Monday, April 09, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Home Again!
Well actually we have been home for 1 week now. We had a lot of fun in Japan and after it was all said and done I was pretty proud of myself for traveling with two kids, by myself to Japan for Spring Break. It was something we will never forget. Lauren, Charlie and Alex-we had so much fun with you and we miss you guys so much! I posted a few slideshows of our different days so you can see what we did.
We jumped right back into school this week-it is hard to believe that this is the last quarter! Then I will be done working and Micah will move on to the 1st Grade. Jacob also started going to a Head Start Program this quarter which is at our friend Margaret's Home. He likes going to school and has 6 kids total in his class.
On Tuesday this week, Darrick's Aunt Fran and Uncle Richard sailed into Honolulu on a Cruise Ship so in the afternoon we picked them up and took them around. We stopped at the USS Arizona Memorial and then took a nice drive to North Shore. We went to Sunset Beach and watched the surfers and then had dinner at Cholo's. We had so much fun! We brought them back to the cruise ship after dinner because it was leaving at 11pm for their next port.
Last night our Bible Study had a surprise Baby Shower for Margaret. She has been watching all our kids for us for about a year while we have our study. It was nice and she got some nice things.
Today the boys and I had off for Good Friday but Darrick has Duty. We went to the Koa Pancake House with Jennifer and Brayden for breakfast and then we had a neighborhood BBQ tonight for Margaret's Birthday!
We jumped right back into school this week-it is hard to believe that this is the last quarter! Then I will be done working and Micah will move on to the 1st Grade. Jacob also started going to a Head Start Program this quarter which is at our friend Margaret's Home. He likes going to school and has 6 kids total in his class.
On Tuesday this week, Darrick's Aunt Fran and Uncle Richard sailed into Honolulu on a Cruise Ship so in the afternoon we picked them up and took them around. We stopped at the USS Arizona Memorial and then took a nice drive to North Shore. We went to Sunset Beach and watched the surfers and then had dinner at Cholo's. We had so much fun! We brought them back to the cruise ship after dinner because it was leaving at 11pm for their next port.
Last night our Bible Study had a surprise Baby Shower for Margaret. She has been watching all our kids for us for about a year while we have our study. It was nice and she got some nice things.
Today the boys and I had off for Good Friday but Darrick has Duty. We went to the Koa Pancake House with Jennifer and Brayden for breakfast and then we had a neighborhood BBQ tonight for Margaret's Birthday!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Day 3
Wow, what a day. It was a very challenging day for both of us as moms. The boys were all up at 5:30 and were cranky and tired most of the day but we made it.
We walked to the local train station and rode the train and even did two transfers. I really enjoyed the trains. They were very clean and comfortable and quiet. I mean the people, nobody talks and if they do they whisper to on another. We were always being watched by the Japanese people-we felt like a circus act.
We we got to our destination it was time for a bathroom break. Oh boy. In the restroom was one "western" toliet and the rest were Japanese style. Micah got the western one and Jacob and I did not. It basically looks like a small urinal in the ground with a bar in front to hold onto because you have to squat. Of course Jacob had to go #1 and #2 and he did it! I was so proud of him. But it was so dirty in the stall.
Then we bought our tickets to go on the Shinkasen or Bullet Train. It was amazing and truly a once in a life time experience. Through the city it was fast but once we got into more rural parts it flew! We rode the bullet train to Odawara and then got off. We walked about 10 minutes to Odawara castle. We climbed up to the top and had an amazing view. By the castle was also a kid park where the boys could ride these motorized cars and motorcycles around a track. The had a blast!
For dinner we had Japanese food. I had pork with greenbeans and rice, the boys had yakisoba noodles and we all tried gyoza.
The boys were exhausted and so are the moms.
We walked to the local train station and rode the train and even did two transfers. I really enjoyed the trains. They were very clean and comfortable and quiet. I mean the people, nobody talks and if they do they whisper to on another. We were always being watched by the Japanese people-we felt like a circus act.
We we got to our destination it was time for a bathroom break. Oh boy. In the restroom was one "western" toliet and the rest were Japanese style. Micah got the western one and Jacob and I did not. It basically looks like a small urinal in the ground with a bar in front to hold onto because you have to squat. Of course Jacob had to go #1 and #2 and he did it! I was so proud of him. But it was so dirty in the stall.
Then we bought our tickets to go on the Shinkasen or Bullet Train. It was amazing and truly a once in a life time experience. Through the city it was fast but once we got into more rural parts it flew! We rode the bullet train to Odawara and then got off. We walked about 10 minutes to Odawara castle. We climbed up to the top and had an amazing view. By the castle was also a kid park where the boys could ride these motorized cars and motorcycles around a track. The had a blast!
