Guss Elephant, universum, México

sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Jun 26, 2008, 2:53 am
Hello! My name is Guss Elephant I didn't have a bad life like some of my fellow toyvoyagers by being just dropped off at a salvation army. Or at least I don't think so. They say an elephant has a good memory, I guess mine isn't that great, so can you help me learn new things about your country and your language? I'd love to be a smart elephant like my counterparts! I'd love to impress my mom when I get back home to show her my blog. I'm quite excited!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/saragoescrazy3/guss_elephant_large.jpg

I'm going to start my travels today, it shouldn't take too long hopefully to get where I'm going - but I wonder what I'll see! Take care mom, and I'll be safe!
luckaye


Posted Jul 4, 2008, 8:08 am
Guss has arrived in not so sunny Queensland after a bit of a wait in the Post Office Box!
Guss is off to the Kids Games Closing Ceremony tonight see one of his hosts, Rhiana, receive her medal. Will check back in tomorrow with more news!
luckaye


Posted Aug 6, 2008, 2:36 am
Whee! I went on a bus today with my host & her daughter, Rhiana, to McDonalds where one of Rhiana's school friends was having her 8th birthday party.
There were a lot of kids and presents and a fabulous playground area.

(photos coming soon!)
luckaye


Posted Aug 6, 2008, 2:41 am
Oh boy! How exciting! Today I am going on a plane trip to Canberra with my host's son Callam! I am clipped onto his backpack so I can see everything that is going on around me.
Callam is going to Canberra for 5 days with his classmates in Year 7. They are going to many different places, as Canberra is the capital city of Australia. I can't wait to get back so I can show all the photos of where we went.
luckaye


Posted Aug 7, 2008, 7:46 am
Rhiana & I went for a drive with her Aunty Brenda to Kangaroo Point cliffs, over looking the Brisbane River. You can see the city of Brisbane in the background. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland.
luckaye


Posted Sep 4, 2008, 2:19 am
Kung Fu Po & I hitched an aeroplane ride with my host's sister & mum as they were going on a holiday to Bali, Indonesia for 9 days. They are going to be staying in Kuta for a couple of days and then onto the island of Lombok. Sounds like a lot of fun and I hope to have lots of photos to share when we get back :)
sararingham
sara.ringham@gmail.com

Posted Oct 30, 2008, 6:49 am
I've moved on, finally I'm ready to travel internationally and the good thing? I'm traveling with a friend, I'm traveling with Percy up to visit his family in Okinawa, Japan. It is a tight fit though so I hope the travel won't take too long... write again soon mom! I'll miss you! :-)
JaymeC


Posted Nov 18, 2008, 10:51 pm
Mommy,
I've arrived in Okinawa and got to get out and stretch my legs! We went to the zoo and guess what! The first thing I saw was a REAL elephant!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4479.jpg

This one's playing a drum
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4486.jpg

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4500.jpg

We also got to go to the snake house
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4494.jpg

And see the giraffe
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4509.jpg

I didn't get too close to the ostrich
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4508.jpg

And this sign on the lion's cage apparently means I shouldn't get close to them either..
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4516.jpg

I wonder how a tree gets drunk? Its not swaying much..
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4518.jpg

This is a neat looking bird
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4524.jpg

On the way out we stopped by the petting zoo. I didn't want any of the animals thinking I was a snack so I kept back to watch, but they did have a cool iguana
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4529.jpg

Write more soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Nov 24, 2008, 5:28 am
Wow mommy sorry it took so long to update about the ball! We all got kind of sick afterwards, but everyone's better now.

First we had to help Jayme get ready for the ball so we did her nails
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4538.jpg

And make up
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4546.jpg

I got stuck in her scarf
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4544.jpg

And then had to find my ticket...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4549.jpg

Once all the prep was done we climbed into Jayme's purse. It was kind of crowded!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4541.jpg

Here's Jayme when we were all done decorating her, along with her husband. Behind them is the birthday cake! (We're hiding in the purse!)
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4552.jpg

First the band played the national anthem and Marine Corps Hymn
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4557.jpg

Then there were two speeches and then the ceremony! During the ceremony they cut the cake. The first piece is given to the guest of honor (who gave the speech). The second piece is given to the oldest Marine present. He then passes it on to the youngest Marine present to symbolize the passing of traditions.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4566.jpg

They played the national anthem and Marine Corps Hymn again and the flags left and it was all done!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4570.jpg

Unfortunately during the ceremony two Marines passed out. Yikes! One of the men Jayme's husband works with had to go to the hospital because he was holding a sword and hit his head on the way down! But he's all better (and back to work!) now, so it wasn't too serious. After the ceremony we got to have dinner and cake and then we went home! We have to get to packing for the trip to Tokyo... and Thanksgiving is coming!

