I Miss My Island Life

I feel at times I would give anything to go back to Okinawa. The complications of adjusting from the simplicity of island life to the hectic style of life in California is overwhelming. I won't deny I feel incredibly happy to be so close to my family and to have their help with the girls. But I miss the friends I made in Okinawa. I feel slightly separated from my friends here, they've had shared experiences for the years I've been gone. Things have changed in their lives and I haven't experienced them. It's not the same, I can't seem to re-establish those relationships, because I'm busy with my kids. We are different and that is just a fact. Another difficulty are the choices, there are far too many of them. The featured picture is of the ridiculous number of goldfish choices. Every time I find myself in a grocery store aisle starring at 5 choices of rice or chicken stock I feel overwhelmed. I miss the two choices in Okinawa and the chances that one of those choices are out so there is no choice. Little things become hard, making friends, trusting people, understanding people's agendas. It was easier when we all lived on an island and that made for built in bonding.

The separation from family was difficult and now being close to them I feel like I need to learn their likes and dislikes all over again. I've always touted myself as an excellent gift giver but now I don't even know my recipients. I suppose today I'm tired and suffering from a severe case of ennui. I miss the simplicity of my past life, the fact that we never drove more than an hour to get anywhere and we never had too many choices about what to do. Adventures abounded and now they don't seem like they exist even though we have so many more miles to explore.

I suppose it will all change, adjustments will be made and I will get use to these things, but for now it will remain a challenge.

DIsneyland

The day after Gabriella's birthday we continued the celebration by heading to Disneyland and California Adventures. We did everything Gabriella wanted. The first stop was the princess fun fair where we waited to meet Ariel, Pocahantas and Jasmine. She got a few gift cards for her birthday and spent a lot of time considering her purchases. Greg really took one for the team when he waited in line for over two hours so Gabriella could meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. After Gabriella got to meet them we headed across to California Adventure. There we went to the Animation Building to relax and watch the movies on the big screens. The little girls liked crawling around on the carpet and we found out Gabriella was most like the Malificent in the Beast's Library. Later we went through Bug's Land, rode Jumping Jellyfish, the swings and the ferris wheel. It started getting a little chilly so we headed back to Disneyland to get our jackets. We saw the fireworks, Captain EO and a few other things. Finally Gabriella lost her steam and we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house to spend the night. Everyone had a wonderful time, Gabriella's favorite part was meeting Rapunzel. We loved celebrating the special birthday with our very special Gabriella.

Six Years Old

I can't believe that Gabriella is six years old. Her birthday was a wonderful affair. We celebrated it at one of our favorite places, Disneyland. Because it was the first birthday after the twins were born we wanted to make it extra special. We booked a room at the Paradise Pier Hotel and someone special decorated it for us. Our day started early in the morning as we picked up Greg from work. We drove up to Downtown Disney and quickly fed the babies before going to brunch at Goofy's Kitchen. Characters came up to the table and sat down to wish Gabriella a very happy birthday. Chip and Dale spent extra time playing with the twins and complimenting Gabriella on being such a helpful big sister. The best part of the meal was when Sleeping Beauty asked Gabriella to dance with her. After lunch we checked into the hotel and because it was still early the room wasn't ready, so we headed to the pool. Gabriella had a great time going down the water slide and the little girls loved splashing in the wading pool. We got a text that our room was ready and as we headed up. While I knew the room would be decorated I didn't know what it would include. The banner on the door was the first hint to Gabriella that something special was awaiting her inside. Once we opened the door we saw Mickey Mouse's footprints on the floor and a bunch of balloons. Gabriella squealed with delight as she saw the big box on the bed. There was a singing balloon and a personalized note from Mickey wishing Gabriella a happy birthday.

Later that afternoon we met our friends and family for dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney. The food was delicious and we had a wonderful cupcake cake for dessert. Gabriella opened her gifts from her family and gushed over their beauty. We managed to get back to the room just in time to see the World of Color show from the window. Eventually we all managed to fall asleep, resting for the big day ahead of us.