Ethan has been begging Scott for weeks to cut off his curls. I told him that girls love curls and he just looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm not a girl!" There you have it...the boy wants to look like his brother.
After...
Ta Daaaa!
At 8:00 pm we went to watch the base firework show. It was great! We had a good view and there were lots of fireworks. We were really impressed with the variety and length of the show. There were smiley face fireworks and even some that looked like fish and sun glasses! Due to fire hazard and safety concerns (not to mention that Japanese fireworks are prohibited on base) they were launched from a barge out on the water. Hundreds of Japanese nationals came to enjoy the show as well. These are a few of our favorite shots. Scott really enjoyed his new camera!
Here's a photo of one of the markets along "Blue Street" here in Yokosuka. We thought Hanna's first taste of Japan should be a Japanese "French Style Bakery"...go figure. Just about everything you can imagine that is edible or at least edible according to the Japanese can be found down here. Scott tried young barley grass juice ( I think it is something akin to wheat grass juice...eeeeeeeeewww!) and he tried something he can't pronouce but the gentlman to the right was cooking it and offered him a sample so he gave it a go....and eeeeewwww just like barley grass juice! 
We tried to trap her in this web of wonder but she eventually made it out...
Unfortunately, we all got more mosquito bites than rides on the slide! Next time we'll be prepared. Skin so soft, here we come!Yellow Belt!
Scotty took his first advancement exam for Aikido in May and surprised everyone including himself by advancing 4 levels to 6th Kyu and earning his yellow belt. So what was next? Not a new belt - just dying the original yellow. Scott's sensei had to write out what kind of dye he would need on a piece of paper so that when Scott went to the store he could just hand someone the paper since he couldn't ask for help!
The test took place in the main Dojo in Zushi (the classes are held on base in the Purdy Gym). Scott was one of two "gaijin" (foreigners) taking the test and the only one who didn't speak Japanese. Immediately following the test, the older students and instructors sat down to have a meal. Scott is not sure what he ate but he tried a little of everything including, sushi, squid, shrimp, and mushrooms, along with other unrecognizable and unpronouncable vegetables. This was a formal dinner. Tradition has it that you fill each other's glass with your drink and say "kompai" (cheers) to each member of the dinner party. The drink of the night? Sake and beer! Scott was in luck there was one other student (a girl) who didn't drink alcohol. They shared a carton of orange juice( say it like this "O ran gee Jusu" for a more authentic Japanese pronunciation. Every time somebody went to fill Scott's glass they had to chase the orange juice carton down. He thoroughly enjoyed this traditional Japanese experience with his very courteous Japanese hosts and is anxious to perform as well at his next advancement exam.
This one says, "IT'S NOT FUNNY DAD!"
Can you say "homeless bum?"
This is Ethan "going to work" - what kind of work can you do in your underwear and your Dad's highly polished shoes? We are still wondering ourselves.... (yes, Grandma Julie we can afford to clothe our children - they just prefer the old ratty stuff anyway, after all, it is the most comfortable and we've been taught that we should "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!"
Here's baby's profile. He wasn't super cooperative about letting us see his face - he kept hiding behind his hands and trying to get them into his mouth!
Scott insisted that we show you all just how much baby is growing...and me too. This photo was taken at the 24 week mark.
We were welcomed just inside the gate by Jiminy Cricket, Eeyore, and Mr. Smee. We saw many of the other Disney characters but didn't make it to all of them.
Jared and Ethan sportin' their new adventure hats and munchin' on churros. 
Look out Lightning McQueen!
Here's team Pierce making the rounds at Motor Speedway Disney!
Goofy's Bounce House...
I think Tigger said it best - "Bouncy trouncy fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!"
