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 :)