911

Don't get too alarmed. We have just been finding out more and more things Kinley can do all by herself, like calling 911. Kinely and I were over at Tim and Ginger's house visiting while we were in Knoxville. She was getting into everything, of course. At one point she actually had the house phone on one ear and the cell phone on the other. Along these lines...We were catching up and Ginger grabbed the house phone and said, "No, I'm so sorry. A baby was playing with the phone. Well, she's one. No, I'm so sorry." Tim and I are cracking up by now amazed Kinley actually managed to dial someone, but than we asked who was the lucky recipient. This is when Ginger laughed and said "911". Even though we all the laughed, I was so embarrassed. You can get in big trouble for calling 911 without an emergency. Luckily, the operator understood and Tim and Ginger have 2 new grandsons to get prepared for fun times like these.

Kinley has found her new favorite word. It's Noah. Our friends have a 3 month old named Noah and since this is oh so close to No, it has naturally become a favorite. She'll repeat it about 10 times in row until I tell her Noah is at home with his mommy going night-night. Then, of course, she tells me NO.

Kinley's jumping is getting better and better. She likes to hop hop like a bunny. She can even jump forward now. Her standing long jump is up to at least 7 inches now.

Well, the things Kinley can do is amazing (to us anyway). She does so much more every day. I feel like maybe tomorrow she'll all of the sudden answer me in full sentences. Hopefully not, but I wouldn't put anything past her. She's pretty great!

Starting Early

We were sitting here watching the first NFL game, and Kinley was running back and forth from the entryway to the couch. I started counting 1-2-3-Go and amazingly she would wait for me to say "Go!" before she started. This somehow evolved into her doing a 4-point start (just like Daddy). We played a little bit at the track showing her how to do a start, but its been a while, and back then she tried to squat behind the blocks. Really, I am continually impressed at the amount of information Kinley actually absorbs and comprehends.

Quick Tour

I'm sure most of you have heard by now that Tom had to withdraw from the World Champs. His foot was not being very cooperative. As horrible as this was, I believe everything happens for a reason; we just have to discover, good or bad, what that reason is.
Aside from the meet. We had a great time in Japan. Many of you are asking for pictures, so here is our fast tour of Japan.



Gate to the Senso-ji (temple) in Tokyo


Pagoda at the Senso-ji

Nakajima teahouse in the Hama detached Palace Garden


Boat trip down the Sumida river under 12 bridges


Eating lunch down by the Tsukiji Fish Market
See Kinley using chopsticks too!


Side view of the Imperial Palace


In Nara the torii leading to the Kasuga Shrine lined with 3000 lanterns

Cases of beer and "kegs" of Saki from local brewers


Inside the Todai-ji temple, this is the largest bronze Buddha in the world standing at 16 meters tall. It was originally cast in 752, but the head only dates from 1692 due to earthquakes that have dislodges the head several times.

This post is at the back of the Todai-ji and the legend says that if you can fit through, you can reach Nirvana. We tried to send Kinley through, but she only made it half-way before she backed out. I guess she knows the truth already and doesn't need this legend. What a proud moment for me!


On the subway back to Osaka from Nara.

Here is the entrance to Nagai Stadium. Notice the 07 in the flowers behind us. Kinley stayed a while and posed for everyone.

The Shitenno-ji Temple from inside the outer gates.


Kinley was chasing these pigeons and a man gave us popcorn to feed them. One tried to eat out of Kinley's hand and got a little scared. Whenever I would wave the bag, they would fly up like this.


It was getting pretty hot at the stadium, even during the evening session. Kinley worked hard on her fanning skills.


On the way home, the subway got a little crowded. Kinley almost got crushed by all the men squeezing into the car. We could barely move, and got a little more friendly with each other than we had planned.


Kinley giving her daddy a kiss after he withdrew from the competition. He is still and always will be her hero.


This is Osaka Castle. It was rebuilt 1931 and is smaller than the original. Back in the day, there were 2 motes!

Tom and Kinley climbing up an inner wall to look at the view. Can you tell Kinley is a big girl?


This is our last group picture in Osaka. Don't we look great!