lilexifloter

2008-10-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is October already. We spent a great week in New England. Now I have to begin making costumes. Alexis requires a bonnet! I can tell I am going to lose a lot of sleep over this.

July in Hawaii

2008-09-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

We arrived stateside just in time for July 4th! We enjoyed the Honolulu fireworks from our temporary home.

The very last visit to Tokyo Disneyland

2008-09-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

A day before our departure, Lauren and I hijacked the kids one last time and took them to Disney. I got misty during the light parade. All the kids were sooo happy. We still managed to be the loudest people in the park.

The pack out

2008-09-03T01:27:00.001-07:00

It amazes me how quickly movers can condense our belongings into crates. This is move #6 for us as a family. I think this might be move #10 for Terry. Liam is on house #5 and Alexis is on house #3. Through it all, they are very happy but I really wonder how this will shape their outlook on life.

Our long goodbye

2008-09-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

We had dinner with the friends we left behind in Japan.

Saying goodbye

2008-09-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Last day of preschool

2008-09-03T01:03:00.000-07:00

Alexis received her certificate on her last day. The entire class celebrated with cake and ice cream....the frosting was blue..

The Celebration continues....

2008-09-03T00:55:00.000-07:00

The family birthday celebration was at Chili's!! This was Alexis' request...She wanted the staff to sing their birthday song.

Alexis 4th Birthday

2008-09-03T00:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, we finally had a McDonald's birthday party. It was a very pink, wild affair.

Where we left off....

2008-09-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

Let's see...I left off at Alex' 4th Birthday. Poor girl. The moving cycle we are on is putting her birthday celebration right in the middle of moves. I will attempt to go forward with pictures from June.

I made the princess a strawberry castle cake for her big day. She had fun licking off the icing at her school celebration.

Aloha!

2008-07-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

I want to apologize for the lack of pictures. I left Japan three weeks ago for Hawaii. Terry will join us in September.

We are settled into temporary housing until our move into our home on Ford Island. My current internet connection is awfully slow, so I can not post pictures easily. I will try but I am not promising much success.

Best, Flor

DisneySea Park

2008-06-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

We asked Liam and Alexis what their final wish was before we leave Japan. They both answered DisneySea. I'm not amused by amusement parks, but it's a wonderful experience with the children. It's so magical for them.

Last trip to Tokyo

2008-06-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Terry surprised us by coming home a few days early. We spent the weekend in Tokyo. I hope to return this city at some other point in my life. It is one of the coolest cities!

First Days of Summer

2008-06-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

We had our first batch of good weather days a couple of weeks ago.

Here are the kids enjoying it Ikego style.

Kickin' It!

2008-05-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Blythe and I had a great reunion in Tokyo. The ambiance at the Park Hyatt doesn't hurt either.

The Kitty Hawk is saying....

2008-05-22T05:05:00.001-07:00

Kitty Hawk

2008-05-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

Before the Kitty Hawks final departure from Japan, I toured the ship with the JAW ladies. It was great!

The enormity of this ship is tangible once inside the belly. This is a floating city of 5000 people.
This ship is 47 years old. It's time for it to retire...

The Post

2008-05-22T03:59:00.000-07:00

Alexis took a field trip to the post office today. These field trips are cute. They remind me of the Mr. Roger's show segments where you learned about something new. A visit to the Crayola factory comes to mind.

The entire class mailed off cards to Dad. For most of these children, Dad is a novelty. Our move to HI should correct this absence.

Hawaii?

2008-05-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Every time Liam and Alexis walk by this palm tree, they stop and pay homage to our impending move to Hawaii.

Liam pretends to surf while he sings "we're in hawaiiiii." Alexis sings along and does her own version of the hula.

Old Friends

2008-05-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

I've been staying up later than usual the last couple of nights catching up with Blythe. We have two years worth of stories tell.

It dawned on me that we are 10 years removed from our Hood days. How did that happen?

Hasedera

2008-05-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

Yes T-, on my hundredth visit to Hasedera I finally agreed to this pose.

Spring Farewell

2008-05-17T03:31:00.001-07:00

The Japanese ladies hosted the JAW farewell this year. The food was incredible. They performed a Bon Dance in their summer Yukatas.

