Catching Up #7: Vacation Within a Vacation

Can you say enough food pictures already?! Seriously. I think I have issues. My last 4 or 5 posts have mostly been centered around...you guessed it...FOOD. New Year's resolution--stop taking so many dang pictures of food! I promise my life doesn't really revolve around eating. Promise.

Another thing I look forward to when visiting my family is our mini-vacation. My parents usually plan a weekend getaway where we visit some historical/scenic sites around Taiwan, stay at a posh hotel, try new things to eat, and relax. This year, we went to Miao Li and stayed at the Onsen Papawaqa Spa Resort. Needless to say, the place was definitely the highlight of our trip. We soaked in the relaxing hot springs until our fingers and toes were all prune-y. 

Catching Up #6: Early Christmas

Since we weren't able to spend Christmas with my family this year, we gave them their presents and had them open them early. It was like celebrating Christmas twice this year!

Our daily walk/run downstairs.

Peking duck for dinner! Robby was in heaven.

My two Hunger Game weirdos (:

Catching Up #5: Housewarming Party

My parents recently sold their apartment in Shanghai and bought a new one in Taiwan. In celebration, they invited 30 somewhat friends over to the new place for dinner. Something I did not know--my parents sure know how to throw one heck of a party.

We started the party by watching Total Recall (great movie by the way) in the home theater downstairs. Did I mention that those seats recline?!

Then my parents hired a caterer for dinner...

And I got to see Tiiiina! We've been friends since kindergarten and I haven't seen her since we both graduated from high school. She's currently working at Yahoo in Taipei. Glad I got to see her and her Mom!

Catching Up #4: Food & Dancing

First thing in the morning on the way to lunch...

We had lunch at a tasty all-you-can-eat Mongolian restaurant. Can't go wrong with an inexpensive place that lets you choose your own meat, veggies, and dipping sauce!

That night was Cynthia's school dance performance. Her school had put together their own rendition of Snow White and the "7 Deadly Sins". So well put together for a high school production! Loved it. Check out Cynthia on the very right of the 2nd level (:

And of course 10 o'clock at night is never too late to eat in Taiwan. Headed to a night market by Cynthia's school to fill up on some gyozas, grilled corn, stinky tofu, and dessert!

Catching Up #3: Cynthia's 15th Birthday

 My baby sister is FIFTEEN! The last time we celebrated her birthday together was back in November 2007 (her 10th birthday). I can't believe how long it's been and how beautiful she is becoming. Cynthia is currently in the 10th grade and taking so many AP courses that it makes my brain hurt. My IB days are soooo behind me. She is extremely hardworking and so independent. Love you 姍姍! So proud to be your sister. Here's some cute pictures of her from December 2008 just for kicks. Look how little she was!

This year, she wanted to eat out at Kanpai, a teppanyaki restaurant, for her birthday. SO GOOD. 

I want to go back...

Annie乾媽 and the birthday girl

(wow, talk about weight gain...)

Best chocolate cake I've ever had from awfully chocolate. Moist, dense, chocolatey, but not too sweet.

Happy Birthday! Hope all your wishes come true.