Birthday Barbecue

The past month has been so full of visiting and traveling that now I have some major catching up to do on blog posts!

On March 20th, Dustin's parents arrived from Canada for a month long visit. Theo was so excited about their arrival and even took it pretty well when flight issues delayed them by a day. Every morning  when he woke up, he would rush down from his bedroom to make sure that they were still here and didn't leave during the night. This continued for a week or so until he was content that they were sticking around for a bit, or at least weren't going to leave without telling him first.

Going for a train ride with Grandma

Exploring the forest with Grandpa

A few days after they arrived, we had a low key barbecue with Obaasan and Ojiisan to celebrate William's birthday. Theo had decided earlier in the evening that he was a brachiosaurus and therefore was exclusively herbivorous. He would only eat the grilled vegetables and at one point asked for a bowl of spinach leaves which he proceeded to eat with his face in the bowl. When his overactive imagination causes him to eat copious amounts of vegetables, who am I to complain?

William had tons of fun puttering around the yard on the little bike that Obaasan and Ojiisan gave him for his birthday and compensating for his brother by making rounds eating everyone else's meat.

William absolutely loves trains. Even seeing a train pass by our house at least every hour doesn't stop him from running to the window or gate, pointing, and hopping up and down excitedly. So, I wasn't  surprised to find that he was absolutely overjoyed by the train cake the Dustin's mom and I hastily put together that afternoon.

Cake overload!

Afterward he opened some presents and birthday cards from his family back in Canada

Finally, an electronic card that doesn't scare him to tears!

The drum set William got from his friends here in Japan

Even Theo got a few little gifts sent over by his great-grandparents

A great way to kick off a month of spring break and visiting grandparents!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all of you great dads out there!

My dad with me, my older sister, and brother

To my dad who gave me my love of animals and science, who taught me how to be an organized and goal oriented person, who gave me a sense of frugality and a love of cleanliness, and who has fed me just about every mammal on the North American continent: Thank you!

Dustin: somehow still alive after all these years

To my father-in-law who puts up with my opinionated conversations and wild schemes, who has really taught me the meaning of generosity, and who raised some really great kids: Thank you!






Most importantly to Dustin who is the best papa two little boys could ask for. Thanks for all the sleepless nights taking care of sick kids, the bedtime stories, and for always giving in to puppy eyes and a "pleeeease". We love you!

Dustin surrounded by his brood

Always proud to tote around the baby