Several admitted that dressing into a kimono takes a least 45 minutes. It's amazing that such simplicity can be so complex.

It was sad saying good bye to so many wonderful ladies. I'm grateful to have been part of this group.

Kung Fu?

2008-05-17T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is Alexis, VERY UPSET over the deterioration of the "Kung Fu Fighting" music card. Not a good way to end the day...

ET, they know every word to this song now.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there! My day is ending and I can say, with all honesty, it was the best Mother's Day! Why? Because, Liam and Alexis, of their own volition, made me breakfast in bed, showered me with gifts and sang "Happy Mother's Day to you" all day long! Their overwhelming sense of love and joy almost brought me to tears. Since T- is gone, this is especially meaningful.

This Mother's Day was also a new experience for me. Ironically, previous mother's days have consisted of breakfast together and my gift is a child-free day. For the most part, today was a usual Sunday with the added conscious appreciation of motherhood.

I can honestly say, even on the hardest days, I wouldn't trade this in for anything else.

Field Day

2008-05-09T04:20:00.001-07:00

Liam had his first field day. The entire school walked down to the ball fields for soccer, baseball, races and the field day favorite, tug of war! Liam and a few of his friends had practice from his birthday party.

I went down to watch and help out with lunch.

As Liam put it, it was a day-long recess!

Cowboy

2008-05-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

Liam put 2 and 2 together last night. After bath time he scurried off, grabbed his cowboy hat, jean jacket, guitar and sang "western" tunes....there were a lot of yipeee, kayays involved!

Yes, his jacket is over his robe.

Mother's Day Tea

2008-05-08T02:08:00.000-07:00

Alexis hosted me at her school for a Mother's Day Tea. She gave me flower seedlings she started. Gifts like this are hard to accept from her. In a few weeks we'll have to find a new home for them.

We had a great time ruining our lunch appetite. I guess cookies as a meal is O.K. once in a while.

Music Man

2008-05-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

Liam entertained me while I made dinner tonight. It was the best! This is his first time toodling around with the guitar but I do have to say, he made joyful noise.

He took great care with the guitar. He warmed it up for a bit and then "played" his own songs.

Alexis insisted they sing the alphabet song together. Afterwards they broke out into "Jesus Loves Me" and the "The Star Spangled Banner"

Who needs to pay for concerts anymore? I have them in my own kitchen!

The Great War

2008-05-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

This is the largest toy soldier battle I've ever witnessed! We had a great time playing...Yes, I got into it. I forget how much fun it is to just play!

Banking 101

2008-04-30T05:34:00.001-07:00

This is picture of Liam signing his first official document; his bank account application! We went to the bank today and opened a savings account. He got a thrill out of signing the form and receiving his welcome packet.

2008-04-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

t-this is it.

Field Trip

2008-04-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Alexis had her most recent field trip to the our local commissary. Her class is standing in front of the deep freezer doors.

She started crying when the class filed in to take a look. The class was excited to see where the ice cream was kept. They left with a fresh apple as a souvenir.

What? Haircut!!

2008-04-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, Alexis had her first haircut ever this Friday! Big week around here! She finally agreed to the need for one! I've tried so many time, only to have her howl in protest. The tangles were out of control.

With a lollipop in hand, she was all smiles!

Upside down!

2008-04-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

I delivered cupcakes for Liam's big day! I gave his entire kindergarten class a sugar rush just before it's visit to the library.

The day was complete with more cake and ice cream with Mike and Jill.

Birthday Party!

2008-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

Our not so baby, "baby" turned 6 this past week. We began the week-long festivities with a birthday party. Terry was games leader. The kids loved tug of war! I spent two days creating a combination army men/lego cake.

The real joy in all this was celebrating this event together.

Kamakura

2008-04-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a misty day in Kamakura.

2008-04-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

2008-04-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

Shopping

2008-04-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

Alexis loves the grocery store. The carts are just her size....Mind you, this is an adult cart.

Kyoto 2008

2008-04-25T03:42:00.000-07:00

Kyoto with Yanigni and Yessenia was fun! Love the miles of torii gates. There is a wonderful subdued quality to the city.

Rock Band!

