Yes it is a toy.  Abby’s!  It looks so ridiculously real, doesn’t it?  It’s a belated birthday gift from her Ninang (Godmother) Pinky and Tito (Uncle) Keith.  The Chinois kids, Abby’s cousins, Luigi, Rafa and Marga, gave Abby the book “First Book of Sushi”.

Abby and her belated birthday loots

Care for some sushi?

I love this toy bento box.  It’s so child friendly.  The chopsticks and the sushi/maki pieces have velcro on them.

Look ma, one chopstick only!  Hahaha!

I didn’t realize it was sooo easy to make a tamago sushi…

And check out the nori (sea weed)!

September is beginning to feel like Japanese culture appreciation month here at out home.  First, Abby got a Hello Kitty showcase (two weeks ago).  And now, these!  Hee hee.  I’m not complaining.

Take a look at Monster Truck Driver, my other WW entry.  Visit other WW participants here.

Happy Wednesday, y’all!

Abby has been to two birthday parties over the weekend.  Kids can’t get enough of parties.  Hee hee.  Abby’s looking forward to another birthday party, her classmate’s, in a couple of weeks.  It’s a pony party and it’s going to be a first for Abby and maybe a first for most of the invited kids, too!  Abby has ridden a real horse back home though - twice in Baguio City and at once at a children’s fair at the Marco Polo Club in Makati City.  Needless to say, it’s been a while since Abby’s last “riding” experience.  Even I am secretly looking forward to this pony party.  I’m already wondering how many ponies will there be and if they’ll be donning english saddles. Hmmm, I won’t have to wait too long for the answer. Giddyap!

Party season has started, at least for my social butterfly of a daughter.  She was the first to have a birthday party in school (August 23rd).  Last Saturday, August 30th, she attended a classmate’s birthday party.  Abby is set to attend 2 birthday parties this month, too!  I don’t recall attending very many birthday parties as a child…a 4-year old child!

Going back to last Saturday’s party….Abby’s classmate, E, loves Iron-Man. :)  He had an Iron-Man cake and invitations.

There was a slip-n-slide set up at the backyard, which Abby and all the other kids enjoyed so much!  They waded in a small kiddie pool for a few minutes, too!

E’s parents rented one of ‘em popcorn machines and almost everyone I bumped into, child and adult alike, was holding a bag of popcorn.  After about an hour-and-a-half of non-stop playing, the kids settled down for some juice, popcorn and cake.  I still can’t get over how birthday parties here in the US are so simple, yet the kids have a blast.  I’ve come to appreciate American-style parties.  But I still miss having birthday noodles around!!! Hahaha!

We take special occasions, like birthdays, very seriously.  I think it’s a cultural thing.  Hee hee.  :D  There will always be an abundance of food on the table whenever a Filipino family is in a party mood. ;)  Abby’s birthday dinner was no exception.  The funny thing is, we celebrated her birthday dinner at the house of our dear friends Austin family, instead of at our own house.  Long story.

Here’s what we had:

Crisypy Noodles with Shrimp for long life (bought from First Chinese BBQ)

Roast (Whole) Duck…cardiac delight, anyone?  Yumm! (Also from First Chinese BBQ)

Baked Chicken Drumsticks (by my dear friend, Bet)

 

No-bake Oreo Cheesecake (by Winona, Bet’s 12 yr. old niece)

And to complete the spread, a birthday cake from H-E-B.  I know, it’s small.  But don’t worry, we’ll have a bigger one for Abby’s real birthday party on Saturday. :) 

We stuffed ourselves silly that night. 

Thank you, dear God, for blessing us with such filling blessings.