Our apartment

The skyline has changed a bit since our Indiana days as the view from our balcony shows! Two pictures taken from either corner of our apartment show our living room, kitchen and dining areas. (We also have two bedrooms and a small bath off the dining room. I'll blog those another time.)

Jaden & Ethne

Just a few recent photos of Jaden and Ethne taken in our new apartment here in Japan. Ethne has a cute little personality--very smiley, loves to be talked to, loves to be with people. Recently she's started using a fake cough or a little squeal when she wants to get someone's attention. The squeal tactic works really well with Jaden. Ethne starts and they go back and forth exchanging laughs and squeals.

Grandpa time

Jaden having fun with Grandpa B in the first fall leaves. We've been enjoying time outside in my folks big backyard. As the evenings begin to cool down, we've transitioned from pool and sandbox play to leaves, fires and the occasional s'more.

Fall Festival 5

Alan running through main street Roanoke, amidst carts set up for a farmer's market. In his first road race, the Roanoke Fall Festival Five, Alan finished strong taking fourth overall in a field of 82 racers! He completed the five mile run in 30 minutes and 45 seconds...pretty impressive for his first race!

Ethne chan

A few recent photos of little Ethne. She's a sweetheart! She's very smiley. She loves to be talked to. Recently she has become more aware of Jaden, watching him and trying to get his attention with her little "coos" and smiles.

Summer fun

We've spent a lot of time in Grandma and Grandpa B's backyard this summer--eating popsicles, playing in the sandbox with trucks, taking walks around the pond and splashing in the kiddie pool. Jaden is all boy, playing outside by the hour.

Day at Daytona

During our four-day trip to Florida, we had the opportunity to crash Karl & Teresa K's beach vacation for an afternoon. We had a great time boogie boarding, digging in the sand and playing soccer on the beach with our nieces and nephews. Jaden loved the sand, but not the water. He had fun playing with our friends' little girl, Gracie. He also enjoyed chasing away beach-strolling seagulls. Ethne spent her first day at the ocean under the shade of the beach umbrella with Aunt Teresa. Thanks for a fun day Karl and Teresa!