Tia Turned Two

We can't believe our baby turned 2 this week! She is getting so big! It's amazing what a two year old can say and do...she cracks us up!

Here's an update on our little Tia:

1. She can say sentences up to 8 words long.

2. She DOESN'T want to be potty trained, but DOES use the toilet once a day or when she is supposed to be in bed and is trying to get out of sleeping.

3. She's in love with Dora the Explorer.

4. She cut up her Binky the day after her birthday and hasn't had it since...however, she's horrible at going to sleep now-it takes FOREVER!

5. She named her baby doll ABCD this week (because that's all she hears her older brother saying).

6. She LOVES cheese! She'll use the same chip over and over just to scoop out the cheese dip and lick it.

7. She loves jumping...on beds, trampolines, off curbs, etc.

8. Her favorite color is pink.

9. She can count to 10, say some of her ABC's, and is fabulous at doing wooden puzzles.

10. She gives GREAT hugs and kisses.

We love you Tia! Happy Birthday!

The night before Tia's birthday Jayden stayed up and helped us decorate

Opening Presents

Thanks Aspen & Sage for these cute dolls!

"BOOTS" (Dora's monkey) and some fun clothes from family!

Tia was so excited to have a "Dora & Diego Castle" Pinata. She couldn't wait to break it open!

Tia hitting the pinata--softly.

(Thanks Aunt Tera for the cute birthday outfit!)

Jayden hitting the pinata. (This was one tough pinata...luckily the neighbor girl broke it open first so that the Jayden could get a good wack out of it.)

Tia's "Princess" cupcakes that Jayden helped us decorate...Yes family...they are SPICE cupcakes :) I can't do a birthday party without Spice cake-love it!

We didn't do a big party, but we had a few neighbors over for cupcakes & icecream. It was nice! Thanks guys for celebrating with us!

Tia trying to blow out her candles, but only blowing her BANGS instead.

"Happy Birthday to me!"

Halloween Costumes

There was no question on what the kid's would be this year, when they found out that they could dress up as Dora & Diego that's all they wanted!!! Tia was a Toe-headed Dora because there's NO WAY we were going to get a wig or anything else on her head. Shane and I tried to talk them out of these outfits SEVERAL times because these aren't really costumes-they're just clothes, but we knew that this is what would make them happy. And they were happy!

So I've given up on trying to take cute pictures...I've decided that if I can at least get BOTH of them IN the picture, then we're good!

Our ward's Trunk-or-Treat:

Diego & Dora

The kids and their "backpacks."

At least we didn't have to carry around bags, they just used their backpacks.

Here's Jayden and a sweet Japanese guy in a Freaky mask! Jayden thought it was awesome!

Hope you all have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Can't wait to see your pictures!

Have you ever...

...seen a shrink-wrapped bus before?

I love the military!

Love this place!

A few cold & rainy days are worth it when you get to see this afterwards...

...a SNOW-CAPPED Volcano!

What a beautiful sight!

(Just look past the buildings and telephone poles-do you see it now? I tried getting a picture without buildings in it, but I could only walk so far-maybe next time)!

Showa Kinen Park

I think we all agree that this is our FAVORITE PARK ever!!! It's only a 15 minute drive from our home.

Here are some pictures from our two visits. Last month we went with our neighbors, the Barton's, and last week we took Uncle Rick.

It's so huge we rented bikes to tour the park.

Bouncing Domes

These are the COOLEST things in the world. They are large trampoline mountains.

The dad's loved it! Shane again.

The other dad, Bryce.

I must admit...they are a blast!

When we took Rick it must have been a "field trip day". There were kids everywhere.

Jayden also loves to slide down them.

Rick & Jayden catching some air.

Jayden could play on these all day.

Dragon Dunes

This place is filled with huge dragons, slides, and things to climb.

Shane and the kids.

Rick & the kids.

Here's a slide on one of the dragon tails.

Roller Slide

Shane & Jayden "superman" style.

Our family

The Bartons

Rick & the kids.

If you've never been on a roller slide...you have got to find one...they are a hoot! The bigger you are the more fun it is because you go faster.

Misty Forest

Rainbow Hammocks

The hammocks were twice this big, but I couldn't get them all in one picture.

A Sweet Slide :)

I have no clue what this slide is made of, but it was WAY fun!

Rick & Jayden surfing down the slide.

Tia loved it so much she went down it a billion times (well, not really but you get the point).

Jayden was doing all sorts of flips and tricks down the slide.

We've been there twice and still haven't even touched half of it! It's huge! It also has a water park, lake that you can ride boats on, mini-golf course, disc-golf course, bonsai garden, and more. The Japanese sure know how to build great parks

Fun Family Night Activity

Chalkboard Pumpkins

This was so simple & fun! Jayden's favorite thing was that you can wipe the face right off and draw another one. He also had a blast giving the pumpkin hair.

This is all you need to do it!

-a box
-a pumpkin
-chalkboard spray paint
-chalk

Check out this blog to see the instructions:

Toad's Treasures

*note - the pumpkin needs 24 hours to dry

Our 2nd Visitor

Yeah...another visitor! My brother Joe was on his way home from Hong Kong and extended his layover in Tokyo for a day so that he could come and visit us.

This morning we rode our bikes to the donut shop and ate donuts on the flight line. Tia would not smile, but as you can tell by her messy face...she really enjoyed her donut.

And yesterday we took Joe up the Tokyo Tower.

It was a quick visit, but we sure had a great time! Thanks Joe, we love you!

Too funny not to post!

Shane was in the kitchen yesterday and heard a big THUD at the back door!!! He went to see what it was and this is what he saw...

Yes, that is the imprint of a BIRD...with a feather still attached! Shane said that it was a large pigeon, the splat mark is as big as my hand.

It's sad at the same time, but how funny that it actually left a WHOLE body imprint on our window. And, that there was still a feather attached!

The bird did survive. It wobbled around on our back patio for awhile, then eventually flew away.