Sunday before Christmas

This Sunday was one of our favorite Sunday's of the year. The Christmas story was read and we sang the usual Christmas songs that we all love. Our family lit the last unity candle before Christmas, while Jackson had a performance with the other children of the church. As you can see below he got a little shy during the performance. It's funny how he can sing and do all the motions perfect at home, then when he gets out in public he clams up. Still, I think it's cute!
The kids all dressed and ready to go. I had to get a couple of shots before leaving for church. Because who knows what they would of looked like after...or if they would of even been
awake. ;-)

Jackson making his debut...

I got these adorable "crawling socks" for Gracie. I think they are perfect, but Jason on the other hand isn't too crazy about them. But that's okay...we will leave the dressing to me! ;-) They are perfect now that she is crawling on the hard floors. Plus, it makes diaper changes a breeze. I sound like a infomercial for them don't I? ;-) As you can see our little cue ball is starting to get some hair. I dream of the day I am able to put bows in her hair. We aren't really sure what color it is going to be...it's a close tie between a light brown to a auburn like me. I am pulling for the auburn. It would be great for us to have the same color hair!

Jackson's 3rd Birthday Celebrations

It's hard to believe that our baby boy Jackson turned 3 this past weekend! We (or should I say Jackson) have been counting down the days for what seems like weeks now to his much anticipated Diego birthday party. We rented the movie room at the USO, which was great! The room seats 18 and they provide the popcorn and fountain drinks. Jackson picked "Kung Fu Panda" to watch...something he has also been talking about forever! The kids all enjoyed themselves, and for the most part stayed seated throughout the movie, except for a little break towards the end. I am sure Jackson will remember this birthday for years to come. We are so thankful for the friends he has made. I am sure we will be spending many more with them for years to come!


Jackson requested star cookies for his birthday over the Diego cake. It was fine with me...these were much easier!
The coveted Diego party...
The kids (and some parents) were seated ans ready for the movie to begin.
Liz and Tritia chatting away during the movie catching up on the previous nights festivities.
The birthday boy blowing out his candles while Sophia anxiously awaited a cookie. ;-)
Time for presents!
Here I am explaining what the gift is...I guess I was in a "mommy moment."
Jason watching over AJ open gifts while the other kids were "helping."
Jackson and his good girl pal, Molly.
He wore this spiderman hat the whole day. He wanted to wear the mittens that came with it, but I talked him out of it by telling him he can't eat popcorn with them on...that did the trick!
After the party we ate at Chili's too. Here are Jason and Grace enjoying some father/daughter time.
He got a bike for his birthday and couldn't wait to ride it. This picture was taken at 6:15 in the morning on our upper balcony. (Yes, he is an early riser...)
Papa and Yaya got him some trucks...a boy can't have too many of those!
Gaga and Daddy Don bought him a Diego jeep and Matchbox car holder. He was so excited!
Right after he got his bike...now that is a face of pure joy!
Some other shots of the weekend...
Jackson teaching Grace how to play the piano.
Music to her ears...
This is daily activity for us...playing baseball in the backyard.
AJ sporting the Michigan hat.
Now Gracie's turn!
We finished off the weekend celebrating Jason's birthday on Sunday. After church we had some yummy sushi for lunch. Jason finished off the day doing his annual trip with his friends to the onsen and had a tall beer and soba for dinner. He was VERY relaxed after a busy day with family and friends. Sorry there are no pictures for this...someone forgot the camera. ;-P

Gingerbread House Party at the Grubbs!

It is that time of year again!! Time for the Grubbs annual Gingerbread House decorating party. We look forward to this every year. Kent (and some friends) make the houses out of wood because being here in Okinawa gingerbread doesn't work too well. ;-) We ice them up and decorate the houses with many different kinds of candy that everyone brings to share. The kids (and adults) have so much fun doing this! Tritia cooks up some yummy chili while everyone decorates and visits. This year the rain decided to join us so we had to move the festivities in the house....hope the carpet didn't get too wrecked Grubbs! ;-P
As you can see below AJ loved the icing part, and was trying to stuff as much candy as he could in his mouth before mom and dad noticed. But being his birthday, we were pretty easy on him...As always check out Tritia's blog for more pictures. She always takes up my slack when it comes to picture taking.



The houses ready and waiting to be iced and decorated.
Jason and Jackson starting the process...Jackson stuffing Twizzlers in his mouth before we caught him. As you can see this was not a clean project!Liz, Mason and Willow working hard at their house.


And here's Michelle and Molly starting on their house.
The completed house! Jackson was a big help as you can see...;-) I had to get a picture of precious baby Milo. Isn't he ADORABLE!?!

Saturday afternoon at Transit Cafe

We woke up on Saturday to a day that was free to do whatever we wanted. It was a gorgeous morning...just windy and a little cool...but a perfect day to get out and see the beautiful waves on the sea wall. We went to Transit Cafe for lunch and had a yummy meal with a fantastic view. Jackson loved seeing the ocean waves and the surfers trying to get on their boards. I can only imagine they were freezing their buns off! Turned out to be a great afternoon for all of us!

The stairwell leading to Transit Cafe.
Gracie being a sweetheart while we ate lunch.
Our amazing food! The top was a fish and chips that Jason and Jackson shared. And mine is on the bottom with spicy curry soup with all kinds of veggies, rice a fried egg and naan. I would of licked my plate clean if there weren't other people in the place.


Jackson waiting patiently for his food...he kept asking when it was coming...time to sing the patience song, right Mom!?! ;-)

Surfers out catching a wave.

My two sweeties sporting the Texas hats. Hook em' Horns!!
Gracie was so happy in this picture...but Jackson wasn't ready. It's hard to get both of them to look at the camera with a happy face!
Just loved this one...Gracie with her dark eyes. ;-)