Cinderella

Leoni likes to be Cinderella, not the princess version.

Definitely not M&Ms

So, this is what you turn around to see when you give your child a small piece of chocolate. I now see why the slogan "melts in your mouth, not in your hand" was so appealing to parents. It is also why you never try to sneakily eat chocolate in the same vehicle as your child. They always know and request some. Blast!

Ponies

The first time successfully convincing Leoni to wear her hair in ponytails. It only lasted about 15 minutes while she was drawing, but it was darling.

Bones

Originally purchased for Halloween, these have become favorite pajamas. They remind me of Karate Kid. The bones also glow in the dark. Can they get much cooler?

Only if you make a face like this.

Last Day of the Semester

Most students know that the last day of classes don't usually have big assignments, so they don't bother coming to classes. Since Travis has to still go to class to teach, he figures they should have to come to class, so he offers and incentive. If they come, they get to meet his kids. Not a bad deal, and those who show up are glad they did. Here is Leoni seeing how she likes being a university student.

On display

So, the furniture that was provided in our villa has lots of room for displaying things. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of display items and could use more "out of sight" storage. Some things we have, though cute, aren't exactly display material...or are they?

Out Walking In The 'Hood

Our exciting days normally include at least one walk around our compound (neighborhood), at least when I can get Leoni to put on her clothes to go outside. There is no play area for children, so we do exciting things like look for stray cats and walk up and down the ramp our neighbor has for their car to pull up onto the area next to their house.

Softball Games

Sometimes, Travis has a softball game that is early enough for Leoni to attend. Although it is at the American School, there isn't any play equipment in the area of the fields. But, Leoni doesn't mind playing in the sand of the planters.

Bears and Dolls

Cute that Leoni is setting her Baby Bear & babies on the stairs with her

And sometimes they even get a blanket

Meeting Papa

Papa John that is. There are franchises here, and they are real Papa John's. They even have the garlic butter, being shipped and held up in customs.

Trying Papa John's pizza

She loved it and ate THREE pieces

Ping Pong

Draw Draw

Leoni has now taken interest in drawing and often asks, "Draw, draw?" I wish I knew what was going through her head as she concentrates.

Especially because she is so pleased after she is finished.

A Million Faces

Leoni has such a cute scrunchy faced smile right now, but I also love the other faces she pulls. I don't know where they come from, but I am glad some get captured on camera, too.

Oh my "Heck"

People find it hysterical that Leoni has already learned the Mormon slang word "heck." We know better. She is just referring affectionately to her friend Hector.

Leoni & Hector

Riding along

We often go for walks in the compound now that Leoni will actually wear shoes. One of her favorite things to do is borrow the neighbors' toys. Hopefully, they don't mind.

Shoes from Aunt Tracy

Before we came home to Doha, Aunt Tracy sent Leoni some shoes. They are Dr. Seuss Thing 1/Thing 2 shoes. Leoni loves them and doesn't care if they are currently too big. They go with everything...and nothing.

Putting them on

Happy as can be

Halloween

Halloween is primarily an American holiday, but it is also a favorite. Our house was decked early, and we tried to do things to celebrate the season. Our compound, being mostly non-American, doesn't really celebrate with trick-or-treating, but we were invited to go with some friends. They live in Education City Housing, which is predominantly American, and they have a big party. They also graciously let us borrow a costume for Leoni, which saved me from trying to throw something together. The party was fun and spirited, complete with a costume contest, which Leoni won! She received a Virgin Store gift certificate. Wow!

Leoni as a fluffy chick

Trick-or-Treating

My favorite costume-
Leoni's Halloween pajamas & goggles

Marvelous and Macabre

Leoni loves trying on shoes and currently seems to be partial to heels, whether they are appropriate with the outfit or not. She even likes me wearing heels with my pajamas.

Leoni's fashionable shoes
(notice that Baby Bear also has some clothing on)

She has also decided it is fun to climb into the blanket chest. I think it looks like a coffin. Being right before Halloween, we felt this was appropriate. It is perhaps displaying the Tubbs' dark humor gene, or my gene is reading it as such.

Fashion

Leoni's attempt at putting on a onesie, or her developing fashion sense

Phone

Leoni chatting on the phone
(in a BYU hat)