2009 SUMMER

. As the summer windes down into fall, and night creeps in just a little bit earlier each day... I find it easier to find a little more time to sit and relax. And therefor you are all fortunate to take in yet another load of the Canlas Family.

. Myer started into first grade this year. He's in a class of about 20 children and a really great teacher. Mrs. Tassi is a breath of fresh air compared to the high strung, overbearing kindergarten boot camp Myer graduated from. Each morning Myer wakes up early, looking forward to the day ahead. When asked, his favorite subject is recess... but i know he loves P.E. and science as well. I have the opportunity to volunteer in his classroom several days a week. It has been fun seeing him in a peer environment and to get to know some of his classmates. His friend Rebel has a different teacher this year, but he and Myer always seem to find each other at recess to play.

Here is Myer, six and a half year old, on his first day of school.

. The summer has been excruciatingly hot. Filled with headaches and a nauseated stomach gifted to me by the nasty heat. The temps were high, and the humidity even higher. We stayed indoors for the most part, avoiding direct contact the sun at all costs. Our trip to the states has been the highlight of our summer vacation. Getting out of this Okinawan weather if only for a few weeks.

. But it wasn't only the weather that made this trip so fun, we were also able to see family and friends who I've been away from for the last six months.

. We took a military flight back to Utah, space A (or space available). It is basically a flight that is on a mission somewhere, and they figure they might as well tote along a few passengers. This process I've come to learn is pretty much a joke. The ride in a cargo plane was fun and very laid back. Looks rough, but really not that bad of a way to travel. It's the unexpected trips, all the waiting, and then still there was no guarantee of a flight. That was the hard part to take in.

. For starters, when we were finally able to get a flight off the island, we were on pretty much a straight flight to Seattle, Washington. A few hour layover in Yokota, Japan, and then another in Elmendorf, Alaska. After takeoff, we learned that our hours would turn into days.... two nights on mainland Japan, and another night sleeping in the Elmendorf terminal. We also stayed two nights in Seattle after we landed there. But we did make it..... was it worth a free flight? I'm still not quite sure, but we did purchase tickets for our travels back to Okinawa.

. I was so excited to see my family. Mom and Dad were at the airport waiting to pick us up. And when we got back to their house my sister Liz and brother Korey were there with Tony's Pizza for me. I have the best family in the world!

. While in Utah, I was able to see all of my brother and sisters - new homes, new babies, new cars... who knew the world back in Utah wouldn't pause just because I was missing. I got to get my toes done with my wonderful sisters, and i had an evening out with all my best friends, Tara, Mindy, & Megan... A night out on the deck. Awesome! I drove down to New Mexico to visit a bit with my sister-in-law Carleen. We spent one day hiking Timpinogus Cave, and then swimming in Park City with my sister Jo and her family. Myer was able to spend lots of time with his best friend and cousin Braig. I indulged myself at my favorite restaurant, Elmatador (twice). And it was really, really great to see all our kids together!!

Myer & Braig Vicky, Daryl, Sidney, & Myer

. I was able to take the kids for a day. We went to Beuses Pond and fed the ducks, did some hiking and had Wendy's for lunch (I miss Wendy's!), then headed back to my parents home and they all played together for several hours. It was great to be able to spend some time with them, and I look forward to the day when we can all be together living under one roof. As of right now, Carl is planning on flying out to pick them up sometime in January. Only months away but it still seems so long. We miss you guys!

. After being away for a five weeks or so, it was nice to come back though. To my home and my husband. The weather still hot, but you could tell its slowly cooling down... heading into fall.
. On Labor Day, we took a drive to Cape Zampa. A light house over looks the blue ocean, and breathtaking cliffs. On a previous trip Carl and I paid 200 yen each to climb the stairs to the top, but with Myer with us we thought we'd save that activity for him when he's a bit older.
. From the top of these cliffs you will often see local fisherman; with their homemade extended poles which are crazy long to reach out far enough over the edge.

