Watch Out Partridge Family

The Martyniak Family is already designing a really cool bus and practicing their musical skills with Band Hero on the Wii. Just need some super groovy matching outfits.

"37"

Another January 22nd came and went and Neal turned 37. Ice cream cake and presents, as usual.

Friday Night Fun Cultural Exchange

Last Friday night, my JGSDF Advanced Officer English students (Kiyota, Kondo, Kuga, Odan, and Yamanouchi) came over for Food, Drinks, Mario and Fun! Quinn was so excited to play Super Mario Brothers and Mario Kart with the guys. He was exhausted but hung on to play until almost 9:00pm. Quinn's last request of the night was to have his new best friend, LT Yamanouchi (A Mario Master) see his Mario room. But Mean Mommy had to think on her feet and come up with a good reason to say no.

Even Scarlett was feeling friendly and danced and talked with the guys.

After the kids went to bed, the adults played Band Hero for Wii (Thanks for lending it to us Cooper Clan). The Japanese students had never heard of Guitar Hero, Band Hero, nothing. LT. Kondo even said, "I never thought an American would teach us about video games". And we even had live entertainment with Cpt. Kiyota playing his guitar. He played beautifully.

I had lots of fun. And I hope they did too.

Indoor Skiiing

Quinn's teacher made him skis and poles out of cardboard and newspaper.....love, love, love yochien!

Look Who We Ran Into...

... at the Yokosuka Navy Base Powerzone.


Here's a few things that concern me:
1.) Quinn can't walk on the street without stopping to jump and pose(like Mario) on manholes.
2.) Scarlett often says "Mama Mia" in an Italian accent.
3.) Scarlett can name almost all of the Super Mario Bros. characters (did I mention she can't identify all her primary colors yet).
4.) Quinn would talk about Mario 24/7 if we let him.

Just wondering when and what will be Q's next obsession?

Bowling with Friends

During winter vacation we went bowling with Quinn's friends Kaho-chan and Jackson. Just a cute photo of the cute kiddos.

MOCHITSUKI

On January 15th, the kids and I headed to Quinn's yochien for some mochi pounding. What is "mochi" you may ask, and why do you pound it? Well it is a traditional Japanese activity for the New Year (to ensure it will be a good one). Sweet rice is soaked over night and then steamed in the morning. The rice is then placed in an "umu" mortar and pounded with a wooden mallet until it is smooth and shiny (gooey/goopy). It is a lot of work. Finally the mochi is formed into balls and seasoned with different ingredients such as sweet bean paste, sugar and soy powder, green onion and soy sauce. The last part of the tradition is to eat "Ozoni" soup made with veggies and mochi balls. The Japanese usually eat this on New Year's Day.

At yochien, they let the kids take turns pounding the rice. Scarlett didn't want to try but Quinn did a couple times with the help of the school's bus driver. You can't really see Quinn's face in the picture but it's him. Surprisingly, Quinn doesn't like mochi but Scarlett does! It was a fun day.

No Training Wheels

Quinn started off the new year minus his training wheels. On many days, Neal and I thought we would never see this day. Quinn is not much of a risk taker and often gives up too soon. But today with the promise of a new helmet; we took to the tennis courts and he did it! We are very proud of Quinn and his accomplishment.

New Year's Eve

It was another rockin' New Year's Eve at the Martyniaks. Just imagine a night filled with animated movies with popcorn, of course. Then at 8:30 pm a fancy glass of organic sparkling apple cider paired with a Ghiradelli brownie. Oh yeah! I told you it was a crazy night.

Scarlett was not so sure about the flavor of the sparking cider but kept on drinking. Check out the photos of all her faces. Happy New Year to our family and friends. We hope 2011 brings you many happy times.

Bag Clip or Hair Clip

... You Decide.