Write more soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Nov 28, 2008, 6:04 am
Today is Thanksgiving! Even though Jayme lives in Japan, she and all the people her husband works with are American and so they celebrate Thanksgiving. We had to cook for over 50 people! There were 4 people cooking, so we only had to make one turkey at least... we started very early making cookies.

First the peanut butter cookies.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3954.jpg

Then the chocolate chip ones.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3956.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3963.jpg

Then we got the turkey going... its one big turkey!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3967.jpg

We got it out and patted it dry then rubbed it with salt and stuffed with veggies to season.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3971.jpg

Mmm. Doesn't it look yummy after cooking for a few hours?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3976.jpg

While the turkey was cooking we made mashed potatoes.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3981.jpg

Once all the food was done we took it down to cook. Look at all that food!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4595.jpg

During the party we also got to watch lots of people play video games. There were 4 tvs with video games! Plus lots of board games and cards.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4601.jpg

Jayme said it wasn't Thanksgiving without football, so we sat to watch one of the football video games since the games hadn't started in the states yet.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_3989.jpg

What a fun Thanksgiving!

More updates soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 1, 2008, 3:50 am
Since we have to get packing to go to Tokyo, Jayme decided we could do the decorating today to come home to the apartment being decorated for Christmas. Fun! Jayme put up the tree and put the lights on, then we got to put on the ornaments! Everyone in Jayme's family gets one ornament a year, they usually have something to do with that year.

The first ornament we found was a double... it was two identical Shrek ornaments. Jayme said that's because she and Manuel got each other the same ornament last year! I guess there are problems to this ornament buying thing.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4654.jpg

There was a pretty panda ornament. Apparently Jayme's son had a panda stuffy he wouldn't let go of for almost a year. Maybe I can meet him later...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4661.jpg

Since Jayme's husband is in the US military there's lots of military ornaments (and you can see the Shrek ones in the background).
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4668.jpg

There's also a small nativity ornament for the tree.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4669.jpg

At the bottom of the tree we put the non-breakable Sesame Street ornaments so if the boys got ahold of them, they wouldn't get hurt.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4684.jpg

And finally we put the star at the top of the tree.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4678.jpg

Can you find five toyvoyagers hiding in the Christmas Tree?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4689.jpg

After that we put up the two Nativity sets. This one went up high where little hands couldn't reach it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4687.jpg


Then we put up the child nativity set that the kids can play with.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4688.jpg

Jayme doesn't have a fireplace, so we put the stockings on the wall.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4692.jpg

We also put some lights over the tv where the NFL jersey's are for the NFL season. Jayme said they could use some decorating. #21 is Manuel's favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, but they lost today :(
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4694.jpg

Wow. We got worn out decorating... it may be awhile til the next update since we're headed to Tokyo soon and we don't know if we can update there!

Love,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 13, 2008, 10:53 pm
Dear Mommy,
Jayme says it’s time to go! All the bags are packed. We’re ready. We had to get to the airport very early because we’re flying Space-Available so we have to sign up. There was more than enough room for all of us going to Tokyo though! Here’s all of us toyvoyagers waiting for our flight.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation378.jpg

It seemed like we waited and waited, but we finally made it onto the plane. And guess what! The plane even had these little televisions for us to watch.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation377.jpg

Mmmm. Airline food isn’t that bad. The sandwich was pretty good, and you can’t really mess up water.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation7-1.jpg

When we got off the plane we had to take a two hour (!!) bus/subway/train ride with ALL of those bags! Everyone was worn out by the time we got to the hotel so Jayme tucked us all in for some sleep.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation339.jpg

