Little Man and Papa...

Ray's 27th SURPRISE!!

I went ahead and did it: I planned Ray's first surprise party ever, to try and make his day extra special, and it was a success, with the help of many good friends....

Ray's point guard, Fujiwara, and his family...

Dear friend Jill and I...

The Lake Stars happened to be playing a new expansion team, the Akita Happinets at home this same weekend, which is coached by Ray's coach of the past two years! Coach Pierce stopped in to say hello to make the night very special for Ray...

Lovely friend Angie...

All the ladies...

And the gents...

I'm so happy you were celebrated this night, Ray!!! You are one SPECIAL man!!! I LOVE YOU!

9 months!

Solomon Levi, 9 months:

Well, this little man is a mover and shaker. He's crawling- fast now- army style, but is able to pull himself up on everything and anything. He's definitely comfortable on his knees and feet, and we envision a walker here soon.

He's a funny guy too, already playing games with us. His favorite is burying his face- open mouthed- into our face, and waiting for us to do the same to him in return, which throws him into a fit of giggles. He LOVES to make Sophie laugh, most often at bedtime when he manages to find his way to her side of the crib. All we hear is laughing coming from the other room...

He also is VERY attached to Mama. He will follow me all around the house, and is usually content to just have a hand on my leg.

HAPPY 9 MONTHS LITTLE MAN!!!

Little Baby Builders...

The foam blocks took form when Papa entered the room. And the babes explored...

Sophie is always most interested in the little details...

And Mr. Sol is the explorer....

And caused that wall to fall....

FUN!

Our Christmas Abode...

It's pretty tough to get in the Christmas spirit here in Japan- they don't celebrate it, except for getting people to come buy things in the malls by posting huge posters of giant white bearded Santas at the entrances. Thanks to our dear Jen May Derby, her kindness brought a little Christmas cheer to the Schafer apartment! Doesn't it look charming?? :)

(Thank you Trina: yes, I do know that Christmas lights have lead in them, and they were promptly removed after these photos were taken, and placed elsewhere. Thank you again!!)

Breaching the Barrier...

Sometimes in his efforts to get over the blanket barrier we've put between him and Sophie in the crib, this little man gets tuckered out...

Boy in a box...

This little man, with his new-found mobility, is becoming increasingly more funny. He's always in to something, and is SO active. This particular day, he chose to spend some time in the toy box... content as can be...

Cucumber Cuties!

Adding to their already adorable two bottom chompers, the babes are breaking through teeth at record rates and needing some comfort. Sol has a little fang that has made its way through and Sophie has a front tooth, with both of them seemingly pending a mouthful of teeth here shortly. The best medicine I've discovered as of yet, are cucumber sticks, cooled in the fridge. They are content for hours!!!

Papa, we wanna be like you...

Can you teach me to play?

Yeah! Me too!

It's easy, just put your fingers here...

Will you teach me photography, Mama?? (I think this photo looks SO much like my niece, Ashton)

Baby, it's COLD outside!!

Games Galore!

The Lake Stars have had quite a good streak since Ray's return. Their record is now 13 in 5, and 6 of those wins have come since he's been back.

Here I am with my wonderful friend, Jill at one of the games...

And our lovely friend Angie with Sol...

Fans...

Soph, gettin' her groove on!!

A day at the park...

Half the fun of having another mom here is heading out to the park. It's especially nice during these lovely days we've been having!

Jill, Mecailin and Camden looking cute!

Makin' new friends...

Family of Four...