OUR LIFE AS AN AIR FORCE FAMILY

Brothers

2011-06-11T00:06:00.002-04:00

Chase loves piggy back rides.

This can't be comfortable.

2011-06-01T21:29:00.002-04:00

Chase fell asleep like this, his poor neck
.

A day at Torii after Typhoon Songda

2011-05-30T20:05:00.000-04:00

After being stuck in the house we decided to hit up the beach.

I walked up and down the beach finding sea glass and while doing that I kept finding hermit crabs. The boys would come and get them and add them to the collection. They named them and watched them crawl around. One even clawed Chaser's finger. Check out his face in the last picture.

Typhoon Songda - Okinawa, Japan

2011-05-29T00:04:00.000-04:00

Typhoon Songda roared through Okinawa and left a lot of distruction in her way. Songda hit us as a Cat 3 storm which is pretty big. The majority of the storm hit us at night so we watched a lot of it from our bedroom windows and downstairs sliding glass doors. We watched as the wind took one of our little sheds right off our patio and away. We watched the wind tear apart our neighbors 8x10 shed. All the pieces were flying into our yard and into our trampoline. I thought the trampoline was going to fly away. It was sandbagged and staked into the ground but it was still jumping around with the wind gust. At one point Joe looked out our front window and says "I think our shed is gone because I see some of our stuff down the street." Sure enough the next morning we get up to check out the damage and it was gone.

Thankfully we were all safe and our home was fine. Here are a few pics of some of the damage around our neighborhood.

Our Trampoline with shed pieces around. You can see the wind blew the top part of the tramp off on one side. It was staked down and sandbagged.

Our neighbors shed

Our shed

This is the top of our little shed the wind blew right off our patio that was also sandbagged. It was found in another loop about 400 yards away.

A picture of our banana trees and our shed behind it and then our tramp.

Clean up time.

Bryson being silly.

Our Trip to Guam

2011-05-26T06:25:00.014-04:00

The boys and I decided to Space-A it to Guam with the Salas family. We left during the week and Joe was suppose to catch up with us on the weekend. That never happened as he couldn't get on a flight so the boys and I had a vacation without Dad. Though I don't think I should call it a vacation when I have to bathe, feed, and entertain the kids solo but we did have a great time and missed Joe lots.

The boys were able to ride in the cock pit on the way to Guam.

Chase took a little nap.

The first night we were there we went to the street market. We had lots of fun looking at all the vendors and what they had to offer. I got baby girl lots of cute hawaii style dresses.

The boys loved the cotton candy.

The next day we hung out at the Salas' hotel swimming and playing at the beach.

Since Carter didn't have a birthday party we told him that at every restaurant we went to the entire trip it could be his birthday. He loved it.

The next day we went to the mall to do a bit of shopping. This mall had a little amusement park inside. The kids were in heaven.

Another birthday dessert. He was sung happy birthday to many many times.

The next day we went to a small water park just up the street from the Salas' hotel. The kids loved it. Here Leann's pregnant belly is stuck in the tube.

Chase crashed out on the lazy river.

We then switched hotels to the Pacific Island Club which had it's own HUGE water park.

Crashed out......we hung out at the hotel water park for several days. There was so much to do.

Bryson showing you my saggy bed.

Here are a few pictures from our 26th floor room. This shows all of the water park.

We went to the outlets and I let the kids play in the play area. They had a motherhood maternity and a Ross......SCORE!!!

Another birthday dessert.

Group Shot

Our last night we went back to the street fair.

On the flight home the boys got to see the KC-135 refueling some f-15's. Bryson even got to control the boom. The boom is the long piece that the fuel travels down. I have video but blogger won't let me add it.

Below is a good picture of the boom connected to the f-15.

The BIG Ultrasound!!!!

2011-05-09T04:08:00.002-04:00

So like I said since I am back dating everything I better hurry up and tell you what I am having before I give birth to this little baby which is in TWO WEEKS. That's right. I am 38 weeks right now, though I will probably go late so we shall see. ANYWAY what are we having???

Well, lets take a trip down memory lane.

Joe was with me at the big Ultrasound to find out what Bryson was. I am not even sure where is ultrasound pics are. Poor kid, we didn't have a computer when we had him so his pictures, what we have are all on paper. I feel so bad looking back at pictures and the small selection of pictures I have of Bryson on my computer of him as an infant. I have a few pictures on my computer that I had scanned on to a disk at walmart some years ago. Anyway, we all know what he is a BOY!! :) I really don't remember doing anything big for the big reveal. I think we just called up our parents and let them know.

With Carter the military at Luke AFB didn't do a big 20 week ultrasound. Can you believe that???? Unheard of now and it was only 6 years ago. Thankfully our neighbor was an ultrasound tech and squeezed me in one afternoon. It was around Joe's birthday so I snuck down there and found out.

I can't remember what he actually got for his birthday that year but Bryson helped me decorate his birthday cake with blue sprinkles and then we wrapped a Little Brother outfit with the ultrasound picture in blue wrapping paper. Joe was thrilled.

With Chase things were a little different. Joe was away training for three months and then on his way to his deployment to Afghanistan. Bryson came with me to the ultrasound. As soon as the tech put the wand on my belly I said "It's a boy right?" He said Yes. Chasers wiener and balls were hanging all out. I had sent Joe two packages. One girl and One boy package and I numbered them. Once I talked to him I told him what number to open up and once again he was so excited to have another boy!!

This time around Joe was able to come with me. It was nice to have him around again. He had to stay in the waiting room while they did all the certain measurements. I was really watching the screen since I knew what balls and a weiner looked like. I kept looking and looking. My heart was beating so hard in my chest and I had huge butterflies. The butterflies where probably bigger than any I had ever had getting ready for a date. I was so nervous. Finally it was time for Joe to come in and the tech said are you ready? She scanned over the private area and this is what I saw.....

Do you see it??? That's right NO WEINER, NO BALLS!!! I couldn't believe it!! Joe on the other hand was a little shocked. I asked him afterwards if he would like to go celebrate. He said he needed to go back to his office and take it all in, that he would be ready at dinner time. Poor Guy!!

Joe back at his office.
LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!!

Recycle Bin Garden

2011-05-08T03:31:00.000-04:00

My recycle bin garden is nothing to write home about, but it's what we have here. Our strawberry plant is awesome and we get about two a day. The tomatoes are just starting to grow as is the cucumber plant. We are looking forward to all the goodies.

My recycle bin garden is nothing like my garden in North Carolina. I don't think I ever blogged about my garden in North Carolina because it would have been before I started blogging. Holy Cow. I started blogging in August of 2007 and these pics were taken in June. It wasn't a real large garden but definitely bigger than my recycle bins. I made a horseshoe in part of the yard we didn't use and grew squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers (red, green and yellow), watermelon (the squirels always ate it) and sugar snap peas (they didn't grow).

Carter the Farter turns 6

2011-05-05T02:45:00.000-04:00

On Carter's Japanese birthday we let him open up presents then we went to Macaroni Grill (his choice). Two of the Salas kids came with us. Leann and Ramon were at the hospital because Leann was having contractions. She isn't due until September. Dinner was great, and the baby didn't come.

Carter super excited about one of his gifts.

He loves his electric scooter.

