My mom is here!! I will put some pictures and a post up soon...

Okinawa Zoo

We had a great time at the zoo! Everyone was bundled up to see the animals. The kids were so excited we could hardly keep up with them. 2009 starts off the year of the bull in Japan. I am sure it will be a popular year to go to a bull fight here. We have some bulls that live down the street from us. It is Jackson's lucky day when we see them out getting some fresh air or for a walk in front of our house. Aren't bats the most interesting animals? This was on of many taking it's afternoon snooze. Sophia sporting her trendy jacket. Love those curls! An adorable pic of James and Michelle. Say cheesu! I rarely see the hippos out of the water. They are some massive animals!! Above is Jackson pointing to the sign warning you that the animal may throw their excrement at you. Needless to say, we didn't stick around there too long.
Grace with some heavy eyelids as we stroll through the zoo. She looks so warm and cozy!
This sign is a classic example of "lost in translation." Attached to the zoo is a wonder musuem for the kids. There were some very unique things for the kids to do. Grace has learned how to wave...

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!