Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sorry Everyone
I am currently working on updating this but it may take some time. We are looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone. See you soon.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Potato Dig
November 10, 2009
Dawson’s school went on a field trip today to dig sweet potatoes. He was ready to go but he was upset that he did not go to the school. We met everyone in front of Red Lobster on the main road where the bus picked up the kids. Dawson cried but once he was on the bus he stopped. They went to Mr. Nikkawa’s Farm to dig the potatoes. Then they went to a park to have a picnic lunch. When they arrived back Dawson was asleep. He would not let me get a picture of him so all look like he is crying or pouting. Here are his potatoes.
Dawson’s school went on a field trip today to dig sweet potatoes. He was ready to go but he was upset that he did not go to the school. We met everyone in front of Red Lobster on the main road where the bus picked up the kids. Dawson cried but once he was on the bus he stopped. They went to Mr. Nikkawa’s Farm to dig the potatoes. Then they went to a park to have a picnic lunch. When they arrived back Dawson was asleep. He would not let me get a picture of him so all look like he is crying or pouting. Here are his potatoes.
Back to Bluff Clinic
November 5, 2009
Dawson woke up on the Wednesday the 4th with a low fever so no school. I gave him medicine and it went down. Thursday he woke with a higher fever and of course no school. About lunch Abigail started running and fever and Dawson’s was getting higher. I made them an appointment with Bluff Clinic and called David. We took them and when we arrived we were treated like we had the plague. We were put in a room all by ourselves. Dawson tested positive for H1N1 Flu both kids received prescriptions and were sent home. Dawson missed three days of school. On Saturday both kids were feeling better and were wild. By Sunday we had a bad case of CABIN FEVER. I have never been so glad to see Monday come. Dawson was able to go back to school because 48hrs had passed since he last had a fever. David had to wear a make to work until Wednesday.
Dawson woke up on the Wednesday the 4th with a low fever so no school. I gave him medicine and it went down. Thursday he woke with a higher fever and of course no school. About lunch Abigail started running and fever and Dawson’s was getting higher. I made them an appointment with Bluff Clinic and called David. We took them and when we arrived we were treated like we had the plague. We were put in a room all by ourselves. Dawson tested positive for H1N1 Flu both kids received prescriptions and were sent home. Dawson missed three days of school. On Saturday both kids were feeling better and were wild. By Sunday we had a bad case of CABIN FEVER. I have never been so glad to see Monday come. Dawson was able to go back to school because 48hrs had passed since he last had a fever. David had to wear a make to work until Wednesday.
November
This month is not starting off well. I hope this is not a sign of how the whole month will go.
Halloween Night
October 31
We took the kids trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.
We took the kids trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.
The kids showed up before we could get out of the house.
Some people really got into the decorating. Once again, kids waiting in line and only one piece of candy. 
All waiting at one house!!!!
Despite that Dawson and Abby filled up there buckets.
Motomachi
October 30,2009
Claudia and I took the kids to Motomachi to trick-or-treat. 
Claudia and I took the kids to Motomachi to trick-or-treat.
Dawson resting on the Balloons
Dawson and Breno
We arrived at about 4pm and it was already getting crowded. The stores gave out candy. Most of the store employees were dressed up.
The streets were decorated beautifully.
The children in this country wait in line at each store to receive one to two pieces of candy. Most places only give one. 
However, Dawson and Breno did not always wait in line like they were supposed to. Claudia and I tended to look the other way like we did not notice. (that was probably the wrong thing to do but otherwise we might have been there all night) Dawson filled his bucket up even though he was eating the candy as fast as he received it.
Halloween-School Parade
October 30, 2009
Dawson’s school had a party today. He wore his costume to school and took snacks. At 1:30 the parents were invited to the school for a parade around the courtyard. All the kids were so cute. The families were encouraged to dress up as well so I put Abigail in her costume. The director of the school took some of the older kids to local homes to trick-or-treat. Dawson loved it and was ready for more.
Dawson’s school had a party today. He wore his costume to school and took snacks. At 1:30 the parents were invited to the school for a parade around the courtyard. All the kids were so cute. The families were encouraged to dress up as well so I put Abigail in her costume. The director of the school took some of the older kids to local homes to trick-or-treat. Dawson loved it and was ready for more.
