The best of friends...

It has been truly rewarding seeing these two learn each other and become buddies.

From sharing toys, to bumping heads and chewing on each other's feet, it has been our joy to watch these little ones interact. In the first photo, it almost looks like Sophie is reading to Sol. Here at our apartment they have their very own room, and often I will walk in and find them interacting, oftentimes laughing at one another. A joy!

They love to hold hands...

Baby Biscuit Bumbo Time!!

One of the coolest things about this stage is their growing dexterity with their hands. I love watching them learn to use their little pincers to pick up little bits of food- their concentration and joy with success is a reward for all of us! We brought a bunch of teething biscuits with us, and we've been letting them at 'em. Such fun!

Crossing an ocean...

Needless to say, Sol and Sophie are pretty simple little creatures. Give them some food, toys and snuggles and they are angles indeed! It did help that the flight crew was all from Seattle and one of the flight attendants had twins (S + S were pretty popular to say the least!!). We have a couple little world travelers on our hands!

*These cool little bassinets on the planes sure are handy!!*

Back Again...

Being back in Japan again has really revealed so much of my heart for my husband. Not only does he do his "job" well, but he does it for the betterment of the team. This past weekend, I saw Ray play some of the best team basketball yet, passing, assisting and leading his teammates- having just stepped off the plane! I can see a deep respect and admiration in their eyes toward him. I can see they have grown to deeply trust his humility, and know that behind it there is a strong and powerful basketball player. Off the court, his fans adore him- not only because he is a celebrity here, but because they know he truly cares for them as people. There were several people in tears after the games this weekend, honored that Ray would return to them, honored that he would take time to talk to them or sign their kid's jersey. These are just some of the things that make me truly amazed at the gift I have in him.

Needless to say, things went well on the basketball front this weekend. After three years of losing to the #1 team and defending Champions, Osaka Evessa, Ray stepped in with his team to pull off TWO wins, moving the Shiga Lake Stars to FIRST PLACE in the league! It was a great start to his third season with the Lakes!

Sequim and Ms. Sophia...

Hearing of the impending trip overseas, we took a spur of the moment trip up to Sequim. It was so nice to see Gramma Brennie and let her play with the babes, though we wish we'd had more time to see more people...

Sol was sleeping for most of these pics- that's why it's sort of a Sophia photo shoot!!

She's become a little vocal lady, babbling, singing and talking constantly..

And smiling too!

She LOVED this sunflower, even as much to taste it!-sheer delight!!

Gramma helped me feed them!!

A wonderful trip, but too very short. We love you Gramma!!

Applesauce extravaganza...

After picking such amazing apples out at the farm, we wanted to get to canning. I pulled out bags of blackberries and raspberries which we also picked this summer, and cooked it down. The result was quite beautiful, don't you think? (And tasty too!!) Ray also dehydrated some apples and added to the jubilee!!

My friend Michelle Garrels had me over to re-enact the event. Her daughter Heron and son Shepherd were particularly helpful!! Delightful friend!

Baby Crafties!!

Inspired by the wonderful fabric I picked up in Sisters, OR...