2008-04-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

About three weeks ago, Liam had his first rock concert experience. On his school field trip, he saw the Kinnick HS rock band perform. Long hair aside, the boys covered Blink 182 incredibly! They did mumble through the bad words.

Kimonos

2008-04-02T04:14:00.001-07:00

Japanese ladies pull out their kimonos for the cherry blossoms.

Japanese Spring

2008-04-02T03:56:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a day at the gardens today. Great activity to do when the school day ends before lunch.

After School fun

2008-04-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

This is what happens after school on a sunny day.

Pretty in Pink

2008-04-01T03:48:00.001-07:00

We contemplated the beauty of the Sakura today. Walking under groves of falling blossoms is dream-like.

Boys???

2008-04-01T03:36:00.000-07:00

On our walk to Alexis' class picnic, she and G.K. decided they wanted to hold hands. They were talking about how much they liked each other! It was sweet until Alexis started saying "But, G.K., I'm stronger then you." He quickly took the bait and started defending his strength. They were tugging on each other to prove their point.

Kate and I were laughing our heads off!

Dinner Out

2008-03-30T04:25:00.001-07:00

Circumstances forced us up to Tokyo during a weekday. This is not a bad thing, unless you get caught in rush hour (slow hour, really). We opted to skip most of the traffic madness by having dinner in the city with the kids.

To our surprise, they sat through the entire hour and a half long meal quite content. I noted Liam is no longer a cheap date. As beef and sushi were options, he insisted on having both. I don't know where he fits so much food!

Giddy Up Horse!

2008-03-25T04:58:00.001-07:00

Alexis, looking fierce on a horse!

Old Friends

2008-03-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

There is something extremely special about the friendships of our youth. For no real reason, Danielle and I haven't kept in the best of touch but we've been apprised of each others life through mutual friends.

As fate would have it, she was in Tokyo this weekend and we spent a very memorable Easter Sunday together. The twelve years we've missed feel like days.

I feel so blessed to have rekindled something so wonderful.

The Bunny

2008-03-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Our planned egg hunt was converted into a bowling party as the weather did not cooperate. I thought typhoon season was in the summer??

L & A had a great time but Liam told me that he knew "the Easter Bunny is just a man in a costume." I just smiled and asked him if he wanted candy. He said yes....I think we have an understanding.

Beauty Sleep

2008-03-19T03:17:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you wake up at 5:45 AM!! Liam and Alexis keep trying to wake up early to "watch the sun rise." It was cute the first time....

Japanese Strawberries

2008-03-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

Liam went on his third field trip of the year. We picked hot house strawberries. Of course this is Japan, so it functions differently.

For our entrance fee, we had thirty minutes to pick and eat as many strawberries as we could stomach. Liam ate about twice as much as I did. I was concerned about the bus ride home. No tummy aches!

The fruit is amazingly clean as it does not touch dirt. These are the best tasting berries I've ever had.

rolling, rolling, rolling

2008-03-11T21:27:00.001-07:00

Liam and Alexis rolling down a hill...simple fun

Fish & Kitty Memorial Service

2008-03-09T21:12:00.001-07:00

Bumblebee, Hammerhead (fish) and Chip, our dearly departed kitty, were on Liam and Alexis' mind Saturday night. They proceeded to proclaim the evening "Fishy and Chippy" night.

After we ate dinner, we filed out onto the balcony and Liam sang a song and "read" his speech on his three pets. I guess you can call it a mini memorial service.

It's so sweet that all the animals in our lives, have meant so much to them. They howled when the fish died. They sorely miss Chip; we all do. Liam still prays for him when he says grace...

Daddy on my mind....

2008-03-07T04:23:00.000-08:00

Liam ran off with the camera again and took a picture of a very important person in our family....

Movie Night

2008-03-07T04:18:00.001-08:00

L and A were thrilled to see a movie in the theater tonight! Great way to end the school week. We were entertained by Veggie Tales...As you can see, they scarfed down their popcorn before the movie even started. I don't which they enjoyed more; the movie or the popcorn and candy.

She Did It!

2008-03-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

Well, after using Alexis' bike as a home furnishing for three months, she decided to give it a go around the neighborhood!

