Halloween

I always thought that the Japanese didn't celebrate Halloween but after seeing all of the Halloween decorations in town this month I quickly realized that was not quite the case anymore. Still, we had heard that there wasn't a lot of trick or treating out in town so we headed over to our friend's house on base and went trick or treating to the townhomes and towers. We ate some fabulous home made pizza at Sean and Courtney's house and met a few other people who worked at the hospital. Mike and Sean work together and I just adore Courtney and her cute kids. This is one family we look forward to spending more time with.

All of the kids were dressed in BYU football and cheerleading costumes this year. The boys have recently taken an interest in football and this summer Emma was introduced to the cheerleading idea after cheering for us when we were playing kickball over the fourth of July weekend. The girls were cute cheerleaders and the boys were skinny little football players. We took pictures at the High School football field and at the last minute the wind picked up so my initial idea of playing football on the field and getting some action shots didn't quite work out. I was just grateful that the kids stuck it out long enough for me to quickly snap a few photos in their cool costumes. I think the boys liked their black face paint more than anything else. Emma loved carrying around her pom pom and Abby didn't want anything to do with the pom poms but loved to twirl in her cheerleading dress.

Before we headed out to trick or treat, the kids were running around in grass out in front while Abby hung tight to me. The scarry music playing outside was enough to scare her to pieces. She finally did muster up the courage to let me put her down and after a few houses she realized it was actually fun to get candy. The kids got plenty of candy and wanted to keep on going but after several blocks of townhomes and 9 floors of a tower we decided to call it a night. I have to admit that a little part of me was sad to not be able to let the kids hand out candy from our house. They loved that part last year as much as they loved getting the candy. But the upside was that I didnt' have to buy all that candy!

Hakone Getaway

After six months of packing, moving, and unpacking Mike and I knew that we desparately needed some alone time together. We finally got on the babysitter bandwagon and found someone who could watch the kids overnight. We decided to spend our first getaway up at Hakone near Mt. Fuji. I booked a room at the Hakone Kowaki-en Hotel and got tickets for Yunessun which is a Spa Entertainment Resort. The drive up to Hakone was beautiful as we drove along the coast almost the entire way. After we left the coast we headed up into the mountains and the views were spectacular. On a clear day we would have been able to see Mt. Fuji.

We spent the first afternoon walking the grounds of our hotel which were beautiful and then we walked down to the little town. We enjoyed exploring on our way down and we even found a small English Garden and a cool looking shrine. We also found a trail up the mountain to a viewing spot for Mt. Fuji. We knew that we would have to do that another time when the weather would allow us to actually see Mt. Fuji. In town we saw lots of cool shops including an old fashioned photography shop with lots of cool old cameras displayed inside and a shop with old clocks and such. I love old stuff. We stopped by the bread store and bought a yummy treat. They had these really cool pumpkin decorated rolls for the holiday that we were tempted to buy but didn't.

Even though it was nice to be out in the cool fresh air we were not in the mood to climb all the way back up the mountain to our hotel so we caught the bus instead. We made it just in time for our dinner reservation at the French Restaurant in the hotel called Fontain Bleau. We had the most amazing 5 course meal. The chef even came over to greet us and decorated our dessert plates with cool designs. It was exciting.

After dinner we headed back to our Japanese style room and put on our Yukata's (casual kimono type robe) and headed over to the Onsen. An Onsen is a Japanese Hot Spring. Technically, an Onsen in Japan is defined by the temperature of the water, usually with a temperature over 25 C and should contain 19 essential minerals designated by the Japanese Environmental Agency. The hot springs water of the Onsen is filled with minerals that are very good for a variety of ailments and it is very good for your skin so they say. The Hot Spring is divided by gender so I said goodbye to Mike at the entrance and designated a meeting time. I entered the onsen and washed before relaxing in the hot spring pools because it is required to do so. I enjoyed the outside Onsen as it was right in the middle of the woods with a great view and the cool breeze felt good. Onsens are just part of the Japanese culture and I can see how an outsider might think it is strange to be naked with a bunch of other Japanese people..same gender of course. I am totally comfortable with it and I am glad that Mike is too because it is quite the experience.

After sleeping on futons (which is way cool) we woke up refreshed. Thinking that we had slept in we looked at the clock only to realize it was only 7:45am. I guess that is what an early schedule does to you. Today we ate breakfast at the buffet and then headed over to Yunessun to relax at the Public Spas. This Spa Resort was very interesting. Part of it was almost like a mini indoor water theme park and all of the pools were warm. There was even a small water slide outside which we did do even though it was cold and raining outside. Thank goodness the water was warm. The most interesting part of Yunessun was the open air bath zone located in the valley of the mountain. They had a variety of spas including the Coffee Spa, Green Tea Spa, Wine Spa, and Charcoal Spa. Each one was colored just the same as its specified drink. It even smelled like the drink. My favorite was the charcoal spa as it was the highest up on the mountain and it smelt great and was covered in a small hut. We had fun running from spa to spa to stay warm. Mike's favorite was the coffee spa because he loves the smell of coffee. I don't like the smell but I sat in it anyways.

