Hirayu onsen

We recently returned to Hirayu with M's grandparents because jiiji wanted to ski just this one more time before the winter season ends. M had a blast.

This time she was less interested in coming down the slopes with daddy as she was in scooping snow.

CNY in Malaysia

On that 7-hour flight from Tokyo to KL.

This is the first time ever M celebrated the chinese new year in Malaysia. For her, every day was filled with excitement -- who will we meet today? what will we eat? will Uncle Steve drop by the apartment? will gong gong take me swimming? So much to do, so little time.

Swimming with daddy and gong gong at the apartment.

Watching some tacky CNY TV program while eating CNY goodies.

Which is Uncle Steve?

Loving the frangipani! She's definitely a tropical gal!

"Do we really have to go??"

The last time she'll ever fit into the 777 bassinet.

Skiing at Inawashiro

Here we are at our annual trip to Inawashiro, only this time with an active toddler who runs around the resort as though it belongs to her. We're back staying at the beautiful Hotel Listel.

We love this photo of M having her snack in the hotel room. She looks like she's having a nice evening chat over cookies and tea with good friends.


Here's a video of M in her swimsuit for the first time in the winter season... we were about to head off to the heated swimming pools when she caught sight of her image in the mirror.