She rode her bike to pick up Liam from school. He was happily stunned that she was riding a bike....Honestly, I was too...I must have caught her at the perfect moment when I asked if she wanted to ride it around the house.

Alexis was very proud of herself. Liam and I were equally proud of her accomplishment.

Our Newest Addition, Baby Annabelle

2008-03-04T04:38:00.001-08:00

Liam drying off Baby Annabelle after her bath. Yes, in between winning decisive battles with his army men, he plays "Daddy" to Alexis dolls....Right after this picture, he did drop, saying her bath was over. Short-lived, but a tender moment nonetheless.

Life isn't fair....

2008-03-04T04:28:00.000-08:00

Alexis is quite th professional pouter lately....She sets me up, in the morning, with a question that has no right answer and it goes downhill from there...I'm sure this too will pass...Ujayi breathing will see me through it...OMMMMMM

The Mikasa

2008-03-04T03:10:00.000-08:00

Liam is in love with the Mikasa Battleship!It is docked in Yokosuka. He gave me the grand tour and pointed out that it is part of the great triumvirate of naval war vessels: The HMS Victory, The Constitution and The Mikasa. He's visited two...one left to see

This ship wiped out the Russian Baltic Fleet during the Russo/Japanese War. It signaled the beginning of Imperialist Japan...See, I learned something from a 5 year old.

Oh, Liam is the tiny orange dot in front of the ship.

Saying Goodbye....

2008-02-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

And just like that, the Mendes leave Japan....Friendship is a double edged sword in the navy. You befriend the most amazing people, knowing that you will only be together for a limited time.

It's funny, but it doesn't get easier to say goodbye.
It's comforting to know that our nomadic lifestyle has allowed us to enrich our lives with good people...Lis, you were right. It's easier to leave than be left behind...

Tokyo Marathon 2008

2008-02-17T21:24:00.001-08:00

I ran and completed my first marathon in 4:36! What a great way to tour Tokyo. It's an incredible way to see the city.

Terry, Liam and Alexis were at two different points on the route, cheering me on. They were also in the stands at the finish line. I couldn't have hoped for a better cheer section! According to T, the children did great. It was a long day...

The run itself is huge, about 30,000 people and you can tell! The taiko drum bands were inspiring as were the crowds of spectators!

Valentine's Day with Mommy and Daddy

2008-02-15T21:00:00.001-08:00

We shared a nice lunch with Alexis for Valentines day. Toddler food is quite tasty!

I'm so surprised at the amount of candy involved on this day....Worse than Easter and only a little better than Halloween!

Walking the plank...

2008-02-15T20:47:00.001-08:00

Pudding Time!

2008-02-15T20:43:00.001-08:00

Alexis licking the plate clean of any traces of pudding!

Snack Time and Play Time

2008-02-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ladies Night....

2008-02-09T06:40:00.001-08:00

A nice break from the little people....

New Cut

2008-02-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

Check out the new haircut! Today was a lesson in letting go....Liam insisted on a high & tight, while I wanted his hair cleaned up a bit off the top and sides. I couldn't convince him not to do it. He's fixated on having hair "just like Daddy." Who can argue with that?

Playing Princess

2008-02-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Blackmail pictures of Liam....They were playing "prince and princess"

Yes, Liam, There is Snow in Japan...

2008-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, it took almost two years, but we finally had a great snowfall!! Liam said, "Mommy, God answered my prayer from a long time ago." Indeed...He quickly gave a prayer of thanks.
The snow is the wet and heavy variety. We'll take it. We made great snowballs and had fun sledding!

10 Years

2008-01-30T21:15:00.001-08:00

After four states, two countries and two babies, we've reached this incredible milestone! What a wonderful gift we've been given! Eileen and Senia, thanks for the greetings.

I Dream a Run....

2008-01-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

T and Senia, thinking of you guys today. I went out for my last long run on my abridged marathon training program. Sound familiar, Terr? Tokyo in two weeks!

Friendship

2008-01-27T03:24:00.001-08:00

Friendship enters a different dimension when you're close enough to help yourself to your friends home. That is what we did today.

The children had a great time playing outside, while I soaked up the warm sun on the playground bench. I know I should be playing with them but that is not possible after a 15 mile run.

