One Last July Update ...

So the last weeks of July have been somewhat uneventful. We have been continuing swim lessons with Gabbie now taking some. I got the flu for a week. That was fun trying to be a mommy and being sick. Don't recommend it. Trust me it was bad. Thank goodness I was able to have the girls spend the night away one night to regroup myself. Lulu got ANOTHER ear infection - so yes, I will be speaking with the doctor at her next drs appointment about that situation. The good news as July ends is that we are now down to counting weeks till Daddy comes home. Please pray for us and him. Pray that the he and his marines continue to finish their mission but continue to be safe. As we start to count weeks, I get more nervous that we've made it this far. Please just keep them in your prayers. Pray our family. With Robbie coming, it brings change to rountines. Some of us handle this well - some of us don't. Just pray that we can adjust easily and well being a family all in the same place. We handled it great last time - I know we'll do great again! Enjoy the pictures below!

Lulu posing in my shoes!

Cheese

This is one of my favorite of her looks

Jamming on the guitars

Sweet pic of Mommy & Lulu

One of my favorites

She looks like she's going to school

Her new favorite thing: Her backpack

For Robbie: I rearranged the downstairs

See I think we have more room now!

Swimming

Lulu LOVES to swim. She has had swim lessons for the past month and now I can barely get her out of the pool. Below our some pictures that her swim instructor took with an underwater camera. She and Gabbie are getting ready to start another session of lessons. Hopefully, they will continue to have fun. I can't believe that it is already the middle of July. I guess when you are having fun at the pool the summer flies by! For us, that's a good thing!!

Lulu working on her tummy float

Lulu putting her turtle in the water during the turtle bubble song

Lulu jumping off the wall - one of her favorite things to do

Lulu's face under the water - we are proud that she already keeps

her eyes open underwater. According to the instructor, this is such a

good thing because sometimes older kids won't do that!

To get her underwater - we have a deal. For every time she goes,

I have to go. Too bad I seem to go more!!

Lulu and only other student in her last class, Alex. They loved climbing the stairs

in and out of the pool

Happy 4th of July

I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Ours started a little sad as we were supposed to have a video conference with Robbie but he got stuck in a sandstorm and could not make it to the location of where it was supposed to be held. Needless to say, there were some tears in our house. Later that afternoon, we decided to go over to the Kadena Air base where they were having a 4th of July festival. Gary Sinse (from CSI: NY and Forest Gump) and the Lt. Dan Band were playing. They were awesome. One of the best bands that I have heard in awhile. They played for 2 1/2 hours straight. The girls danced most of the time and then we watched fireworks. It was a great ending to a somewhat sad day!! We hope that you had a great 4th!!!

The Lt. Dan Band

Gary Sinse rockin out on "Sweet Home Alabama"

Gary Sinse talking to the crowd

Jammin out

Lulu and Gabbie - this one is for you Daddy!!

Gabbie and her friend, Alexis

Me and Lulu

This child danced the entire time the band played. She was soo funny

and slept sooo good last night!


Fireworks

The next day - we are still tired

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the best Hubby and Father in the world. We love you and miss you and hope that you are safe and sound wherever you are today!!! We can't wait for you to come home!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad too. We love you and miss you and hope that you have a great day as well!!!

Ryukyu Mura

Today, we went with my friend Erin to Ryukyu Mura. It is a place that is set up to replica what an old Okinawan Village would have looked like. It was very interesting to see the different buildings and houses. Completely different from what we have known growing up. At the end, we dressed up in traditional dress and took some pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Swim Lesson Pictures

Swim Lessons

Today was Lulu's first swim lesson. I wish that I had been able to get pictures but it was sprinkling rain the entire time so maybe we can get some tomorrow. Lulu already LOVES the pool and thinks that she can swim on her own. She was somewhat defiant. She only wanted to float on her belly for a few minutes and then wouldn't blow bubbles. But I know she can do both. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better day. The big thing was that she went underwater for the first time. She LOVED it. Most of the kids in her class cried during that part but she just laughed. The instructor thought it was great!! I'll try to keep you updated!!

Pirates Park & Beach

Memorial Day

Uncle Tommy & Aunt Myra's 40th Anniversary Party