Halloween Parade

Halloween Parade

Amelia had her first Halloween parade at her new preschool.  I've never heard of it before but it was pretty fun.  The whole school walked down to the streets singing songs and saying happy Halloween in Japanese.  Lots of people came out of their houses, stores, and businesses just to take pictures of the kids and with the kids.  All I could hear was "kawaii", meaning cute in Japanese.  The school made a couple of stops on their parade route, they stopped at the Japanese police station, where they got candy and some info on being safe on Halloween night.  Then we stopped at a Japanese preschool and trick or treated.

I don't know if the Japanese celebrate Halloween.  Off base there is no trick or treating.  On base it's open for the night of Halloween to all local nationals to trick or treat.  It's pretty awesome seeing all the kids trick or treating, it's nothing I've ever seen....it's just kids as far as the eye can see. Most people sit outside their houses or keep their doors open because trick or treaters just keep in coming!

Hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween

The Struggle Begins...

The struggle begins…

For a looooooooooooooong time I’ve taken pride and joy in picking out what Mills wears.  Baby and little girls seriously have the BEST clothes.  Nothing like what I grew up with.  Baby and kids clothing now is just regular clothes only small.  Unfortunately I don’t have the option to go to the mall and buy clothes to my heart’s content.  So I go online and spend lots and lots of time shopping for the wee ones.   Anyways, I’m getting off topic.  Mills is now interested in picking out her own clothes!!! ::gasp::  I know!   She doesn’t even take a look at the options I lay out for her, she just go to her closet and starts picking.  We struggle , a lot!  She of course doesn’t understand the concept of matching, dressing for the weather, or dressing of the occasion.   Morgan just laughs at me while I stress out.  I knew it was coming eventually but I thought when the time came she would still love the outfits I pick for her and keep wearing them.  ::sigh::  Right now we are taking it slow, its more of a team effort then a one woman show at this point.  But off she goes…growing up so fast ;)

Her outfit of choice with a lil bit of help from me-

Hello Kitty tank & shorts: Target

Heart socks: Old Navy

Foofa purse: Unknown

Shoes: Stride Rite

First Day of School

First Day of School!

First day of school, first day of school!!!  A mother’s favorite holiday, after mother’s day and her Birthday.  Lol  I know I’m a lil late.  We were on vacation in the states for September and the first week of October so we started late this year.  Better late than never. Right?!  This year we tried out a new school.  Since we moved, I wanted a school closer and offered longer hours.

Last night I was on Pinterest {my vice when I can’t sleep} and I looked up pins for first day of school. Holy mother, there are a ton of traditions people have for the first day of school.  As I was reading all the pins I instantly felt like a terrible mom. L   The first day of school was in a matter of hours and I didn’t have anything prepared but a picture idea.   But I pinned lots of ideas and I will definitely be prepared for next year. {Think positive}

This morning I got her outfit ready and made pancakes for breakfast.  I took pictures of her leaving .  Played her favorite song on the way to school.  And as soon as we got to her class Amelia starts balling her eyes out.  Of course Nolan was going nuts at the same time pulling things off the shelves of the classroom.  It was hectic!  I had this all planned in my head she was going to be smiley and take pictures at her desk and with her teacher and it was going to magical.  Not so much.  I actually had to rush out because I didn’t want her crying more.  I’ve learned that when I leave her places the more I prolong the goodbye the worse she acts.  So I got not pics of her in her classroom or at the school.  Maybe next year...

Some of the first day of school traditions I liked:

1) Special breakfast: Have a super special breakfast and incorporate apples to the menu

2) Picture:  {I did this one} Take a picture of your child leaving for school holding up a sign with the date.  Next year I will ask her what she wants to be when she grows up and put it on the sign.

3) Lunch Note:  Amelia can’t read yet, but I want to add a special note to her lunch box.

4) Questionnaire:  Have a set of questions to ask your child every year.  Make a cute book out of it and give it to them their senior year of high school.

Daiso Finds

Daiso Finds!

One of the best things about Japan is their 100 Yen store also known as Daiso.  Roughly, depending on the Yen rate, one item at the 100 Yen store is about $1.25.  100 Yen store rivals any $1 store in the states.  They have so many things there and its actually good quality!  I love going there and filling my basket and only having to pay about $15! 

Today’s trip was a short one. The kids were definitely ready for their nap.  Mills was getting to be lil miss grabby hands and throwing everything she could into my basket.

Daiso Haul

Halloween Basket 100 Yen

Halloween Basket  100 Yen

Set of 3 Cars cups 100 Yen

Hello Kitty mug 100 Yen

Cars mug 100 Yen

Cars toddler plate 100 yen

Lilo & Stich set fork & spoon 100 yen

Mickey Mouse set fork & spoon 100 yen

Fishing game 100 yen

Set of 3 kids Toothbrushes 100 yen

Mini bags of Shrimp Chips 100 yen

Mini bags of Veggie Chips 100 yen

Pack of 10 lollipops 100 yen