Huge Creatures, Fluffy Creatures, Friendly Creatures.

Last week Chadsen took me to the Pet Expo out in Costa Mesa. It was such a fun experience! There were animals of all sorts - llama, pig, alpaca, panther, bunnies, birds, reptiles, cats, and dogs! Oh yes you can't forget, the vendors were there too. All of the people who brought the animals were so friendly and sweet, quite frankly it surprised me! They didn't push us to buy anything, but instead they welcomed us to pet their beautiful pets and even hug them! For those who wanted to donate there were of course little donation boxes available :). 

That day, I learned so much about the different creatures that we share this same world with. I was amazed. 

Llama Llama

The alpacas were a little shorter than the llamas

So, this guy apparently grazes practically all day, given a few breaks. 

Grazin grazin.

Miniature horse! So cute.

Big paw!

Alaskan Malamute. It was humongous. It was maybe 2-3 times bigger than a Husky. 

Beaut.

Until the Pet Expo, I've never touched a Greyhound. Incredibly sweet. They simply want to be with you all day and just lay down next to you. Great for an in-home companion :). The owner said that Greyhounds don't stink up the home either! 

:D

This Great Dane: It's almost taller than me. I'm standing, this guy is not.

My partner for life, on the right! :)

Right before this dog turned around, Chadsen was telling me how Rottweilers are known for being aggressive and scary.
Reaction: "WHAT?!"

Personal opinion: I believe the behavior of a dog are immensely influenced by how they are raised. I refuse to believe that animals are innately brutal. Ask Cesar Millan, who according to Chadsen uses a Pitbull as a therapy dog for other dogs :).

Please stop. Cute overload. 

Masumi

Caitlyn's Little sweet-(arf)

Last weekend was a great. Not only was I spiritually enriched by General Conference, but Chadsen & I got to spend time with friends who we haven't hung out with in a while: Caitlyn & Louie. These two are such crack-ups, as Chadsen would say. If you don't know them, then I recommend you do. :)

On top of feeling strengthened, humbled & having shared many laughs that weekend, I was touched by a sweet little soul that I reunited with: Maddox. Maddox is a part of Caitlyn's family and has been so for about five years if I remember correctly. He is so fun, so energetic, so obedient & loyal. Throughout the several hours that I spent with him, I could feel pure love emanating throughout this big guy from all the things he did. His sweetness and loyalty touched me. It doesn't help that I'm a dog lover, but boy did he make my soul feel bright.

This is Maddox :)

That's Chadsen, holding his hand as he rests nearby.

Patiently waiting outside of Caitlyn's door for her. He won't come in until his name is called (so cute!)

Silly Chadsen.

As Louie kept tapping his forehead, Maddox kept blinking his eyes. Silly dog!

"It feel gooooood!"

Having a ball, playin catch! :)

Reaching for his treat. 

See you again! :)

On the side note, can I add that I absolutely loved the heavy winds from yesterday? Usually I don't appreciate my hair whipping around and getting more tangled with each slap that it gives my face, but yesterday it felt wonderful.

Masumi

Merry Christmas Camera

Hi!

After all the excitement, the hustling and bustling, singing (for some), cooking and baking, Christmas has finally come and it'll be another year until it comes around again. I am lucky to say that Christmas for me was another great one this year. I've received Christmas gifts that touched me, gifts that I knew took time and effort to make or get. Thank you thank you, thank you. :) 

On the morning of Christmas I recalled what I learned in Primary, a class where the children of my church get together to sing and learn a few weeks ago. The lady explained that we give gifts to each other on Christmas to celebrate how Christ gave us the greatest gift of all, thus being the reason for this holiday. 

It feels so nice to have time off with Chadsen, with no work or school to worry about. Despite the break we've actually been quite busy with gift finding for most of the days before Christmas, and now that Christmas is over we get to really rest. Whew! 

I have always been one who wishes to pursue her interests but never gets around to many of them.  This Christmas Chadsen granted one of my wishes. He gave me a present that opened the gate to something that I had been wanting to try but never thought would be possible for years. He got me a camera! Chadsen purchased various parts of the camera and put them into separate present boxes to surprise me on Christmas day. It meant much more than a lot to me. 

It is so much fun. There is something particular I want to photograph but let me wait to disclose what it is until I get to do it!  

Right now I'm barely learning, but hopefully the I get better and better :) Christmas day was day one with my Canon. I just feel so happy to have a camera!!! :D

Recap of Christmas day. It's really condensed. 

First stop: The Kat's home

Chadsen took this one :) How cute!

My fav dog <33 

Is that cute or cute?

My fav photo of maybe the entire day. Sorry it's blurry.
Can you tell that Puppy is the source of my joy!?

Low-yeh (is that spelled right?), my father in law said to me,
"Let's take a picture of you taking a picture of me!"

Second stop: The Taguchi's family

This is a VERY fun game. Recommend 100%
Thanks Amberie for giving it to Chadsen!

Mom's cheesecakes: bomb.

See you all very soon :) 

Masumi