Ole!

I went to The Children's Museum to see the performances of my flamenco class on April 29. I did not perform this time, because I could not do some of the dances. I should practice more!

At the museum there was the event of "El Dia de los Ninos". It means "The day of Children". It was crowded with many families and I could hear Spanish everywhere. There was no admission fee for the event, and we could see many Latin performances there. My flamenca members had performed 3 stages. I saw the last one, and they were great! I felt everyone enjoyed seeing it.

Music and dances are very interesting. Every culture has their own music and dances, and people live with the rhythm which has run through the culture for a long time. They have changed little by little but the roots still remain.

I was happy to feel their pride of the culture, and I was impressed with their energetic spirits.

Surprise!

My husband, Hiro, gave a surprise birthday party for me last Saturday. I was totally surprised because I did not think he was that type of a guy, and I knew he was going to be busy for the next week. I felt very happy with his sweet plan and very thankful to our friends who came together with us.

I am going to show you his lovely plan here.

He had invited some friends and told them about the party. A week before the day, he told me he had made a promise to go to play golf with his friends on Saturday and have dinner together. Actually he did not play golf. He asked Koji for his help and prepared for the party. Yuri called me before the day and she took me out for shopping while they prepared it. Hiro and Koji prepared everything at our apartment and some friends came together. When Yuri and I came back home, 6 people were waiting for us and said "Happy Birthday!" to me. I could not understand what happened at first, and his plan succeeded!

Fabrice made lasagna for the party. It was very nice! Hiro cooked homemade chili by himself. He searched the recipe on a website and managed to cook it. Yuri had baked and brought a sponge cake, and Hiro decorated it before it was served. Hi did good job! He also cleaned up perfectly after all of our friends left.

It might be one of the happiest days in my life.

Thank you for Koji, Yuri, Fabrice, Natalie, Chiao, Megumi, Dan and of course my sweetheart Hiro!

roll the cake...

and finish! (Koji & Hiro)

Baby Shower

We had Erica's baby shower last Saturday. Men were welcomed at the party, so I went there with my husband. Erica is the teacher of my flamenco class. Her second boy is coming at the beginning of May. It might be "Cinco de Mayo". He has already had the name "Diego" chosen for him. Her first boy began to call him that and they have decided to name him Diego. What a sweet story!

The shower was very nice. Some of her students prepared and decorated everything. I was amazed at their artistic sense. We spent time talking, eating and dancing with many people.

I am always surprised that Erica still teaches us every Tuesday night. Erica and Diego dance together, so he will be a good dancer. I like her dancing and character very much. She is cute and her dancing is attractive. When I practice flamenco dancing in my room, I sometimes look at myself in a mirror to check my movement. I always imagine her dancing, but it is difficult to get it.

We all are looking forward to seeing Diego soon!

Happy Birthday!

Last Saturday, I went to Beverly's birthday party with my husband.
I met Beverly at the International Festival at Indiana State Fair Grounds.
We are involved in volunteer work at the Japanese booth.
She had stayed in Japan for her job, so she can speak and read Japanese. Her husband had stayed in Japan, too. I am happy they like Japan!

Because Super Bowl was on the following day, we could see 'COLTS' and 'Blue' signs everywhere on the way to their house. We were so exited about it!

The party was named "Dessert Party". I like the idea. It sounds cute!
I was surprised that her husband had made all of the delicious desserts and tapas plates.
The party was lovely and warm. We enjoyed talking with their friends.

Love Beverly and Happy Birtheday!