simply said, "Yes?"

And this was one of the few times I was glad you didn't smile,
because in that moment,

I finally saw a picture of you.

~ Mama

Them deceivingly bright and sunny days . . .

Photo credit to our friend and neighbor: W.L Ng

I braved yesterday afternoon driving alone in heavy rain and hail, under stormy skies . . .
hearing tornado warnings outside, and severe weather interruptions over the radio.

I've never seen anything quite like that in all our years here in B-town. Seriously.

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Mikaela can say her "ABC's"

Mikaela's been saying her ABC's for a couple of weeks now. She's learned rather quickly from watching ABC songs on DVD, and playing with the alphabet on almost every electronic toy she owns.

When she was younger, it was kind of funny to hear her call "A", "Apple". Now, it seems that "V" is "Van", or "Ban". Listen to her go, " . . . U, 'Ban', 'Double', X, Y, Z!"



~ Mrs. Arcfide

Fundies May Not Like

*The List So Far, aka "The Fundamentalist Rulebook" had me literally ROFL.

98.5% of it was accurate, as I recall from my fundie-church experiences. Well, I still attend a fundie-church. I've just learned to laugh more at our own expense. Haah.

~ Mrs. Arcfide

* Not for the easily offended. Consider yourself warned.

Our Little Woman

I do believe I just heard her shout-out a war cry!

:cough:

~ Mrs. Arcfide

A Pony Ride

Mikaela loves watching the home videos I make for her, and this is one of her favorites. It was taken back in October last year, when my mother-in-law took us to the stables. Personally, I'm amazed at how quickly she has grown since then.

I don't know if I'll ever be able to keep up with making new slideshows/videos all the time, but I sure try. :)



~ Mrs. Arcfide

A Week in the Keystone State

Last week, the latest of Aaron's talks and conferences led us to spend a couple of days in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.

Having loved history and historical fiction ever since I was a kid, I couldn't help but feel excited to see with my own eyes the meeting places and buildings that played an instrumental role in the founding of this country.

Mikaela and I explored as much as we could on foot, carriage, and taxi.

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell ~ Picture proof that Mikaela was here,

albeit while she was sleeping. ;-)

Inside Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed.

Our first horse-drawn carriage ride!

Be sure to check out my Youtube Channel for more videos of our trip, where Mikaela had her kind of fun at the Please Touch Museum in Philly. :)

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Merry Christmas to all!

xox,
Aaron, Johanna, and Mikaela Hsu
December 2011