Carter blowing out his trick candles and Bryson getting a kick out of it.

Joe took the boys to Round 1 for his American Birthday. The boys had a blast. Round 1 is full of video games and sports activities, a roller rink, and many other things. Though this is why I am usually behind the camera, all his pictures are blurry.

Carter lost a tooth....

2011-04-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

His first one if you don't count the one he lost by means of hitting his face against pavement.

IE island Lilly Festival ~ Japan

2011-04-25T20:43:00.003-04:00

After Easter morning egg hunting we went to IE Island with the Salas family. We had a great time. The boys had a blast riding the ferry to the other island.

Leann's hair on the ferry ride was crazy!!

After taking Allissa's picture with the lilies Joe jumps in and said it was his turn.

Then the boys thought it was manly enough for them to do it.

The best family shot we got that day....oh well.

Our end of the day group shot.

I also took Aaliyah's one year pictures while at the festival. I couldn't decide which one I liked better.

A few pics of the lilies.

Easter

2011-04-24T02:02:00.003-04:00

We colored eggs on Friday afternoon. The boys had a great time and Chase was army green afterwards.

Then on Saturday we had an Easter Egg hut with Joe's work. It wasn't the best since it was raining and they had it in the parking garage, but the kids got lots of candy so they thought it was great. It was also my actual birthday, Joe got me another little cake and some flowers.

Then Easter Sunday we woke up and the kids found eggs in the backyard then we headed out to the Lilly Festival on another island.

My birthday at Sam's by the Sea

2011-04-23T01:35:00.002-04:00

I had a great birthday dinner at Sam's by the Sea with my girl friends. They also made me a yummy cake it was a chocolate ganache filling chocolate cake and raspberry filling vanilla cake. How lucky am I??? The cake was delish and the company was perfect.

Chaser's Actual Birthday

2011-04-20T01:23:00.001-04:00

We went with the Salas Family to the Macaroni Grill for Chaser's actual birthday. We all had a great dinner and more cake.

Some of the things you are up to.

*You are taking so much now. You come up with more and more words everyday.
*You like to sing "I like big butts and I can not lie" (thanks to Bryson and Carter)
*You love Lightning McQueen, Buzz and Woody
*You are very independent.
*You love to cook still
*You like to play Peek-a-boo
*You like to play trains and cars

That's all I can think of at this moment. Back posting is hard ;)

The CRIME here on Kadena.....

2011-04-17T01:18:00.000-04:00

is the worst we have ever seen on any base. During our two years so far we have had 3 scooters stollen, a skateboard, a tricycle and then our cars were broken into. How horrible huh?

This is what my van looked like after they went through everything. I just don't know why the crime here is so bad.

Happy Birthday Chase

2011-04-16T23:48:00.000-04:00

We had an awesome backyard party for Chase the weekend before his birthday. He had all his friends come over and play in the water with him. We had a couple of pools and the big waterslide. It was the cutest Lightning McQueen party and he had a blast eating cake, hotdogs and opening presents.

I think everyone had a great time.

New Tubes for Carter

2011-04-07T03:27:00.000-04:00

I noticed that I was having to repeat myself to Carter quite a bit. I asked him "Carter can you hear me?" Poor kid says "Sometimes I can't."

I of course yell at him (not really) but really :) "Why didn't you tell me?" He just shrugs.

I take him to have another hearing test and he of course fails. So today they are putting tubes in his ears. We hope this helps him.

We are having a........

2011-04-06T04:44:00.002-04:00

well, the tech couldn't tell. I am 15 weeks and had a ultrasound today. I talked to the lady about how I have three boys and how we are just dying to find out what we were having but she couldn't see.

She did tell me that she saw three lines (which indicates a girl) but that the middle line was sticking out a bit to far (which would mean a boy). She didn't feel comfortable with saying either or. So, I guess we have 5 more weeks until we find out the sex.

SO EXCITING!!

For those of you that know you aren't allowed to guess but for anyone else what do you think "IT" is?

My new MAC

2011-04-03T01:03:00.000-04:00

Yay!! It's finally here. Joe brought it back with him which means he is finally home from the states after two months. It's nice to have daddy/hubby back.

He almost made it.

2011-03-18T00:17:00.002-04:00

Chase will be two at the end of next month and we have started to talk to him about the potty. Well.......he almost made it.

We are having a baby!!

2011-03-15T03:52:00.001-04:00

Like I said earlier since I am back dating all my posts I was able to share with you all that I found out I was pregnant on January 26th, 2011.

I also explained that Joe and I were in such shock that it took us weeks and weeks before we actually started telling people ha ha ha. So on March 15th we decided to let family and friends know. I was almost 13 weeks.

I made these and sent them all off to close family and friends. Luckly everyone got it on the same day *grin*

The Big Earthquake of Japan

2011-03-14T23:55:00.000-04:00

It's hard to put into words what mainland Japan is going through right now. So much devastation. March 11, 2011 has forever changed their lives.

Luckily we were spared and didn't even feel the quake. We did have a Tsunami warning for a few hours afterwards but thankfully it wasn't big enough to cause any damage here.

A few days after the quake we gathered up some supplies and made a donation to be taken to mainland Japan. The boys were very eager to help out.

Future CEO......maybe?

2011-03-02T22:56:00.002-05:00

Sunflowers in Okinawa

2011-02-21T20:45:00.001-05:00

Joe is gone back to the states once again. He gets back in April. I have been feeling awful with morning sickness. I swear it gets worse with each child. This morning we decided to go see the sunflowers. I did take these pictures with my nice camera but they all are straight out of the camera. I have not touched up any of them. I am sure they could look a lot better, but I am so far behind that I just don't have the energy to make them look pretty. Though this quick outing only caused me more grief as the ground was all mud. It was everywhere!! I had to strip Chase before I even put him back in his carseat.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T20:37:00.001-05:00

Can you believe there were no valentines cards at the bx to buy this year. We decided to make our own.

Happy Valentine's Day from our family to yours.

My Poor Mac

2011-02-01T20:06:00.001-05:00

While playing keep away with Chase he grabbed his blanket and spun around. In doing this he spilled my whole glass of coke right on my 17inch macbook pro computer. I love my computer....it was a sad, sad day.

I took it apart to see if I could get it working again. I did but it does have some issues. I also didn't trust it anymore to not crash on me.

Time to get a new one.

Honey, we are having a baby......

2011-01-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

didn't go as well as I had expected. I had four days for it to sink in and I kind of sprung it on Joe thinking everything would go great. Well, it took him a few days to get use to the idea as well.

This baby was a very big surprise to both of us and as we are happy and thrilled that God has blessed us with another child without even trying we both were a bit shocked.

We are looking forward to rounding out our bunch to an even number of 4 and after this baby we will be making other birth control arrangements. ha ha ha

4.........

2011-01-26T20:07:00.001-05:00

Yep, surprise we are pregnant. Since I am back dating all these posts I can actually post when I found out. Which was January 26th, 2011. Joe was in the states when I took the test so he had to wait until he got back to find out. Which was only a couple of days away.

