Warm Memories

Today was our first bitter cold day of the season! I think it's a sign of an unpleasant winter. Last year was freakishly warm so we're out of practice. Liam and Alexis, true to their CT allegiance, are asking for snow. T and I can't make promises but I think we may see some white stuff this year. They really missed out on it last year.

So what do I do on this very cold day (other than lots of grad work)? I look at pictures of spring, hoping for warmer weather. How does that line go in "An Affair to Remember"? "Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories" I think we'll be warm all winter long.

T's Big Day

Today is T's big day! Happy Birthday Sweetie! We've shared 13 birthdays together! It's all happened so fast. The great thing is that it's only getting better....just like good wine

Hood Girls!

This is for the Hood girls! Alexis found her beanie and then insisted I wear mine. It just makes me a little sad that everything this beanie represents no longer exist at Hood. I guess I need to look at the brighter side and just be happy that it didn't go the way of Trinity in NH.

China

Below are some pictures of our trip to Beijing. What an incredible place! The sights did not disappoint! Definitely the best Chinese food! Alexis survived on a Western style breakfast and rice. By day number three, she was tired of the rice and just ate breakfast. Alexis and I dehydrated ourselves to avoid restrooms....I can't even begin to describe it....the first time Alexis went into one she ran out crying "Mommy, I don't have to go potty!"

Liam was in food heaven. The highlight was Peking Duck for him. Terry and I enjoyed surprisingly good beer and wine. We were served a scary alcohol that was 110 proof. Terry thinks it was mixed with gasoline!

There is no denying the growing wealth of this country. You can see it everywhere. By the same token, the poverty stricken masses are visible. The disparity between the rich and the poor is incredible. I find it ironic the last of the great communist experiments is growing economically on capitalism. I think "Capitalist Totalitarianism" best fits the current Chinese government. I just wonder how long the communist charade will last.

Mounted Horse Archery

We went to our local beach to watch traditional Japanese mounted horse archery. The costumes are quite elaborate. We didn't last too long. The wind was whipping sand into our eyes and Liam and Alexis have little tolerance for that. We still had fun.

Jerky Anyone?

Here is a picture of our little one enjoying beef jerky. Yes, the gross kind that truck drivers enjoy with the picture of a Native American on the label. Blythe, I think she's your spiritual daughter.

Pumpkin Pie

Here is a little pumpkin to make you smile. I just came across this picture and it made me laugh. I can't believe how chunky Alexis was as an infant! The funny thing is she's only gained 14 pounds since this picture was taken at 5 months!

Football, Turkey, and Friends

Our early Thanksgiving meal was a chaotic good time! It's funny how a gathering with four children can sound like a party of twenty! Volume control for four and five year-olds is still a challenge. It was a success, but I'm not sure our DINK friends will come again for another holiday meal. Liam started his day with his first football game and then progressed to eating turkey and every dessert on the buffet!

We have so much to be thankful for this year. Family, friends, and this incredible journey called life! The travel opportunities and life experiences we've had are truly special for us and our children. We have more than we need. For this reason, giving to others is especially meaningful.

Thanksgiving from the Past

Here is a picture of the babies from their first Thanksgiving here in Japan. I can't believe we're on our second holiday season here! I feel so ambivalent about our time here. I love the safety, cleanliness, politeness and travel opportunities we have. On the other hand, it's so completely opposite to our Western sensibilities, that all we can do is laugh sometimes. The irony is that we'll be homesick for here when we finally move back home. Liam and Alexis couldn't be happier. It's like small town living for them. Everybody knows them and they know everyone.

I must go back to my candied lemon rings....yeah, life is much easier. The last time I made these was pre-babies.

The Rising Sun

Sunrise, as seen from Mt. Fuji

On the Summit of Fuji

Liam learned to ride his bike sans training wheels this summer! Riding his bike to school like the big boys was a huge incentive! Our little man also climbed Mt. Fuji with us this past August. He made it all the way to the top! This is a 12,388 ft mountain!! He never asked to be carried and was beaming when we finally made it to the top! Terry and I decided our children don't need Outward Bound. They have us!

Liam's Summer Milestones

Catch Up

Let's play catch up on the last year. We were in Hong Kong, France, England and Hawaii. L and A were troopers, but by HI they were done!

We came home and my baby started kindergarten. Where did five years go? It was tough week leading up to the big day, but I kept it together. Liam was too excited!

Alexis started preschool on the same day. She cried when I left the classroom. My friend Lauren checked in on her after I left the school and reported no tears.

So what does a mom of two do on her first day of freedom? Starbucks!

What! Peking Duck for Thanksgiving??

This is my attempt at keeping everyone posted on our lives. We feel so far removed for everyone being on this side of the world. Although we are a full day ahead of all of you, we are still celebrating Thanksgiving earlier than usual. Our feast will be this Saturday. Liam pitched a fit when he found out that there was to be no turkey or stuffing on the sacred day. I promised him his feast before we left for Beijing. Who knew that it meant so much to him? My guess is he has a conscious memory of two Thanksgivings, at most. It's sweet that it means so much to him. Alexis is just happy with some cool whip.

Here are is a picture of the main event this past October! They filled their bags with goodies, but they've lost interest already! Thank goodness!