December 2018

We try to have an annual family photo shoot. Honestly, I don’t know how long this would last. Maybe one day the kids will be like too cool for such things. Ohwells, I will take what I have for now. Lol.

We went Club Med Sahoro in December. Due to the lack of snow on the mountains, we decided to take a 2 day trip to Sapporo. Getting a family photo shoot in kimono was also planned and sponsored by Eugene’s aunt. (Thank you Aunt Gigi.)

Unfortunately, Megan was fairly ill for the 2 days in Sapporo. Hence, having taken some medication, she looked real drowsy in the photos. Suffice to say, Gillian and I were the ones who were more excited for the shoot since we got the chance to dress up and get make up and hair done. Ryan was grouchy that he had to wear a ‘dress’. E was okay. Just busy coaxing Megan since she only wanted him to carry her.

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Mituki Sakura is a kimono salon where you get to select a kimono of your choice(of various price range), get yourself dressed up by professionals and have your hair/make-up done as well. There is photography service provided for an additional fee.

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The photographer gave us 3 options to choose from for the location shoot and we decided on the temple shoot because it was partially indoor(therefore heated and would be more bearable for Megan who was feeling poorly). Interestingly enough, our children, at that point in time were age 3, 5 and 7. Apparently, in Japan, Shichi-Go-San (七五三, lit. “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional rite of passage marker to celebrate the growth and well-being of children. Also, the ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with East Asian numerology, which holds that odd numbers are lucky.

Anyways, my point is that we could have some ‘ceremonial’ option for a small fee for the children when we were at the temple, which we did. Even though the religious part is different, that does not dilute our thankful hearts for all our 3 children.

The children had quite an experience, playing and running around in the kimonos.

The photographer also got E and I to pose for some couple shots which had quite hilarious BTS(behind the scenes). I suppose we are no longer as romantic as we were 9/10 years ago. It is odd considering how much we went through over the years(which is alot, btw). We, or maybe I should speak for myself, I am not giddy in love or head over heels with E. I am in a familiar and comfortable stage with E, where I know we have our backs for each other.

Towards the end of the shoot, it got much more chilly and the little ones were uncomfortable. We ended the 2 hour shoot quickly and went off to change back into our normal wear before heading to the Shiroi Koibito Park. We could have worn these traditional clothes for the entire day since we rented them. Honestly, it is not feasible when travelling with these little munchkins.

Overall, it was a memorable experience for all of us. Glad that it came along with some beautiful photos to print for our house.

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