Towada horse park

Connor lately is really into dressing up and changing his outfit. On average I would say he changes his clothes 5 times a day, and that's not counting how many times he asks for me to help him change in and out of his dress up clothes. My laundry is getting out of control! He just loves picking out his OWN outfits, dressing HIMSELF, and will NOT accept any help. Oh he is a stubborn boy, but man I got to give it to him, he is quite the fashionista! I think my favorite fashion quirk of his is that he likes to match his socks and underwear. If his undies are red, then his socks must be red. If it's time to wear his Olaf undies, then Olaf socks better be clean cause he wants to wear them too.

The weather has been beautiful this week and we definitely took advantage of it. We spent most of our time out doors playing with chalk, riding bikes and scooter, jumping on the trampoline, and playing with neighbor friends. The best is when we can combine some of these fun activities, like playing with friends on the trampoline WITH the sprinkler on. I definitely won some major mom points for that cause it was quite the hit on the block. Oh I just love summer. I am not even going to think about how we still have another dreary winter to endure here in Misawa.

I think the best part about this summer has been the fact that Abby and Connor love playing with each other, which is actually more Abby bossing Connor around, but they both seem to like it and just want to spend all day every day together. Some days they sure can be at each other's throats... but that usually takes place in the cold winter months when we are all cooped up inside. At that rate we are all at each others throats! Everyone tells us we were crazy to have these two so close together in age, but to be honest it is moments like these summers days of endless fun that make me think it will all be worth it in the end when they become best friends.

The kids and I have been dying to go back to the Towada horse park in the neighboring town, and this time bring Kyle since he has never been. We waited and waited the whole TDY so we could go when babbo was home. It was another warm day, and the sun must of scared away all the Japanese people because hardly anyone was there besides us. I do laugh at how all the Japanese stay inside and cover up in the summer time cause they don't want to get any sun exposure, while we American are trying to get as tan as possible. That's one big cultural difference between us.

We played on the giant play structure, fed the horses, and went down the giant roller slide over and over again. Japan really has the best playgrounds I have ever seen. Large pastures for kids to run around in, amazing playgrounds, and they always seem to do a great job incorporating nature be it plants and trees to live animals. In this case they had horses that were super friendly to us. They obviously knew we had food to give them, and by the looks of them they were not starving. Abby was scared of the plump ponies, Connor was a little hesitant and cautious, and Mr. Brayden was as excited as ever and practically jumped out of my arms to pet the horses! 

Once we got away from the real horses and near the fake toy horses to climb on, Abby was much more excited and wanted her picture taken wile she struck a traditional Japanese girl pose- tilted head, and peace sign near her eyes. That girl cracks me up. She always wants me to take a picture of her these days, and she always has to be in a "pose."

We ended our time at the park by going down the giant roller slide. It has to be the longest slide I have ever seen. Both Kyle and I were out of breath and sweating by the time we climbed the hill to the top of the slide (it didn't help that we had to carry three kids, and it was super hot and humid). Of course it was the hit of the park and the kids wanted to go down multiple times. Even myself and Kyle got to go down a couple time. I will say that it brought out our inner child, and we too had a blast going down the giant slide.

We can now check off the horse park from our summer bucket list. I just feel like there still is so  much we have to do with our time remaining here in Japan, and even more so this summer while the weather is nice to go do it. So much to do, so little time.

Another mile stone was hit this month. Mr. Chubs himself is now 8 months old, and crawling everywhere! He is pulling himself up, grinning and drooling all the time, and still gives the best open mouth kisses. Just last week we went to the BX and Kyle insisted on getting this Air Jorden shirt and shorts for his little baller boy. He is pounding 4-5 baby foods a day, and nursing 3-4 times and has FINALLY started taking a bottle! Hallelujah! He is definitely living up to his nick name of chubs. Brayden, you are just about perfect... now please just sleep through the night, I beg of you.