Dartboard

The tree was littered with gifts on Christmas morning. Despite our traveling Santa still knows where to find us!

Opening presents…a shirt from Joelle.

A book I gave Joe about Japanese chocolate-making.

The dishes I gave Joelle.

Mama’s teapot and cups. This is before Elsie’s wagging tail came through and chipped one of the cups!

Looking at the personalized calendar mama made us all for Christmas.

Christmas night we all dressed up and went to my mom’s cousin’s house. We got some family pictures too. I wish James could have been there with us.

Christmas Eve we spent at Susan’s apartment. Susan is Joelle’s neighbor and a family friend. She prepared us this lovely buffet of delicious food!

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.”

Me, Joelle and Gavin sitting on the couch.

George opens his present.

Joelle throws back her head to give a great cackle!

I gave Susan salt from my island and itsumo mochi (a sweet potato rice cake).

Mama loves me!

Gavin and Ainsley. Look, he has his father’s hair!!

Ainsley loved his presents from Susan.

Joelle kept her distance from the small person, but watched with curiosity.

George and Ainsley reflected in the mirror.

Susan gave me so many great gifts! Thanks so much for your generosity!
Love, Sierra

Home at last! A long journey from Narao, but well worth it already!! I love being with my family again. Most of these pictures were taken by my mom’s boyfriend George Kocher so I should give him photographic credit. Thanks for recording our memories George!

I made ramen for the family—real Japanese ramen, not that .25¢ stuff from the grocery store. Ramen may be my favorite Japanese dish. Don't forget to slurp!

I forgot just how sweet our cat Brain is! I really wish I could have her in Japan.

Brain loves the attention as much as we do.

Mama and George made Christmas cookies.

Inspecting the cookies, are you George? I’m sure that one’s not good enough to serve to guests. Better eat it yourself!!

We put up a tree and decorated the house. It’s the first time we’ve done it for a while, but it really got me in the Christmas spirit.

Another night we had our family friend, Gavin, come over for dinner. That’s his son, Ainsley, on the right.

Although the pets no longer outnumber the humans, you’d never know it by looking at our album…

Who’s my favorite golden retriever...?!?

...Elsie is!

Cat napping.

Love, Sierra

My friend, Jayme, is engaged and this Christmas meant wedding dress shopping! Isn’t it a beautiful dress?