Uncle Brad and Shep

When Brad flew back to Japan on December 31st he had a 3 hour layover in Houston. Ben and Leah live in Houston and Buz and Liz were visiting them at the time so they all met Brad at the airport and had some visiting time. It was the first time that he met Shepherd. It was awesome that they had that special time. Ben and Leah sent me this picture that was taken. I love it!

Playing around

When I should be working!

Kate - a - roo!

Dancing with Savanna

Savanna teaches a class that is exactly Claire's age group and experience so we took her and let her take class with her.

Ryan's house

Going to Ryan's house is almost as much fun as the aquarium. Claire has always had a "special" relationship with his turtle "Mikey". He got Mikey as a present from Josh for his 20th birthday. He was just a little guy then. When Claire came to visit later that year, she loved to sit and watch him. If she was watching him from one side and he was facing the other he would jump down off his sunning rock and climb back on facing her. It was absolutely uncanny! It happened several times. So, when we went over to Ryan's he watched her the whole time she was near his aquarium. He still loves her!

Claire wasn't real sure about the snakes though. But, I have to say she is a brave little girl. I have yet to touch one of the snakes, I am just now able to be in the same room with them. After much encouragement from Ryan she eventually did touch the tail of the little corn snake. She wouldn't touch the big one that he got out though - can't blame her there. She asked Ryan to get out the little one again so she could touch it again. So brave!!

Virginia Aquarium

On Monday we visited the Virginia Aquarium down in Virginia Beach. It was a fun time, not crowded at all. We really enjoyed the otters but couldn't get very good pictures of them because they were moving too fast. We also loved the seals and they were very friendly as you can see. Claire didn't want to touch the sting rays and although I tried I never was able to make contact with any of them. It was pretty tiring though, cause it was a lot of walking.

My favorite images of the day

Enjoy!

Jen's visit, day 2

We had a good day yesterday. We went to Target and then to Food Lion to get some groceries. Jen, Claire and I played a game of "Fancy Nancy", I lost so Claire informed me that it is my turn to go first tonight when we play. Claire also got a hair extension designer toy thing so we were all sporting strange color hair extensions. Today we went to pay the rent and then had lunch at Bergey's breadbasket, which is my and Savanna's favorite lunch spot. Savanna was working though so she didn't get to come with us. It is rainy and cold and we are in to stay now.

Jennifer and Girls have arrived!

I took Brad to the airport about 4:00 yesterday morning. He is back in Japan and we are now counting the days to his return the first week in March. He will be back to stay then and we are really looking forward to it. Then yesterday afternoon, I picked up Jennifer, Claire, and Kate from the airport for a week's visit. It is great to have them here. Get ready for lots of pictures cause I love taking pictures of my nieces!