Jonah in 1940's Radio Show

1940's Radio Hour

Jonah was recently in a school musical. Inderkum Drama Department did several performances of a play called 1940's Radio Hour. Jonah played a delivery boy who managed to get himself a spot in the radio show. He did a great job and we are all so proud of him for stepping way outside of his safety zone and participating in this event.

Ben's room

Jonahs room

Abbey's Room

Our First Home

Found the cord

I was able after many hours of searching to find the cord to the camera and so am able to download a few short movies I've taken of how I've been decorating the house I think I'm doing a pretty good job, so take a look and see what you think.

It's December Already?

I cannot believe its December already, well I guess I can but I can't believe how much I have let go over the past few months while we've been living life. I am planning on giving myself 30 minutes every night for the next week to see if I can catch up with whats been going on in our lives since we left Japan. It's been a fast paced exhilarating time filled with good times but mostly just with things that keep the everyday moving. So, all I have to do know is find the cord that attaches the camera to the computer and I'm all set to go.

It's been a long time

So, we have been in Northern California for about 5 weeks now and things are not quite what we hoped they would be. We are still in a hotel and it looks like we will be here for at least another 3-4 weeks. People are so different than the friendly, helpful people we left in Japan we really miss Misawa and all our old and new friends from there. I am hoping that when thing start to get a little closer to normal life will start to feel a little better. Anyway, I'm including some photos of the people we miss.

Japan

Turning Japanese

As we arrive at the end of our time in Japan we went out recently and took the time to have our photo taken with everyone dressed in Kimonos. Its do funny looking back over the past three years and seeing how much everyone has grown (including me).

Ben's Graduation

So, how does it feel to have 3 adults in the house? not much different. It has always been so great to have Ben in our lives and as he gets older just more enjoyable. I am so happy for him as he moves on and is able to have more opportunities etc... in his life. Graduation was full of happy and sad parts but I was able to keep it together. Ben has grown up to be a fine adult and I look forward to seeing the great man he will become.

Goodbyes

It's time to start saying the goodbyes. Tonight we had a goodbye dinner with the Japanese Ladies that I've been sharing an English class with for the past three years. I have enjoyed teaching these ladies so much it has been such a wonderful cultural experience. I'll miss you all and am so thankful for the way you have made myself and my family feel so welcome and special around you.

Molars

Ben went through the horrible ordeal of having his molars pulled on Monday. Doesn't he look great with his head gear on. He is doing really well and managed to get through it pretty well, at least quickly the operation was over with in about 45 mins. I personally think he had never looked better.

Moving Back To California

Okay, so we recently found out that we will be moving back to California. WE are all so totally excited, Ben was accepted at Sac State so he will be able to live with us until he leaves on his mission which makes even happier, I was so not ready to let go of that kid yet.

The Drive Home

After a night of little sleep (the girls where up all night playing sardines, painting toe nails etc). After breakfast the children where presented with their awards and then we started the long drive back to Misawa. It was a beautiful day and we where making good time, we had stopped fro lunch about 20 minutes outside of Tokyo and where heading into out second stop when we saw the van Ben was driving pulled over at the side of the road. As we slowed down to pull over we noticed that the wheel on the rear drivers side had fallen off. Talk about scary. Ben said that the van had started to shake so they pulled over to check it out and saw no problem and so continued to drive about 15 yards further along they felt the van's back drop so pulled back onto the hard shoulder. Soon a police car pulled over and made sure everything was alright. We where able to get to the next rest area where the van was left to be picked up a few days later. Fortunately we were able to get all the children into the 2 vans we still had and get back to Misawa before midnight. I am so glad that this is my last youth trip in Japan, our time hear has been a real blast but I am ready to just supervise my own children for a while.

Yakota Swim Meet

It seemed like I had just got back from one long trip and it was time to spend another weekend away. This time was with the swim team. So, I was able to spend sometime with my own children and looking after about nine others. The drive to Yakota was great except for about the last hour when we managed to get lost. I have driven through Tokyo about a dozen times so I cannot figure out how we managed to get mixed around but thanks to the Germain's and their GPS we where able to get back on track and arrive in time for the pool party. The swim meet was great. All the children swam so well. My kid's did extremely well with Ben receiving 4 best in heats , 2 gold and 2 silver medals. Jonah received 3 best in heats with 1 gold, 1 silver and one bronze. Abbey was very competitive and received 2 bronze medals. The team brought home about 30 medals altogether and all the children where able to make improvements on their personal bests.

Spring Break

Spring Break was spent with a group of about 50 teenagers at Camp Fuji. Both Joe and I where able to go with Ben and Jonah this year. Abbey spent the week with The Christensen's. We love the Christensen family and are so thankful for everything they do for out family. So after a 12 hour drive we spent a very wet, sleepless week hanging out with a group of kid that had too much energy, but where still fun to be around.

Abbey"s First Middle School Dance

Abbey went to her first school dance, can you believe how big she is getting. Joe managed to insert himself as a chaperone and Mary-Lou was there keeping a eye on her all night so I was pretty sure that everything was alright. Abbey had a great time hanging out with her swim team friends.

Band Performance

Abbey was able to take part in the school's intermediate bands pop concert this week. Abbey has been playing the clarinet for about 3 years now and seems to enjoy it. She received the honor of introducing one of the songs they played. She did a good job and except for having to sit in the bleachers for 2 hours it was an enjoyable evening.

Swim Meet

I don't think that I've mentioned before that my children are swimming with the local swim team. They recently went to a swim meet in Hirosaki about a two hour drive from where we live. It was pretty touch and very competitive but we where able to get through the day.

Bens Birthday

Bens Birthday

Ben turned 18 on the 18th March. I can't believe that he has grown-up so fast. I am so not ready to have another adult in the house especially when most of the time I feel like I'm playing a being one myself. Anyway, it was a pretty low key birthday I am not so great at organizing events. We went out for dinner at Karimbas, it's a Chinese restaurant. We where able to get a private room and just had a really nice time enjoying each others company and eating way to much. Afterwards we went home and opened presents. Ben's friend Tiffany came over and presented him with some flowers and a cute card.

Eagle Project

Eagle Project

Ben has spent the past few weeks working hard on his eagle project. He did a book drive for the weasels den. He collected about 400 gently used book to be placed in a new reading area that will be going into one of our local community areas. He worked hard on the project and hopefully will do well at his Eagle Board.

Doing a good job.

Bragging

I think I'm allowed to brag about my kids aren't I ? The middle school had an awards ceremony today and both Jonah and Abbey where on the honor roll with Abbey recieving and certificate of excellence in English (she has an awesome English Teacher, thank you Mrs. Ramirez). I am so proud of them both and all the work they have been putting in to their assignments. GO Jonah and Abbey!!!

Towada Ice Festival

Towada Ice Festival

Next on our list of Festivals is the Towada Lake Festival. It wasn't as big as the Hirosaki festival but the drive up to the lake was beautiful as we travelled along the Orasi gorge. It was a winter wonderland. Upon arriving at the festival we did realize that it was unbelievably cold -6 degrees and so we only stick it out for about 45 minutes before heading home.