Birds on the brain...

Everyone's so happy that Papa has so much extra time now that his season is over...

We've been spending so much time down at the lake. Armed with Ray's makeshift bamboo fishing rod and some worms, catching bluegill has been easy. And the birds have become our closest friends as a result. This little fella can always be found on his roof-top perch on the lakeside fire station waiting for an easy meal. I really like him...

...And he likes us when there are fish to be had...

...But one needs to share as well...

...because these hawks are fast and hungry!...

There's enough to go around!

Twins at Two

Now two months old, our two little ones are developing such incredible characters that we are constantly delighted. They have begun smiling and seemingly have an endless array of facial features. I love this photo because it captures our babies very distinct personalities: Sophie seems to be trying to explain something in the most theatric tone, and Sol is contemplating his existence...

I love this photo too. Our little Sol is such a content little boy- just happy flapping his arms and listening to his sister's soft snores...

Both Sophie and Sol currently have blue eyes. Sol's are very light blue- almost silver, and so captivating... Boy we love these two!

A Day at the Beach...

Now that Ray's season is over, it leaves time to do some of our favorite things in Japan. The Monday following Ray's last game, we headed up to our favorite beach with our friends the Murray's. It was a delightful day...

Immigration, look out.

We finally finished the heaps of paperwork to make these little ones American citizens, which included filing for passports. The passport application required two photos. We decided to take our own, and here is the result. Do you think they look innocent enough?? :)

BBQ Season!!

A couple weekends ago I had to spend the weekend in the hospital, and Ray was away for games, so our dear friends, the Yasuda's, offered to watch the babes for the weekend. What an offer! We were honored that they would take on the challenge of two newborns for three days!

Well, our little ones were spoiled sick and asked to return to the Yasuda's to visit. We headed up there for a bbq last weekend and had a simply wonderful time.

Here are Ray, Shinya and Luke, invited to help BBQ.

Shinya with a plate of sashimi.

Ray, dazzling the neighbor kiddos with his ball tricks. Works every time :)

Our hosts Taka (with his girlfriend Sophia),

And Angie, with her boyfriend Sol...

The little ones certainly got their fill of attention... Look at that little sunshine, soaking it up!

We love you guys!! (This photos shows the Yasudas with their two boys Kosei and Kaito, and also teammates Luke and Shinya)

Farewell Celebration

Last Saturday night, the Lake Stars hosted a big farewell party for the "booster", or supporters of the team. The party was held on the Michigan Boat, a big sternwheeler donated by the University of Michigan to the city of Otsu. The event was finely catered with beautiful food. It was so much fun to dress up and invite the kiddos to their first fancy event! They were amazing little ones- they slept the whole time, despite the LOUD noise and incessant attention...

Ray and his team and staff... looking good.

They had an auction. Ray auctioned off a practice jersey and shorts that were even big for him!! (size 7x!!)

Out and About

The weather has been calling us out. Sol and Sophie have been loving their time in the sun, watching the leaves of the trees sway, and listening to the birds sing their spring songs.

This is our heron friend from last year, always on his same perch.

Ray went up into the hills and cut down some long bamboo poles to go fishing. Him and Luke tried their luck.... and caught like 30 small fish! Not good eating (for us at least!) but they certainly had fun!

Our friends Ayaka and Ryan just had a baby boy as well. We enjoyed our time in the park together, picnic in tow.

Friends already...

tears...

Wow- no one told me that babies as young as ours actually produce tears when they cry. I completely understand that babies cry, but when their warm tears start rolling down their cheeks and pool in their ears, and only a tight embrace can soften the sobs... oh my heart just breaks. I love these two little babes like none other...

Bunnies and Bugs...

Appreciation...

Ray was away for the weekend, and I was once again in the hospital. I went in for a routine check-up, and they kept me for three days to monitor my uterus. Needless to say, I am HEALTHY as can be now, with no worries to our friends and family back home, but I was SO happy to get out of that hospital on Monday and have Ray home. We decided to take a trip up the lake to our favorite beach and enjoy the weather. I can't tell you the appreciation I have for an incredible husband, two beautiful babies, and the ability I have to go outside and drink in Creation...

It was a gorgeous day. Warm, barely a breeze...

The rice fields are being prepared for planting. It is an impressive undertaking, and I am always impressed with the hard work of the farmers in this country. The rice fields mark the seasons here, and now that we can see the new shoots of green rising from the water, we know that Spring has truly begun...

This past week was "Golden Week" for the country; a week-long holiday for everyone. It also carries with it "Children's Day", and you can see fish wind socks like these flown all over the countryside, celebrating children...