Fletcher's First Thanksgiving

We started our day with a turkey trot (which was more like a really strenuous hike) up a mountain by the Kintai. We got to walk through a bamboo forest, which was pretty cool!  After a nap and lots of cooking, we headed over to a friend's house, where all of the 242 Captains were spending Thanksgiving. It was a really nice day filled with great food and great company! Fletcher's first Thanksgiving was definitely successful. His favorite part was the gravy :)

Fletcher Takes Swim Lessons

Being the crazy first parents that we are, Jesse and I stood in line for three hours one Saturday morning, beginning at 6am, so we could make sure Fletcher becomes the next Michael Phelps.  We were hoping for private lessons or survival swim, but we settled for Mommy and Me classes.  There wasn't much to them, but it was nice having something to look forward to twice a week, and Fletcher seemed to enjoy being in the pool.  Fletcher did not, however, enjoy being dunked. I thought holding your breath was a natural instinct but Fletcher missed that memo.  He definitely inhales upon submersion and then becomes terrified. We dunked twice and then stuck to eating rubber duckies while I helped him float. He was the youngest one in the class and the only one who didn't scream when the coaches took him from me (proud mommy moment).  He didn't care who was holding him so long as there was a rubber ducky in his mouth.  The classes lasted for 4 weeks, which seemed just long enough, especially once it started getting really cold out.  Fletcher did seem to enjoy the lessons, so hopefully this summer will be filled with lots of pool time!

Miyajima Christmas Photos

I heard a rumor that there was a firewalking ceremony taking place in Miyajima, so Jesse and I decided to go and take Christmas photos.  It was a brilliant idea except all of Iwakuni thought so too, and it took us an hour to park, making us about 2 hours late for the ceremony (we might have been late leaving the house as well).  When we finally made it to the island, we could smell the fire, but the swarms of people walking towards us made it difficult to find the ceremony.  When we finally made it, it was completely cleaned up and over. Better luck next time! :)
We did, at least, get to take family photos, which made the trip worth it!

Fletcher Picks Mikans

A few months back, I joined the JAS (Japanese American Society) on base.  I initially joined because I was crazy and thought I would take classes to learn Japanese.  I went to one class and realized there were flashcards and studying involved, and promptly quit.  Fortunately, the club also plans fun outings every month, and November was mikan picking. Jesse, of course, had to work that weekend, so Fletcher and I went with friends. It was pretty cool.  We drove to a Japanese mikan farm and were given large mesh bags to fill with mikans. Afterwards, they made us lunch, which was SO good. They grilled oysters and made Yakisoba and American potato salad (which they were very proud of).  It was so much fun that Jesse and I went back the following weekend to pick more mikans.

Sandankyo

A few weeks ago, we were invited to go hiking in Sandankyo with some friends. We drove the mighty Toppo for about an hour on the Sanyo (Japanese freeway), which was quite hysterical considering she tops out at 70kmph. It was worth the risk of the poor Toppo dying because Sandankyo is beautiful! The leaves were just starting to turn for Fall, and it was perfect weather. We hiked as a group for awhile, and then split up so our athletic friends could "get in a nice run".  We blamed our laziness on Fletcher and his inability to stand on his own.  A few hours later we met back up and enjoyed a yummy udon lunch.  The best part of the day may have been discovering the super secret Starbucks off the Sanyo. Yummy yummy real coffee, oh how I've missed you :)