The picture was taken at the Saga Balloon Festival...hot air balloons, that is. We went down there a couple of Saturdays ago - kids really enjoyed seeing the balloons come in and land, but I think they were really hoping one would crash into something. Kids will be kids...
All is well in Sasebo. Had parent-teacher conferences this last week. We heard pretty much what we expected to hear: Isaac is very smart, but does things too quickly and is not very organized. He did make honor roll and is working hard to do his best. That's all we ask. Taylor is being considered for the gifted education program at his school - upon recommendation from his teacher, who claims that his reading, writing, spelling, etc is way beyond that of his classmates. The kid is a sponge... and always asking questions. If you ever get stuck with him in the car, get ready for the barrage: What is that? What does it do? Why did they put it there? How does it work? And they go on and on! Parker and Morgan continue to be peas in a pod - not wanting to do anything without the other. They could care less about Isaac and Taylor - the world is theirs alone. Not sure how Morgan will react when Parker goes to school next year.
Dave and I remain busy - wrapping up our time here in Japan and actively searching out the possibilites in the good ol' US of A. We have a lot of work to do, but it's exciting. I went to my first Karaoke room the other night. A good friend of mine is leaving next week, so we went out to dinner and then "karaoke-ing". We found a karaoke palace without a bar - it's like a hotel where you rent a room by the half hour and you karaoke - or if you're me - you mostly watch those around you make complete and utter fools of themselves. It was fun.
Anyway - would love to hear more updates from all of you - and would love to see more pictures! Brooke, Tracey, & Barb - if I can figure out how to post pictures, then anyone can - so get to it! Also need to know where to mail Anne and Buffy's Christmas gifts this year - not sure if you want them sent to your home address or somewhere else - let us know.
Lots of love...Adina

Can YOU find the Americans? 

Hello,
Yes, that would be a picture of me that Brent posted. Brent wanted to see if Grandma would get a kick out of seeing that someone else has taken up her hobby. I learned this week how to crochet a hat to send to children going through chemotherapy. Five years ago I would have laughed at the thought of me doing anything domestic. Apparently now I'm hooked and am working on a scarf... don't count on me learning to cook anytime soon though (sorry Brent).

Check it out Grandma 

Well it was 86 degrees here for Halloween. Does anyone else see anything wrong with that? I know it is a little late to fill you in on our Halloween but I'm going to anyway. It was hot. Mike had to work all day of course so the girls and I went to two parties- our old ward's and our new ward's. Our post decided to keep Trick-or-Treat on Sunday, Oh the drama! Jane made a good choice and decided we should stay home so we went to the two parties instead. Way too much candy and stickiness. The girls were darling, someday you might be able to see and not just take my word for it. Jane was the new modern Strawberry Shortcake, Sadie was a fairy princess, and Ellyn was going to be a Lady bug but it was too dang hot so we took a Sharpee to a onesie and made her a little ghost. Baths and bedtime were never quite so sweet.

Everything here is going well. Mike was able to return to his human form for two weeks during cycle break and we all realized how stressful this is on our family. I know you aren't supposed to wish time away but I am anxious for February. He is now in the middle of total control and has more than the average amount of "winners" in this class. Jane is playing soccer again. This year it has become pretty competative and much more structured than past seasons- good and bad (I think the refs really enjoy the power trip). We are getting used to it. She has started piano and the upper grade choir at school. She is very busy and I feel like I've become one of "those moms." She still has plenty of play time and has a great time with all the little girls in the neighborhood. Sadie had her 6 week check up for her leg. The Dr. said it looks great and she doesn't limp at all anymore. What a relief. He wants to check her again in 6 mos. All of the sudden Sadie is becoming more of a helper than a chaos causer. We went to three Dr. appts. last week and she sat quietly through all of them. I was amazed and grateful. Ellyn spent last week teething and had a rough time of it. Poor baby. She is such a sweet and happy little soul normally it just breaks your heart when she is so sad. We had alot of bonding time- mostly from 12am-3. Good times, good times. I am fine. Just doing my best not to kill MY dog. She basically takes up more of my time and patience than all of my children combined.