Tea Boxes
October 28, 2009
I finally finished covering my Tea Boxes. I covered Dawson’s box with Deana months ago and now I have Abby’s and mine covered. I am waiting on the glue to dry so I can varnish them.
I finally finished covering my Tea Boxes. I covered Dawson’s box with Deana months ago and now I have Abby’s and mine covered. I am waiting on the glue to dry so I can varnish them.
Abigail's
Dawson's
Mine
Mt. Fuji
October 25, 2009
David and Tom (from work) planned a trip to Fuji-san for today. Unfortunately, it rained all weekend and it was cold. However, Tom had already reserved the rental car so we went to Fuji-san. We met Tom and his girlfriend at Yokohama Station where the transportation for the day was rented. It was a long ride there but we stopped at the Gotemba Outlet Mall on the way. The Mall made us feel like we were back home except for all the Asian people. It was similar to the ones in Gatlinburg but more expensive.
Inside was a souvenir store. We looked around mainly trying to get warm. Dawson and Abby tried some sunglasses on and then we headed to one of five the lakes around Fuji. As we were leaving the clouds rolled back in and here is a picture to show how cloudy it was. It was dark and cold but we got out and walked around for a little while. Abby was happy to be out of the car again and not in the stroller. 
We had a great day even though it was cold. Dawson did get sick on the way down the mountain (twice).
David and Tom (from work) planned a trip to Fuji-san for today. Unfortunately, it rained all weekend and it was cold. However, Tom had already reserved the rental car so we went to Fuji-san. We met Tom and his girlfriend at Yokohama Station where the transportation for the day was rented. It was a long ride there but we stopped at the Gotemba Outlet Mall on the way. The Mall made us feel like we were back home except for all the Asian people. It was similar to the ones in Gatlinburg but more expensive.
Back to Fuji-san
We drove to the 5th stage which is the farthest that you can drive. It was very cold that day especially up on the mountain. It was very cloudy and we did not think we were going to get to see the top but as we were driving up the clouds cleared. Mt. Fuji is very beautiful. I could not believe how pretty and big it was even at about the mid-point of the mountain.
David told Dawson we were going to see a volcano and he was so excited. Dawson found a machine that had Mt. Fuji medallions and he told his daddy he needed “volcano money”. After Daddy bought his, Dawson decided that Mom needed on too. He told Daddy he needed more “volcano money” for mom. We walked up a small tourist trail and took a few pictures then we headed inside to get warm.
David told Dawson we were going to see a volcano and he was so excited. Dawson found a machine that had Mt. Fuji medallions and he told his daddy he needed “volcano money”. After Daddy bought his, Dawson decided that Mom needed on too. He told Daddy he needed more “volcano money” for mom. We walked up a small tourist trail and took a few pictures then we headed inside to get warm.
Inside was a souvenir store. We looked around mainly trying to get warm. Dawson and Abby tried some sunglasses on and then we headed to one of five the lakes around Fuji. As we were leaving the clouds rolled back in and here is a picture to show how cloudy it was. It was dark and cold but we got out and walked around for a little while. Abby was happy to be out of the car again and not in the stroller. We had a great day even though it was cold. Dawson did get sick on the way down the mountain (twice).Sushi
October 18, 2009
Yes, I finally tried SUSHI. I liked it for the most part but I still could and would not eat it by myself. We packed the kids food. Pierre ordered one with tuna and mayo (it was cooked a little) it was pretty good. David ordered several as well I liked all but one. We got most of our plates from the conveyer that went around the room. David said that the shrimp one did not count as sushi but I don’t really care what he says. I liked it and it was served on the conveyer.
Yes, I finally tried SUSHI. I liked it for the most part but I still could and would not eat it by myself. We packed the kids food. Pierre ordered one with tuna and mayo (it was cooked a little) it was pretty good. David ordered several as well I liked all but one. We got most of our plates from the conveyer that went around the room. David said that the shrimp one did not count as sushi but I don’t really care what he says. I liked it and it was served on the conveyer.
Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s Land)
October 11, 2009
I know I forgot to make an entry here. I will fix it later.
October 18, 2009
We went to Kodomo no Kuni again today. We wanted to see the rest of the park. We still have a few things we have not done but for the most part we have seen. We really like this park. It is not too far from the house and it is for kids.
I know I forgot to make an entry here. I will fix it later.
October 18, 2009
We went to Kodomo no Kuni again today. We wanted to see the rest of the park. We still have a few things we have not done but for the most part we have seen. We really like this park. It is not too far from the house and it is for kids.
Breno and his family met us there. Dawson was so excited that Breno was coming to play. (For those of you who don’t know who Breno is he is a boy from school who is Dawson’s best friend. He will not leave school until Breno’s mom comes to get him. They play after school at least once a week (or we try to let them) and we walk home together after school most days.) 
After we left the park we decided to have dinner together and we ate SUSHI.
After we left the park we decided to have dinner together and we ate SUSHI.
Odawara Castle
October 10, 2009
We went to Odawara Castle today. It was a beautiful day to be out. We walked around the grounds for a little while and then went up into the Castle. The castle has been rebuilt several times some due to fire and some due to natural disasters. Inside was a museum of different artifacts. We were not supposed to take pictures but you know David. At the top was a walk around so that you could see the surrounding area. We asked someone to take our picture. You can see Mt. Fuji from here but it was cloudy so no luck for us.
There was a play area for the kids that had rides. We rode a few including the small train. The kids made a friend as usual. We had a great day.
We went to Odawara Castle today. It was a beautiful day to be out. We walked around the grounds for a little while and then went up into the Castle. The castle has been rebuilt several times some due to fire and some due to natural disasters. Inside was a museum of different artifacts. We were not supposed to take pictures but you know David. At the top was a walk around so that you could see the surrounding area. We asked someone to take our picture. You can see Mt. Fuji from here but it was cloudy so no luck for us.
There was a play area for the kids that had rides. We rode a few including the small train. The kids made a friend as usual. We had a great day.
October 4
We rode our bikes into Yokohama today. We stopped at Landmark Tower and decided to buy some Krispy Kreme doughnuts. It was only a 20 minute wait for an $18 dozen of doughnuts. Believe it or not, we saw people buying $200 worth of doughnut. (It is not hard to spend that much at that price.) This store has only been open for about a month. When it opened there was a 2 hour wait to buy doughnuts. I don’t like them well enough to wait that long. When the first store in Tokyo opened the Japanese went crazy.
The kids enjoyed the doughnuts. Dawson got a Halloween doughnut. It was chocolate covered with orange and black sprinkles. He ate the topping and Abigail ate the doughnut.
The kids enjoyed the doughnuts. Dawson got a Halloween doughnut. It was chocolate covered with orange and black sprinkles. He ate the topping and Abigail ate the doughnut.
Friday, October 16, 2009
October
October
This month has started out a little busy once again. We are trying to get out and go somewhere every weekend. It is cooling off and the rain is gone for now. We have gone a few places so far and are planning to go to a few more.
This month has started out a little busy once again. We are trying to get out and go somewhere every weekend. It is cooling off and the rain is gone for now. We have gone a few places so far and are planning to go to a few more.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September
September has been a very busy month for us. We have had a birthday party every weekend. One of which was Dawson’s. The Brewer’s have also left Japan. There were many things that Deana and I tried to get done before she left. One is that she showed me how to cover the Tea boxes. I also had a picnic at Dawson's school.
School Picnic
September 24, 2009
Dawson’s school had a picnic today where Abby and I were invited to go have lunch with Dawson. We ate on the playground. They kids had two songs to sing to us (I love Mommy and a Japanese song). Dawson was too shy to do it by himself so I had to go up with him. It was so cute. Abby even went up and tried to participate. She really liked the dancing part of the Japanese song. I got to meet Dawson’s teachers and other moms. We had a great time.
Here is a link to a slide show that one of the mom's put together:
Dawson’s school had a picnic today where Abby and I were invited to go have lunch with Dawson. We ate on the playground. They kids had two songs to sing to us (I love Mommy and a Japanese song). Dawson was too shy to do it by himself so I had to go up with him. It was so cute. Abby even went up and tried to participate. She really liked the dancing part of the Japanese song. I got to meet Dawson’s teachers and other moms. We had a great time.