For dinner we had Japanese food. I had pork with greenbeans and rice, the boys had yakisoba noodles and we all tried gyoza.
The boys were exhausted and so are the moms.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Day 2
We have more of a down day today and we all needed it. Lauren had an OB appt. today and so she had a babysitter , Miss Amy, for all the boys. They played and went to the park and had a great time.
Lauren and I had a great time too. We drove about 20 minutes to the Yokosuka Naval Base. We went to the exchange and the hospital for her appt. Then we walked a short distance off the base to the 100 yen store (like 99 cent store). We converted some of my money into yen and shopped. I loved it.
We came home in the afternoon and just relaxed and got the boys to bed early. I went to bed early too.
There are a few cherry blossoms that are out and the rest are ready to bloom soon-I hope they do before we leave.
Lauren and I had a great time too. We drove about 20 minutes to the Yokosuka Naval Base. We went to the exchange and the hospital for her appt. Then we walked a short distance off the base to the 100 yen store (like 99 cent store). We converted some of my money into yen and shopped. I loved it.
We came home in the afternoon and just relaxed and got the boys to bed early. I went to bed early too.
There are a few cherry blossoms that are out and the rest are ready to bloom soon-I hope they do before we leave.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Day One
Today was the most beautiful weather. It started off cool but got pretty warm.
We took a drive to Kamakura, a city about 10 minutes away. It was the capital of Japan's first military government from 1185-1333. I loved seeing everything in the daylight. Some observations: a lot of the cars are tiny here-they look like Luigi and Guido from the movie "Cars". Also all the shops and store are right next to the street. There is no sidewalk or places to park in front of the stores. There is only about 2 feet from the door of a house or store to the street. Everyone was walking around and getting their groceries for the day which is common here. They only buy what they need for the day so they shop everyday. Another thing that caught my eye was quite a few people wearing surgical masks. Lauren told me that they are very careful to not spread germs so if you or sick or have a cold you put one on and wear it out in public.
After our drive we arrived Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine. It was founded in 1063. It's a tutelary shrine of Minamoto No Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura regime. He was the first military ruler of Japan. We saw things called Torii Gates which are huge gates built by Yoritomo in 1182 as an offering for a safe delivery for his pregnant wife, Masako. She would walk through them and it would give her good blessings. Masako yielded great power after her husband died as was known as the Nun Shogun (warrior).
There were a lot of people at the shrine and we observed them throwing coins into a box, saying a prayer and clapping their hands twice. There were huge vats of sake (rice wine) that people have given to Buddha as a sacrifice. They also has pieces of paper and wooden plaques to write prayers on.
We had lunch at Kua Aina, which is a hamburger place they have in Hawaii. It was super good.
Then we came home and all took naps. We all went to bed at 2:30 and as of now, 10:00 pm, Jacob is still asleep!
I am really impressed with Lauren's Japanese vocabulary and her ability to communicate.
We took a drive to Kamakura, a city about 10 minutes away. It was the capital of Japan's first military government from 1185-1333. I loved seeing everything in the daylight. Some observations: a lot of the cars are tiny here-they look like Luigi and Guido from the movie "Cars". Also all the shops and store are right next to the street. There is no sidewalk or places to park in front of the stores. There is only about 2 feet from the door of a house or store to the street. Everyone was walking around and getting their groceries for the day which is common here. They only buy what they need for the day so they shop everyday. Another thing that caught my eye was quite a few people wearing surgical masks. Lauren told me that they are very careful to not spread germs so if you or sick or have a cold you put one on and wear it out in public.
After our drive we arrived Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine. It was founded in 1063. It's a tutelary shrine of Minamoto No Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura regime. He was the first military ruler of Japan. We saw things called Torii Gates which are huge gates built by Yoritomo in 1182 as an offering for a safe delivery for his pregnant wife, Masako. She would walk through them and it would give her good blessings. Masako yielded great power after her husband died as was known as the Nun Shogun (warrior).
There were a lot of people at the shrine and we observed them throwing coins into a box, saying a prayer and clapping their hands twice. There were huge vats of sake (rice wine) that people have given to Buddha as a sacrifice. They also has pieces of paper and wooden plaques to write prayers on.
We had lunch at Kua Aina, which is a hamburger place they have in Hawaii. It was super good.
Then we came home and all took naps. We all went to bed at 2:30 and as of now, 10:00 pm, Jacob is still asleep!