Sadie just ran in with no diaper on and told me she needs to go potty cuz she tooted. No, she has not once actually gone potty in the toilet but she strips out of her diaper about 5 times a day. Dave and Adina, Jane got a UTI when she was two and a half. I gave her the medicine and told her she would feel better if she wore underwear (manipulative, I know). She was trained in two days. I think Sadie will be a different story so I have no advice except to lie. Terrible, I know.

Hello everyone. A sad tale is about to be told. It is a story about a girl named Marnie, who is usually very responsible and keeps her valuables with her at all times. This young girl works at Sport Chalet and on one pleasant and calm Thursday night she went to work. Alas, it was 5pm when all of the hustle and bustle of young professionals are rushing to the gym that is situated next to Sport Chalet. Because of this she had to park to the right of the store where it is somewhat dark and shadowy. Marnie went to work and had a grand ole time. Upon leaving the store at 10pm she arrived at her car, only to find that the front passenger window was shattered in pieces all over the inside of the car and the surrounding parking lot. Like a good little girl she called her parents to find out what to do next. Soon into the conversation she found that she did not have her Dell mp3 player in her purse. Alas, she had left it in the car! What a foolish girl! So now this poor girl is tonight without a dellpod but has a brand new window and a cleaned out car with only an emotional scar. Poor Bonnie! She was so sad! I am sorry to say but this tale is true and it happened to your sister Marnie yesterday. I am dealing with the pain and will hopefully soon be reunited with a proper replacement for Belle (my dellpod). I hope you are all well and keeping safe. I am fine and now I know that I will NEVER leave such valuables in my car again.

Hello everyone! Georgey did it again! Yeah! Thanks for sending your halloween pictures. Very cute, as usual. San Diego is good. It is cooling down so that is nice. I am making it through school and having fun in the process. My classes are getting pretty interesting so that is good. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend. I love you all and miss you a lot!

love, Marnie

Poor Morgan. Her body got ahead of her feet and she took it on the cheek. But, she's still smilin'!

I went to my first Japanese onsen (public bath/hotsprings) yesterday. Now that was interesting! Pretty cool actually. Very relaxing! Sorry, don't have any pictures to share with you. Trust me, you wouldn't want 'em.

We have officially begun the flag football season. I am coaching Taylors team. It's going to be a lot of fun. Isaac is in the older league and loves it. That season will go through mid-December.

Would love to hear from some of you. . . are y'all still there?

Dave

The Scooter 

Wanna see Monstas? 

Very Silly Girl 

Silly Girl 

It was really fun to see all of the pictures that were sent. Tom and Tracey sent a picture of Hayden in his baseball outfit....since I haven't learned how to attach pictures I can't scan and send it. Tom???

I think Mike and Brooke probably took pictures but Brooke is in the same boat with me in being ignorant on how to attach pictures...and Mike in the throes of a new class coming in.

However....we got a real kick out of the rest of the pictures.

Dad handed out toothbrushes and candy in his SpongeBob outfit. It was funny to hear the comments. Our house is getting known from last year for the toothbrushes. I guess we will have to keep it up!

Kim has a new hearthrob....I'll let her write about it....

I am still unemployed... I got a call about a consulting job on Friday and he said he would call me back on Monday for an initial meeting. However, I heard nothing today so it may be a false alarm. I keep reminding myself to be patient and things will work out in the end. However, I am not naturally a very patient person. Awwwwk!

We love you all,

Mom

Here is the clan on Halloween Eve - we had a Trunk'or'Treat the night before at our church. I DID dress up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, but I managed to stay on the other side of the camera all night (he-he). The kids had a great time, have way too much candy, and there are wrappers everywhere! The base is busy because everyone can bring on up to 5 Japanese to come trick-or-treating and they do! Anyway - Brent & Buffy - looks like you had a great party! Wish we could have come! Take care and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Adina

Aaargh...shiver me timbers...it's DAVE! 

Isaac the Evil Court Jester - from Gauntlet X-box game, of course 

Skele-Taylor 

Count Parker von Stinchfield