When we got up in the morning we went down to get some coffee. It’s a pretty neat little coffee machine.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation131.jpg
Then we drank our coffee while reading more about Tokyo.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation89-1.jpg
Pretty soon it was light out, and we were able to get out first day-time view of Tokyo!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation256.jpg
Wow! It looks so pretty… but oh no! Jayme said we’re not staying here; it was just for last night! We’re headed a couple hours out to a place called Hakone… well here we go…

More soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 12:22 am
Today we took the train to Hakone. We had to get off the train at Odwara. From the train station we could see a castle, but we didn't have time to visit. Do you see it far off in the distance?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation130.jpg

Here it is when we zoom in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation376.jpg

From here we took an hour long bus ride to our hotel in Hakone. The hotel we're staying at is called a Ryokan. We were in room 7.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation76.jpg
Its was a very pretty room.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation218.jpg

And we had a nice little view
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation196.jpg
We got to sleep on a futon at night!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation73.jpg

The Ryokan also had some other nice decorations in the halls.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation238.jpg
After checking in we went out for a bite of Chinese to eat. It was very yummy, but Jayme's not sure what it is!

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation44.jpg
From there we tried to go see a shrine, but it started raining really badly! Since it was rainy we went back to the hotel and decided to make use of the bathing rooms. First you go in and put your towel and other stuff in a basket.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation217.jpg
Then you go into the bathing room. Since multiple people use the bathing tub you have to wash well before you get in. Here's the soap and other things for a shower.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation197.jpg
Then you get in the bathing tub. Its filled with mineral waters and very nice.
Uhoh. I can't find the picture of the tub! I'll have to go find it and add it later.

From there we went back and went to sleep. I hope we get to do lots of neat stuff later..

Write more soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 3:47 am
Today Jayme said we're going to go for a few rides and try to find Mt. Fuji (apparently it regularly hides). Our first stop was the rope way. Here's the entrance to the ropeway and the cars we were riding in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation4.jpg

Here's all of us tv's sitting and chilling.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation9.jpg
Its a pretty view, but unfortunately no sign of Mt. Fuji yet.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation3.jpg
After the ropeway we took a cablecar to the boat. Isn't the boat pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation250.jpg
There were some pretty sites from the boat.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation192.jpg
Jayme said Mt. Fuji is hiding behind those clouds! Can you see the base of it?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation404.jpg
Unfortunately we didn't get to see Mt.Fuji on our trip to Hakone, it was hiding the whole time. Jayme was able to get this picture on the way home from the train though, the mountain came out for a bit in the morning! But it was moving too fast for us to pose.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation115.jpg
Next we're supposed to go to a museum, more soon!
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 16, 2008, 10:24 pm
Today we went to a place called the Open Air Museum in Hakone. It a museum of artwork that is all outdoors. It was very neat. When we first entered there were many statues.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation353.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation66.jpg
And I liked the row of diamonds.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation357.jpg
The egg made me feel a bit hungry.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation190.jpg
Many of the art pieces were play areas. The one behind me is a giant series of tubes for children to climb through.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation272.jpg
And this is a maze.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation313.jpg
I really like this sphere too. You could see your reflection in it.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation312.jpg
It was a fun trip! This was our last day in Hakone... we took another bath and decided to head back towards Tokyo. I wonder what we'll see there?

More soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 17, 2008, 8:46 pm
Today we went back to Tokyo. After a long bus and train ride we arrived back at our first hotel and then went out to sightsee. Our destination today was the Tokyo Metropolitan Building (TMG).  Here it is.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation351.jpg
The TMG allows visitors to go up the North or South towers for free to get a beautiful view of Tokyo. We took the elevator up to the top floor of the North Tower. Look at that view of Tokyo!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation349.jpg
Because it was a clear day, we were able to see Mt.Fuji from the tower though not too clearly. This is very rare.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation242.jpg
Here it is when we zoomed in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation19.jpg
It was time to head back to the hotel, but on the way we got to see some Christmas lights! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... I hope we'll see some more!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation167.jpg
More to come, tomorrow we're going to see a mouse? I wonder what's so special about a mouse...
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 18, 2008, 10:18 pm
Today we went to one of Tokyo's Disney Resorts parks. This park is called Tokyo DisneySea. Its called that because it has different ports that you visit and ride in. It looks like it'll be fun today. When you first enter you see a globe.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation161.jpg
Then you walk through and you can see all the ports of call, and the centerpiece of the park, Mount Promethius.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation141.jpg
We headed to Discovery Port first. He we are waiting in line for Storm Rider. It was a neat ride where you were a plane in the middle of a storm.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation126.jpg
After that we went to Aquatopia. See the little boats behind us we ride in?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation170.jpg
After that we went inside Mount Promethius! Its called Mysterious Island in here. Here we are there waiting in line to ride 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. You can see a pretty good view of Mysterious Island.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation47.jpg
After that we took a break and went to Mermaid Lagoon. Sorry this picture is so blurry, but its all indoors and very dark.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation128.jpg
This was the kiddie area, so while the kids went to play and ride we rested on the stroller.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation93.jpg
Finally it was getting late so we headed over to American Harbor to see the Christmas lights. Isn't the tree pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation52.jpg
After that it was time to go get our seats for the night show. A picture of us wouldn't have worked, but doesn't the show look pretty? It was about the Spirit of Water and the Spirit of Fire falling in love.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation11.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation173.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/Tokyovacation50.jpg
Unfortunately we didn't find any mouse. Maybe we'll have to look some more tomorrow.
More soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 19, 2008, 12:04 am
So we're off again to find a mouse... still not sure why though. Hmm. Today we're going to Disneyland! We had to get up bright and early to go in. Here we are at the walkway to Disneyland.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4105.jpg
And here's the castle!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4108.jpg
This is a different view from FantasyLand while we were waiting in line for a ride.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4114.jpg
Hmm. Mouse clues. Look at this sandwich, maybe its pointing the way?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5088.jpg
Next we went to ride on the Haunted Mansion, here we are waiting in line.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4125.jpg
Mmm. We stopped for more food. We stopped at a restraunt that was decorated like Alice in Wonderland. Here's our lunch!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4119.jpg
Can you see the decorations? The Chesire cat is hiding behind us...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4120.jpg
From there we went to Toon Town. It was a funny place.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4128.jpg
After that it was time for the parade! Everyone here sits down for parades to sit and watch them. Here it goes...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4141.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4154-1.jpg
And THERE is the mouse! Woo! We knew we'd find him eventually!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4172.jpg
After the parade we got to do one more ride about Winnie the Pooh.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5093.jpg
After that it started raining really, really hard so we decided to go home. Jayme did get one more picture of the Christmas tree on the way out though! Merry Christmas!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/vacation9.jpg
Our last day in Tokyo next,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 23, 2008, 12:13 am
Today was our last day in Tokyo! Since I haven't shown a picture before, this is what a Tokyo Subway looks like up top. This is Shinjuku station. There are at least 6 different subway and train lines here!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5118.jpg
Our next stop was the National Museum. Isn't the building pretty? I wonder what's inside...
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5130.jpg
First we got to see some very nice swords.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5135.jpg
There were some other carved things with the swords as well. Do you like this dragon?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5140.jpg
At first we thought we'd found some ancient toys, but then found out these dolls were used for rituals.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5148.jpg
We also got to see some very pretty paintings.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5159.jpg
There were two rooms just filled with ancient kimonos!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5167.jpg
Ahh, here we found some real toys. This was a game children used to play.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5172.jpg
This guy is kind of scary huh?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5186.jpg
After the first museum we headed to get some lunch. We stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe. The children split a kid's meal, and look what came with it! A new friend for us!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5124.jpg
We all shared a yummy meal.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_4178.jpg
Then we headed to the science museum! We got to learn about the planets.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5196.jpg
Here's our planet, this is a globe that changes as the earth changes. Its very large. Isn't it pretty?
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5220.jpg
We had fun at the science museum. This was the view on our way back to the hotel.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5251.jpg
We went to sleep that night and had to get up very early to get to the airport the next day. We were all quite sleepy. Then we took the same plane back to Okinawa, but because of delays we didn't get there til after midnight! Yikes! But everyone's safely here now, and its almost Christmas! I wonder what we'll do for Christmas?