Here is a link to a slide show that one of the mom's put together:
Dawson Turns 3
Birthday Party, Saturday
September 12, 2009
Deana and I spent some time searching the internet to find ways of decorating for a Spiderman party without have a party supply store to get the premade decorations. I made spiders, Pin the Spiderman on the Web Game, the tablecloth (I could not find a blue one anywhere) and many other items. We were able to find some supplies but on some I had to be creative. I think over all the party was a success.
Please do not look too close at the cake. My oven is not level so the buildings on the cake look like they are going to slide off the back of the cake. 
September 12, 2009
Deana and I spent some time searching the internet to find ways of decorating for a Spiderman party without have a party supply store to get the premade decorations. I made spiders, Pin the Spiderman on the Web Game, the tablecloth (I could not find a blue one anywhere) and many other items. We were able to find some supplies but on some I had to be creative. I think over all the party was a success.
Please do not look too close at the cake. My oven is not level so the buildings on the cake look like they are going to slide off the back of the cake. We had about 13 kids come to the party. We had children from all over the world here. It was great. Most of the kids are from Dawson’s school. 
Surprisingly, I think the men had as much fun if not more fun than the kids. They started a XBOX Golf Game. At times, the men were making more noise than the kids. We (the moms) kept looking around to make sure the kids were okay but it was the men making all the noise. Who knew a child’s birthday party could be so much fun for adults.
Surprisingly, I think the men had as much fun if not more fun than the kids. They started a XBOX Golf Game. At times, the men were making more noise than the kids. We (the moms) kept looking around to make sure the kids were okay but it was the men making all the noise. Who knew a child’s birthday party could be so much fun for adults.
Sunday
We gave Dawson his presents from us. He got a blue super bike as he calls it. We let him ride down to the grocery store, around the block and then he went down to D2 (kind of like a old Wal-mart.) He had so much fun!!!!
Monday
His actual birthday I made cupcakes to take to school (no icing per the school). I also made him a small cake for home. The school made him a crown to wear. Letting everyone know that today is his birthday and he is 3. He really thought he was big. When we arrived home of course we had to go for a bike ride.
We gave Dawson his presents from us. He got a blue super bike as he calls it. We let him ride down to the grocery store, around the block and then he went down to D2 (kind of like a old Wal-mart.) He had so much fun!!!!
Monday
His actual birthday I made cupcakes to take to school (no icing per the school). I also made him a small cake for home. The school made him a crown to wear. Letting everyone know that today is his birthday and he is 3. He really thought he was big. When we arrived home of course we had to go for a bike ride.
Nana Goes Home
August 20, 2009
We made the journey to Narita Airport to drop off Nana today. It only takes about 2 hours to get to there. We were very sad to see her go. Dawson did better than expected. I really thought he would get upset. She will arrive back in the states technically 2 hours after she left due to the time difference.
We made the journey to Narita Airport to drop off Nana today. It only takes about 2 hours to get to there. We were very sad to see her go. Dawson did better than expected. I really thought he would get upset. She will arrive back in the states technically 2 hours after she left due to the time difference.
Nana's Visit
August 14-20, 2009
We had a very full week. We went to Kamakura, Tokyo shopping, and a few other places shopping while David worked. David was off work until the 17th but then he worked the 18th & 19th.
We made Abby a birthday cake and had the Brewer’s over for a small party. We made brownies for Dawson at the end of her visit and had another small birthday party for him.
One of our outings Dawson had picked out some power ranger material he wanted and we made him his own special blanket. He loves it and will not put it down.
We had a very full week. We went to Kamakura, Tokyo shopping, and a few other places shopping while David worked. David was off work until the 17th but then he worked the 18th & 19th.
Hasedera Temple
We made Abby a birthday cake and had the Brewer’s over for a small party. We made brownies for Dawson at the end of her visit and had another small birthday party for him.