Oh, A's new thing is wearing these ruby slippers from her Halloween costume. She refused all other shoes lately! I should start wearing my red crocs...If you can't beat them, join them.

easy like sunday morning...

2008-01-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

We had an easy day this last Saturday of January; Played, painted and read books. That's about as good as it gets....I'm going to pull out more painting projects for Liam and Alexis. Like true artist, they would paint for a spell, leave and return to it later. Painting is a big summer thing in our house. I need to make it a big winter thing...

A Tantrum

2008-01-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

Alexis had the mother of all fits today. It's been awhile, but she reminds me that she is still a three year old. It's so hard to take because she's so wonderful most of the time and she is very persistent. This old picture of her is the same look she gives before she works up tears...

G- Girls

2008-01-25T06:46:00.001-08:00

Here is an old pic of the three of us. Can't wait to take a new one when you guys arrive!

The Far East

2008-01-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

This is for Tia Nini and Tia Senia to get you excited for your trip out here! We are too thrilled!!

Alexis Modeling

2008-01-23T03:25:00.001-08:00

Yes, Alexis went to her first modeling job in Tokyo. She did amazingly well considering how leery she is of anyone she hasn't known her entire life! She has a tight circle of trust that is shared with precious few people.

She didn't smile for her first shot, but by the second round of wardrobe, hair and makeup she was smiling. People doting over her helps. She does love attention...It also helps that I never leave her side.

These are backstage shot with her friend and pre-schoolmate.

10 Year Celebration!

2008-01-22T03:40:00.001-08:00

Yes, we celebrated 10 years this past weekend A bit early, but fun nonetheless! Being childless for the weekend, we made grown up decisions like eating dinner after 5 PM, having drinks after dinner and then dancing until 5 AM! It was liberating to do it one more time. Since having children, this is only the second time we've stayed up past 2AM.

We had a great dinner at Wellingtons! After that, we went to the Absolut Ice Bar in Roppongi. It was rather ironic that we paid for the privilege to hang out in a freezing cold bar. We could have done that for free on the streets of Tokyo! Ahhh, good times with the one I love!

a hawk, a drill and kindergarten politics...

2008-01-16T03:10:00.000-08:00

It was a normal afternoon, until a hawk attacked! Yes, Alexis was accosted by a very large, Japanese Hawk. After living with them for so long, I let my guard down. Alexis was running around the grass eating Nutter Butters (yes, I let them eat junk food occasionally).

The hawk swooped down when my back was turned. I just heard her shrill cry. There was nothing I could do to console her. Alexis isn't quite sure if the hawk took her cookie, but I do know that it scratched her left hand and index finger.

After a lot of hugging and consoling, she flatly stated that she would never eat anything outside. I think she may have issues with picnics as an adult.

After the hawk excitement, we called it a day and went inside. Liam was in chatty mood. He proceeded to tell me about the "bad person drill" they do at school. They learn what to do in the event of a bad person in the hallway...just knowing he is conscious of this, is a little upsetting. I sound old saying this, but childhood seemed much simpler.....

Afterwards, he explained kindergarten politics. There is a clear hierarchy on the playground. There are teams (read, cliques) on the playground. Liam explained he had his own team but wanted to join the all boy playground team, so he disbanded his own team to join the other. To be part of the other team, he had to prove that he could run fast, jump, play war and battle, and not play with girls.

I guess he proved his mettle because he has a coveted spot on this team. After he became a member, he was told that if he left for another team, he could never rejoin...hmmm, this is all so interesting to me on so many levels....he said it's not done in a mean way...according to him, this is just how the boys play....he's learning something here about peer pressure, acceptance and friends.....

....after all this,he broke the news to me that he wants to start his own team again....

Princess Bed

2008-01-16T02:54:00.000-08:00

Alexis is in a full bed! In reality, she outgrew her toddler bed a few months ago but we kept putting off the transition. Her bed's life began six years ago with my first pregnancy. We purchased a convertible crib, with the intent of making it a bed one day. At the time, that day seemed so far off. The last vestiges of babies in our house are disappearing. This reality is not lost on us.

Panda in the Bamboo

2008-01-13T02:29:00.000-08:00

Alexis loves her new panda hat...you almost don't recognize her...

