Early Summer 2013

First, I have to begin with talking about the sweet thing my sweet daughter said tonight. She says a lot of really really sweet things, and I need to get better at writing more of those moments down so I never forget. Tonight, after I laid them in bed (remember, they sleep in my bed when Steve's gone) and walked out, Avery said "Noah, do you want me to tell you a story about a truck? Ok! Once there was a truck named little blue and he met mrs. blue, etc. etc....." Noah said something about wanting mommy up with them. Avery said "Yes, but it's a good thing mommy kissed us because now we both have kissing hands to remember her." We haven't read that book (The Kissing Hand) in forever, but she remembered. She really is so smart and she never forgets anything. Also, she takes after Steve when it comes to directions. She remembers how to get places better than me. She's the first one to tell me if I've missed a turn, and she always knows which direction our house is no matter where we are on the island. It's amazing. I'm glad she got that skill from Steve, because I just don't have it.

After Avery graduated from preschool at the end of May we began to really enjoy a super relaxed summer schedule. We didn't have anything scheduled until Avery started swim lessons in mid June. Noah tried gymnastics, but it didn't go too well. He enjoyed it, but he's not quite ready for a class like that yet (he's not the greatest at listening, waiting his turn, etc.). In hindsight, maybe I should have let him try it again, but he hasn't asked about it since, so I think we're good. Avery starts gymnastics in July!
Anyway, he's some tidbits of what we did when summer began:

Lots of beach days of course!

My mom made Avery's adorable dress! Seriously, so talented!

Avery and I had a "coffee hot chocolate party."

Doing some exploring at Comprehensive Park. This is right before Avery started panicking because she saw a HUGE spider. Well, thankfully it wasn't a spider, just a big black crab, but it was scary looking!

We found the waterpark we kept hearing great things about (no Wyandot Lake or The Beach from back in Ohio, but it will work!). I promised to take them that weekend.

His long hair...

More exploring....this is when a man showed us a baby octopus. It was tiny! So cool to see!

The neighbors brought us to an animal park in Naha.

The most exciting part of the park....the train ride! Noah was actually nervous at first which surprised me.

They loved it!

We fed the fish and ducks from up here.

Looking at fish.

Noah loved feeding these animals. He didn't want to stop.

Just sitting on a big tortoise!

Then we went to a resort hotel for lunch! Overlooking the water of course. Love this window!

It was yummy!

We went back the next weekend with them and brought our swimsuits so we could use their pool and beach area.

Avery graduated from MOPS!

The only picture I took at the waterpark. We stayed for 4 1/2 hours!

Sushi go round has become our go to eating out place. We love the california rolls, cucumber rolls, tuna salad rolls, shrimp rolls, salmon rolls, and their salad.

Each plate is only 100 yen, so we can eat for about 10 bucks.

This is the first time they've been able to ride the teeter toter together without my help. Noah must be catching up to Avery!

This is what I get to wake up to.=) Unless Noah wakes me up first.;)

New floaties!

It happened...I turned....30......Avery wished me a happy birthday all day long...even first thing in the morning and she sang to me to. She wanted KFC for dinner, so that's where we went. Noah slept in the stroller as he was worn out from the day we spent at the beach. Even though the anticipation of turning 30 was a little rough for me, it's not so bad. I am beyond thankful for everything I have. Great family, friends, my health...I feel great...it's going to be a great year!