Halloween 2011

Another successful Halloween has come and gone.  And yes I am proud to say without buying a costume (Neal likes to make fun of me because I make the costumes.  Scarlett's was given to me and she chose to wear it, so that doesn't count.)

Quinn didn't like all the make-up for Darth Maul, so I think next year that may play a factor in his costume choice.  Scarlett did a great job saying "trick or treat" and was very brave, all in the name of candy.

digging out the yucky stuff

Ran into a Storm Trooper on the street.

Enjoying her "spoils"

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Quinn is crazy for Legos and Scarlett loves to carry her babies around and go to Okinawa with them.

UNDOKAI 2011

Undokai or "Sports Day" took place on October 1, 2011.  It was bitter sweet because it is our last one.  It is one of the many "lasts" for us in Japan.  Undokai is something that is uniquely Japanese and magical to be involved in and something you just wouldn't see in the US.   The morning includes dance numbers, obstacle courses, and foot races.  And there is always one race specifically created for parents and children to participate in together.    Traditionally it seemed that always the mothers were the ones to participate, but this year it was all the Japanese Dads (unfortunately Neal was gone).

We were very proud of Quinn because he helped carry the Japanese flag out during the opening ceremony.  And did a great job with the parachute performance (which was his favorite).

Scarlett refused to wear her costumes during rehearsals but at home I got her to wear her asparagus hat and gloves but no luck with the cat tail.  But she did promise to wear them all on the day of Undokai -- and she did!   She seemed a bit overwhelmed when she saw all the people in the audience but performed most of her activities.  During our race together, she kept saying to me, "Let's get Quinn and go home."

The weather was nice and it was a great day!  We ended the day going out for sushi and ice cream.

Quinn, front right, carrying Japanese Flag.

Asparagus Hat

The dreaded cat tail.

Box Race

Relay Race

Shibata Sensei & Scarlett

Sayonara, Ramses and Nemo

On Monday, Neal, Ramses, and Nemo headed to Narita airport to leave Japan for Boston.   We decided to send the dogs back to the US early because we will be leaving during the winter months and many airlines have temperature regulations about when dogs can fly.  So my saintly parents have agreed to take in the beasts for a second time.  Thank you Grammy & Pepere.

On Sunday, the outside pool on base had their "Dog Days of Summer".   This is the day that everyone can bring their dogs in the pool.  It is the last day the pool is open for the season.   Ramses enjoyed the water and Nemo choose to watch from the sidelines.


I took lots of photos on the last day we were all together.   The house is so quiet without "the boys".  Poor Sakie is the only one left and therefore endures a little extra "kid love/torture" every day.

Pretend Play, the Military Child Way

just what makes that little ole ant...

Scarlett is determined to keep up with the "Big Kids" in the neighborhood.  Earlier this month, she was adamant that she was going to climb the tree in our front yard.  She tried and tried and tried.  Her foot often got stuck but she refused to give up.  Eventually Scarlett got herself between the two small trunks and was quite proud.  But that wasn't good enough for her, and she asked Daddy to help her get a little farther up the small trunk.  

Friendship Festival on Yokota AB

I am way behind on posts but I'm trying to catch up before the holidays hit us.  In late August,  we attended our last Yokota Friendship Festival. (It's sad to say but this is one of the many of our Japan "last"s)  Unfortunately this year it was cloudy and rainy; so we didn't spend a lot of time checking out the airplanes.  Mostly we ate our way through the festival.  Oishii!