Going WAY Back

I promised Janelle that I would post some Halloween pictures, and I am just now getting to it. So, if you are waiting for me to do something that I told you I would do, be patient....I am finally checking off the stuff from October! We had such a fun Halloween this year. Kelsie dressed up as a rock star, Jackson was a Jedi, and Chloe was a ladybug. The kids went trick-or-treating and got way too much candy. Then we got together with some dear friends and let our sugar-loaded kids run around, eat junk food, and play. Wally and I learned a FUN new card game called Golf and before we knew it, it was midnight. At the stroke of twelve, the rock star turned back into Kelsie, the knight became Jackson, the ladybug morphed back into a very tired Chloe and the parents tucked them all into bed.




This Thanksgiving, we had much to be grateful for. Wally finished his very last CPA exam (which, by the way, he PASSED!) As a way of thanking the kids and I for our support and endurance, he flew us home to Utah. It started out a little rocky with flight delays, a lost iPod, a screaming baby, and missing Natalie's baptism, but it only got better from there. The kids were in heaven playing with all of their cousins, having sleep-overs at Grandma's, and being spoiled 24/7. Wally and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our families, and also being spoiled 24/7. As always, the time flew by too quickly and before we knew it we were back on the plane with a screaming baby. We're counting down the days until we can go back!



Chrismas 2008 marked the very first Christmas that I was not at home. I missed being with our families, but I must admit that spending a quiet, simple Christmas here was pretty nice. On Christmas Eve we got together with a couple of families and our kids put on the cutest Nativity ever! Christmas morning the kids opened their presents and they got to play with them (we're usually rushing to the airport to catch a flight). While this Christmas was very different from what we're used to, I realized that I am stronger than I give myself credit for.

Catching Up

I've neglected to blog a few things over the past few months, and while the pictures are not current, they are just too cute not to share. Here are some shots from Kelsie's birthday (in February). We had an awesome girls day out-- shopping at Justice, pedicures, Cheesecake Factory, and a late night with Olivia. What more could a 9-year-old girl ask for? We feel so blessed to have Kelsie in our family. She brings fun, love, compassion, and energy to our home. We love you Kels!

One month later, we were partying again, this time for Jackson. Jackson felt super special this year because Grandma Miyasaki came to town. We celebrated Jackson's birthday and Grandma's visit with a trip to the Dallas World Aquarium. All I can say is AWESOME! We saw sharks, crocodiles, exotic birds, a manatee, otters, tarantulas, vampire bats, a jaguar, and fish from all corners of the world. I think I might choose to go there for my birthday, too. I didn't think that our day could get any better, but I was wrong. We had lunch at Chili's and then for the pinnacle event (drumroll, please) .....shopping at Target. Jackson asked for money for his birthday this year so he could buy a huge, very expensive Star Wars Lego set. A Lego set is truly the gift that keeps on giving because for the next few hours, Jack and Wally got to put the huge, very expensive Lego set together. When it was all finished, Jackson was one happy six-year-old. Jackson, we love your sense of humor, your sweet disposition, and your caring nature!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

The hardest part about living in Texas is missing out on all of the family gatherings. Dad, we wish we could be there to sing to you in person, but for now, this will have to do! We love you, we miss you, and we wish you a very Happy Birthday!