Just another lazy Saturday

We had our 18 month check up yesterday and everything was great. Momoka continues to grow right along the curves on the chart and the Doc felt like she was doing very well. We got our last round of baby shots and all three of us are happy about that - Momoka more than me and Momma.

She was a little fevery and cranky today so we decided to stay inside and roll around on the floor. If you are in the dumps, I'd like to recommend getting down on a toddler's level and playing with them and their toys. You get a much better perspective on what's important in life after about 30 seconds. Here's some shots of our gal playing around:

Cecil B. Demille with an Anpanman camera . . . . .

Hey, this is a great spot to watch the game (we were watching the Reds and Phillies)

Sakura chan, this one's for you . . . . .

Jya, ne.

Takin' a dip in the pool

Here's our gal in her new swim togs. We got this swim suit at Akachan Honpo in Kawasaki, Japan when we were there in May. This is her first time wearing this little number and it's almost too small. Lucky for Momoka I'll be doing another WESTPAC swing next month and will be able to drop by Akachan Honpo for the next larger size(s).

We were at the pool at Hale Koa today which is the hotel we stayed at for almost a month when we moved to Hawaii. Hard to believe but it's been ten months since Momochan first swam in the pool there. She wasn't too thrilled with the pool at first but by the 5 minute point she was splashing around and was enjoying herself.

Today is Momoka's 18 month birthday. What a shining little light of love and joy she is. We love her so dearly and are so very, very lucky to have her in our lives.

Matta ne.

Happy Birthday America

Watching the fireworks here on post . . . . .

My name is Old Glory . . . .

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one. I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped. I am saluted. I am respected. I am revered. I am loved. And I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years... Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me. I was there! I led my soldiers. I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my Marines and Sailors cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country. And when it's by those whom I've served in battle, it saddens me. But I shall overcome for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips and used as bandagesfor my wounded comrades on the battlefield, when I fly at half-mast to honor my soldiers, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son. I am proud. My name is Old Glory. Long may I wave.

For those on watch around the globe and in harm's way - THANK YOU!