I am really impressed with Lauren's Japanese vocabulary and her ability to communicate.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Konichiwa
I know that I have not posted in awhile, sorry. The boys and I are on Spring Break and we decided to take a big adventure. I am writing this from Japan!
So here is the down low:
In November our friends, the Shedd's got stationed in Japan. Charlie, Alex, Micah and Jacob have all missed each other a lot as well as me and Lauren. So I got one of my big ideas that over our Spring Break the boys and I would fly to Japan.
The military has something called MAC flights. The airforce is always flying missions all over the world to big "stuff" here and there. So if there is room on a flight you can try to get on and fly for FREE!
Well we had been trying since Tuesday to get on a flight to Yokota, Japan but the planes kept having maintainence issues and they would postpone the flight, So we were going back and forth between home and the terminal for four days. Finally on Friday there was a flight going out.
So we got to the terminal at 2:00 pm ready to go and the flight got delayed again but we finally ended up leaving at 11:00 at night. So what did we do in the terminal for 9 hours? Well they had an indoor playground and a TV with only kids shows. There was also a USO which had a room with cribs, lounge chairs and a DVD player and a ton of movies to pick from-it was awesome!
When we finally got on it was a HUGE military plane, a C5 Galaxy. It had 2 levels-we were on the top and there were 3 helicopters on the bottom. It was me and the boys and about 30 Navy guys in uniform. They were so good to us and helped me a lot. We sat in normal airline type seats and the boys and I slept the whole 8 hour flight to Guam!
Once in Guam we got off the plane, took a bus and then had to go through customs. We were then at Andersen AFB, Guam. I was told that we would have a 20 hour layover-yikes! There was another great USO and we watch more movies-Jacob even took a nap. Thankfully there was a flight going to Yokota in only 4 hours so we tried to get on that flight. We did got on but this was so different. The plane was not as big and we had to sit in these net type seats that were attached to the walls of the plane. I felt like we were going up in the air to sky dive. After and hour on the plane they discovered the back hatch won't close so we can't off. Back on the bus and back to the terminal. But finally we did get back on and took off. It was so loud and we had to wear earplugs. Jake had to go to the restroom during the flight and it was an experience. They had to put up a curtain and then there was a toliet seat with a trash bag to catch -um you know.
After 5 hours we arrived in Japan and had to go through customs and get visas. But after we got our luggage there were Lauren, Charlie and Alex greeting us with lots of hugs and kisses. The boys were so bonkers last night-running around and giggling like crazy. We had a 2 hour drive to get home. It was Sunday night in Japan so we could not see a lot. But a crazy thing is that they drive on the opposite side of the car and road.
We had great baths and showers and a wonderful sleep. The boys are all playing and Lauren in making pancakes so I better go and have some breakfast.
So here is the down low:
In November our friends, the Shedd's got stationed in Japan. Charlie, Alex, Micah and Jacob have all missed each other a lot as well as me and Lauren. So I got one of my big ideas that over our Spring Break the boys and I would fly to Japan.
The military has something called MAC flights. The airforce is always flying missions all over the world to big "stuff" here and there. So if there is room on a flight you can try to get on and fly for FREE!
Well we had been trying since Tuesday to get on a flight to Yokota, Japan but the planes kept having maintainence issues and they would postpone the flight, So we were going back and forth between home and the terminal for four days. Finally on Friday there was a flight going out.
So we got to the terminal at 2:00 pm ready to go and the flight got delayed again but we finally ended up leaving at 11:00 at night. So what did we do in the terminal for 9 hours? Well they had an indoor playground and a TV with only kids shows. There was also a USO which had a room with cribs, lounge chairs and a DVD player and a ton of movies to pick from-it was awesome!
When we finally got on it was a HUGE military plane, a C5 Galaxy. It had 2 levels-we were on the top and there were 3 helicopters on the bottom. It was me and the boys and about 30 Navy guys in uniform. They were so good to us and helped me a lot. We sat in normal airline type seats and the boys and I slept the whole 8 hour flight to Guam!
Once in Guam we got off the plane, took a bus and then had to go through customs. We were then at Andersen AFB, Guam. I was told that we would have a 20 hour layover-yikes! There was another great USO and we watch more movies-Jacob even took a nap. Thankfully there was a flight going to Yokota in only 4 hours so we tried to get on that flight. We did got on but this was so different. The plane was not as big and we had to sit in these net type seats that were attached to the walls of the plane. I felt like we were going up in the air to sky dive. After and hour on the plane they discovered the back hatch won't close so we can't off. Back on the bus and back to the terminal. But finally we did get back on and took off. It was so loud and we had to wear earplugs. Jake had to go to the restroom during the flight and it was an experience. They had to put up a curtain and then there was a toliet seat with a trash bag to catch -um you know.
