Mona Kids and Kokusai Street

Our Oki-family went to the Mona Kids jungle for the afternoon for the kids to get some much needed energy out. They had a blast! It is a perfect place for the kids to run wild and the parents can still visit without having to keep much of an eye on them. This is the first time Jackson has been where we didn't have to help him...which was SO nice! Before we know it, Grace will be running around in there!

Here is the clan...Kai (holding Grace), Mason, Jackson, Molly, Willow and Sophia Bella This is a typical sight here in Okinawa. The Japanese love to display the food they serve just to give you a peek of what is looks like (it is made out of plastic). And believe it or not...it really does look like that when it comes to the table.
Sophia taking a noodle break.
Jackson made friends with some local girls. For some reason this is a typical way to "say cheese" for the Japanese.
Kento eating some takoyaki...better known as octopus balls.

Who doesn't love the balls!?!
On the way to Kokusai Street I spotted this Orion sign. This is our favorite beer here in Oki. Brewed and consumed here! ;-) We went to an Indian restaurant called Nanak for dinner. It was excellent! This is what Liz ordered. Can you say NAAN!
Jason, Tritia and Kent have hungry smiles on their face. We had a wonderful day with our friends and topped off the evening with dinner and a stroll down the unique streets of downtown Naha. What a life...

Christmas Day at the Scherdens

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas Eve night Jackson and I had the cookies and milk ready for you know who. It was daddy's idea to put a carrot on the plate for the reindeer...Jackson LOVED that! He was so excited! As we were driving home from church, Jason and Jackson were looking in the sky for Santa and his reindeer flying high above us. Jackson swears he saw Santa! ;-) To see the joy in his face is like nothing else. It really makes you re-live your childhood all over again. We will remember this Christmas together for many years to come! Jackson has everything set and ready to go!
Christmas morning...
the presents were set under the tree by Santa and waiting for Jackson and Grace to wake up. Jackson decided to sleep in, so I was up getting everything ready.
He couldn't contain himself after seeing what Santa had done the night before.
We had a gorgeous sun rise that morning!
Santa and the reindeer ate the treats, and even left Jackson a special note.
Stocking time!
Emma had some treats to keep her busy while the presents were being opened.
Grace chewing on anything she could get her hands on. Spiders always taste yummy!

Grace thinks that is her chew toy. But Emma was pretty set on making it her own.


She found something else to chew on...at least she will have fresh breath!
Jackson and I wrapped up in our warm blankets we got from Aunt Bekah.

Okay, so I debated on putting this one in here...but I had to give family a visual of the house right after presents were opened. If you know me I was quick to get everything organized and all the paper and boxes picked up. It was a mess, but I loved every minute of it!

The Mendozas had us over for dinner and got this adorable shot of Gracie and Sophia. We had a wonderful time and some fabulous food. We feel so blessed to have such an amazing Oki family!

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