Daddy & Ava

Mt Fuji...

Here is Ethan with his hiking buddy @ the Top of Fuji-san! (Click the picture to make it bigger)

Ethan hiked Mt. Fuji today!

This was his 2nd time hiking the mountain.

The 1st time was years ago, when we lived in Sasebo Japan.

He wanted to climb it again for 2 reasons. 1st because the 1st time he climbed Mt. Fuji it was SO COLD and Overcast, he could hardly see anything/enjoy his hike. 2nd reason? It's CPO 'season' and well... they did this hike as a BIG CPO Event.

CPO selects & CPO's traveled from all around Japan to Hike today.

Now, i wont say he had a "fun" time, but... he did it. haha

I don't think he will do it again.

OMG!!

CAMERA<----------- CLICK TO SEE IT! HOLY-MOLY!

I am still in shock.

This Camera has been on my mind for a little while now, but i would never buy myself a new camera when i have a perfectly good one sitting right here.... (a little bit sticky from the Yakiniku Sauce... haha!). I have been using a Kodak Z712IS for about 1 yr... and i do love it, and it takes wonderful photos! BUT... it's big, and i love to take pic's of EVERYTHING, so you cant be discreet with the Kodak... but with this? I can snap away, and no one has to know!

haha!

My hubby walks in yesterday from work... as i am cleaning the bathroom, he hands me this box.

I can not believe my eyes!

I honestly thought "What did i forget?? Anniversary/Birthday/Something???".

I spent the next hour asking him Why and saying Thank You.

It's odd and yes Wonderful to be given a Everyday present for no 'reason'.

Ethan says, "I know it will get used, every last penny of it... that's why i got it for you".

Um, ok!

THANK YOU!

Later than night, a friend comes over... and says "wow and early Mothers Day Gift?? and he is like YEA!!!! That's what it is..........." LMAO!

Good One Honey!

Happy Birthday....

to the Chief Petty Officer!

Today, will be a fun day for Ethan... NOT! :):) (I do think he will have fun, I'm just kidding...)
He Must Wear His Khakis with Combo Cover ALL DAY! hahahahahahaha
(Maybe i will plan a dinner out, hehehe!)
He got up before sunlight and head to Yokosuka base.
He will be taking a run around the Yokosuka Navy Base with a bunch of CPO's.
(Mostly Shore duty, but Sea Duty CPO's are invited too!)
After the run they will do some other activities, and then attend a cake cutting.
I just wanted to say--->
Happy Birthday Eric, Darrin, Woody, Ethan & All CPO's in the US NAVY! ;)
I love you honey, and am very proud of all you do for the us & the US Navy.

"I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: "I served in the United States Navy"" -JFK

Some information about a CPO, if you are interested.
The Grade of Chief Petty Officer was established on April 1, 1893 for the Navy.
Advancement to Chief Petty Officer not only carries requirements of time in service, superior evaluation scores, and specialty examinations, but also carries an added requirement of peer review.
A Chief Petty Officer can only advance after review by a selection board of serving Senior and Master Chief Petty Officers, in effect "choosing their own".
Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer grades is the most significant promotion within the enlisted naval ranks.
The "Chief" is required to be a fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of good will, and the authority on personnel relations as well as the technical expert.
If you need to know anything else about a CPO ... You'll have to ASK THE CHIEF!

Flowers...

On Tuesday Ethan came home on the Train.

I was surprised when he walked in the door holding a bunch of Flowers and a pint of Strawberry's!

Wow, and honestly? I was taken back.

Ethan Never buys me flowers!

This is Definitely something to make a big deal about!

Thank You Babe'

So...

So, we have been kind-of quiet lately.
I know over the past 4 months (yes... it's been that long) we have been exploring and just getting out and about.
I feel like this month, after Enoshima... we have just been super home bound.
We have had a few dinners out and of course the fruit and veggie shopping, but that's about it.
This weekend i was thinking, Finally ~ we will get out and do some exploring... but it rained yesterday and today. We still have tomorrow, but i doubt we will be going anywhere, as the week ahead looms.

On Wednesday i did head out to 7-11 just outside of Jimmuji Gate and grab a few things.

This picture is where we leave Ikego Base Area and cross into Jimmuji Train Station. If i was just riding the train i would scan my Suica Card, but because i am just passing through i have to buy a Ticket. I have to scan or add my ticket to the wicket (far left side) before i enter.



Here is a "Route Map" they have posted. I just thought for you Family and Friends who have never been to Japan... this is pretty Intimidating! (for even me!) One thing is true... Trains in Japan? Easy!!!! No Worries! ;)



(Yes, we do have 7-11 here in Japan. It doesn't have Big Gulps and Hot Dogs... just Japanese Snacks/Drinks and Manga. ;) haha)

I had the 'day off', as the kids were in school. I just went to 7-11 and bought a bag full of things to try & vegged w/ my Wiimote and had a nice relaxing afternoon chatting w/ Kitty on Wii Speak and playing Animal Crossing... just plain 'ole chill'n!

Here's a few photos from my 7-11 visit.
7-11 is just outside our pedestrian gate, just a 2 minute walk. The catch? We have to walk through the Train Station. The Train Station charges a fee for passing through. It is 130Y ($1.30) each way. So, when i passed through i payed $2.60 'round trip' just for the convenience of not having to walk out the main gate and take a 30 minute walk down to the 7-11.

This pic is the 1st thing i had to have a picture of ...
This Parm Cheese is the size of an American Slice of Cheese. So SMALL!
It's also pretty pricey, even for Japanese Standards, IMO. With the Yen Rate what it is right now... It's close to $3.00!!! WOW!



Sushi Sandwiches!! LOL ;) They have EVERYTHING in Japan!



One thing i have decided i DONT like (Gasp!). After seeing this "bread" on Katie's Blog a few months ago... i thought, WOW... i think i wanna try that. Well, i did and DONT like it... and i like Everything. haha It's bread, mayo and corn... w/ a tiny bit of cheese. EW!



I took a look in the Freezer Area and found something from my past. While living in Sasebo i bought these Mikan Sherbet. Mmmmmm They are delish, and come in a 'keepsake' container! And, they were 188Y ($1.88) WOW! ;)





If you remember in my Sushi-go-Round post... i tried these Fried Potato's w/ Honey & SSeeds. Well, i found them in Kit Kat Flavor! NO JOKE! ;)
They taste Just like the Potato... but with a Kit Kat Texture! Talk about Weird Goodness!



Oh, and Night Club Pringles... I had to buy them!! haha
They are Black Pepper Pringles, i think... and were good. I just loved the name. :)



On another note...---->

Olivia got her report card on Thursday and all is well. She is doing great... and her teacher said..."One could only wish for a classroom full of Olivia's...".[or something similar] ;)
So sweet of her to say that.
Olivia is working well all around but especially Math. Math is her Strongest point, and that's No Shocker! ;) (as Ethan is a Math wiz)
Also... she has already surpassed 1st grade requirements for reading. I am super glad about that considering that we moved during 1st grade & I was worried that we would have a delay problem because of the whole move.

That's it from here.
Please Look Forward to a Blog about Ethan's SUMO Trip. Last week i bought Ethan a trip ALONE to a Grand Sumo Tournament!! :) He is excited to go... and i am excited for him (and for the alone time). I am also thinking this gives me a "Alone Trip" in the bag for the future! YEA! ;)
Ok! see ya!......................