After 5 hours we arrived in Japan and had to go through customs and get visas. But after we got our luggage there were Lauren, Charlie and Alex greeting us with lots of hugs and kisses. The boys were so bonkers last night-running around and giggling like crazy. We had a 2 hour drive to get home. It was Sunday night in Japan so we could not see a lot. But a crazy thing is that they drive on the opposite side of the car and road.
We had great baths and showers and a wonderful sleep. The boys are all playing and Lauren in making pancakes so I better go and have some breakfast.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Can you believe this?
Today when the boys and I went to the Commissary my jaw dropped when I saw the price of strawberries! I had my camera so I took a picture because I couldn't believe it-the frost in CA sure raised our prices I guess! The bigger basket was $24.00! As you can guess-we didn't get any strawberries...
Also today we said goodbye to Nana and Papa and Darrick. First we brought Nana and Papa to the airport. Jacob took it the hardest and cried and asked them not to go. Then a few hours later we brought Darrick to the airport. He was out to sea but came back about 7 pm last night. Then this afternoon he had to leave for 2 weeks to go to a school in Missouri.
The boys and I just relaxed and had dinner and watched a movie. It was nice.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Taking Buddy Around
We received a package from Beth O. with a monkey named Buddy. Buddy is traveling around from person to person by mail. He was started by a girl in the 3rd grade as a project for her social study class. Buddy started in Florida, then went to Canada twice, then to Iowa and now here. So we took him around and took pictures of him doing things-enjoy the slide show below!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Saturday
I know today is Monday and not Saturday but we have not done anything interesting to write about on the other days except the normal stuff.
Saturday morning we all got up early because Micah had an 8:00 am soccer game. Halfway through the game I had to bring Darrick to the ship because they were getting underway...again! I went back to the game and picked up Dad, Mom and the boys and we went to breakfast at the Koa Pancake House-it was super yummy. Mom and I had the awesome hawaiian sweet bread french toast.
From there we went to the Hale Koa to swim. It was such nice weather it felt good to all of us to get in the pool-well all of us except dad. He hid under a banyan tree in the shade on a lounge chair and enjoyed the breeze. Before we left we had an ice cream and then drove home.
At home we all took naps to prepare for our evening out. We went to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" put on by the Army Community Theater at Fort Shafter. It was awesome (once again-it was my 3rd time seeing it-twice in CA and now once in HI). Micah really loved it and followed the whole thing.
Saturday morning we all got up early because Micah had an 8:00 am soccer game. Halfway through the game I had to bring Darrick to the ship because they were getting underway...again! I went back to the game and picked up Dad, Mom and the boys and we went to breakfast at the Koa Pancake House-it was super yummy. Mom and I had the awesome hawaiian sweet bread french toast.
From there we went to the Hale Koa to swim. It was such nice weather it felt good to all of us to get in the pool-well all of us except dad. He hid under a banyan tree in the shade on a lounge chair and enjoyed the breeze. Before we left we had an ice cream and then drove home.
At home we all took naps to prepare for our evening out. We went to see "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" put on by the Army Community Theater at Fort Shafter. It was awesome (once again-it was my 3rd time seeing it-twice in CA and now once in HI). Micah really loved it and followed the whole thing.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
What we've been up too
Saturday my parents made it here! We have been having so much fun together and the boys cannot get enough of Nana and Papa!
Sunday after church we headed up to North Shore to do something that none of us have done before. We went to the Waimea Valley Audubon Center. It was such a beautiful day-perfect for a hike. It is 3/4 mile hike to a beautiful waterall. We saw so many beautiful and unusual plants and flowers. It was all breath-taking. The boys had a blast exploring and Micah took pictures with our digital camera-some of which you can see in the new slideshow. The boys couldn't wait to get to the waterfall because today it was open and you could swim to it. But when they got in the water, a frigid 60 degrees, they could not get in. Only Darrick made it! We picked up Stordo's on the way home and stopped for shave ice with ice cream!
Yesterday was a normal day, I worked and Micah went to school. We are having beautiful weather and mom and dad are having a great time!
Sunday after church we headed up to North Shore to do something that none of us have done before. We went to the Waimea Valley Audubon Center. It was such a beautiful day-perfect for a hike. It is 3/4 mile hike to a beautiful waterall. We saw so many beautiful and unusual plants and flowers. It was all breath-taking. The boys had a blast exploring and Micah took pictures with our digital camera-some of which you can see in the new slideshow. The boys couldn't wait to get to the waterfall because today it was open and you could swim to it. But when they got in the water, a frigid 60 degrees, they could not get in. Only Darrick made it! We picked up Stordo's on the way home and stopped for shave ice with ice cream!
