Finally! The start of our big trip begins with being picked up at 630am on Thursday 11/16.
Shuttle service recommended by Uncle Jason
Hell traffic to LAX even this early in the morning.
It took us almost an hour and a half.
First trip for baby Jadynn
Will she be one of those crying babies on the plane?
Or will she be occupied like how she is in the car?
Mommy has been afraid she is one of those screaming babies people complain about.
We did bring benedryl just in case.
Looks like we will need it.
She cannot sit still.
This is her first of many things.
First time flying.
First time going on a family vacation (after she was born haha)
Just as Daddy said, do people ever get checked by airport police? we got pulled over to the check point.. hahah.. oops.
Time to print out boarding pass
We needed a little help but all was good.
Flying the AA 777 on the way to HND….
We’ll be going through so many airports this time, LAX, HND, TSA, TPE, KIX, CTS, HND, NRT, LAX
Purchased the ticket from Chase Travel, redeem all by the points.
Everybody looks ready but the Mommy
As the boys continue to act cute for the camera
Somebody already does not want to sit still.
Not much sleep for Mommy except during this brief period
One bag of fruit – down!
But Jadynn is not satisfied
And that’s why no sleeping for Mommy.
She cried for a good half hour or so
And luckily fell fast asleep afterwards
Lap baby is doing just fine
It would have been a waste to get her own seat.
She looks so peaceful now but Mommy was so scared the person sitting in front of us would turn around and complain
When she was awake she kept kicking or bumping the front seat.
While the kids slept, Mommy watched Beauty and the Beast.
Holding one kid and the other leaning against her.
What a classic!
So touching!
…..As Daddy watched his own stuff
Mandarin only again…
If you stretch out the map this way, we’re flying in a straight line; not an arc as you usually see on the flight map.
Seafood meal. Special request ahead of time.
a definite downgrade from the seafood meal with SQ when we previously flew with them
can’t expect much when you flying with AA, the rest of the trip we’ll be flying with JAL only… hope to have better food, you will see.
What an uncomfortable flight
Finally arrived!
Good Afternoon Tokyo.. we are in HND… in transit to Taipei.
Kids are still energetic but mommy looks so tired.
We will be here for a little more than 2hrs.
No gate info yet.
Aiden is very happy at the start of the trip!
His signature monster pose for taking picture.
Are you scared?
Lets go find something to eat.
Impatient Jadynn waiting
How about some soup?
ahhh…
ummm…
Approved! Jadynn wanted some more of course.
What a happy baby.
You gotta take advantage when Aiden is willing to share with you.
Aiden likes his clam chowder soup too.
Happy and messy!
But at least she is willing to eat.
She won’t starve!
She slept so much on the plane that she didn’t have any meals while flying.
Full and energized!
Chirashi Bowl
Nigiri Sushi set.
A small playground for the kids.
I think Aiden is too big for this little playground now.
But nevertheless he wanted to play!
Jadynn wanted to play whatever he played.
Great fun for the kids while waiting!
Nice, safe fun!
So it appears,…
2 satisfied kids!
Playing it safe
Taking her time
Posing for pics too
Searching for her brother
Daddy sits down to rest
Ready!
Followed Aiden to the rocking toys
She acts like she is really riding a pony
Probably play crazier than Aiden
I kept thinking she is gonna fly off
Or maybe flip over
But somehow she manages to stay on
Acrobatic time
So daring!
Back to sliding!
Going everywhere
She called this doll Barbie
But doesn’t stay around dolls for long
Cannot stay still
She is a handful for Mommy
This is gonna be a long trip!
Got to watch her like a hawk
Trying to tackle two ponies
Running on the bench now
Good exercise for Mommy
Silly
Flight to TSA SongShan Airport, TW
We bought the cheap discounted tix from JAL months ago.
Cheap tickets means no pre-assigned seats.
Luckily, due to the baby on board with us; JAL has pre- assigned us to the front row seats with extra leg room for the rest of this trip.
Legs could be stretched straight, so comfortable.
Aiden is excited about the screen and Jadynn end up sleeping the whole trip. No fuss!
Seafood meal, and for the rest of the trip, I have the exact same meal regardless which airport we depart from. All JAL flight served the same.
the Kids’ meal
Both kids super tired!
Playground did its job!
Aiden doesn’t remember anything about his last trip to Taiwan.
At that time, he was only about 18 months. That’s 4 1/2 years ago.
Aiden loved being in charge of Spotting our Luggage!
Checked in @ Taiwan M Hotel… $306.00 for 3 nights from Chase Sapphire redemption.
Huge bathroom, although the bathtub is separated from the wall. Whole bathroom is flooded every time we shower.
Place for the people to hang out, outside the hotel
Free coffee for hotel guests.
Locks on the gate?!?!?!
Never gotten a chance to buy fruits from here.
it’s after 9pm already, we are out to look for food.
Luckily our hotel is close to one of the night market.
XiMenDing is just 10-15 mins walk away.
The hotel reception told us to get here before 10, otherwise the store is starting to close.
No time to watch, still looking for a place to eat, but it was very stinky
We quickly walked around but can’t decide which one to go in.
Amy picked one, and they started turn off the light at store front not long after.
Glad we sat down and placed our order quick.
Everyone is hungry.
Sunny side up with oyster sauce.
Fried rice for the kids.
Some Taiwan veggie with pig ears.
What is Jadynn hiding?
Look at the innocent face.
She is excited – everything so new to her!
Happy to sit in mommy’s lap entire meal
Drove Mommy nuts
Double chins
She enjoyed the meal
Aiden is happy too, even with the veggie we FORCED him to eat.
蚵仔煎
Street food is so cheap in Taiwan.
Once the stores closed, the real night market begins.
All the food carts are now lining up on the street.
This one is pretty good, but the one at 饒河夜市 supposed to be the BEST.
Too bad it’s raining day and night here during our trip. We didn’t get a chance to head over there.
I will take this for now. Next time, I’ll come back to try the other one.
Amy was surprised and how delicious this was! I mean cilantro, peanuts, and taro ice cream… they just don’t seem to belong together.
Satisfied kid.
Another must buy when I come to 西門町. I end up chewing chicken feet 4am in the morning… hahah.. jet lag.
We bought some gyoza for Aiden too.
So hot and humid here.
Iced cold drink to quench the thirst
Say Cheese.
the Kawaii pose.
Daddy taught Jadynn how to do the Kawaii pose before the trip.
She’d poke two fingers to her chin instead of the face.
Still so cute.
Must continue finding more food!
Waiting for Daddy’s drink
Of course Aiden is doing the kawaii pose too.
鮮百香3Q.. only $100TWD.. still cheap
Look at the size of it.
Of course Aiden wants some, he’s drooling already. Very delicious! Mommy’s new favorite – passionfruit!
Huge down jacket hanging outside Uniqlo, this place used to be Forever 21 I think.
Monster Baby at 12am
Nope, she did not want to sleep
Roarrrr.
And she already pull the phone headset apart.
Booked our hotel via Chase Travel.
Using all points only.