. All summer long we've heard singing and drums from our home late at night... the Eisa Dancers practicing for their yearly performance. It's within walking distance from the base and so when the weekend of the festival arrived we headed out Saturday night to watch them perform. It was fun to walk along the skinny aisles they call streets around here. Usually when we are out and about we are among the more touristy spots, with the wider roads, and bigger stores... but this time we traveled down some rural side streets. Little shops lined the road, and small houses. It is amazing what these people can do with so little space.

. The festival it's self was really fun. There were the dancers who were of course all dressed up in their costumes and makeup, but there were also people walking around in the traditional kimonos.

Myer in front of the night lights. A group of teenage girls.... yes kids here always throw up the peace sign for photos.

. In school Myer has already had his first field trip; I was able to accompany him to the Okinawa Zoo. This was a fun activity for all the kids. However, it was a sad experience for me. The landscaping was beautiful, and they had fun, colorful mosaic pictures on the walls surrounding the zoo itself. But it was hard to see all the animals in very small habitats, many of them very dirty. It was definitely not one of your American Zoos.

Myer and classmate Zachary climbing on a monkey.

. Our favorite attraction of the zoo was the orangutan. As we ventured passes, this guy called out with a screech, then preceded to hop up on a bench and clap. How fun! A clapping monkey. An obvious reaction was to clap back, to encourage him to extend his performance. Mistake. Another screech, then the insane jumping up and down, right before the tossing of the poo. And yes, it did get us. He carried on with his fit for about five minutes or so, picking up more of his feces, but yielding to throw again. Unfortunately it was after his little episode, that we saw the posted sign :

Yes, these are actual posters at the zoo. Check out the sign behind the lion cutout.

. Oh, and while we are on the subject of waste: our kitty cat is now potty trained! Woo hoo! No more litter boxes ever! http://www.city-kitty.com/home.html

. So yet another exciting couple of months with the Canlas's. We are doing good and loving life. Work is good, school is good, and I'm still having fun being a stay-at-home mom! Everything will be perfect as soon as our other kids join us.
. Hope you are all living out your lives with happiness and prosperity as well.
. We miss and love you all!

Hello again family and friends!!

Greetings from the Canlas Family!

Well, for starters we have adopted a new family pet (no it is not a cockroach this time, although it may look sort of like evil vermin). A sweet little kitty we found out in the jungle. Myer and I brought him home and spruced him up a bit....

After that first bath, and a quick dry with a towel he became just a little more adorable.

Carl named him Dipstick, because he is pretty much all white except for his tail; which is grey from the base to the tip. Bernie gets excited when the cat is able to come out and play, and whenever possible the cat is following Carl around and pestering him... i think cat's know who are not necessarily cat people, and they prey upon them.

This last month we also took some time out to put a little garden together. A garden, i know your thinking tilled land, maybe a little edging, lots and lots of flourishing plants. Yeah, that's what i think of too.... however, our garden consists of several pots filled with soil and a few plants.

Well there are some zucchini there, tomatoes, a few pepper plants and some flowers for color. We've also attempted some potatoes. It has been a couple of weeks now; my flowers aren't looking so hot, the peppers have aphids, and the zucchinis some kind of worm or something... who knows. Yes I've brought my wonderful green thumb with me to Okinawa, where it is supposedly hard not to grow things.

Myer has been busy this month with school activities. A field trip to Okinawa World, where there is the huge Gyokusendo Cave, glass blowing, Eisa Dancing (with the drums), and Dr. Fish.

At 5km long, the Gyokusendo cave is the longest in Okinawa, and the second longest in Japan. And of course for only 500 yen, i just couldn't resist putting my feet into the Dr. Fish tanks. They tickled like crazy as they ate the dead skin off my feet (of course not that i had much).

Myer was also part of a school program which the kindergartners put on... they worked very hard and did a wonderful job. It was the "Barnyard Moosical," each class dressed up as different animals, Ms Freeman's class were the Gourmet Goats. They sang a funny song about making Pizza Pies.

