The Shinozaki's Belgium Adventure: PS turns 4!!

Hi everyone!

As most of you know, Ray has accepted a 2-year assignment with Toyota's European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. For those of you who do not know, Belgium is located next to France, Germany and the Netherlands. The home of NATO and the European Union, it is considered the "gateway to Europe" with its easy access to many European countries. (Hint, hint--good excuse to come and visit!)

Ray started his new position in February, 2008. The girls and I arrived here in late March. We are living just outside the city of Brussels in the commune of Tervuren, Belgium.

Although we are sad to temporarily leave our family and friends, we are excited for this adventure. What an opportunity to leave our tiny box and experience life outside of America!

Monday, November 23, 2009

PS turns 4!!

This past Sunday, PS celebrated her 4th birthday, "Hello Kitty" style...

Our house was bustling with 14 children! We made Hello Kitty and Boy Kitty puppets, decorated pencils, played "Pass the Kitty" and "Pin the bow on Hello Kitty"...

Then of course, there was cake... I made and decorated a special Hello Kitty cake for PS. Luckily, the cake came out. (Ray was a little nervous as this was my first attempt at cake decorating and I had no back-up plan!). PS' huge smile when she saw the completed cake made all the effort worthwhile -- and I actually had a lot of fun making it!

After our guests left, PS opened her presents with Grandma and Grandpa (via Skype) and as you would guess, went to bed that night a very happy 4-year-old!