comedy hour in the hotel room

the soft playground

While Jeff's busy flying, Ariel & I find things to do. This soft playground is at an outdoor mall. It's a good place to meet other kids and parents.

reunion with Dad

These photos are already over a week old. We joined Jeff for some of his stateside training. Ariel and her dad had a happy reunion!

shark warning

Attention swimmers on the Emerald Coast: officials have sighted a cutie-pie shark. This species of shark is notorious for slobbery kisses. Swim at your own risk!

pumpkin girl

Cousin Charlene (above) and Aunt Grace came to visit from many miles away. Our visits overlapped just one day, but it was great to see them.

"Thanks for the fun time, Alice! Hope to see you again soon."

exhausted

after a full day in Batesville

Mom carved Jack-o-lanterns for our enjoyment.

China King Buffet

Ariel met new friends at a Chinese restaurant in Batesville (I realized it was only her 2nd Chinese restaurant - the first one being in China.) Restaurant worker Joyce especially liked Ariel. We also got to see Margaret's family (but not Margaret, who was sick and couldn't make the trip to Batesville.) Terence & Sheila also joined the party.

at the cabin

Desha

We had Sunday lunch with Terence's family at Desha. Ariel enjoyed meeting everyone and playing with the other kids. This is Sheila J. Lots of Sheilas I know in Batesville - this is the one I know best! She's Terence's Mom.



Annual photo with Terence. We grew up next door to each other since kindergarten. We always have some good laughs when we get together.

Ariel goes to Floral

We lived in Floral, a one-gas-station-town until I was 5.

It's a magical place. Sondra and her family were our neighbors there.

"The Wittermans were fools to move away from Floral!"

Sondra's kids were our playmates when we were little.

tiptoe through the pumpkins

We met with Jennifer and Jackson at Riverside Park. It was fun to catch up with her and some other old Spring Valley friends.

The Hair Loft

Sheila A. at the Hair Loft has cut my hair since I was in 5. I go to her for a perfect haircut when I get a chance.

Ariel didn't get a haircut, but she did crawl all around and get spun by Sheila!

Sheila F. visits

Sheila is one of Mom's teacher friends. She knows how to entertain babies and loves dinosaurs.

porch time

Hi, Violet

Sheila F. came to visit.

with Chica, the neighbors' dog

first impressions of Arkansas

Wal-Mart is a great place to people-watch with Alice.

Jet lag isn't so bad with this comfy couch to nap on.

hikoki de

(by airplane)

ready for takeoff from Tokyo

self-portrait
(I can't get this photo vertical.)

Nap #1.
I lugged her new airplane-friendly carseat around the airport with help from a friend. Just as we boarded, the agents forced me to check it. Wrong answer, airline. Oh well, we got comfy in our 2 seats.

Nap # we lost count.

She was developing a cold, hence the rosy cheeks. But we finally made it safely to the USA!

little rabbit

"Can't wait to meet you, Grandma Alice. See you soon, Daddy."

Sweet dreams, little rabbit.

goodbye (part of) couch, hello play paradise!

This sectional couch is 17 years old. It's been through many moves. It's been a good friend. The round piece smells like Ted's drool from when he was sick last summer.

We put the round piece and one small piece out for recycling. It was sad, but also kind of cathartic.

We put the round piece in a corner until just before recycling pickup.

Ariel and Fuzi (the stuffed cat) got excited about the new play space opening up.

The beginnings of play paradise! The little toy kitchen is on special loan from Ariel's God Sister next door.

We're all clinging to the remainder of the couch.

Don't worry Doraemon. When one door closes, another opens.