And just yesterday, Myer was able to lead his class in the Pledge. I missed it by two minutes, but Ms. Freeman raved about how well Myer did. She said he did the whole thing with no mistakes, and you could hear him perfectly. Myer is doing really well in school, even though he is taking speech therapy classes still. I have been meeting with his Speech Therapist every once in a while and she's been trying to get him into classes twice a week, instead of only once. So this last week i went in, and we chatted, and she was so excited that after several tests Myer's taken, we were able to up his time to 50 minutes a week. She boldly stated "we will beginning this right away." The funny part about that is there was only a week and a half of school left. But in reality, this will still be good, because next year he can just start off on the two days, and we won't have to test him for another three years. But we are all hoping and praying that he wont be needing her services for that long.

** MYER'S FIRST FISHING TRIP **

Myer has also been able to spend time with his dad. Carl took him on a lazy Saturday, to a remote place along the ocean, to do some fishing. I tagged along, but just sat back and relaxed, and took pictures. Myer had a lot of fun, its unfortunate that he didn't catch anything... each time they would reel the line in, the bate was missing, but there was nothing on the line... we are dealing with some smart fishies here :)

PEACE PRAYER PARK BEACH - Itoman, Okinawa

We went with the Cheney's (Jennifer and Randall, and their children) to this hidden beach. Up above on higher ground there is a memorial for all who have died in one of the most bloodiest WWII battles. This was the last battle before President Harry S. Truman, decided to use the atomic bomb to end the war, ordering planes to drop one on Nagasaki and one on Hiroshima, after studying the high casualty figures for Okinawa. There were many deaths due to the enemies on either side, but there were also many suicides here on this beach as well.

Thinking that this might be a sacred spot for the Okinawans, Jenny asked some of her friend who she works with off base. They explained that it is a spot, where many went to pay tribute to the fallen, and many others avoided the area of fear of spirits, however it was also not a spot where the locals would be offended of us visiting, and enjoying the many beautiful things this place has to offer.

This place was fun, because of all the huge tide pools... the ocean was pretty far away at low tide. So it was great for the kids to just go out and play. In the tide pools were vast amount of sea life... beautiful florescent blue fish, sea cucumbers, crabs, lots of little back starfish.

Here is Carl teaching Myer how to swim at Peace Prayer Park Beach.

OKUMA

It's about an hour and a half drive to Okuma from where we live. We had booked a cabin and were heading down to camp for the night. Up above, I am the one driving... yes i am on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road... all you Utah drivers better watch out when i come back, because I'm going to be all mixed up!

We were there as part of the Okuma Fest. There were bands all day long, hot sun, food and game booths, an area closed off for those huge, blow up slides kids love so much, putt putt golf, and way too many people.

Many of Carl's coworkers also booked cabins for the night, so it was like we had our own little community. It was nice by the cabins because they were just far enough away from all the festivities, but still close to the bathrooms. We did foil packs and fish for dinner, and ate some smores with the neighbors.

The next morning Myer woke up with a polka dotted face, neck, and hands. The result of bedbugs. He looked so sad and sick, but luckily they didn't hurt or even itch. Myer didn't even know they were there until he saw them in the mirror Monday morning; I let him stay home from school for the day- he loved it!

Early in the morning we rented clubs and balls to play some putt putt golf (no they do not call it miniature golf here), for only two dollars a piece. We played the nine holes, and then Myer was able to play again and again. It kept him busy for the better part of two hours... he thought it was great, all you can play golf. We finally had to pry him away when others started waking up wanting to use the course.

This was a fun outing, but i think next time, we'll stay on a weekend where nothing is going on, and we will stay clear of the bed bug ridden cabins.

As much fun as i am having here it's hard to think of all I'm missing back there in Utah, the birth of my nephew Korvin... and one of my best friend's, Mindy's wedding that they are probably just wrapping up right about now. Congratulations to you!

I hope you are all planning on some fun journeys this summer; and as soon as i know, i will let you know when i will be heading back for a few weeks to Utah! I can't wait to see everyone again, i miss you all so much!

Much love,

Katie :)

APRIL 2009

The month of April has been no doubt a busy one. With the weather warming up, festivals are going on and the beaches are opening up for swimming. The weekdays still consist of work and school... but the weekends have been full of fun and exciting adventures.