Football Season

2011-01-23T00:13:00.001-05:00

Bryson and Carter had a great football season. Here are a few pictures of Bryson and Carter's football season. Bryson played the quarterback of the Colts and did extremely well. He has quite the arm and while sitting in the crowd I would over hear fathers talking about how well he could throw. Age 8

Carter is fast. It's funny what you will hear while sitting in the crowd, one couple was talking about how fast Carter was and how with his hair he looked like Mark Wahlberg in the football movie Invincible. Once he started running nobody could catch his flag. The funny thing is, when he would have to play defense he wasn't nearly as fast. ha ha ha But give him the ball and he would take off. Age 5

The next pictures are in sequence.

Shopping in Seoul

2011-01-10T03:49:00.000-05:00

Today we stayed in Seoul and did some shopping. We had a blast. The Flying Pan was so good last night we decided to get up and eat there for breakfast. This time we changed dishes. The decor was very shabby chic with miss matching decor.

Leann is such a good sport. I would tell her do this and that and she would just do it. I love it!!

They were filming something while we were there. To bad we will never know!!

We contemplated buying these outfits for our hubbies. Do you think they would have liked them?

Our yummy mexican food in Korea.

Shopping outside Osan AFB in Korea

2011-01-09T01:50:00.000-05:00

Today we took a bus to the Osan AFB shopping area. It's well known for cheap shopping. We got some good stuff. I am not a purse person at all, I just don't carry one. I left this shopping area with two coach purses and a coach change holder that's how good a deal we got.

Though to get to these purses we had to go through secret compartments. One store the guy moved a part of the wall aside and we had to crawl through a space that was probably 4 foot high by 2 feet wide. Purse shopping was quite the experience there in Korea.

This restaurant was super cute. The whole place had couches to sit on and had an awesome vibe. I could see hanging out there at night and having a drink or two. We ate some yummy beef bulgogi.

When we got back into downtown Seoul we ate at the Flying Pan which was so good. I had the banana french toast and Leann had this awesome sandwich.

DMZ, JSA and the Seoul Tower

2011-01-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

I know I have written about my friend Leann before, but if you are new here, Joe and I went to high school with her and her husband Ramon. We are now living on a tropical island together and it's been an awesome experience. Leann and I decided to go off to Korea and do some sight seeing and shopping. So we left the hubbies with the kids and off we went.

Our first full day in Korea was super busy. We left the hotel before 8 am and didn't get back until after 8pm.

We signed up for the JSA and DMZ tour. That was a full day event and then afterwards we headed to the Seoul Tower. We were very tired.

First up JSA. JSA stands for Joint Security Area. If you Click on the JSA you can read what wikipedia has to say about it.

The worlds most dangerous golf course.

The white building is North Korea.

North Korean Solider

Keeping watch

Next up the DMZ! DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone, you can click on the DMZ to read what wikipedia has to say about it.

We weren't allowed to take a lot of photos at the DMZ. We went into a tunnel that the North Koreans had dug and that was awesome, but we weren't allowed to take our cameras down.

This is a picture of the monument they have placed where there once was a tree. It's where the Axe Murders took place. If you click on Axe Murders you can read about it.

This is the Bridge of No Return, click on Bridge and you can read about it. Angelina Jolie actually walks across the bridge in the movie "Salt". Ironically I had watched this movie the night before we left to Korea. In the movie the bridge looks a lot bigger than it really is.

Afterwards we went to a completely finished train station that sits empty until North and South can come to an agreement to travel back and forth. It was built in hopes they could come to an agreement.

After all that we decided to knock out one more thing on our to do list and visit the Seoul Tower.

Korea From the Sky

2011-01-07T02:04:00.002-05:00

One year ago today I was boarding a plane back to the states. My father was going into surgery and I wasn't sure he would be alive when I landed.

The boys and I got on the plane alone and worried. Joe wasn't able to come with us. He was told it wasn't his father. So, I had to fly over 24 hours with three boys and the stress of my dad.

I kept telling myself that when we landed if nobody was there to pick us up it was a good sign. A sign that dad was alive still, but if there was family then most likely he passed.

Over 24 hours came and we landed in El Paso for the hour drive to Las Cruces where my dad was hospitalized. My sister and brother were there and I felt devastated......but they had smiles on their faces. Relief came over me and we collected our bags and headed off to the hospital.

After picking up some drive through McDonald's because airplane food can be less than appetizing we made it to the hospital. We were able to spend some time with him and I finally made it back to the hotel at 10pm, put the boys to bed and then we were called back into the hospital at 3am. Chase and I had slept for maybe 2-3 hours. He had a hard time with the jet lag. The boys and I were exhausted mentally and physically.

Dad was dying. He held on for a few more hours and then it was time. I am so thankful that he held on for me to get there, that I was able to see him one last time.

Tomorrow is one year of no phone calls, no jokes, no crazy singing. The boys really miss his crazy songs.

We miss you Papa.

Shuri Castle ~ Okinawa, Japan ~ Happy New Year

2011-01-01T06:30:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from Okinawa!! It's our second new year here and I am hoping for a better year. We were tested over and over last year and it would be nice to be able to have a more relaxing year this year.

We decided to bring in the new year with a trip to Shuri Castle. You can read a history about it by clicking on Shuri Castle.

Ryugujo Butterfly Garden ~ Okinawa, Japan

2010-12-30T20:48:00.001-05:00

Pineapple Park ~ Okinawa, Japan

2010-12-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

This is a park that like most things here in Okinawa if you have seen it once then that's enough. The only exception to this is if you have family or friends visiting and you take them there.

At the end you finish up with being able to taste all kinds of pineapple treats. They have samples of pineapple wine, bread, candies and many other things. It really is a huge winding gift shop.

Bios on the Hill

2010-12-29T02:53:00.000-05:00

It's hard to explain what Bios on the Hill really is, so I will just show you in pictures.

We had a great time and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Pj's

2010-12-24T20:19:00.005-05:00

We let the boys open their one gift on Chrismas Eve...Christmas Pj's. Once again they get the same gift every year and every year it's a big surprise. It's funny that they forget.

They got a really cool book from Mimi (my Mom) and Gigi and Poppy (my grandparents). It was The Night Before Christmas which they had recorded their voices reading it. The boys love it!!

Then it was time to feed the Reindeer and go to bed.

It's CHRISTMAS tomorrow.

Cookies for Santa

2010-12-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

Another Artist in the family

2010-12-22T06:38:00.000-05:00

Remember Vincent Van Gogh way back when.......you can click on Van Gogh to take a trip down memory lane.

Well, now we have a Picasso in the family also.

No more Vodka!

2010-12-19T04:36:00.002-05:00

We went out on a double date last night.

Anyway, we had a blast. We went out to eat at a fabulous restaurant,Sams by the Sea, click on the name if you want to read more or see the menu. It's a bit pricey but oh so good.

Afterwards we went to the Officers Club for some drinks. We caught a cab home and this morning I couldn't find my wallet. I don't carry around purses I just carry around my cards in a little Credit Card holder. It fits easily in my back pocket and I never lose anything. That record was broken last night. I lost my Credit/Debit Card, Military ID, Japanese License, Regular License and all my punch cards that you get on this island. It's a sad, sad day here in the Hudson Household. I think I am in mourning.

Dinner with Santa.

2010-12-14T04:26:00.000-05:00

A picture is worth a thousand words and this one is SCREAMING Chase loves Santa!!

