All grown up...

Already reading. And she thinks its the best!

Already crawling. He's one cool cat...

All smiles...

Just hangin'...

With Papa on the road, we've been spending our days in our pj's. I'm blown away that these little guys have been on earth as long as I carried them in my womb... the intimacy with these little incredible creatures continues to grow. I'm absolutely, utterly in love...

Sophie has turned a leaf and is all giggles. This is such a rewarding stage for me, because the mere look at my face causes here to erupt into a huge smile and giggles, revealing her two little teeth and tons of gums. She's not too active, very content to just lay on her back and play with a toy and sing.

Sol is a little fireball, ready to adventure and explore. He makes every effort to get his hands on his sedentary sister, and is using his "scoot" to get all around the floor of his room. He's even developed a mischievous little smile!

That's it! ...that sideways little grin...

I found him like this as I walked in the room.... yes, he trapped himself under the bed... :)

Squeaky Clean!!

Giving Thanks...

We had a quaint little Thanksgiving Day potluck with a couple of Ray's teammates and family. It was a good time had by all, made even better by the sweet headbands that Mikey and Jill's kids made!

Love Ray's pilgrim hat!

Love my new friend Jill! She's a total answer to prayer!

Snuggle Bug...

As I've mentioned before, Sol continues to get more and more active. As a result, I've been forced to create a blanket barricade in their crib to prevent him from terrorizing Sophie at bed time. Well, last night I realized that my efforts were to no avail. When I came in their room to check on them, this is how I found them. All he wanted was to snuggle....

What's up Doc??

Anything to make 'em laugh!!

Biwa and Birds...

As if i needed the reminder, I am one that thrives on getting out of the house at least once a day. This particular day, I threw the rain fly over the jogger for the babes, and donned my own rain jacket and we set out for the lake. What delightful surprises await one when it rains!

Coffee time with Jill...

This year in Japan triumphs over the others- there is finally another American wife here to join me!! She's married to Mikey Marshall from Texas, and they have their two kids here too (2 and 3 years). On Wednesday, while they guys watched the kiddos, we gals (and friend Michi) snuck away to a favorite little coffee shop in Kyoto to sip java and see the trees...

I took Mama Roz and Roslyn here last year....

We stopped by this zen garden on the way back. It was refreshing to be sitting with another wonderful lady, having a conversation about God and motherhood, amidst peace and quiet. Thank you Jill!!

Autumn in Ohara...

We're determined to have the same experiences WITH babies that we would WITHOUT. Here in Japan, that isn't necessarily the norm. Things change for new parents- less getting out, less dates with their spouse, less freedom...

Well, two years ago my friend Dacia and I visited an incredible little farming town tucked up into the hills of Kyoto, called Ohara. We went in the Fall when the trees were at their most brilliant colors and enjoyed meandering the trails that weaved in between gardens and rice fields. I was then, most determined to take Ray there... some day.

This past Monday he had a day off. What to do with the day? My vote was to re-visit that charming little town I had a couple years prior. To get there? A train ride + hour bus ride... with kiddos this time!!

We had the most amazing day. The bus was PACKED- I've never seen one so full- but Sophie charmed everyone with her blue eyes and constant "jabber", and Sol seemed content getting passed from one elderly lady to the next (what a ladies man!!). A truly peaceful, perfect day...

School Kiddos

I saw a shirt yesterday that said, "With Your Happy Surely Family". We've certainly missed the most incredible of Japanese-English.

And with it comes the adorable school kids. One of many paradoxes here in Japan is that, despite the country's overwhelming concern for illness during the cold months, the kids are forced to wear short shorts and skirts. And they always look like they're frozen. I'll never quite understand...