The Stevenson Ohana

9.27.18 Today I retired Luke's sandals. . .  It is getting too cold outside to wear them & they won't fit him next season. So, maybe time for some new Nike Jordans?! It's kinda bittersweet though thinking about it and the season changing and just change in general. I decided to officially stop nursing Luke a couple weeks ago which is sooo nice, but also soo sad! It's funny how things work like that. This month has felt a lot like that . . .  We returned home to Japan, which is soo nice to be back with Riley and in a good routine again, but soo sad leaving America and the comforts of life and family there. Also, Riley applied for a manager job at Nike Japan and got it, which is way sweet and great career move but also means that we will be staying in Tokyo longer than originally planned which is also hard. 

This month we have officially hit our 2 year mark of living international! That was my "goal" and it's seriously been such an awesome experience, if someone said we could move back tomorrow I don't think I could/would want too. I just love our little life here and not ready yet, but at the same time I don't exactly want to do another 2 more years. . . 

I heard a quote I sometimes think about that resonates right now as I reflect but also anticipate the coming months:

I just love that so much! So instead of worrying about Riley's increased workload and everything else, or being sad Luke is no longer a little baby or family is so far away.  I choose to just enjoy everything I have right now. The crisp air, changing leaves, the sunlight coming through the window and echo of children laughing outside, my keyboard typing away so rhythmically and Luke playing semi-quietly next to me organizing a few tortilla chips in his toy train and saying "choo choo" while occasionally looking at me for approval with a big grin. It's been a very sweet september.  

Now here is 5 versions of the same photo because, indecisiveness :)

 Because I wanna remember your blonde locks forever.