Carter the Reindeer

2010-12-08T21:52:00.003-05:00

Carter had a show at the BX. It was so cute and he did so well. He is quite the character and would make funny faces at us in between singing. He kept the show very entertaining for us. I didn't get any photos of the crazy faces but I did get them on video. ha ha ha

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2010-12-01T20:44:00.000-05:00

The boys love to decorate the tree. I on the other hand have a love hate relationship with it. I love to see their excitement although I don't like all the mess it creates. Dragging out all the Christmas stuff just for a month really is hard for me to get excited about. That makes me sound like a scrooge doesn't it? ha ha ha

Here are some pictures of the kids this holiday season.

Joe showing that the ornaments are above the Chase line. ha ha ha
Time for the Angel. Chase tried but didn't quite understand the concept. Maybe next year.
Bryson's turn. Almost got it!

Daddy finishes it up.
The boys were given Frosty back in 2006 by our family friends. We took a picture of the boys with Frosty to show them that he is alive and doing well.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:39:00.000-05:00

I didn't take any pictures for thanksgiving. Oh well!! We did have a blast though. The Salas family came over and we had a lot of fun eating. We had so much food.

After we let our bellies settle for a bit we played some games. We did a lot of boys vs girls and I say the girls one. It was an awesome Thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for the family and friends that I have.

How we almost missed our flight.

2010-11-24T20:16:00.000-05:00

I forgot to tell a funny story about Chase and I and our return flight back here to Okinawa.

It all started really early in the morning October 20th. Happy 18 months to Chasers. Anyway we got up really early to head to the airport there in Albuquerque. Shannon's husband Ryan was taking us and I had him stop by Starbucks to pick me up a coffee. Yummy. We had to wait about 10 minutes for it to open and I was wondering if we would have time. Ryan and I discussed him driving really fast afterwards so we waited.

Finally Starbucks opened up and I placed my order and we drove around. I love this Starbucks because when we drove up they said it was free. SCORE!! It's funny because a week prior I was at the very same Starbucks ordering my coffee and muffin when I drove up to the window the lady said I didn't owe anything. I was surprised and she explained that the gentleman in front of me had picked up my tab. AWESOME!!

Anyway back to the story again. We make it to the airport and head on through security. Now traveling with a child and no extra help can be a bit challenging at times. Because we all know the best way to hide a bomb is on the stroller. Alright not funny but the stroller has to be emptied of the child and the pockets that collect lots of trash and boogie wipes has to be emptied as well. I even have to take the babies shoes off. Seriously...I am not making this up.

I collect Chase we walk through and we get beeped. I empty the rest of my pockets and we walk back through. Once through we collect our things and off to the gate we go. They are already boarding so we show the lady our ticket and head right on to the plane.

Once on the plane I get Chase settled I put up my bags and we sit tight. About 10 minutes later they are walking through the cabin shutting the over head bins and telling everyone to turn off their electronics. All the sudden I remember my phone.....my phone....I stand up to feel my pockets, I look in my bag. I realize I don't have it. Not that big of a problem but then I remember the security point and my wallet. My WALLET, with my ID.

I jump up and tell the flight attendant the story really quick. She says "Oh well, we can't let you go get it but would you like to wait for another plane to LA?" Um no lady!! I tell her "That wouldn't be a problem if I was only flying to LA, but that if I didn't make this flight I would miss my connection to Tokyo. "Oh" she says, "That does sound like a problem."

She then tells me that it's the pilot's decision. Chase is sitting in his seat belted in so I walk up to the front with the flight attendant. She tells him the story and thankfully he gave me the go ahead.

Now in the split second I thought do I take Chase with me and run to the security and risk them changing their minds, or do I leave him on the plane knowing they wouldn't leave me behind?????

Of course I left my baby are you kidding me....I knew they wouldn't leave me with Chase on board. He was my golden ticket.

I ran all the way to the security check point. Out of breath I tell them what i have lost and anxiously wait to see if it was turned in/found. Yay it was!! I have to sign my life away before they give it to me, then I run all the way back to the plane.

So....that's my story of almost missing my plane. I am just thankful that I remembered when I did. I don't know what I would have done in LA without my ID and Credit Cards. I would have been stuck there with no money and only my passport which wouldn't even get me into Okinawa. I have to show my military ID.

Thankfully God was watching over my forgetful brain.

How many lives does Carter have?

2010-11-22T04:51:00.000-05:00

We were out in town yesterday. We had gone to a professional soccer game here on the island with the Salas family and afterwards we decided to walk down the street to get ice cream.

He was just in his own world I think. We were all walking as a group on the side walk, we were coming up to the street that we needed to turn left. The traffic on the street was rushing by and as we walked up the sidewalk we all turned left and stopped....everyone except Carter.

He continued to walk right into traffic, right as a fast car was passing by. It was so close.

Leann, her mother and I all shouted out to Carter at the same time, "CARTER!!!". As we were yelling his name I leaped forward to pull him back.

I could see it happening right before my eyes. So scary, I am talking about inches. I don't know what to do with this child of mine.

Christmas Card Picture Set Up

2010-11-10T06:32:00.000-05:00

So I decided to take some pictures of the kids for our Christmas Cards this year. I had taken pictures of Leann's kids the previous day and just left the living room all set up to do my kids today. Here is what my living room looks like when I have a newborn session or a kid session with backdrops.

It's so much harder to take photos of my kids.

Bryson is always super easy. He always has been since day one, even at his monthly pictures and then yearly pictures he would smile on cue and we were in and out of the studio in under an hour tops.

Carter on the other hand is awful. His smile is fake and I can't seem to hold his attention very long. I very seldom get a great photo of him. I do have to say he has gotten just a tad bit better as he gets older.

Chase just doesn't want to sit still "PERIOD"!!!

A lot of you have seen these pictures already since I have already sent out Christmas Cards. Technically it's January 15th but like I said earlier I am backdating all these posts and writing them like they happened on that day. Sneaky I know!!

Anyway one special person who hasn't gotten this card yet is my BFF Lindsey Lou. Lindsey I planned on sending your card to you with the shirts for the girls but then realized your birthday was coming up and I was headed to Korea. Well, Korea was great but I didn't really see anything that I knew you would like or that might be your style so I am trying to find something for you here, though at the moment my favorite gift shop is closed. They have a huge shipment coming in from China and I am wondering if there might be something for you in that shipment so hopefully your gift will be headed to you soon and the girls shirts still fit them.

New Mexico Equals Spanish

2010-11-02T04:26:00.001-04:00

Carter: Hey Mom did you know that Bryson is Spanish?

Mom: (me half listening to him) "What did you say Carter?"

Carter: "Yeah, he is spanish because he was born in New Mexico."

The things kids say.....hilarious!! Though it does make since, when we visit New Mexico you hear spanish everywhere you go.

A Broken Collarbone

2010-11-01T23:16:00.000-04:00

Guess Who????

Yep, that would be Carter. He was out running with his friends and fell on the outside of his left shoulder. He of course came home crying and I looked at it and give hims some Tylenol. He sat on the couch for awhile and seems to be getting better. After dinner he sits back down on the couch and screams out in pain. I then take off his shirt to have a better look and there was a big bulge.

Joe took him to the ER this time and it was in fact broken. There isn't much you can do for a collar bone so they put his arm in a sling and then took two ace bandages and wrapped it around the front of his arm all the way around his back so that his arm wouldn't move while it lay across his chest. It was quite funny really. I took photos but can't seem to find one of my point and shoot cameras. I hope to add a photo later.

