Saturday morning we headed out for a drive. We had no plans but figured if we saw something interesting we'd stop. Tom spotted Mona Kids Jungle...definitely something interesting.

We walked in and paid our entrance fee. Brendan didn't really realize where we were. All of a sudden he looked up and said, "Whoa!!!"

He wore himself out.

That was the highlight of our weekend. We went to the playground, went on a couple of bike rides...but I didn't pick up the camera anymore. Oh, except to take these.

Have a great week!



Family Land

We bought a lot of stuff while we were in the States. Too much stuff to fit in our suitcase to bring back. I packed up two boxes and Mom mailed them to us a few days after we left. I JUST got them last week. I had packed up new clothes for Brendan and I was worried they would be too small when I finally picked up the boxes. They aren't. This blue onesie was in one of the boxes. It matches his shoes perfectly. Unfortunately, he was too excited to "go" and wouldn't let me get a good picture of him.

Saturday morning the three of us had a surprisingly relaxing breakfast out. Breakfast is one of Brendan's best meals, and he especially loves pancakes. We took him to the BX to get his hair cut and to pick up a couple of things. We've been researching a "big boy" car seat and we found the one we wanted. Unfortunately, when I tried to order it they wouldn't ship to our address. Lo and behold, on Saturday the BX had the exact seat we wanted.

Those big things that look like Dumbo ears? They're full of air to cushion him in case we crash.

He is now forward facing and seems pretty excited about it.

This time of year makes me miss home and the four seasons. Although I love Okinawa, Fall is my favorite season and I haven't lived anywhere that has a Fall in several years. So we made the best of the still hot and humid weather and headed to Family Land, an indoor playground.



Family Land is much cheaper than Round 1. You pay in 15 minute increments instead of 90. This worked out great for us since Brendan was scared of a lot of the things there.

He wanted no part of this thing. And I think he was a little uneasy about Dad being in it.

Video games were all included.  

We were racing armadillos.

And he plays a serious game of air hockey.

He was a little nervous about getting in here with all those balloons flying around.

He just needed me to show him what to do.

Remember I said he likes his new car seat?

Rough life.

Labor Day Weekend

Tom and I were both off of work Friday. We needed some adult time together, and although it was kind of hard for us to do, we took this guy to daycare so we could hang out alone.



We had planned on snorkeling, but the water was too rough so we headed to Yomitan Pottery Village (my idea) instead. Tom was breathless with anticipation.

The first thing we saw was glass blowing. I could have watched and watched.

They were scurrying around so fast I was worried that they would burn each other, but it was like a well choreographed dance and they each knew their part.

The glass was beautiful, albeit expensive. According to an article that was displayed in the shop, they use recycled glass and that's why their pieces have the bubbles. Bubbles used to be considered flaws but this particular artisan considers them artistic. I agree.

The village is full of pottery shops and workshops. This guy is a true expert.



There was pottery drying all over the place.

We made a few purchases and decided it was time to go. It was boiling hot. Little did we know it was Black Flag while we were out there.

The rest of the weekend was family time. Tom found a great water park. No photos from there this time. I decided I wanted to focus on my family instead of focusing on photographing them.

We went to the playground every evening.



This slide is pretty big for such a little boy. I thought he would be scared and want me to slide down with him. I was wrong.

We think we're doing something special by taking him to a big jungle gym. We must not know our son very well. He's much happier doing this.

And of course, since we're there, we walk down to the water.

Yesterday we went to the zoo. We mainly go for the petting zoo and the Wonder Museum, which is indoors and has A/C.

Baby goats are my favorite.

Brendan had so much fun that he laid on Daddy and went right to sleep!