Daddy's Helper

Quinn was excited to help Daddy wash his motorcycle. He likes to help to do everything these days. Except clean up his own toys and wash his hands.

Fourth of July Festival

Our Fourth of July was spent at the festivities on base. There was free food, kiddy rides, pony rides and lots of entertainment. Unfortunately a storm rolled in just as the fireworks were to start... so they were cancelled. Quinn had already passed out in the back of the car so he didn't miss anything.

A Hiking We Will Go....

Yesterday Neal took Quinn and Nemo hiking up Mt. Mitake. Mommy stayed home and enjoyed a little time home alone ....aah!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

.....to the Seibu Dome that is. Yes us women-folk (Tracey, Tracey's Grandma, Amy, and I) took the boys to see a Seibu Lions baseball game. All the menfolk are gone, as usual. Much to all of our surprise Quinn, Sam, Jack and Erik all did great and lasted until the 8th inning of the game. But with all the entertainment and crowd participation of a professional Japanese baseball game... it's not really that surprising. For those of you not familiar with Japanese Baseball I've included a video clip. The crowd loves to sing, chant and use noisemakers to cheer their team on. But let's not forget the 5th inning flag waving cheer and the 7th inning giant balloon release cheer. Quinn enjoyed cheering along. Of course I bought him his own noisemaker to join in. As I type this, Quinn is asleep hugging tight onto a Lions mascot stuffed animal. The only downer was that the Lions played terrible.

We finally did it!

Yesterday we finally took the side off of Quinn's crib to turn it into a toddler bed. No, not because Quinn climbs out of his crib. He has no interest in climbing out. Quinn simply lays in his crib yelling "Mommy get up! i want out of crib". But my belly is getting bigger and Quinn is getting bigger and he's getting too big for me to keep lifting in and out. So Quinn was very excited about the easy in and out access and immediately called for the dogs to jump into bed with him. He is so happy that the dogs can lay in bed with him.... not that they stay long in that tiny bed. So last night I attached a borrowed bedrail (thank you davis clan) and the adventure began. Quinn only climbed out twice...not bad and slept through the night. He is getting to be such a big boy.

Tama River

Today we went to the shores of the Tama River. It's the perfect place to spend the day throwing rocks into the river... at least this is what 2, 3 and 5 years old think. Quinn, Jack and Sam literally spent 3 hours throwing rocks of all sizes (that they could pick up with one hand: Tracey's excellent rule) into the water.

Showa Park II/ Jumping Clouds

One of Quinn's favorite parts of the children's play area in Showa is what they call the "Sea of Clouds". They are big white formations that children jump around on. Unfortunately, it was yochien (school) day at the park and there was a ton of kids in uniform everywhere. Check out the video of Quinn jumping around.