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.