Busy Summer - Let's Start w/ Seattle!

Well, I've neglected our blog this summer to say the least, but I have a good excuse (actually several).  I'll start from when we left Okinawa.  Talk about a whirlwind.  Bennett graduated from Kindergarten on Friday and we hopped our plane home early Saturday morning.  Conveniently traveling back in time, we arrived in Seattle Saturday morning as well.  Our plan was to stay over in Seattle for about 4 nights to help get us over the jet lag hurdle and explore beautiful Washington State in the process.  It was the perfect time to visit the pacific northwest coming from hot and steamy Okinawa.  We spent our days driving (on the right side of the road) and enjoying the lovely scenery with two boys wrestling in the backseat.  Can you say Grizwalds????  Oh the joys of traveling with a 4 year old and 6 year.  Olympic National Park was a highlight of our trip for sure reintroducing the boys to snow, lakes, and giant trees.  The views were stunning and we were all amazed walking through the rainforest at the gorgeous, mossy trees.  God's creations never cease to take our breath away.  Seattle was wonderful, but we were excited about our next stop.......my home sweet home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Cuts

Tho boys look forward to losing their locks for  much cooler "do" for the summer and this week it was time.  We hit up the barber shop and left with these handsome faces!

Moving Day!

They came, they packed, and they took our stuff!  It's exciting and stressful all at the same time.  We have 2 air mattresses and the refrigerator left.....camping or as close to camping as this girl likes to get.  And leave it to Beau-man to throw in a little excitement in the mix of the move.  He got one of Fletcher's metal boot bands stuck (and I mean really stuck) in between his bottom teeth.  I'm sure those movers thought we were nuts.  Luckily, the plyers were not boxed up yet and Fletcher came to the rescue.  It's really never dull around here.

Beach Boys

Just a few pics of the boys at the beach.....

Kindergarten Flower Arrangement Demo

We have lots of demonstrations at the boys' school and this week it was making flower arrangements.  Bennett's class has a weekly etiquette lesson and each week they focus on something new like restaurant manners, how to properly clean (which I'm thrilled about), Japanese Tea Ceremony, and now flower arranging.  They work on it in class and when they are ready, the parents are invited in to watch what they've mastered.  I have to say I was intriqued by the finished products of a bunch of kindergarteners. You'll see in the pictures how level of focus in getting every flower in just the right spot.  I had to giggle a few times, but I'm hoping these skills pay off next weekend....since it is Mother's Day.  And I wish I had videoed, but before they begin a session with a new teacher the whole class stands up and welcomes her in Japanese, they bow, and then sit down.  Everytime I go to watch, I kick myself for not having my phone out ready to video.  I think it's the sweetest display of showing the teachers respect and appreciation.

Sunday Afternoon Exploring

One of our favorite things to do in to walk down to the end of the street and get our feet in the sand.  We love picking up shells and sea glass and we've gathered a pretty impressive collection over the last 3 years.  Another hobby is looking for fun little "sea creatures" and whatever else may turn up.  I don't know about the boys, but I'm always amazed at the beautiful starfish, sea cucumbers, and other fun stuff we find.  What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

School Pictures

Again, forgive the delay in posting, but these days I'm not sure if I'm coming or going.  We're down to 4 and a half weeks before heading back to the states and the list of "must do's" is long.....very long actually.  We got the boys' school pictures and much like last year, we thought they were absolutely precious.  I love their sweet little smiles and their little toes in socks with flip flops. :)  I have ordered the CD, so if you're reading this, you can probably expect a hard copy in the mail soon.  Just wanted to give you a preview of what you can expect.  P.S.  I noticed this year the boys are not holding swords.  Coincidence?  I think not!