We've been 4 weeks in NL now...having a great time. Busy going here and there and trying to get alot in. We are looking to buy a house so that's taking some time. We've narrowed down to 2 areas. We should know this week what we will do. The girls are enjoying their time with nanny and poppy and Phil and I are enjoying being able to get out without them to do some things, it's great to have nanny around!

Kate's english has doubled or tripled. She now says "no diapers, right?!" and ends everything with ok? She copies everything Mae does and says and is turning into a little character. She now climbs out of her pack-and-play so bedtimes aren't as easy as they once were. When we get back to Japan we'll have to deal with some serious bedtime training. I'm trying to potty train her. Day two is over with alot of success...no accidents. I plan to do 2 more days of being her "reminder" and chasing her around. The other day I left twice and both times she had big messy accidents. I can't leave her at certain times...she's a regular girl! I hope to have her trained by the time we return to Japan.

Mae is great...growing up alot and most times we can see how she is getting older...she still has her teary moments but overall she's great. It's great to watch them play. Now they take turns washing each other's feet and hair. It's so sweet to watch. Mae lies down and Kate rubs her head and gets her hair wet. Then they switch. Makes me smile...