Victory Ice Cream

Quinn-kun's Yochien Birthday Party

Every other month at yochien they celebrate birthdays. The teachers put on a performance - this time it was a puppet version of Billy Goat's Gruff. And the entire school sings Happy Birthday and then we return to the individual classroom for more singing and the presentation of the birthday card (each classmate decorates an individual flower on the card). Tomoki-kun, Kaede-chan, and Quinn-kun celebrated their birthdays during this celebration. Each child also receives a book that has their picture, hand print and information such as favorite food, etc. Quinn said he wants to be Fire Mario when he grows up and his favorite food is edamame.

"Momma, Watch This"

Last week at yochien, Scarlett and I were waiting for Quinn to finish school. Scarlett saw another child grab the rings, pull their feet up and swing. Well that was it; she was determined to do the same thing, immediately. And did it! Ganbatte!

WooHoo! Scarlett is Two!

Unbelievably, Scarlett turned 2 years old today. She is a wonderfully fiesty, funny, fun-loving little girl and we love her with all our hearts. Her day was spent playing with her birthday balloon and Baby Stella's new outfit and bed. Then we went to the Fujiya Restaurant, where they took her picture with a pretend cake with real candles. Then we came home and ate ice cream, cake, and candy. The only thing missing was Daddy.

Scarlett is not one for strangers or big events where she is the main attraction. You will notice in many of the pictures she looks hesitant even a bit scared. Quinn was always by her side telling her, "It's OK Scarlett; it's your birthday".

The Beginnings of a Halloween Costume

Step One: Make the Hat

"We are only Renting this Planet from our Children"

Jane Goodall came to Yokota air base on Saturday to give a lecture sponsored by the local Roots and Shoots program. She was a very good speaker and I very much enjoyed her stories and believe in her ideas to conserve and preserve. I snapped a picture of her signing my book.

To Catch a Trout...

Today Quinn's yochien friend, Kaho and her family invited us to an event in their neighborhood. The children take off their shoes and climb into a small wadding pool filled with trout. The kids have to try to catch the fish with their hands. Once caught, the fish are put into a bucket, then cleaned and grilled on sticks. Finally we all got to eat them along with some yakisoba. The fish tasted good and Quinn really liked the crispy skin with salt.

All morning, Quinn was really excited about trying to catch a fish until he actually touched one. The trout were slimy feeling and wiggled and wriggled lots. Quinn would go after the fish but back away once he touched it. Scarlett stood on the side saying, "Fish in the water" We always feel lucky to be able to participate in these local events because we would never know about them without the kindness of our yochien friends (We were the only Americans there).

Woody Earth Garden Cafe in Okutama

Last week-end, we went geocaching in Okutama. We skipped a few cache spots due to overgrown grass and fear of snakes. It wasn't our best caching day but we did eat at a yummy restaurant, The Woody Earth Garden Cafe. They are best known for their Wasabi Soba Set. The soba and tempura were oiishi... but the "mountain potato" was a bit like eating snots (not good). We sat outside on their deck with a pretty view of the mountains and river.

Then on the ride home we stumbled on a small festival at a shrine. Quinn wanted one of everything at the festival but in the end bought himself a blue Ultraman mask. All in all a nice day out in Japan.

Krispy Kreme

On Labor Day, Neal, Scarlett, and I headed to Tachikawa to one of our favorite stores Bic Camera. It has a little something for everyone ...electronics, craft/fabric, toys, bikes, etc. We got there too early and had to stop in the Krispy Kreme to pass the time. The counter clerk gave Scarlett her own hat. She wasn't impressed.

First Soccer Game for Team GrassHoppers

On Saturday, Quinn had his first organized team soccer game. His team name is the Grasshoppers. Quinn's interest in the game waxed and waned throughout. He kicked the ball a couple times but also spent some time kicking the dirt, watching the other soccer game in the other field and trying to swing from the goal net frame (while playing goalie). It sure was fun to watch.

Mount Fuji in Chocolate

Summer vacation is over and Quinn has returned to yochien. Many children bring in little treats to their classmates from places that they visited over the summer. Quinn's favorite this year was a chocolate that was in the shape of a snow capped Mount Fuji...Oishi!!

Kodaira Primary Officer English Students

I teach English on a Japanese military base. My students are getting ready to graduate from the English training school. Several of the teachers got together and had a big party for all the students. It was lots of fun. My students spent a lot of time playing with Quinn and Scarlett. They would be great babysitters.

Thank You Team Davis

Q and S love the gifts! Quinn is relaxing with Ramses listening to his new cool MP3 player and well, Scarlett is cool in her new shades.

Soccer Camp and Soccer Practice

Quinn participated in a week long soccer camp in August. It was brutually hot and humid all week. The kids were drenched in sweat (I included a picture of Scarlett at camp trying to keep cool with her clothe). At the same time, he started his soccer practice for a team that starts playing in September. He loved it all. Our neighbor is on the team as well as other friends. The soccer practices have been very funny to watch... it's a free for all. No one passes the ball and the kids knock each other over to get it. I can't wait for the games.