Our Poor Carter

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T00:11:00.000-04:00

We started off carving pumpkins.

Smile babe

that's better

I made the boys wear their costumes from last year over again. I know bad mother right?? Well, they weren't sure what they wanted to be and then the deadline passed for buying something and mailing it here. I had bought their costumes in a bigger size last year so they still fit great this year.

Chase didn't want his picture taken at all!!

Chase wore the same costume that Carter wore 4 years prior. We had different patches put on and had his name custom made. I think it looked better this year than when Carter wore it. You can also see the size difference between them. They are both the same age when they wore this flight suit. Carter was so much bigger at this age then Chase is.

I missed my Bryson and Carter.

2010-10-23T06:02:00.000-04:00

I missed the boys so much that when I got home I took them outside and took a quick photo of them. They are growing so fast.

My Very Special Friend Sarah

2010-10-19T19:45:00.002-04:00

Sarah is another one of my very special friends. There aren't enough words to describe her, but a few of them would be creative, loyal, talented and willing. She is one of those friends that will bend over backwards to help you. Sarah and I became really close as all our other friends were moving from Pope AFB in 08. Remember me talking about my other friend Joanna in a few posts below, if you aren't leaving your friends then you are being left behind and that is exactly what was happening.

All our friends were moving away, Pope AFB was preparing to be turned over to the Army. Sarah and I clung together. Both of our husbands were deployed so we hung out a lot. We would take turns cooking diner at each others houses and going out to eat. We would load up her carseats in my Tahoe and off we would go. Click HERE to read about one of our adventures.

My family and friends think I am talented and creative but I don't even make up a quarter of the creativity that Sarah has. Joe will always remember Sarah as the girl who got us started on recycling and how easy it really was. She went as far as to clean and disinfect her old recycling trash can and set it up in our house. Honestly it was that easy. All we do is put the recycling in that trash can instead of the other. Now we are doing our part, living here in Japan it is mandatory so we were already set up thanks to her.

She taught me how to quilt and I was able to make my sister a beautiful quilt for her wedding.

She is able to free hand henna. She also does henna on leather which is beautiful. You should check out her ETSY SITE as there are many more handmade items there. Actually I just checked and she doesn't have any items up for sale right now but check back. Here family is getting ready to move to England so I know they are super busy.

She made these out of corn husks, this is the kind of creativity I am talking about.
Joe was gone the whole time I was pregnant with Chase and the first three months of his life and Sarah was there by my side. She helped me more than she will ever know and I am horored to call her my friend. She is an amazing woman.

Like I said earlier her family is getting ready to move to England and will be living in Albuquerque for 6 months prior. Her husband has to do a bit of training before hand. Since she knew I was going to be in Albuquerque she decided to fly from North Carolina and visit Chasers and I. What an awesome friend right??!!

We went out to eat and shopped at the mall. She talked me into buying something from Fredricks of Hollywood ;) We had a good time visiting again. I can't wait until next time.
Click HERE to read a very funny post about Sarah's daughter when she was a baby and I watched her.

Taylor Grace Newborn Session ~ Okinawa Newborn Photographer

2010-10-17T03:44:00.000-04:00

So today was Taylor's newborn session. I was so glad that my mom and sister were there to see just how much work goes into a newborn session. They are HARD and very time consuming!

Conversation with a (typical) Newborn

Me: Well hello bright eyes! I am so pleased to meet you. I am excited that you are going to share four hours of your day with me. I have been looking forward to holding you and playing with you. I have the house all nice and cozy for you at about 85 degrees, everything is quiet here, your mama is going to make sure you have a full tummy, and then I want you to just sleep sleep sleep. Sound good?

Five minutes pass.

Baby: HEY! WHERE IS MY MOM? A picture shoot is not how I had my day planned out. Your crampin my style lady.

Thirty minutes pass and we have little or nothing to show for it.

Baby: We need to have a one on one. I think you missed the memo. About a week ago, all was perfect in my world. I was warm, snuggled, it was quiet, I never got hungry, I never needed to be changed and my mom was always holding me. That all came to a rather abrupt halt on my birthday and I am still trying to adjust to the changes. While there are some advantages to being out of the womb, I am having to cope with quite a bit these days, the very least you could do to make this transition easier would be to hold me. What makes you think I can balance my own head on my hands and who says I want to? Please pass me back to my mother now. She’ll know what to do.

Me: Ahhhhh…yes….I do see the difficulties I am creating for you today. I am doing my best to make this easy for you but it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better darlin.

Baby: You say that as though I have no options here. I’ll have you know that I am firm believer in boundaries and I will enforce my lines as needed. If you continue to push me on this, I am going to have to give you a presentation of my power.

Me: I have no doubt that is true and I expect no less. I have learned to be a woman of patience though and am pretty determined myself. Unlike you, I have had years to hone my skills and you, babe, are brand new player in this grand adventure of life. That puts the odds in my favor.

Baby: Now I am getting very angry. Maybe you are unaware of the cards I hold. I can cry – very loud and very long. I can flail. I can refuse to be swaddled. I can insist on being fed every five minutes. If that doesn’t work, I can spit up on your best blanket and I can potty on everything you’ve got. But we don’t have to go there. We can stop all this right now. Pass me back to my mama.

Me: You do indeed hold all those cards. I expect you to play each and every one of them. When you fuss and flail, I will smile at you and think you a perfect little creation. When you insist on being fed, I will be your champion and ask your mommy to abandon her feeding schedule and give you all the nourishment you want. When you potty all over my stuff, I will gladly clean it right up. I am a persistent woman sweetheart. My own mama taught me that with children, you have to be willing to go farther than they are. I have learned that lesson well and I confess my strategy to you upfront. All is well baby. Just go to sleepytown now.

Hour one passes and the duel continues.

At the ninety minute mark, we still have very little to show for our efforts and mom and dad are breaking into a sweat.

Somewhere between hour two and three, after baby has insisted on being fed again for the umpteenth time, the conversation winds down.

Baby: I am feeling an odd sort of sensation now. It’s toasty warm, my tummy is more than full, and I am getting quite exhausted. Yawn…..still though….I have some fight left…..sssshhhhhhhhhh.

And then…there is a twitch…and a few sleepy smiles….and…out for the count.

And then…I lean down close and whisper this…

Me: Good night sweet thing. You put up a gallant fight today and I applaud your efforts. No one will fault you for abandoning your grand plan to unravel our photo shoot. You are sufficiently milk drunk now and can no longer resist my charms. Now I can move you into many different positions, switch hats and blankets and baskets and beds, and you will sleep in blissful oblivion and we will accomplish a lot in the final stretch of our shoot. I realize that you have given up several hours of your fine day that you can never get back but by the time you wake up this will be a distant memory. You will forget.

But know this little one…your Daddy and Mommy will never get these precious few hours of your life back either. Because of what you and I did together today…they will never forget. Sleep baby sleep.

Spending time with the grandparents.

2010-10-14T00:38:00.000-04:00

Chase had so much fun spending time with his great grandparents Gigi and Poppy (my grandparents).

Then he spent time with his Gramie and Pop Pop (Joe's parents).

