Official Mother

Yes, I'm an Official Mother now, because this past Saturday we purchased a.... minivan! Yes, we got a white Honda Odyssey EX-L. I thought I wasn't going to get a minivan, but as I was doing my research on the car I wanted, I came to the decision that this car is really convenient for families with little kids because it's built for families. I think the power sliding doors sold me. Being pregnant and having to put Emi in a car seat in my Saturn was not fun. But, I miss my Saturn because it was a part of me for so long. That was the car I had when I went to BYU, so it's like saying goodbye to a chapter in my life. I'm totally being retarded and Blaine still can't believe that I miss that stupid car. But, it was so good to me and I feel bad that I just left it at the dealership. Oh well... I'm happy with my purchase and it's way more comfortable now traveling. So, if you need a ride, just let me know, cuz I only have one child in a minivan. hahaha...

Trip to the Zoo

This past Thursday, we got lucky and were able to go to the Phoenix Zoo with our friends Candace and Chase. It was so nice to do something different than just stay at home and work. The weather in Phoenix has been so beautiful (mid 70s), that you just want to spend all day outside. I talk to a lot of people on the mid west and east coast for work and they all get jealous of our weather, but then I remind them about our summertime and then they don't feel so jealous anymore. :)

Here's some pictures of the day. I'm a bad picture taker because I get lazy, so there's not that much.

Emi and I with the zebras. I think this trip we got to see a lot of animals moving around. Usually in the summertime, they are all dead and hiding from the heat.

Then they had this cute little playground with all the Fisher Price Little People figures, so of course we had to go play there for a little while.

You can tell that they had a good day by the smiles on their faces as we were going home. Isn't it sad that this is the only picture I have of them and that we had to strap them down in their carseat to take the picture? Kids are so hard to take pictures or maybe it's just my child.
Thanks so much Candace and Chase for inviting us to the zoo. We had so much fun!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008

This year was the Whetten Family Christmas and the family decided to rent a vacation home in Gilbert and have all the family come and stay there. It was nice to be close to home because I got sick again... Man, this cold season is rough. I've had a cough for a month now and cannot shake it off. Any ideas? I should just go to the doctor, but I'm lazy. Anyways, one of the perks of this house was the theater room. I never really saw the point of having a theater room, but now that I've experienced one, I want one so bad... Someday it will be mine... hahaha... in my dreams...

We had a great Christmas and Emi still didn't get it, but it was definitely fun watching her copy all her cousins opening presents.

Emi playing with her cousins, they were all so cute together.


Christmas day and Emi cheesing it up in front of the camera.


The glorious little tricycle that she will not get off from. :)


Then we went to the park and fed the ducks and rode some rides.


For New Year's Eve, my Grandma, Auntie and Uncle were here in Phoenix from Maui, so we went to my cousin's house and celebrated with them. It was good to see them again and eat good local food. Emi also enjoyed playing with her cousins, Keely and Ryen too.

Here's all the Minami girls there. I told you that's all we have (girls), no boys or very little.


and finally the cousins.


Happy New Year to you all!