More soon,
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 25, 2008, 11:23 pm
Merry Christmas Eve mommy! We had such a fun Christmas Eve! We started out by heading to the botanical gardens for a light show! We got there early, so the lights weren't quite on yet so we chilled out at the playground.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5352.jpg
After that we went to see the stage where the light show would be.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5360.jpg
Finally the lights came on and we got to go walk around! There were two themed areas, one was a forest
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5392.jpg
And the other was a sea! How pretty.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5419.jpg
Even the lake in the botanical gardens was lit up!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5435.jpg
We stayed for a laser light show (unfortunately none of those photos came out!) then headed home. We helped Jayme put the kids to bed then did some last minute wrapping of gifts for the children.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5322.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5329.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5334.jpg
Hmm. Maybe we should've helped more. This is the one Jayme wrapped.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5318.jpg
We left out the cookies for Santa, then headed to bed ourselves.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5262.jpg
Merry Christmas Eve!
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Dec 27, 2008, 10:32 pm
Dear Mommy,
We woke up on Christmas morning to a surprise! Santa had come to bring presents for the children! He had filled all the stockings
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5453.jpg

And ate all the cookies Jacob left for him.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5454.jpg

The children of course dug in and started unwrapping. We helped a little bit.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5496.jpg

Then we went to help Jayme make breakfast. Mmm.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5467.jpg

We got to hang out at the house and relax all day and watch movies. We also helped Jayme make a turkey for Christmas dinner. She said this time we'd have plenty of leftovers!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5500.jpg

So we got to have potatoes and turkey for dinner. Yum!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5503.jpg

After dinner we went outside to see Jayme's building, its all lit up!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5459.jpg

Merry Christmas!
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Jan 3, 2009, 10:22 pm
Dear mommy,
What an exciting New Year's we had! We started it out with a trip to Comprehensive Park on New Year's Even so the kids could ride their new scooters. We went around this small pond.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5513.jpg
And found some flowers on the trees.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5524.jpg
And this small monument area with flowers.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5526.jpg
After that we went home to get some rest then went out for a walk at Camp Zanpa. We walked a little ways, then got to see the lighthouse!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5558.jpg
Here's the view in the other direction.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5563.jpg
There was also a monument here.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5572.jpg
After that we headed home to prepare for New Year's! We played some games to pass the time
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5594.jpg
And had some grapes, since Jayme's family believes they're lucky for New Year's. One for each year. You're supposed to eat them as the clock strikes, but Jayme didn't want anyone choking!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5592.jpg
Finally we got to ring in the New Year!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5596.jpg
The next morning we got up very early and headed to Okuma Campgrounds.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5657.jpg
Here's the cabin we stayed in.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5674.jpg
They had a go-cart raceway nearby!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5662.jpg
And we tried to get to the beach, but it was very windy and the sand stung.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5664.jpg
Finally we made a camp fire so we could cook some hotdogs for dinner.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5669.jpg
What a fun New Year's Eve and Day we had! More updates soon I'm sure!
Guss
JaymeC


Posted Jan 12, 2009, 6:28 am
We had a fun day for the last day in Japan. First we went to the Ferris Wheel in American Village.  Here's the ferris wheel.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5694.jpg
Here's the view from the top!
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5682.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5686.jpg
They still had some New Year's decorations inside the ferris wheel.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5689.jpg
When we came down we got to ride on a couple of the children's rides.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5692.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5695.jpg
Then we went home to decorate for Jacob's birthday! I helped with the streamers.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5698.jpg
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5700.jpg
And I put the candle on the cake.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5702.jpg
Does it look fun? We got to sing Happy Birthday to Jacob and have cake.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn291/jaymestvs/IMG_5704.jpg
After that it was time for me to get in my envelope to go to my next host. I hope its fun!