He hung out with my mom Mimi.

And also with his "adopted" grandparents Gammy and Gampy.

My brother's family photo session ~ Okinawa Photographer

2010-10-13T23:03:00.002-04:00

While I was in New Mexico my brother and his wife asked if I would take their family photos. We drove up to Cloud Croft and had a blast. They were very easy and I feel so blessed to be able to do this for them. Here are a couple of the shots that I got today.

If you would like to see more of my work check out my website at Dawn Hudson Photography.

Meeting up with old Friends.

2010-10-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

We were stationed with them back in North Carolina and after we left they got pregnant and had baby Cora. I was so shocked and excited when I learned of Cora and was so happy I was able to meet her. She is just precious as can be and looks just like daddy.
We met up at a cute little restaurant called El Pinto. It was so yummy and I couldn't believe how big it was. They had tables outside on all the patios surrounding the whole restaurant. We sat outside and it was beautiful. I am so thankful for wonderful friends that would drive up to come see us.
When you are in the military and moving every 3 years you leave a lot of friends behind, or you are left behind. When you are so far away from home a lot of your friends become like family. It was an honor to be able to see Joanna and Ian again and to meet sweet baby Cora. I do hope our paths cross again because it would be so wonderful to live down the street from you once more.

Meet my new niece ~ Taylor Grace

2010-10-09T20:40:00.001-04:00

Shannon had a very long hard labor, but in the end we got a very perfect little baby girl. Chase was a trooper the whole time. We arrived at the hospital around 10am on October the 8th, we left for about 3 hours in the early morning of the 9th and then we were right back at the hospital because it was time to start pushing. After a couple of hours of pushing Shannon ended up having a c-section.

Taylor was born at 11:37am on October 9th, 2010.

Weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and she was 22 inches long.

Happy Birthday Taylor Grace

Albuquerque Balloon Festival

2010-10-08T23:41:00.001-04:00

Chase and I got up very early this morning and headed to the Balloon Festival with the Hein Family. Joseph and I went to high school with Ed and they were best buds. They graciously allowed us to stay the night with them and take us to the balloon festival.

Like I said before we got up way before the sun rose and headed to the field. Shannon called me around 330 when we were getting up and said she was at the hospital and in labor. I saw this balloon and thought it was quite fitting.

Apparently it was windy up higher and it was pilot discretion. A few did go up but most stayed on the ground. Which honestly was probably better for Chase so he could actually see the balloons.

Ed just found out that he and his wife Michelle are going to be having twins. When I saw this picture I thought it was perfect.

Carter loves Darth Vader.

The crowd one direction

and then the other.

This is the inside of the Jack balloon above.

This is Ed, Michelle and Daken. Their daughter was with grandma.

Daken loved the balloons

Ed and Daken.

Chaser's First Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-04T23:21:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I was so glad to head back to the states was so that Chase would be able to see his first pumpkin patch. In Japan there are no pumpkin patches. We buy our pumpkins at the commissary (grocery store) and that's the extent of our pumpkin adventure. Instead of finding a pumpkin in a patch we are looking for a pumpkin that doesn't have mold already growing on it.

Chase had so much fun running around and picking up pumpkins. He loved all the guards also.

He didn't have so much fun in the corn maze when he thought I was going to leave him.

I am so glad he was able to experience his first pumpkin patch.

My Sister's Maternity Session

2010-10-03T21:03:00.001-04:00

Chase and I are having a blast being back in the states. We have gone to Target, Walmart, the Mall and many other places. We have had our fill of fabulous American food.

Here are some pictures I took of Shannon and her husband Ryan. It was real quick and in their backyard. She is 2 days overdue and counting.

You can check out some of my other work at Dawn Hudson Photography!

Headed back to the States!

2010-10-01T05:48:00.001-04:00

Chase and I are headed back to the states today. My sister is having a baby and her due date is in fact today!!

.............................................................

The flight went quite well and Chase was awesome. We flew in to Albuquerque and arrived around dinner time. Shannon and her husband picked us up and it was nice to see her big ole belly. Then they took us to Red Robin and it was amazing!!!

Burned Hair

2010-09-27T05:02:00.000-04:00

Once again I am so far behind it isn't even funny!! Please bare with me as I try to play catch up. I will back date all my posts so they are actually dated to when they happened.

Back to my burned hair. Joe was running late and we were all starving. To show my annoyance.....believe me it wasn't my finest moment, I went out side to light the grill and get it started. Chase was a little fussy so I was holding him. Once again not my finest moment. I turned on the propane and flicked the lighter and a ball of fire came right at my face. Luckily I turned just right and Chase was spared but my arm hair and part of my hair by my forehead was singed. How my eyebrows and eyelashes survived I am not sure but I smelt pretty bad for awhile afterwards.

Its now been almost three months since then and my arm hair is fine but of course the hair by my forehead is still growing out.

Happy Birthday Boys!

2010-09-26T20:43:00.001-04:00

We had the boys joint birthday party on September 26th. Bryson's birthday was on the 24th and Carter's birthday was May, 5th. We didn't have Carter's birthday back in May because his arm was still broken. Thankfully Bryson said it was alright and they both have a lot of the same friends so it all worked out.

We had their birthday at the Japanese Water Park. It was a blast as usual. It was the first time for every family that we invited to the Water Park so that made it special for everyone. We were so happy to share a place that we enjoy going to. They all said they would visit there again next summer when it opens back up.

We pretty much just let the kids lose and they just roamed the whole park. It's not like an American park so don't worry we aren't dead beat parents. ;) There are two large slides, one tube slide, the lazy river and then a shallow area with a few cement slides. Though it may not be much it's enough to let them roam and feel safe doing it and the price is awesome. For our family of 5 it costs less than 20 dollars so it's some cheap fun.

How do your kids find peace and quiet?

2010-09-21T20:29:00.001-04:00

This is how Bryson does his homework when he comes home from school. He prepars his snack and then shuts himself into the bathroom to read and write his paragraph for school.

Chase is usually running all over the place and being noisy and Carter usually needs me to hold flash cards for him so Bryson found a perfect spot. He is still down here with us and involved but in a more quite space.

I think it's a brilliant idea!

Future Chef

2010-09-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

Chase is taking after his uncle George. My brother is a Sous Chef at a very wonderful place in Silver City. The resturaunt is called Shevek & Co. Just click on Shevek & Co and you can check out what they are all about.

Anyway back to Chase. He drags out all our pots and pans and cooks everyday. The older boys never did this so this is very new to us. He always has to have a spatula or a spoon and he will actually sit or sand and cook for hours. He drags the pots and pans everywhere. So much so, that when it's time to make dinner Joe will have to search the house looking for a pot to cook with.

Perhaps just some plastic bowls and some wipes to cook with

But mainly he just prefers pots and pans. He has broken one of our pans so far. In the top pictures you can see the handle laying in front. We had to throw that pan out but besides lots more scratches he has done well. I was thinking of getting some pampered chef pots and pans this christmas but until he grows out of this stage I will save my 700 dollars for another time.

Fun House ~ Walking into walls

2010-09-17T23:02:00.004-04:00

The boys and I were looking through old videos and we all laughed at this one. I don't think I have shared this before but it's pretty funny!!

