Bathing Beauties

Our kids seem to love the water. Here they are having some bath time fun!

Merry Christmas!

We weren't very good about taking photos this Christmas. It all went so fast and then it was over. We went back to the west for another couple of days of swimming and water slide fun. Cooper was very excited with all of his gifts. Here are a couple of photos of him playing and "lining up," his toys. Of course, Lucy was there also, but as you can imagine she wasn't as into it as Cooper. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Around Suva, and the Weekend in Nadi

Here are a few photos of the kids and from our weekend at the Sofitel last weekend. Unlike most of you, we are in the prime of summer and it's hot!
Cooper insists on wearing his sunglasses whenever we go anywhere.
Cooper cuddling up with baby Lucy. She turned 4 months today!

Potty training isn't going as well as we would like. This isn't exactly how we would like him to use the potty.

Quinn had to go to Nadi for work this weekend, so the kids and I met him for a weekend in a big resort and fun on the water slide. No one could believe Cooper was only 2 and swimming like a fish. He refuses to go down the slide with anyone.

Quinn and Lucy headed out for a walk.

Lucy had her first swim last weekend. The best part was seeing her in her super cute swimsuit.

Cooper and I left breakfast early Sunday, so he could get in the pool. Apparently, he couldn't wait to get his swimsuit on, so he jumped in with his clothes and shoes.

Hope you are all having a happy holiday season! Cheers!

Lucy and Cooper in November

Just a few photos of the kids over the last couple of weeks. Lucy is getting bigger and stronger all the time, not to mention cuter and sweeter. Here she is at just under 3 months. Unlike her big brother who was always in the 95th percentile, she is in the modest 50th percentile. Cooper was wearing 6 month clothes at this age and she is still in 3 month clothes.
Lucy was quietly intrigued with her playmat, but big brother wanted in on the action, to shake things up a bit.
Lucy looking so cuddly and cute in her little dress from Auntie M.
Lucy is never quite sure of what will happen next when Cooper is around.

Yesterday, Cooper wanted to give baby Lucy a cuddle...

...it didn't turn out real well for her.

Happy Halloween!

This was our first Halloween where Cooper actually had some idea of what was going on and was very excited about it. He loved his lion costume and "roared" at everyone that said hello to him. It was very cute! The embassy had a Halloween party with trick or treating and decorations at the different office doors. Cooper was very fascinated and a little frightened, just they way he likes to be, by it all. Lucy went with the flow, as usual.
Already digging into the treat bag. Cooper had more sugar than ever before.

They don't actually celebrate Halloween in Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand, but a few of the houses in our friend's neighborhood set up trick or treating. Cooper was the only American kid there. What kid doesn't like to get dressed up and get lollies.
The next morning Cooper said he wanted to do Halloween again. He was very disappointd to hear it only comes once a year and that the next holiday is Thanksgiving.

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

This photo was actually taken on Halloween eve, but had to have been a little scary for baby Lucy. Isn't she lucky to have a such a nice big brother that shares his animals with her?

Back Together in Fiji

Cooper, Lucy, and I journeyed back to Fiji to reunite with Papa on October 1. We were lucky enough to have Grandma come along and help us settle back into our routines. A tremendous help! Cooper didn't have any trouble getting back into the swing of school and playdates with Wati and his little friends. Here are Cooper and Wati heading off to school in their best "bula" attire for Fiji Day. Cooper was thrilled to be back.
We were so grateful to have Grandma with us, we had to show her how beautiful Fiji can be. We spent Columbus Day weekend on our favorite island, Toberua.
Lucy and I spent a lot of time watching them play in the water, while we chatted and smiled.
We never miss out on afternoon tea and cookies. We all love that British tradition.
Another fun weekend on the island. Hopefully, we get to go back.
Here is Lucy resting at 2 months old. There isn't a lot of quiet time around here, but she found a little peace from big brother.

We kept telling Grandma how much it rained here, but she lucked out with great weather. Two days after she left it poured all day long. That didn't keep Cooper and his buddy Sean from playing in the puddles and...

...tormenting the frogs.

Here we are heading out in our Indian dress to celebrate the Diwali holiday. Cooper was sad to miss the party but happy to be in the photo.

Lucy says, "Goodbye for now!" Hopefully, we can update you more often now that we are home. We hope to see you in Fiji!

Cooper & Murray at the Fair

The day before we left for Fiji Cooper and his buddy Murray spent the morning at the Central Washington State Fair. There were pony rides, corn kernal bins and of course, rides! Fun Fun!

A few photos from our last several weeks in Yakima...

Cooper and his buddy Tony da Tiger looking at Nan's rafting journey.
Cooper and Grampy Cooper and baby Lucy at about 6 weeks.
Lucy, at about 4 weeks, and papa right before he left for Fiji.

Nana and her two islander grandchildren.
... a busy mama.

Lucy Comes Home

Lucy looks so tiny in her baby car seat. We weren't really prepared for such a little baby, but she is just as cute as can be and is filling out every day.
Cooper, the proud big brother showing off his new baby sister, Lucy. Every night and at nap time he has to come and give baby Lucy a kiss on the head before he goes off to bed. He is surprising gentle with her.
Cooper and Lucy's cousin, Joy is very pleased to finally have a girl cousin.
Auntie M loves babies!
Lucy asleep at various times of the day, but not so much during the early morning hours.
Who knew becoming a big brother would get you all kinds of new toys. Sandwich, anyone?