Sunday, April 20, 2008

A little of what we are up to, besides being too busy to post of the blog........

Okuma in January was beautiful and just what we needed to recoup after the holiday travels.
Always fun to have an excuse to enjoy a giant chocolate chip cookies, "Happy Valentines Day"
Tomoyuki warming on a rock just like a little, or should I say, BIG lizzard

W will try to dig up a picture from when Bethany and Juda were not even walking, trying to balance themselves on this same little bridge at Okuma years ago.
Meet "Brodie", our new family member. We weren't planning on a new family member, seems we hear our selves saying that alot of late, however, he needed a home and he has fit in nicely. He doesn't realize he is a dog, so when we leave him home along, and don't take him with us, which he loves to ride in the van, instead he stays in his nice little house, which looks like a jail, he likes to chew up whatever is left with him. So a baby blanket and a nice little doggy bed is of no more, well if you want to sew them back together they could be once again, but he likes to show is dislike of being left alone by chewing. No he is not a puppy, he is 4 years old. As hoped for he loves to sleep with whomever. He starts out the evening with Bethany, then takes turns between Ben and Caleb, sometimes ending up in bed with Tom and I. He is a sweet little guy, we are enjoying him alot. And one of the guidelines I made sure of was that our next pet would be small enough to fit under the airplane seat not in the belly of the plane, and he made is way to Okinawa just that way, so there you have it.
Bethany and Juda enjoying a game of bowling, notice the bright pink ball about to take out a few pins on the right hand side.
Tomoyuki thinking he is going to take a bite of "Salad".
Okuma is really spelt, RELAX. We love going there to get caught up on REST.
I will keep trying to catch up on the past few months in pictures and activities that we have enjoyed. All the Smith's for now are well and enjoying life.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Catching up!!

Introducing Thomas Yuki Smith aka Tomoyuki

Today we gave our final signature and then we were issued Tomoyuki's Adoption Decree "Shimpan". We are so thrilled. I think he is too, according to this picture anyway!!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Go to www.boxofloveokinawa.blogspot.com

Go to www.boxofloveokinawa.blogspot.com to see how 600 children on Okinawa were blessed by receiving a "Box of Love" from Ai no Kesshin and those who supported this ministry for the 2007 Christmas Season. The boxes were given by many generous hearts and hands............................
They were placed in our home, hallways, bedrooms, every space available........................

Then loaded back up to go to the children..................................


Then given to every child that we could find that needed a "Box of LOVE".



Thursday, January 24, 2008

Starting our journey to America for the Holidays

Help, I have been put in this stroller and am bound for America with only my two front teeth.

Bethany and Juda open their first Christmas gifts. Backpacks filled with goodies for our 24 hour journey, including three flights across much land and a few seas.
Juda is thinking, "What are we doing, that is a long trip ahead, what will we do, what will we eat, where will we sleep, oh so many questions going on in my head, if only I could talk."
We made it to Tokyo now onto San Francisco. hey I'm ready, let's go.

It appears we have Mr. and Mrs. Suzuki with their Tomoyuki. They have made it to San Francisco and don't know where to get their luggage or to make it through customs, what will they do next.

First Meetings and Christmas Greetings

Uncle Steve was the first of many to meet for the first time. Thanks Uncle Steve and Aunt Cynthia, cousin Kristina for greeting us at the airport. How special to enjoy our first meal in America with you at none other than the "Waffle House". Tomoyuki's first experience with GRITS. That would mean both grits and Girls Raised In The South.
This is my Paw Paw. I think he likes me.

This is by biggest brother Andy, I think he likes me too.

Bethany and her Andy. "I thought Andy was taller than me before".


Folks like to wear socks on their heads here in America, not sure why or that I like it too much.

See what I mean, Caleb is wearing his sock too.
Enjoying a wonderful and delicious meal at IHOP, International House of Pancakes with Lena, Paw Paw and Maw Maw.

Juda says "Peace" to ya man. He is happy to be with Andy too.

The Nutcracker and the Varsity

Bethany, Cynthia, Katrina and I enjoyed the Nutcracker at the FOX Theatre in Atlanta. Bethany and I were still suffering from jet lag and dozed during intermission. I felt better after my power nap but we couldn't wake Bethany from hers.

It was a treat to go to the FOX Theatre as much as it was to see the Nutcracker, at least for me.
We met up with Sylvia and her family at the Varsity. You can't go to Atlanta and not eat at the Varsity, what would people think.
Marie and Hayden. My guess is this little guy loves his mommy.

Okay, notice the "V" in the back ground. Official Varsity Picture Spot.