After 6 long weeks on crutches because of a knee surgery, Elliot finally got to set the crutches down and walk again on his own 2 legs. The first thing he did was pick up the kids and give them huge hugs! Then I sent him to the grocery store. Reality hits fast around here!
To celebrate the end of crutches, Okinawa gave us a gorgeous weekend and we took Elliot to a nature park he hadn’t seen yet. (I had taken the kids once during his deployment.) Orchids galore, beautiful walking paths, a tree fairy maze, boat ride, giant tree swings, hula hoops, frisbees, stilts, driftwood jungle gym, clay pot fishing, goats, pigs, water buffalo- this place was packed with fun, albeit sometimes odd, activities. We effectively wore out the kids (see the picture of them snoozing in the car). We wore out Elliot, too! Hopefully he’s not secretly missing his crutches.
Interestingly, Isla asked me to bring along our infant carrier, which I had to dig out of storage. She actually spent a good bit of time in it, which I didn’t mind at all. She’s maybe going through a little reversion, or she’s feeling a little nostalgic for her babyhood, as she also recently asked me to rock her to sleep. I’m cherishing these moments, which I’m sure will be brief, of closeness with her. And we’re all cherishing a daddy walking on 2 legs!
Keeping up with the Rosses 
Pretty place! Were you the only visitors? Lots of smiles always looks beautiful.