Carter hits the wall at 23 seconds and then again really hard at 53. I give you permission to laugh out loud at 53 seconds. We have always said Carter is our special child ;)

I can feed myself and do it well.

2010-09-16T19:13:00.002-04:00

The only people wanting to see this will probably be the grandparents and even then they might not want to see it because it's an old video. I am back dating it at September 16th.

Chase was 16 months and doing so well eating.

I can;t get the video to upload I will try again later.....maybe ;)

Boobie Man - 16 Months

2010-09-14T01:46:00.003-04:00

Chase loves boobies. When I hold him he likes to rub my boobies or squish them, or even hit(not hard, more like a tap) them. When my friend Leann comes over Chase likes to very nonchalantly rub his hand across her boobies. Oh and he likes to say boobies!!

Having fun in Okinawa

2010-09-06T00:48:00.000-04:00

Here is a video on youtube that's pretty funny. Party in U.S.A (oki style)

Mountain Man

2010-09-02T04:14:00.004-04:00

While I was off climbing Mt Fuji Joe took some time off. When he is off he usually grows out his facial hair. He likes to tease me with it because I would rather his face feel like a baby's butt. The boys get a kick out of it when Joe will pin them down and rub his face on theirs. It's quite funny.

Here he is in all his hairy face glory!

Oh and I know the boys hair is really long, for some reason they don't want to cut it and are growing it out.

Typhoon Kompasu

2010-08-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

Today we are suppose to have a Typhoon pass over us. The timeline keeps changing so we are not sure exactly when it will hit. Yesterday we were told it would hit about 9am and be a cat 1 storm but now it's suppose to hit at about 3pm and it will be a cat 3 storm. Kompasu was so nice to stay out in the water and gain strength before coming onto Okinawa. The trampoline has been tied down and sandbags added. The storage shed also has been tied down with sandbags. All loose toys have been picked up and put away.

After one day of school it has now been cancelled today because of the typhoon. We have rented movies and games and will have fun spending time together as a family riding out the storm.

I think we are ready. Bring it on, Kompasu!!

I climbed Mt. Fuji!

2010-08-29T01:11:00.008-04:00

Tuesday August 24th

I flew in to Atsugi, which is a military base outside of Tokyo on Tuesday night. I had planned to take the train into Tokyo to stay at the New Sanno but it was a two hour train ride and it was already after 9pm. I decided to stay there in Atsugi and just head to Mt. Fuji the next morning.

Wednesday August 25th

I woke up at 6am to find out when the rental car place opened and found out it was at 730. I jumped in the shower and got ready, then packed my bag for the hike. I got over to the rental car placed and tried to rent a car but they were out so I ended up with a big van just for me. I picked up some McDonald's, four bottles of water, and directions to the mountain and hit the road.

Have you ever flown into a new city and tried to drive somewhere without knowing anything about the city. Try flying into a new city that doesn't speak english most things are not written in english and given directions with no map. Very difficult!

It took me 3 hours to get to the 5th station of Mt Fuji and I began my hike at 12pm.

I bought a walking stick that most people buy and then at each station you can pay 200 yen for a stamp that they burn onto the stick that shows the elevation.

I started out at 2400 meters (7,200 feet)

It took me 20 minutes to get to the 6th station where I got my stick stamped and then pressed on.

Then it took an hour to get to the new 7th station. I stopped at the new 7th station and had a muffin and half a coke for some energy and a sugar rush. It was a little after 1pm and I was already very tired at this point. While I was getting my stick stamped the Japanese guy that worked there happen to speak some english and asked if I had made reservations at one of the stations. At each station you can sleep for roughly 70 dollars on a mat on the floor. They squeeze in lots and lots of people and you are sleeping right next to stranger. I told him no that I was headed to the top and then back down. He then told me it was to late, that I wouldn't make it up and back and I told him I had to try.

I reached the old 7th station by 2pm and was exhausted and really started talking myself out of it. I was climbing all by myself so I didn't have anyone to help me along or offer words of encouragement. I was my own worst enemy. You know that voice in your head that says "Do you really need to get to the top?" "The 7th station is good enough right?" "Hey even that guy says you will never make it!" It was horrible....and I pressed on.

When I got to the 8th station I couldn't believe it. I sat down, ate a banana and over looked the clouds. It truly was amazing. I got my stick stamped and headed to the 9th station.

There were places where you actually had to use your hands to help you get up and over rocks. I just kept thinking to myself I needed to hurry otherwise I would be coming down this in the dark.

(some of the trail where you had to use your hands to climb, imagine coming down this in the dark)

(leaving coins for good luck)

I kept on and before I knew it I was at station 9. I once again got my stamp and off I went to station 9.5.

I had a big dissapointment when I got to 9.5. It was 4:22 when I got there and the Japanese guy pointed to his clock and said closed. "What do you mean closed?" I still don't understand how they can close with some many climbers climbing up and down all throughout the day and night but apparently they need a break to. So, I sat down and got a little emotional. To think I had come all this way and now I wasn't going to get my 9.5 stamp or my 10 stamp. How could I possibly make it all the way to the top and not get a stamp for it. Then the voice in my head went off again. "What's the point?" "You aren't going to get a stamp anyway!" It was awful!! I sat there for a good 10 minutes or so trying to decide what to do.

In the end I couldn't make it this far without making it to the top could I? Honestly it was pretty close. I continued on and finally I saw the tori gate right at the end of the trail. It was 5:20 and I had made it to the top in a little under 5.5 hours. 3776 meters and 12388 feet high.

(the tori gate you walk under right at the top)

I walked over to the top and in my not very good japanese asked for a stamp and they said that the shrine was closed. I tried to ask someone else and once again closed. I walked over to the shrine and all the doors where shut and I was devastated. I walked down another path so that I could see the crater and get a photo of that and then I headed back to the shrine. I sat down and almost began to feel really sorry for myself when I look over and see some movement at the shrine door. I run as fast as my tired legs will go and I see an exchange of money and handing over of a stick. I grabbed my money and my stick and handed it over. I couldn't believe it, I thanked God for helping me up the mountain and for allowing me to get my 10th station stamp.

(I made it)

I took a picture of the Sengentaisha- Oumiya Shrine and then headed back down the mountain. It was 6pm and I knew the sun would be gone at 7.

While I was climbing up I kept telling myself I can't wait until it's my turn to head down. Boy was I wishing for the wrong thing. It was horrible on my old runner knees and now I understand why they say to wear hiking boots (which I wore trail running shoes) because I rolled my ankles on each and every step down. It was very painful on both my knees and ankles.

I made it all the way down the the old 7th station before it went dark and then I bought a flashlight. From the old 7th station to the new 7th station it took over an hour. It was so hard to get down the terrain in the dark with only a flashlight. I don't know what made me turn the flashlight off but finally when I did it was actually easier to use the moonlight then the flashlight to descend. The flashlight was a cheap flashlight and only lit up a small area and the moonlight actually showed the dimensions of the rocks and trail so that I wouldn't hurt my ankles as bad.

I made it back to my car at the 5th station at 9pm. Then I made the long drive back to the hotel. I finally went to bed around 130am.