More soon,
Guss Elephant
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Jan 24, 2009, 11:27 pm
Hi Mom, Here I am in Chula Vista, California with Margaret. I am helping her with her computer and meeting some of her friends. This should be fun! More to come.
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Jan 24, 2009, 11:48 pm
Here I am with some of Margaret's friends.
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Feb 7, 2009, 6:08 pm
Hi Mom, We are getting behind in our updates but we have been busy going to Red Hat Meetings. Will tell you more about them later and send pictures. You will not believe hos many cats live here at Margaret's house and there are many cat pictures too.  I have been having fun meeting everyone and looking at the stuff.  There are two dogs here too and they are very nice to me.
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Feb 8, 2009, 4:53 pm
Hi Mom, Today I am outside looking at all the scenery outside Margaret's house. Still having fun!
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Feb 10, 2009, 4:29 pm
Hi Mum, Margaret made me a RED HAT! We went to a Red Hat Society Meeting. It is the Queens Quarterly meeting for the Queens of all the local chapters.  Margaret is a Countess but we went as guests of Queeny Carolyn.  Here are a bunch of pictures we took. Don't you just love my red hat?
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Feb 16, 2009, 10:58 pm
Hi Mum, We went to another Red Hat meeting!  This one was at a Mexican restaurant called Casa Dan Diego.  Ole! We had a grand time. I got to sit on the bar and meet some more of Margaret's group called The Red Rhinestones. She even brought another guest, a giant Lady Bug. Here are our pictures.  Still having fun!!!
Margaret Summers
mertz17@cox.net

Posted Mar 1, 2009, 4:28 am
Hi Mum, Happy St. Patrick's Day.  I am on my way to Palm Desert, California. Sorry to leave Margaret and her family but it should be fun.
renees


Posted Mar 17, 2009, 2:59 am
Lucky Gus won free tickets on the radio to the BNP Paribas Open! It's a huge tennis event and was tons of fun!
[img]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5671.jpg[/img]
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5672.jpg
Haven't met anyone famous yet, but it's not over until this weekend!!
renees


Posted Mar 17, 2009, 3:05 am
Went to visit Renee's parents and I made some friends
This is Qi (Chee) the whippet:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5684.jpg
B-Bop the Doxie Mix:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5689.jpg
and Rocksy, the mini dachshund:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5685.jpg
She got a little too friendly!
renees


Posted Mar 17, 2009, 3:08 am
We got to go to the beach! Pismo Beach is beautiful, it was a great day
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5695.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5691.jpg
renees


Posted Mar 17, 2009, 3:12 am
We then went to San Luis Obispo, which is north of Pismo Beach. Beautiful rolling green hills. We walked around down town and took a wrong turn:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5698.jpg
Bubble Gum Alley! BLECH!
Then we went to the Fancy Madonna Inn!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5703.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5705.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5701.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5710.jpg
SLO sure is beautiful
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5711.jpg
renees


Posted Mar 26, 2009, 7:31 pm
Guss got to go to Disneyland! My best friend and I have season passes so we try to go once a month or so. Guss had an awesome time!
Seeing Mickey in Flowers:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5765.jpg
Saying hi to Walt and Mickey:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5769.jpg
Checking out Main Street:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5768.jpg
It's a Small World:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5748.jpg
Guss didn't want to go in there!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5752.jpg
Meeting Buzz Lightyear
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5755.jpg
and Mr. Potato Head:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5757.jpg
He Even rose the Roller Coaster! GO GUSS!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5758.jpg
the golden gate bridge in CA Adventure:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5761.jpg
and the cool California sign on our way out!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5762.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/renees3/IMG_5763.jpg

Bye Disneyland!
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 18, 2009, 1:46 am
Hello, I'm Cipa, a girl from mexico and i'm the new guss's host =)


The first Guss's pic in mexico!

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/guss1.jpg

Guss with mexico's flag

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen036.jpg

On evening we go out to the garden to watering the plants being there Guss was trying to climb the tree but suddenly he got excited because on the tree was growing a little apple..

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen018.jpg
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen028.jpg

he also smelled the flowers

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen031.jpg

and at the end of the day Guss made a new friend Mrs. bottle opener, hahahaha...


http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen034.jpg




until tomorrow!!
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 19, 2009, 7:00 am
Today on afternoon Guss, my mom and i went to  haberdasher's shop at downtown.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen040.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen041.jpg


After do the shopping we were walking by downtown; let me tell you that mexico's city downtown it's really beautiful and have much historical places, too many squares, museum and more great buildings, Guss could see much interesting things, such the "Danzantes Aztecas (aztec dancers)"day, them dance with the rithym of the drum and them make a offering to the Aztec Gods; it's a very folkloric moment to see them doing some dancings.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen043.jpg