Yesterday was a normal day, I worked and Micah went to school. We are having beautiful weather and mom and dad are having a great time!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Hats
I don't know if you know but I love when guys wear baseball hats. Darrick is not much of a hat person-it has to be the perfect hat to fit on his head-but when he finds it, it looks good. Micah and Jacob both look really cute in hats. Today we stopped at Old Navy because they were having a kids and baby sale. The boys are growing so fast and with this "cooler" weather we are having I pulled out their pants for them to wear and it looked liked they were waiting for a flood. So while we were shopping we found some cool hats.
Jacob got 2-one is red and says "Future Heartbreaker 2 cute 4 sure" and the other is green and says "Lucky O'Days Boys Club No Girls Allowed Moms are Okay". Micah got a green and white one that looks worn that says "11 Fog City Soccer".
Jacob got 2-one is red and says "Future Heartbreaker 2 cute 4 sure" and the other is green and says "Lucky O'Days Boys Club No Girls Allowed Moms are Okay". Micah got a green and white one that looks worn that says "11 Fog City Soccer".
Kung Hee Fat Choy
Last week Friday, in Micah's class they celebrated Chinese New Year-the year of the Boar. It is so interesting living where there is a huge Asian population-we never celebrated things like that when I was in school!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
All I want for Valentine's Day is my 2 front teeth...
Last night it happpened-the dangling tooth fell out. While Micah was brushing his teeth it started to bleed so I held it with a tissue, gave it a quick twist and out it came!This coming Thursday is Micah's 6th birthday. Amoung toys that he asked for, he asked me for his own Bible and Bible cover. So yesterday after school we headed to Honolulu to Logo's Christian bookstore. We found a really great Bible published by Zonderkidz. It is called the NIrV Kids' Quest Study Bible. NIrV stands for New International Reader's Version-a complete Bible created especially for beginning readers. It is for ages 6-10 and I would highly recommend it. He also picked out a blue Bible Cover.
Since I am writing this in the early morning, before the boys get up, today is Parent's Day at school. Micah is super excited and I am looking forward to it too!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Our Weekend
Darrick was still in San Diego this weekend so they boys and I hung out! Darrick actually got to see Charlie, Maud and Amelie, our friend Steph, my parents and Uncle Marv and Dave, Laura and Elijah! I know he appreciated the effort you guys made to come see him!
Friday after school us + Jennifer and Brayden drove up to North Shore to get sandwiches at Stordo's deli. We took our food to Turtle Beach and dined next to one big sea turtle. But it was freezing and windy.
Just a side note-it has been so cold here for Hawaii! Sunday morning it was 60 degrees and everyone was freezing. Out came jackets, long pants and socks!
Saturday morning Micah had his second soccer game and scored the first goal of the game! They also decided on a team name "Blue Lightening" and I volunteered to make the banner!
That evening we had a BBQ Baby shower for our neighbors Melanie and Jason. Their baby boy is due any day now!
Sunday the boys and I went to church and then out to lunch at Panda Express. Micah insisits on eating his chow mwin with chopsticks and is getting pretty good. Jacob loves the orange chicken and gobbles it up. We did not watch the Super Bowl but watched cartoons together instead.
I also forgot to put in a few weeks ago that we just got the CW!!!!! Enough people complained and so they put it on. I am behind on 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls but trying to catch up and Nicole I can watch America's Next Top Model!!
Friday after school us + Jennifer and Brayden drove up to North Shore to get sandwiches at Stordo's deli. We took our food to Turtle Beach and dined next to one big sea turtle. But it was freezing and windy.
Just a side note-it has been so cold here for Hawaii! Sunday morning it was 60 degrees and everyone was freezing. Out came jackets, long pants and socks!
Saturday morning Micah had his second soccer game and scored the first goal of the game! They also decided on a team name "Blue Lightening" and I volunteered to make the banner!
That evening we had a BBQ Baby shower for our neighbors Melanie and Jason. Their baby boy is due any day now!
Sunday the boys and I went to church and then out to lunch at Panda Express. Micah insisits on eating his chow mwin with chopsticks and is getting pretty good. Jacob loves the orange chicken and gobbles it up. We did not watch the Super Bowl but watched cartoons together instead.
I also forgot to put in a few weeks ago that we just got the CW!!!!! Enough people complained and so they put it on. I am behind on 7th Heaven and Gilmore Girls but trying to catch up and Nicole I can watch America's Next Top Model!!
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