The Sugiyamas: Manny

Toshi thought about coming to stay with us for a few months last year but things didn't work out. This year we begged and he made the trek down from Idaho right before Gary was born. PERFECT TIMING! He stayed from August to December and it was GLORIOUS to have him around. (PS in case you are trying to figure out how to lure him into living with you for 5 months try offering him a job that he'd love and then once he arrives tell him it isn't going to work out, but don't worry, we have plenty of stuff around here to keep you busy :) In the famous words of Ruby....SUCKAHHHHH!

Not only was he amazing with the kids, but he was also handy around the house! While he was here we finished painting almost every room, took down and painted all the doors (there are only like 24 in this house people....), replaced all the hardware on those doors, painted most of the trim with oil based paint (ugh), replaced all the outlets and switches - with only a few glitches :), painted the closet in Ruby's room with chalkboard paint (she loves it), spent hours installing several "10 minute" ceiling fans, put up all the outdoor christmas lights (only breaking 2 sprinkler heads in the process), removed some VERY stubborn wallpaper, cleaned the back porch roof - super gross, and removed a toilet (which did end in the calling of a plumber BUT also a toilet that no longer wobbles). He also did loads of yardwork, roof blowing, babysitting, and vacuuming. He was my side kick for a non stop, through the night, roadtrip up to Michigan (or more accurately I was HIS side kick). When our boat cover was slipping off during a torrential downpour he threw on a swimsuit and ran out with a bucket. After getting out most of the water he strapped down some extra tarps - what a guy! He read snow white a hundred thousand times and made the best fairy godmother when Ruby wanted to "play" cinderella.

This morning Ruby made cupcakes in her play kitchen and said, "this one is for uncle toshi. Where is he?" I explained that he left to go back to school. Ruby's response, "well let's just put it over here in case he comes back." We all miss him.