Guss was really amused
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen052.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen057.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen047.jpg

later mom bought a mexican meal named "Tlayuda" it's a tortilla made with green corn have fried beens, white cheese, nopales and sauce it taste very good, Guss tasted it and to him likes it!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen058.jpg

after eat, i showed to Guss a statues that represent how mexico's city was founded at the aztec times; at that times the city has other name and was "Tenochtitlan", i told to Guss the myth of how it happened: that people from a little town called "Aztlan"  was contacted by The God Huitzilopochtli and  he told that them must to found other city in a place where them see an eagle on a nopal devouring a snake, that was the signal; aztecs found it on a Lake then in that place there founded the new city.

Here's Guss watching the statues.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen068.jpg



To be continued.
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 21, 2009, 11:40 pm
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen096.jpg

We continued visiting the downtown. I'm here watching the beauty of Palace Goverment, you know mama, Cipa told me that each 15th September -date of mexican independence- the president go out to the principal balcony of this palace and shout proclamation of independence such do it the heroes long time ago, after, he plays a big bell and all people says "Viva Mexico!!!"
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen078.jpg

In front of palace there are the main square and on it there's a reproduction of "El Angel De La Independencia" , the original it's located on avenue "Reforma", this angel its very famous to be emblem of the city.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen081-1.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen088.jpg

now we walk a little and i find a very big cathedral, my host explain me, This is "The Metropolitan Cathedral" its very old and was the first cathedral in whole south america, the big clock that has, was broke too many years until 3 years it was repair, now each hour we can heard the bell!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen083.jpg

in front of cathedral
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen092.jpg

Mexico's city downtown it's a very beautiful place it was declared world heritage by UNESCO; there are a lot of beautiful buildings, old streets and much interestings places to visit we haven't enough time to went all over, but cipa told me that we'll back soon.

;)
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 22, 2009, 6:00 am
Was a sunny sunday and cipa and i went to visit Post office Palace.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen115.jpg

Here is where she always send her mail; the post office it's a cold place and have an incredible architecture, was designed by an italian architect and the building was inaugurated in 1907 by the mexican president at that times.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen121.jpg

The building have 3 floors and in the secon there are 2 little museums one about mail history and  the other is the maritime museum; mama see the elegance of the office.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen129.jpg
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen133.jpg
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen135.jpg

on sundays them rest...
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen132.jpg

That was my visit to post office palace, was nice  :rolleyes:
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen137.jpg


Have a good day mom!
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 22, 2009, 6:20 am
Hola!!

Today was a calm day, we didnt go out of home we stayed resting, so on afternoon cipa and i were playing with her kittens. She is "Canelita"
in english it's cinnamon.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen155.jpg

Are 5 kittens but she will gave all of them because alredy have 5 old cats more. To watch them playing it's so fun and amused, even i watched a cat fight!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen172.jpg

My host, me and a kitten.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen170.jpg


Good week!!
manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 29, 2009, 5:10 am
Hola mom!!

I want to tell you my day; today i went with my host's sister, -Ixchel, that's her name-  to her work, she works in a very fun and interesting place, at a science museum named 'universum'. Ixchel is at the kid's room where there are a lots of book, toys and science to learn in fun way.

Here i'm infront of a tunnel light!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen244.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen248.jpg

A mini roller coaster
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen252.jpg

I'm not a pin, heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp!!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen229.jpg

Among colorful letters
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen199.jpg
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen210.jpg

Mama i am very excited because i've learned alphabet and some numbers!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen235.jpg


continued in next post...

manzanita
mantequillasonica@gmail.com

Posted Apr 29, 2009, 6:00 am
I was playing with the fruits and i learned their names, and you know mom, that plastic fruits has nice smelling!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen226.jpg

later i drew using a crayon
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen220.jpg

http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen221-1.jpg

also i pass through a cube made with elastic bands..
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen215.jpg
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen213.jpg

phew!! was hard but i achieve it!!  ;)
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen214.jpg

I was in Africa!!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen207.jpg

also i went to North Pole, so cold there!
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen203.jpg

and later i back to mexico..
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/pii_manzana/Imagen206.jpg

Was a great day, i cant wait to have more fun!!


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