Do We Even Realize?

I think I may be able to safely say that my generation and those younger do not have a grasp of what is involved in preserving our precious freedoms. Aside from 9/11 and the gulf wars we have never seen war or sacrifice and what we have seen, most of us, have been far removed from it. I don't think the average American, especially of the younger generations, appreciate fully the cost of freedom. Steps are taken everyday to ensure that we continue to enjoy our day to day lives the way we have always known.

My sweet hubby and the rest of the Misawa Air Base is participating in "the exercise", as it is called. They do this four times a year. All sorts of situations are simulated to prepare our military here for any possible threat. My husband is a dentist for the Air Force but he is not exempt from these trainings and I am grateful. I hope everyone is grateful, we are free, for now, and I pray we always remain that way.

"Hokey" Tournament

On Saturday Rayce participated in the stick ball tournament between the American and the Japanese kids.

Stick ball is kinda like hockey but they don't wear skates so there was a LOT of kids falling down everywhere, sometimes on purpose.

The ice rink was so cold! We were layered up and were still shivering.

Rayce is number 27 out in front...and yes, they are wearing garlic on their heads.

It was a fun, chilly day.

33

I turned 33 on MLK day. Yikes, I am really in my thirties now, almost mid thirties! Dan was on call again so we stuck around here.

Our first stop of the day was Lawson Station, it's kinda the equivalent of circle k, but again, much better in our opinion.

We had to get some steamed buns. These are kinda a Japanese staple, they steam the bread so its light and almost rich and fill them with all sorts of yummy stuff. I get the pizza bun, Dan loves the pork stuffed buns.

We ended up in Hachinohe again looking for ski's for Dan and I and also at our favorite (so far) curry restaurant Coco's.

We didn't find any ski's but found some cheap snowboards so we thought we'd give it a shot. I haven't snowboarded since high school, and Dan has never so it should be very interesting. Hopefully, I can remember somewhat what I'm doing. Cheers to being 33!

Naughty

I turn my back for a few minutes...

Maybe he's trying to tunnel to warmer climates?!

It would have been okay except for all the mud and chunks of grass he tracked in!

It's okay, I got back at him, he got a nice long bath.

Dental Squadron Holiday Party

Here are a couple of pictures from the dental holiday party that was held at a hotel in Misawa.

There was a small earthquake as we ate our meal, I had to call and check in with the kids since Danielle was babysitting, they were a little scared. I guess we need to go over again what you do during an earthquake instead of sitting on the couch.

Dr. Heyse and Dr. Nelson...I don't know what they're doing.

So I'm definitely glad the holidays are over. We had a nice time, but man it was busy. We've swung a full 180 degrees the other way and have absolutely nothing to do, I like it.

Aomori Shōwa Daibutsu

Yikes, only three days left of Christmas break for the kids and then back to our old routine. Aside from a few squabbles here and there it's been a pleasant break. We needed to get out of the house today even though it was COLD. So we set off to Aomori City to see the Big Buddha. I had been wanting to do this for a while and probably should have when the weather was a few degrees warmer, but I've been trying to convince myself that I need to embrace winter so we don't go insane for the next four months. Did I mention that this air base gets more snow than any air force base? Like, more than Alaska and other equally cold places?! Anyway, in our attempt to embrace our cold weather we set off knowing it may be a bit crowded because many Japanese visit Buddhist sites for the New Year Holiday.

We weren't too far off, it was crowded and cold, but also very beautiful and serene. We could see the top of this amazing five story pagoda from the road.

I've seen these pinwheels at Buddhist sites but not sure what their meaning is.

At 70 feet tall this is the tallest seated Buddha in all of Japan!

In the little enclosure in front is where the monks sit and chant and drum.

We were here maybe 45 minutes. Avie's shoes got wet and then she was done, so we'll have to come back in the spring. So much for embracing the cold. We're going skiing this weekend maybe we'll stay longer.