We've been busy this week, but I forget to bring my camera every time it seems. I've ordered a compact one off of Amazon so it will be easier to take places. It also has video which will be nice, since I no longer have my Iphone. I LOVE our DSLR for getting really nice pictures of the kids and my hats I sell. It's just hard to "whip out" when you need it.
I met Liesl and her two girls at Xystus Place which was an amazing indoor play place. This was the nicest one I've been to by a landslide. I've heard that the Japanese know how to go all out with parks and such. It was clean, appropriate for all ages (even adults! They had workout DVDs, tons of seating, and a nice cafe), and kept the kids busy. It was rather pricy (750 yen for the older kids which is about $10 for 3 hours). I'll have to see if they have memberships because I think we'll go there a lot when the weather gets HOT. The weather now is very comparable to California. 70's about everyday. But it rains a lot more of course. It was only about 15 minutes away from me. It was right next to a big shopping mall which I will have to check out sometime. It was also next to the nicest market I've seen yet. It was all produce, bakery items, and meets/cheeses. The prices weren't outrageous and everything was fresh. I can't get enough of Japanese bakery items. Who would of thought they would have some of the best bread/ cream cakes I've ever tasted. Well, Italy was pretty darn amazing too. I'll have to take a picture of the pieces of cake I get on occasion.
We didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Steve and the kids aren't really into all the Thanksgiving fixings. The kids aren't big on meat and mashed potatoes (I know, crazy!) and I'm not a fan of sweet potatoes and cranberries, so I just decided to make things I knew they would love. Fresh green beans, homemade mac and cheese, morningstar chicken patties, and pumpkin cheesecake. Everyone was happy and I didn't have to do much work.=) Avery had a little feast at school as well. She also did all kinds of art projects and read plenty of Thanksgiving books. We watched "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" because it was at the library and now we want to get the box set of all three (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). I haven't seen them in FOREVER, and I was surprised Avery liked it as much as she did. Definitely slower pace then the current cartoons that are shown. We were going to make handprint turkey sugar cookies, but I messed up the dough somehow so I just had Avery make handprints in the dough and we baked a sugar cookie cake. Then she decorated her handprints like turkeys.
We took the first steps in starting our garden! We went to the Makeman store which is like Lowes. Except everything is in Japanese (the veggie plants had pictures by them so that was nice!) so we weren't sure we were getting the right soil, but I guess we'll find out. Stuff obviously grows well in this climate, so we're being optimistic even though this is the first attempt for both of us.
Steve left for the Philippines this morning. He'll be back in a week. I walked down to the base with the kids to pick up the car. It's nice because the river walk takes us almost completely there. And there's always sidewalks on the big roads.
The kids are doing great. Their great grandma sent a bunch of toys that they used to play with at her house, so they were thrilled. Noah especially loves the Sesame Street cars and Avery likes the cooking items. Avery is saying things everyday that amaze us. This morning she told me that she needed to explain something to me, and the other day she was climbing on the couch and Steve gave her a look and said "Avery...." She looked at him and said "Why are you nervous about me?" lol I love talking with her. And reading... she's still my little reader. She'll listen to books all day. My little Noah and I have wonderful mornings together. He is perfect for running errands, and he could play with his 3 trains and 2 cars (his only toys he has here) all day long and he would be happy. He is slowly getting less whiny about me holding him as the time passes. If he's upset, all it takes is a little distraction and he's happy again. Or just give him his blanket and pacifier. Funny how different girls and boys are! Girls may be able to sit longer, but when they're upset, they're upset!! I've been trying to use up the yarn I brought in my luggage, but I can't wait for our stuff to get here so I can really get back into my yarn business. I am loving going on long walks daily and doing yoga. I'm just really loving it here so far. Steve has been very busy with work. If North Korea (or any country) attacks South Korea the marines here are the first to attack. Steve's unit especially. Their CO emphasizes that at any time they could be deployed within 24 hours (I guess that's all marines). Steve is the S4 of the infantry unit, (3rd Marines Division) (logistics officer) so he has to organize getting everyone and everything over to where they're going smoothly. This includes all their Field Fexes they go on as well.
I think that's about it. Tomorrow I want to take the kids to a gelato shop I found right by Avery's school along the coast. So excited! I hope it's good!Then we'll probably go to the beach afterwards.
Thank you for the Elmo car, Great Grandma!
Our house is starting to come together. My only regret is not packing our dining room table. Not a huge fan of the government one.
Thanksgiving!
The attire she made at school
They are just now starting to pose together!
This is where we're setting up the garden. Wish us luck!
We actually have many places for gardens if we wanted more...
Around one of the sides of the house...yes, we need to do some yard work! Help! We can't get over how much greener it is here.
The other side of the house
Backyard - Yep, we hang our clothes out to dry! Trying to conserve energy now that we pay for it!
Some of the random hats I made for my sale coming up. I love having time to create new designs!
