waiting for the airport shuttle
Barbara and Brian say goodbye.
a sake toast
The Reeses say goodbye.
It was hard to have a passionate kiss with everyone looking on! And it was blazing hot. But we managed.
He's off!
dinner at Hamazushi, a new sushi train (where you sit and grab the plates you want from a conveyer belt)
grown-up "juice"
"I'm going to miss sitting in your lap and playing with your patches."
The exersaucer is going to neighbor Cherie, who is also adopting. Good thing Ariel visits her for babysitting sometimes. This has been a great toy, but Ariel is outgrowing it.
Ariel recently discovered the toy eggs on her farm.
Her cool t-shirt is from neighbor Brandi, the cheer-mama. She has 3, and this one says "I Cheer at 3 AM."
"I won't drop it!"
On to the piano.
Anpanman dishes from Yoko & family!
Clockwise from top: Jam Ojisan, Shokpanman, Dokinchan, Anpanman, Baikinman, Karepanman (I think.)
She eats from it every day.
But there's still some time for bottle.
Not quite ready for the cup, or holding her own bottle. That's fine with us. No need to rush her babyhood - we waited so long and so did she.
Updating wills at the legal office. We both dressed up and did our hair for the occasion.
Super-balance!
Ariel checking out the automatic dog washer.
Alternating tastes of ice cream with Gerber peaches.
We attended a pre-deployment briefing at the Family Center. Looks like Ariel & I will get lots of perks (free dinners, outings, and oil changes) while Jeff's away. They gave us tips on coping with the stress and separation of deployment.
waiting for playmate Regina
"Thank you for the pretty cards!"
some of her gifts from Jeff, Grandma Barb & Papa Rich, JoAnn in Wisconsin
cake time!
She was contemplative about her birthday wish.
"Eewww"
Serious thoughts about taking on Year Two.
She's a natural in the water. There's a baby pool, but we can take her in the regular pool, too.
Her mermaid swimsuit is a hand-me-down from half-Aussie Alana. It is Australian size zero.
We all slept very well!