We weren't quite ready to leave after enjoying all of our alone time but there was a typhoon coming in and we needed to head back home. The drive back home was pretty smooth and we were just happy to see that the children were all alive and well.

Fall Soccer

Soccer season is always bitter sweet for me. The boys LOVE to play soccer and it is a good chance for them to work on their ball skills and make new friends. How could I deny them of something that they enjoy so much? I love to see how happy they are when they run their hearts out to steal the ball or when they are in the right spot at the right time and make a goal. I love to see how proud they are of themselves when they start to really understand what position they are playing. I love to see them work with their teammates and to feel part of something special. I just love to see my boys happy. It makes all of the sacrifice worthwhile. For me the multiple trips during the week to base for soccer wasn't pleasant. Dragging the girls along and trying to squeeze in dinner before or after soccer practice was difficult. I was not a fan of the away games for Andrew's team that on occasion took us about an hour to get to. But looking back I know that both Mike and I did it because we love our boys. This year Mike was able to help out by being Andrew's coach. I was grateful for that because it allowed us to move Peter to a team that practiced on the same day as Andrew's team. I know that Andrew enjoyed having his dad for a coach. Andrew played #25 for the Blue Lightenings and Peter played #8 for the Navy Seals. Both boys learned a lot this season and came out better soccer players. So at the end of soccer season I can finally give a big sigh of relief. Only 10 more months until next soccer season but next time we might try and put the boys on a local Japanese team. Less commuting time and closer games=happier parents!

Peter

Andrew

American School In Japan

I have such fond memories of going to school at ASIJ. I started there when I was in 4th grade and graduated from high school in 1996. I have great memories of many excellent teachers and wonderful friends. Even though it has been 14 years since I graduated high school I still feel such a connection to my school. My greatest triumphs took place there. I became the person I am today because of the things I experienced there. Aside from meeting my best friend my freshman year, my fondest memories lie in my running experience at ASIJ. I started running in 6th grade after my oldest brother, John, convinced me that I would love it. He was and still is a great runner and I always wanted to be like him when I was younger so I went out for the team. Little did we realize that after only 1 season I was a lot faster than we had all anticipated. From there I went on to finish up my middle school years running cross country and track. Once I entered high school I continued to train hard and broke the high school cross country league record and school record as a Freshman. I went on to capture two more school records in the 1600m and 3200m in Track and Field

First Trip to ASIJ

One of the things I looked forward to while living in Japan was the opportunity to visit ASIJ and possibly run with the cross country girls team. Although most everyone I used to know is no longer at ASIJ there are still a few teachers I know. My friend and running mentor still lives in Japan and runs with the cross country team. After all these years it was nice to finally meet up one afternoon and run with him and the ASIJ cross country team. After finding a day when Mike had an afternoon free I hopped on the train for my 2 hour train ride to Higashi Koganei. Thankfully my friend Bob picked me up at the station and drove me to the school. It was so fun to be able to see all the cool changes the school had undertaken since I left. The locker area was completely different with cool skylights and the cafeteria was 2 stories. The football field had been completely redone and the elementary school playground was so different. I ran into my 4th grade teacher who has been retired for 10 years but just happened to be there that day. I also was able to talk with my photography teacher. He expressed interest in having me come back and talk to his class about my photography. That sounded really fun. I was the most excited, however, to see the Cross Country and Track Record boards. Bob introduced me to some of the girls from the team and they were so excited that I was there. It felt amazing to be admired by these high school kids. Before the run the coach introduced me to the team and they all clapped for me and the record I had held for so long. I have to admit I was a little nervous about being able to keep up with those young girls. I ended up surprising myself and was able to run and complete the 8X800m and keep up with the top girls. I am definitely a stronger runner than I was in high school but I am not in the best shape just yet. I am hoping to be able to run with them more next season. To say that I was exhausted by the time I got home is a COMPLETE UNDERSTATEMENT. I ended up having to stand for most of the train ride as it was rush hour and I had to take three different trains to get home. It was a really LONG ride but it was so worth it. When I got home Mike had dinner waiting for me. He had made his wonderful chicago pizza and next to that was a big plate of Chips Ahoy cookies for me because that is what Beth and I used to eat after getting home from track practice. I can't believe that Mike had remembered that. I don't know what I did to deserve such a great man. The kids even made pictures for me. I felt so loved today.

Cross Country Finals and Alumni Reception

I decided to go to the cross country finals this year. Mike had all the kids because the boys were having their last soccer games. I was grateful that they were able to support me in going away for most of the day. Tama Hills was just as I had remembered it. It was nice to walk up to the starting line knowing that I didn't have to run. I still got butterflies in my stomach though, especially after seeing gut hill. The girls ran strong but weren't able to come out with a #1 team finish this year---the first in a really long time. I loved being able to run along the course cheering them all on.

After the cross country meet Bob and I went back to the school for the alumni reception. I was able to chat with an old high school friend who just happens to also be living in Japan. I watched the homecoming football game from the top of the cafeteria building. We definitely had the best view. I took some time to walk through the elementary, middle, and high school. I can't wait to show Mike and the kids my old school. We will be back here the beginning of December for ASIJ's Holiday Happenings Festival. It is probably the best Holiday Festival I have ever been to.