Happy witnessers

And... Happy clowns!! Aa, but both Deryk and Kenj were really nervous. 'Cause actually, though this was a CTP, we weren't informed that we would be stage performing until 10 minutes before our turn. And then when we got up there, they were a sight of total disbelief... seeing all the happy smiles and almost naive anticipation from all those old faces

Fairy night... which was the theme for this nights activity. It was a fare-well party for one of our beloved contributors--Melissa

Ah, a place of sweet rest

Collaboration?

There's this really cool man that we met recently ...


Details: There's this really cool man that we met recently who has this play gymnasium for kids. It's full of fun cushions, trampolines, obstacles, and gymnastic-type equipment. He's a total odd type of guy, and looks pretty odd sometimes too. But he's really sweet and is good with people and seems to be doing good in his business that has attracted over 300 mother's and children to his extra-curricular class.

That below is our first endeavor of collaboration with him. We've agreed to be his English teachers, for now at least. And he's willing to give us a cut. But of course, like with most all collaboration, this ain't gonna be easy.

Sigh! But it seems good, so we're gonna go ahead with it. Of course, we checked with the Lord and all that. But I got hit with the beginners' blues when our first stage performance was for 50 children. And boy, if you ever had to entertain more than 10 children for 40 minutes you're doing good.

We did things from music to balloons, and later soccer to trapeze tricks. Well, not really--at least not the last one. But do you see the number of those spectators in the 2nd and 3rd photo. Man

Meanwhile our kids were having lots of fun bouncin' on those trampolines. This place is a lot of fun, even for me. Kids become professionals training there. There's training available for gymnastics.

Fun Autumn Family Day

Let's just call this one of my favorite rest stops on the way to the city of Himeji, where it's said to have one of the 3 nicest castles in Japan. Someday I'll post photo's of these scenic spots, because our area is full of them

We are surrounded by 3 cow farms. Oh, but let's not sound too dreadful, because it's not too bad. It's not like we can smell them, unless in the heat of summer.

The city of Tanba is known for its Kuromame (literal meaning: black beans) and "wild boar" dishes. But it's also famous for its Cosmos flower fields. One can get lost in them

Fighting Bacchus

A lovely spot just 20 minutes away from our house where two rivers meet

Photo taken during one of our home parties.

This is another attempt at a Family photo. But let me tell you, there has not been a single time that we had everyone together. We don't have a single photo with all 14 of us. Sad, I know. But it's the truth

Soccer on the beach. I played really well, I think. You know, there are just some days that I'm like full of energy, like when I'm really excited. I think that day was one of those times.

They're pretending like they're sleeping on the sandy earth and under the beating sun

Lots of Fun

We went to a near-by park and napped on a tarp. The scenary you see in the background there isn't fake, by the way

That's a scenic shot, no? If I had a hundred more photo's like that I'd consider myself a good photographer

This was a shot taken on the last day that Hik was with us We hung out with him on our rest day

It was a Family day and we had to think of somewhere to go on a rainy day, so we chose a big white tent to play birdie, soccer, and cycling as well as a little of what we can term "outdoor cooking."

I love remotecontrol cars. I had several of 'em in my childhood days. But alas, I am no longer a child. Yet I love cars. So in that respect I am still a child.

Yushi loves Sushi

Deryk loves sushi just as I do

Family photo

I stuffed my gut until I was sick of sushi.

Deryk's pose: "I have two ideas!"

Family Reunion at Sushiro

Mac (24), my older brother, and his girlfriend, Milly

Aigo (26; right), and his girlfriend, Kari (center)

My dad (49) and mom (48)

That's my oldest brother, Hik (27), and some of my younger brothers and Kenj getting glued to the screen of some car racing game on Hik's Iphone. So much for Iphone's, right?

Mas (25). He and Hik visit us like once or twice a year. Out of all of their visits recently, I'd say that this one was the best.

Praise time

Thank You for our children! Thank You for the little bundles of joy that You've put into our lives! Thank You for the little rascals that take all our time! Thank You for the little curly-headed, freckled-faced children that are always there to brighten our day. Thank You for them when they wake us, not knowing that we would like to have a sleep-in. Thank You for their so quickly worn-out jeans and muddy clothes--the ones that were just new and clean! Thank You for all our children, no matter how big or small. We especially thank You for their example of faith and trust. Just as they trust us, help us to trust You. (TJWL2)

Older Pics

I just thought that these were adorable pics, I had to post them.

Thank you message

Thank you so much, hony, for making my birthday so so special! You always go the extra mile to make others happy, and that's what I love the most about you. Thank you for showing me so much love, and for making me feel like the luckiest man in the world.