One of our outings Dawson had picked out some power ranger material he wanted and we made him his own special blanket. He loves it and will not put it down.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Nana's Here
August 14, 2009
She has arrived!!!!! Dawson was so excited. He ran up to her as soon as he saw her. Nana will stay with us for almost 1 week. We have big plans so stay tuned for our adventure.
She has arrived!!!!! Dawson was so excited. He ran up to her as soon as he saw her. Nana will stay with us for almost 1 week. We have big plans so stay tuned for our adventure.
Dawson and Abigail waiting on the train to go get Nana.
Nana's Here
Our 2nd Earthquake
August 11, 2009
We were woken at about 5am with the house shaking. Surprisingly Dawson and Abigail did not wake up. This time the earthquake was closer but it was not as big over all a 6.6. Here it registered at a 4 only because it was closer than the last one.
We were woken at about 5am with the house shaking. Surprisingly Dawson and Abigail did not wake up. This time the earthquake was closer but it was not as big over all a 6.6. Here it registered at a 4 only because it was closer than the last one.
Our 1st Earthquake
August 9, 2009
We were at the Mikoshi Summer Festival and the ground started to shake. The announcer at the festival came over the intercom to let us know that it was an earthquake. The actual earthquake took place out to sea. It registered a 3 here where we live and 6.9 where it occurred. Here is a link to check out the earthquake. We live in the Kanagawa, Honmoku-Wada area.
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20090809202504384-091956.html
We were at the Mikoshi Summer Festival and the ground started to shake. The announcer at the festival came over the intercom to let us know that it was an earthquake. The actual earthquake took place out to sea. It registered a 3 here where we live and 6.9 where it occurred. Here is a link to check out the earthquake. We live in the Kanagawa, Honmoku-Wada area.
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/20090809202504384-091956.html
Mikoshi Summer Festival
August 7-9, 2009
After Abigail’s party we went to the park close to our house for the Summer Festival.
It was an interesting experience.
After Abigail’s party we went to the park close to our house for the Summer Festival.
The Festival is held every summer and the residence of our neighborhood bring a protable Mikoshi Shrine to the elderly so they can worship. 
On Friday night the Mikoshi Shrine is taken to the local shrine in the park to receive the god.
On Saturday the shrine was taken to one side of the park neighborhood and Sunday the other side. There is a small shrine that is pulled by the children. 
David and Dawson participated. David was only able to carry for a few roads because of his knee. Dawson pulled the little one for a short distance. He wanted to walk with Abby and Momma.
It was an interesting experience.Abigail's 1st Birthday
August 4, 2009
Today is Abigail’s 1st Birthday. It was a pretty day. Dawson went to school and Abby and I spent the day together. We are having a small party for her on Friday. I have invited some of Dawson’s classmates and their siblings. I am going to make her a small cake and a larger one for everyone else (Traditional US custom). As far as I can tell the US is the only county that gives the child their own cake to eat.
Friday August 7
Abby's party
I made her cakes and I am proud of myself. They turned out pretty good. Abby did not know what to think about all the kids at the house. We did snacks, gifts and then cake. Abby did not know what to do with her cake. She sat there for a few minutes looking around. Then, she leaned over and took a bite. She never stuck her hands in the cake but she liked eating the icing. It was so cute. Unfortunately we did not get video but we did take pictures. All the children helped open the gifts that they brought. It was so funny. Abby was just happy to play with the paper.
Today is Abigail’s 1st Birthday. It was a pretty day. Dawson went to school and Abby and I spent the day together. We are having a small party for her on Friday. I have invited some of Dawson’s classmates and their siblings. I am going to make her a small cake and a larger one for everyone else (Traditional US custom). As far as I can tell the US is the only county that gives the child their own cake to eat.
Friday August 7
Abby's party
I made her cakes and I am proud of myself. They turned out pretty good. Abby did not know what to think about all the kids at the house. We did snacks, gifts and then cake. Abby did not know what to do with her cake. She sat there for a few minutes looking around. Then, she leaned over and took a bite. She never stuck her hands in the cake but she liked eating the icing. It was so cute. Unfortunately we did not get video but we did take pictures. All the children helped open the gifts that they brought. It was so funny. Abby was just happy to play with the paper.
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