I love day trips - they are kind of like mini vacations. So we have been spending many hours on the road; finding new places, seeing new things, learning new culture.

Here are just a few things our family has been up to....

Nakijin-jo
Ruins of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
At the very north tip of this tiny island, you can see only the top portion of the remains of the Nakijin-jo Castle in Okinawa. They are in the process of excavating, hoping to restore the entire site. Nakijin-jo was the one of the largest castle in Ryukyu Kingdom (ancient Okinawa) constructed before the 15th century

I love this photo... a view from the top of the site; the castle wall, the thick jungle, then the deep, blue, ocean. Yet in reality, this photo doesn't give the actual site any justice at all.

Here we are in the entrance way to the castle grounds.

Easter

Looking throughout the base for some Easter accessories is easy... if you want the pre-filled flimsy baskets. However if any of you know me, I like to be a bit original.... add a personal touch to such things. So since I couldn't find an actual basket... the Easter Bunny brought us Easter bags instead. Myer didn't seem to mind at all- after all he did get the basics; a chocolate bunny, candy, a little bit of money, candy, and water balloons.

Also I asked my parents to ship me some simple plastic Easter eggs, since they too are scarce around these here parts. Which they obliged to do so. Thank you mom and dad! I love you.

After a fun morning of hunting for candy, we drove down to the sea wall, where we walked along the China Sea, then joined some friends for a BBQ.

Fish Market

Well, hmmm what can I say? This may be a pretty interesting place to go, but it's still one of Carl's favorites. He loves fish and sushi and such, I am not a fan at all. So when I cook, I don't add any of that to the menu. But every once in a while I let Carl have a chance in the kitchen; usually first we have to take a trip past town and to the port.

Myer picked out this fish to try... This is a Parrot Fish, which happens to be Carl's favorite type of fish. Named because of it's stunning colors and also his fishy lips which oddly look a bit like a parrot's beak. I'll admit this is a gorgeous fish. I would love to have a huge aquarium with this fish swimming around, but Carl has other plans. (is that a look of disgust on Myer's face?)

What a waste of such beauty. However Myer and I did try it. I took a bite and found it .... well... rather fishy. Myer gave the ol' thumbs up after his first fork full, yet he didn't eat any more. So who knows? We indulged ourselves with the chicken and steak.... Carl finished the fish.

Ie Island

Sounds just like the letters i and e..... ie

We originally made plans to visit this island for the Lily Festival. And although there were beautiful Lilly's on the island, I found other things more intriguing.

First off, we drove north about an hour or so on Okinawa, to Motobu Port. Where we put our car on a big boat and were ferried across the ocean... the boat ride was about 30 minutes long, cold, and windy. But it was fun. Myer enjoyed trying to stand up and walk while we were riding the choppy waves.

Carl & Myer on the ferry

After we docked, Myer found us a map of the island so we would know where we were headed.

There are many things to do on this island, but we only made it to a few. I would rather spend a lot of time at a few places, than a little time at a lot of places.

My favorite was looking down from a cliff, at the ocean waves crashing up against them. It was a pretty windy day, and the spray of the waves was just amazing; Like something you would see in a movie. The cliffs were protruding out from the water about 16 feet or so, and then the waves would come in and the splash would be twice as high. I don't even know how to describe the magnitude of it.

We also ventured to the Ninya-thiya cave. During the WWII, this cave was used as a bomb shelter, housing 1000 islanders. This cave is in the cliffs next to the ocean. (these cliffs were on the opposite side of the island, so the waters were calm.) And although it's a nice sized cave, I would have not liked sharing with 999 other people.

Below are the waters just outside the cave.

Inside the cave there is a legendary rock. It is said that if a woman lifts this rock, she will soon have a baby....

.... so well see.

There you have just a handful of things going on on this side of the world.

Adventure, danger, and excitement...

As for the Canlas Family itself.... Well, we are still waiting for the time when we can pick up our other children from the states; Daryl, Vicky, and Sidney. But we are doing okay.

