Okinawa World

We went on our first tourist adventure. We went to Okinawa World or Gyokusendo Kingdom Village and Habu Museum. The Village had a cave that we went into and saw stalactite and stalagmites. The boys were pretty much in awe the entire time down there. We walked around the village and saw them making glass and pottery but the kids weren't really into it. They did enjoy the Eisa dancers and drummers. We also went to the Habu ( a poisonous snake on Okinawa) Museum and saw ALOT of snakes (dead and alive) We spent the most time here but it was worth it. I really don't enjoy snakes that much but the boys, Joe included, couldn't get enough. They didn't want to hold any of them but Joe jumped at the chance to hold them. He did say that one of the snakes was hissing as he was holding it. The snake show was all in Japanese so we got nothing out of it, except to see more snakes. I'm sure the man was really funny because everyone in the audience was laughing (he was probably making jokes about the 4 blond Americans in the front row) Brody did get a little upset and wanted to know when the man was going to speak English or when the audience would laugh, he would turn to me and ask me what he said!! It was a fun day and would definitely go back when people come to visit- minus the snake museum for some.

Church Whiz in the family

I just wanted everyone to know that we have the next prophet in our family!! Brody was at CCD this morning and they had a test. He had to answer questions that were given by the teacher (we unfortunately don't know what the questions were) if you got the answer wrong, you were out and had to sit down. Brody won all 5 rounds that were played. So as the grand prize winner, he got a pen that has Jesus on the cross and a goodie bag. He was so excited when he got in the car, he told us all about his winnings! He said that he was the only one that won a "Chesus Pen" No that is not a typo- that is how he says "Jesus". So clearly he will be highly recruited for college at Notre Dame and we will make sure that the Chesus pen goes with him!! In preparation for his advanced parochial degree, we will be sending him to Aunt Julie's Academy of Catholic Savants.

Entertainment at the Game

I usually write and tell you all about Hunter's game and tell you little about Brody. Well, it is Brody's turn to shine. We were at the football game (which Hunter did very well) and Brody was bored! So Joe was playing catch with him. He got mad at Joe because he said that dad was not throwing right! I got out the camera and started taking pictures and the tears stopped and Brody started throwing the ball right! Just before the game was to start, Brody ran across the field to put the ball back and came running to our side of the field. He was running with his finger in the air (like saying "I'm #1) and he was cheering for himself. At the very end of his run, he did a little dance (either he was practicing his TD dance or he was glad to be done running) Of course he didn't know I was taking pictures. He then decide he would sit in the 20 yard marker- whatever keeps him quiet!! He watched most of the game but then got bored and played in the dirt. Only 3 more weeks until soccer will start for him!! I ran a race with my neighbor only to show up and see that they moved the run until next week. So we ran the course anyway. I like to tell people that I won my age group and there was a tie for the overall winner!!! Next week I will be running and Joe will have the boys. If I don't post in time... Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!

Football Fun

Once again it is Saturday and that means Football!! Hunter's team is really improving and I think he is finally starting to have fun. Hunter played quarterback the first half and was able to throw the ball a few times and hand it off. He got an interception on defense and almost ran it back for a touchdown. Of course, I got no pictures of it. I was too busy talking and clapping that I forgot the camera was around my neck. Believe when I say, it was a beautiful play!! Joe is in FL at triathlon training camp for the Marine Corps. He will be flying out on Sunday (our Monday) and will get home on Tuesday. Because of his travel times, he will miss his beloved Steelers in the Super Bowl!! We will see the game live also but at 8:30 in the morning on Monday. The military has the whole day off! Until next week...

Roller Slide Fun

Brody and his friends went to a huge roller slide on Friday. The slide is a little over 2 stories high and can be pretty fast in some parts. For those of you who do not know what roller slide is, I will explain. It is a bunch of plastic like circular things (kind of like an abacus) that are on a roller. You sit on a cardboard box ( or your butt will be burning by the time you get to the bottom) and just roll down to the bottom. It is very curvy and has some steep parts. The kids love them because of the speed they can get. I have yet to see a "normal" slide here. At the bottom of the slide there was a cargo net to climb before you hiked up the stair to the top. All the kids had a great time and were pretty tired by the time we got home.

Nothing much happening in our house this week. We have a long weekend due to the Monday holiday so we are just hanging out. Hunter had another game this week and all I have to say is that it is going to be a long season! His team has a lot of first year player and a majority of them (including Hunter) are not very tall. It seems like all the teams we play are alot bigger and faster than us. At least the weather was a little better this weekend.

Joe ran a 10K before we went to Hunters game. It was actually a 6.5 mile run so it wasn't a true 10K. He ran it in 36:25 and was the first finisher. It was a two loop course so the boys were able to see dad actually running. He is going to go to FL at the end of January for a Marine Corps Triathlon training camp. While he is there he will visit Mike and Christie in Orlando.

Brody was able to play while at Hunter's game. He didn't have to sit huddled on the ground this time. Joe and I were standing on the sideline while Brody played at the baseball field. He was playing in the dirt, I didn't care because he was being quiet and seemed to be entertained. After awhile I looked over and didn't see him but then after I looked closer, I saw that he had climbed the little wooden backstop and was now climbing the fence. Joe ran and got him before he was to fall. Needless to say, he spent the rest of the game playing by our feet!!!

Football Season

Hunter has started football season. This year he is a Jaguar. The first game was very cold. It was cloudy and windy with periods of rain. Brody stayed huddled most of the game (as you can see in the picture) He was talking and singing to himself so he was entertained. Hunter played well. There were only a couple of kids on the team who had even played before so it was a learning experience for everyone. We did score a touchdown but failed on the extra point. Next week will be a new game and hopefully a warmer one too.