Party is for meeting new people

Talking to JJ about whom to invite for his upcoming b-day birthday. he mentioned his violin teacher, Ms Karin. Mummy and Daddy thought it would be best to invite kids only because it's a kid's b-day party. To which JJ replied - She can meet new people at parties, right? JJ - Yes, you are right. Thank you for understanding one of the key premises of having a good party! Good job, you future partier!

JJ's first trip to SF cont'd - GGB

Woke up early today. JJ too. It's Golden Gate Bridge today. First, we went to the yerba buena gardens on howard and 4th to play at the kids playground and ride the carousel. JJ had a good time. We came here yesterday evening and played a little bit. He really liked it! Then, off to GGB. Not enough time to get close but took a few pic near Crissy Fields and went back to have lunch near the hotel for we are catching a 5pm plane back. Virgin America standby is working out. No problem getting on board on Thurs PM and a breeze on Sat PM too. Plane's empty. Nice entertainment even on short hauls. Got back. JJ was dead tired. Went to bed straight away and didn't wake up until the next morning

JJ's first trip to San Francisco

Stayed at the Hilton in Union Sq. Went down to Fisherman's Wharf and played classic video games (like back in the 70's and 80's) at the game museum. Brought back memories. Some games go way back so I didn't even know. Like a helicopter game. Had a great time playing with JJ. Even Noriko tried some games! Then visited the submarine USS Papanito. JJ was scared at first and wanted to get out but learnt to like it when he saw the rec area with a chess board on one of the tables. He signed his name on the log and wrote "awesome"! He was quite impressed with the little vessel and seemed to have a good time. Had lunch @ Pier 39. Quite a lot to do but had to head back for Noriko's had to go to ballet (Don Quixote) at 7. JJ and I had dinner @ Dojima An just down the street on OFarrell. Ma ma. service was quite poor. Taste was ok. Lots of bones in my unagi tororo don. JJ was a little down so I asked him why. He said he'd have liked to go with mummy to the ballet ( he didn't realise it's a bloody long one!) and he was missing mummy. After a while, he's ok. He saw Giselle on Utube with mummy and seemed to like the story so he thought he could enjoy any ballet. Probably not! Noriko's looking forward to taking him to see Giselle. Hope he can sit through the whole thing.

Piano and violin exam results

JJ passed his violin CM1 test with flying colors. He's going to the Convention in San Diego in June where he will be one of many kids who did well and perform in front of hundreds. He also passed his CM2 piano and theory. Can't go to convention because CM3 is the minimal level. He is going to a violin competition in Long Beach in July and will play the Gavotte. Recital is coming up in May where he and mum will play a chinese/mongolian vioin song. Will do two instruments. Piano will be Arabesque. Lots of staccatos!