Okinawa - Jan. 25, 2014

The New Year brings cherry blossoms to the island. Photos cannot capture just how breathtaking they are....

We also stopped by a glass blowing shop on the way home. The craftsmanship is amazing.

Okinawa - Dec. 5

Lily is so busy. She WANTS to be busy. She likes to be on the move and she likes to be around lots of people. We try to accommodate her the best we can while making sure she has enough down time and time to just run around and play.

Here she is on a typical Thursday: Gymnastics in the morning. Swim in the afternoon.

Her Balance has gotten REALLY good.

She LOVES the trampoline!

Lily was so cold after her rinse off,  the pool is heated, thankfully. She was not thrilled to have to stop and smile for mama. 

Okinawa - Dec. 4, 2013

The weather has cooled down a bit in Okinawa, and it currently feels like early fall. All of our family in the states are starting to feel the bite of winter. I don't miss that one bit, but occasionally, I still miss home.

Thanksgiving came and went, uneventful as ever. Holidays like Thanksgiving are not really the same without our extended family around, as usual, we were very thankful to have each other.

We are finally settled into our new house and we REALLY like the neighborhood and little village we live in. Lots of nice farmers markets, parks, and shops to explore, not to mention nice beaches just five minutes away.

Lily Grace is doing well. Full of life and mischief. She seems so different now. Not quite typical American kid, not quite typical Okinawan kid. She is that strange in between that all kids living abroad seem to be. She's so full of personality and opinions. It's still so new to have her get in the car after school, tell me all about her day and in turn ask me about my day!

Okinawa Lily - First Day of School Sept. 9, 2013

Lily Grace is back in school! She is in the 3 year old room this year. Three days a week, 4 hours a day.

The weekend before school started, she and I had some mother/daughter time. I took her to get her very first pedicure! I may have created a monster because she thoroughly enjoyed the pampering.

 

 

 

She pick out her own design and sat very still. I was shocked, especially since the technician hand painted each ladybug.

 

Lily woke up on Monday with a smile on her face and was fairly excited about the first day of school. I had to remind her a few times that she would have different teachers and be in a different class this year.

 

(Believe it or not, this is a "small" size book bag. The toddler size is too small, but this one is HUGE.)

 

I can't believe we have been here an entire year and our baby (big kid?) is in her second year of school.

 

 

Okinawa Lily - July 30th, 2013

I know...I don't even have to say it. I've been gone a while....a LONG while.
To be fair, I really have not been taking many pictures.
No, really, I have been taking crappy cellphone pictures and have completely spaced out on taking real photos with my very REAL camera.

In any case lots has gone on! Lily completed her first year of preschool, YAY! She improved in every area and is looking forward to the 3 year old room next year at the same school. I couldn't be more proud of her. She is in gymnastics once a week and TODAY started swim lessons at the local athletic club. Lessons are in Japanese and English, I don't even get in the pool with her. I'm a bit nervous, but she did great today.

First day of gymnastics.

First day of Swim

 

 

Last day of school with her teachers

So, Lily Grace turned 3 on the 24th of the month and actually started celebrating when we went back to the states to visit. Not only did she get spoiled rotten by our family, but she got to go to Disney World for 4 days! She is STILL talking about meeting Cinderella and Mickey.
For her actual birthday Jeff and I took her out to eat, then for ice cream, then home to open a few gifts from us. On the following Saturday she had a Cinderella themed beach party with all of her little friends. She had a BLAST and got a pretty good tan in the process.

Here are some photos of the last month.

Our Pretty Princess on the day of her party.

Flying the kite she got for her birthday.




Lily Grace - Age 3

Likes: Painting, gymnastics, the beach and dress up.

Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese

Favorite Movies: Cindrella and Monster's Inc

Wants to be a Super Hero when she grows up.

She's funny, sassy, sweet, a little bit rude sometimes, full of energy, love and joy. She's our pride and joy, the apple of our eye, and a true blessing.
She shines like the brightest star and we love her so much.

Okinawa Lily - April 12, 2013

Lily Grace had her spring concert at school last month...it was JUST as cute as the Christmas program and she was just as excited.

 

 

 

 

In other news, Lily is testing her boundaries and learning more and more everyday. I love seeing her independence growing. Some days, it's trying, other days, I am amazed at all that she can do on her own and how her mind works.

Okinawa Lily - March 19, 2013

 Easter's on It's way....