Vacation Memories

2008-01-13T01:55:00.001-08:00

T's vacation is down to the last hours. We had a great time with Tom and Coll. I feel like we had an extended vacation since the children went back to school a week before T!! Every morning, we told them Daddy had a late morning meeting. We had no choice. If they knew the truth they would refuse to leave the house.

I can't believe we're already halfway into January....We had such an amazing 2007! We can only be thankful for the past and look optimistically to 2008...we have a lot of great things coming down the pike...i'll keep you posted

Visiting

2008-01-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

Our first official CONUS guests arrived! The cool thing is we get to enjoy all the great things about Japan with family. Our life here is only fully understood firsthand. Really, it's too hard to put into words....it's the experience of life here...

Who Are These Strangers??

2008-01-04T04:52:00.001-08:00

Goofing around in a store in Harajuku! They are so silly sometimes.

More Christmas

2007-12-25T04:47:00.000-08:00

We had a really nice Christmas day together. It was laid back.

The doc is in

2007-12-25T04:40:00.001-08:00

Dr. Liam and Dr. Alexis in the house. We gave the personalized doctor kits for Christmas. Liam was quite impressed by the personalized doc bag and lab coat!

Christmas in Japan

2007-12-25T03:58:00.000-08:00

L- and A- were thrilled at the sight of all the goodies Santa left for them! They actually slept until 7 am! That was great for us! We were rested for presents, church, and dinner with great friends. Alexis was in princess heaven, with a princess bike, a lily dress and three pairs of princess shoes.

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

2007-12-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, with hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there....Wishing you a peaceful Christmas Eve..

Ready for my Close Up!

2007-12-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

Alexis getting ready for her debut of "Jingle Bells" and " We Wish you a Happy Holiday?" Isn't it supposed to be "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Terry and I were surprised by this change in an old Christmas classic. When did Christmas become a dirty word? It's not like she's in public school where this is mandatory....Anyway, we're teaching her the old classic....The happy holiday song is nothing more than an old navy commercial to us.

Christmas is Coming, the goose is getting fat.....

2007-12-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming!! How excited dose A- look? We are too excited for Santa's visit!

Candyland

2007-12-22T05:16:00.000-08:00

We decorated a gingerbread house. It was the perfect project for me and the kids. They followed directions perfectly. We used up all the forgotten candy from Halloween. The Starburst came in handy for the roofing. Liam and Alexis have a future in roofing. This would make Papi happy. They were very methodical ...Oh no, I'm rubbing off on them..

Tokyo

2007-12-20T09:01:00.000-08:00

Liam loves his camera. He's into self portraits. We had a great day in Tokyo recently. The weather seems so manic lately. Freezing one day and in Spring-like the next. We had a Spring-like day in Tokyo!

Could it be?

2007-12-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Looks like our pals are BFF's with Ludacris.....

Round #2

2007-12-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

So what happens two days after the office party? You go to another one! This time the night ended in a karaoke bar. We can't resist the siren song of those black microphones.

Office Party

2007-12-20T08:39:00.001-08:00

We went to the work "office" party in Tokyo last week. It was a good time but a bit more tame. There was nothing scandalous, outfits or otherwise. Last year's party was conversation fodder well into the New Year! These are the wildest pics I can find..

More Ornaments

2007-12-18T19:19:00.001-08:00

Erin, this ornament will always remind me of your friendship. You took this off your tree and gave it to me because it reminded me of Terry the Christmas he was gone. I was a mopey mess, constantly reminding you how much I missed Terry...How did you put up with it?....thanks for being such a great friend. Merry Christmas

Reminds Me of Home

2007-12-18T19:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Washington......

The Tree According to Liam

2007-12-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Liam will occasionally take the camera, when we're not looking, and take a million pictures of whatever catches his fancy at the moment. Our Christmas tree was the object of his eye the last time he took the Canon hostage. It's a different point of view on the tree ornaments.

Winter Swimming

2007-12-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Liam is taking swim lessons this winter. We tried pee-wee football, but it was too much...and they say soccer parents are bad....Anyway, he's made big leaps since this summer. His instructor lets the kids "surf" on his surfboard after they jump off the diving board. He gets a huge kick out of this!