When I first got here, we were told that we would be moving to another building so that they could remodel this one, but that doesn't seem very likely now. We just got new neighbors in unit B; which was just recently renovated as a single unit after our old neighbors were PCSd (getting stationed elsewhere). So I'm starting to do a bit more with the house, with the thought that we won't be uprooted in a month or so. A neighbor gave us a bit of carpet for our living room. It adds so much to our home. Also I've put up some curtains in the windows. Just doing little bits at a time, as not to put Carl into a total shock.

Myer is doing well in school; making many new friends, and participating in many school activities. This last week I joined his class on a study trip to Comprehensive Park, and next week another trip to some caves.

It's just about a month and a half until school is out, and we have plans to visit the beach often, and head on back to Utah for a little bit.

Tomorrow we are heading for Okuma to do a night of camping. Well, they call it camping, we will be staying in a log cabin on the beach, sounds more like luxury to me. Also sometime this summer we are planning on a camping trip to Torii Beach with our neighbors (this one well be sleeping in a tent).

Hope all is well with you and your families... we love and miss you all.

Katie & Carl

Konnichiwa

For all of you who do not speak Japanese, kinnichiwa is a greeting for good afternoon. And that is just what it is right now, a good afternoon, and i hope it is for you all as well.

It has been nearly two months since Carl and I married, and he moved me to the little island of Okinawa, Japan; which is just off the mainland.

I'm still in the process of "getting used to it," but it has been so far, a wonderful experience for Myer and I. We are meeting new people, Myer is enjoying school, Carl is back at work, and I'm having a blast changing our house into a home. Life would be complete if Carl's children were also here with us, but they chose to stay back in the states with their mother. But we are hoping and praying that they will want to come back this summer.

Our family is made up of seven of us.... Of course there is myself and Carl, but let me introduce

our children.

*****DARYL

Daryl, is the oldest. He turned 14 just two days ago, on the 31st of March. It's hard to believe i have a son that age, and so mature. In two years he'll be driving. Daryl loves to bowl. Some of his friends back here on the island call him a "laughing bowler." Explaining that, he only bowls strikes, if he is laughing right before tossing the ball down the lane. It's a good thing he laughs a lot!

VICTORIA *****

Daddy's little princess! What more can I say? She is a rose among thorns.

Vicky is 9 years old and comes with an endless supply of hugs- bear hugs that is. This sweet little angle loves to dress up like a princess, but don't let that fool you, she likes the sports just like the men... even asking once, if she could sign up for football. But has since settled with the sport of bowling.

She excels in school, and was more than excited to come home and shout out that she was able to run the mile in PE. We are so proud of her determination and dedication.

*****SIDNEY

Seven years old and all boy. Soon to be a first grade graduate, this young man keeps well up with his older siblings. He likes to bowl, play with his friends, eat sushi, and play video games.

Sidney is full of smiles and can make anyone laugh; perhaps a bit shy at first, but he is such a lovable person who enjoys meeting new friends.

MYER*****

This little six year old guy might seem timid and shy, but he can get pretty crazy at times. He has amazed me in his transition from stateside, to Okinawa. He tries to keep his outlook positive, and has put forth effort to try new things... this including sushi (which i have yet to do).

His favorite color is red, and he'd wear it everyday, if i didn't do laundry. Myer enjoys school, and making new friends. His best friend in school is Rebel (and yes, he lives up to his name). He loves doing all the school activities, and going to the library.

Myer too, is getting into the bowling spirit.... and he gets his fix at least once a week. Pretty soon he'll be as good as his brothers and sister.

and last, but not least.... *****BERNIE

Although, I've had to clean up his poo several times from the upstairs hall way, and he chews up the rugs, sheds on my furniture, and i actually believe that he hates me.... i guess we can still call him 'family.' Bernie is a pretty good dog, doesn't bark much, and as long as we are home he minds the rules. However it's not really my choice, he was here before me and Carl says he stays (because the kids love him).

So there you have a little insight to our family....

Tune in next time, I'm going to try to keep you updated on our lives and I'll even let you in on some of our Japan experiences.

~Katie :)