Thursday August 26th

I woke up at 730 to return the rental car at 8am. I then walked back to the hotel, took a shower, packed up all my belongings and headed to Yokota AB. It took me about three hours to walk and catch three different trains to get to the base. I headed straight over to the hotel where I was told that there were no rooms available, andl the AC in the hotel was out. It was so hot in the hotel that I walked over to the terminal and hung out there until it closed at 8pm. I hadn't eaten dinner yet so I walked over to the Officers club to eat. Walking around with my walking stick and luggage people start asking you questions like "Did you just climb Mt. Fuji?" "Where are you headed?" The hostess at dinner took pitty on my when I told her I climbed Mt. Fuji and now the hotel had no rooms. She talked with the manager of the O'club and they allowed me to stay until he left at 1145pm.

I walked my very tired self over to the lobby of the hotel and tired to sleep next to an open window.

Friday August 27

I tried to sleep which didn't go very well, thankfully the coffee shop opened at 6am. With coffee in hand I walked back over to the terminal.

I was flying home Space-A (available) which is a way of saying: flying free, and flights can be cancelled without much notice. It should be Space-U for space unreliable!

There were three flights that were suppose to leave Friday. One with a roll call at 620, one with a roll call of 840 and another flight in the afternoon.

The 620 flight and the afternoon flight were delayed 24 hours so that only left the 840 flight.

As the time came closer to 840 more and more people began to show up. We are put into catagories depending on who you are, why you are traveling, and then depending on when you signed up.

Well, I happened to be the last of 17 people. The roll call began and they said they were only going to except 7 people. Not good for me. The first two were called and given tickets, then the next two people and then they stopped. Some time went by and they made an announcement that the plane could only except 700 pounds. After the first two people there was only 200 pounds left. So, then they called back the last two people and asked if they wanted to be separated. They didn't and it went to the next group and so forth until it came to me. I couldn't believe it. I started out not having a chance in hell on making the flight to come down to being by myself.

The flight took off at 1130 and I pulled into the house at 345.

It was a very long and tiring trip but I am glad to be home and so happy to be able to say "I CLIMBED MT. FUJI!!!".

Okuma ~ Beach Resort

2010-08-24T02:11:00.000-04:00

We went up to Okuma earlier this week to enjoy some time off Joe had. If you remember the last time we went up to Okuma Joe wasn't able to go with us but we are glad this time he could come.

We had a blast hanging out in the ocean, and Bryson and I went parasailing(it was our first time). Here are a few pictures from our trip.

I Heart Faces ~ Beach Fun ~ Okinawa Children's Photographer

2010-08-23T03:09:00.004-04:00

This picture was taken on a beach here in Okinawa. My regular readers have already seen this picture but for those of you stopping by from I Heart Faces I hope you enjoy it.

Carter is holding a sea urchin and Bryson is holding a blue star fish. On most beaches here in Japan you need to wear your water shoes so you don't step on the sea urchins.

If you would like to see more beach fun photos head on over to I Heart Faces and if you would like to see more of my work stop by my website at Dawn Hudson Photography

Golf Camp

2010-08-16T22:48:00.000-04:00

Bryson attended a week long golf camp here in Okinawa. Bryson is a natural when it comes to golf. He hits the ball hard and straight, though he needs to work on his short game.

At the end of the camp they played 9 holes. It was a par three course and Joe went with him and took these pictures. They were with our little point and shoot camera and now you know why I am never in pictures. Joe, bless his heart, tries his best. ;)

Here is there group of three. Bryson, Anthony (whom you have read about before) and the other boy in blue I don't know.

Anthony makes a big hit.

Bryson hits past the hole.

Ramon the awesome flag guy.

Congrats on a job well done boys.

Some new words from Chase....15 months

2010-08-10T20:27:00.001-04:00

The first week of August Chase started to say some bigger words. He says the normal mama and dada, uh-oh and of course ball. He also has been saying the word eww for a few months. He hears this word quite often from me when he would drool on us or wipe his dirty face on my clothes. So, now when he drools and he sees it he will say eww.

I swear the first word he started using on a daily basis was Ow. It was before his first birthday and once he started saying ow he wouldn't stop. He would say it every time we touched him. He had heard the word ever since he could sit on my hip. When I would hold him on my hip he would always swing his arms and in the process hit my arm or my neck and I would say ow. He started saying it all the time. I wondered what others in public would think when I would put his shoes on and he would say ow, or if I was putting him in the shopping car and he would say ow. It was quite funny and still is. He continues to use the word ow everyday and I hope he doesn't stop anytime soon.

Like I was saying before, at the beginning of August he added a few more words. He now says Hello when you give him a cell phone.

He also will crawl up on to the couch sit right next to you look over and say Hi. Like he has been doing it for years.

He runs after kitty saying "Kitty?" Or he will go and sit right next to him and say Kitty as he is petting him.

He started saying Fruit Snack, the boy loves fruit snacks so it's only fitting that now he can ask for them.

And the cutest word he says now is "Thank You". It sounds more like "Ank You". He says it in the proper context and will say it when you give him something and when he gives you something. Which means he says it probably 50-100 times a day.

Here is an old picture from when he was 13 months. He loves popcorn, and will carry around the bag and eat it like a big boy.

Our Poor Carter

2010-07-31T21:02:00.004-04:00

Well.....Carter has hurt himself again. He was doing tricks on his bike and fell. I don't exactly know what those tricks were or how he fell off his bike but Bryson came running in saying Carter hurt himself.

I ran outside and Carter was walking back looking like this. I brought him inside took a picture of course and then cleaned him up. He stayed inside and watched a movie and shortly later Joe got home. The first thing he asked was about his teeth. I told him I hadn't really checked, that I had lifted up his lip and knew that his teeth had gone through his lip but I didn't make sure he still had his teeth. So, I lifted up Carter's very fat lip again and saw that his tooth was in fact missing and his gums where very ragged. I couldn't tell if it had been pushed up into his gums or if he had actually lost it.

We headed down to dental and they did a very x-rays and the tooth was gone. Carter lost his very first tooth by way of pavement!! We tried to find his tooth later and some ladies where outside asking how he was. They said he had a very high pain tolerance. That kid is one tough cookie!!

I took him to Popeye's for dinner that night and he said that his lip wouldn't let him eat. It was that fat and swollen. It's been almost a week now and when he talks we can finally see the missing tooth. He looks so strange and too young to be missing a tooth. Poor Guy!!

America

2010-07-04T03:02:00.001-04:00

Happy 234 years!!

Scuba Dawn

2010-07-01T07:30:00.003-04:00

I am certified to breath underwater!! Awesome!!

Torii Beach

2010-06-30T04:00:00.001-04:00

The past few weekends we have headed to the beach. We have found all kinds of fun creatures. Starfish, Sea Cucumbers, Sea Urchins, Crabs, Sea Slugs, Hermit Crabs, and I am sure many others. Here are a few pictures from a few different trips to the beach.

School's Out!

2010-06-28T20:54:00.007-04:00

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I can't say we have been overly busy this last month just a lot of little things always taking up my time. School is out for the summer. Yeah!!

Carter had a great time in Preschool and is really looking forward to Kindergarten.
Bryson loved first grade. He had an awesome teacher and his best friend Tre was in his class.
And now Bryson is back in for summer school. Summer school only runs a month and is from 9-12 so not to long. It gives the kids a break out of the heat.

Baseball has started up so we have practice for Bryson Monday and Wednesday from 630-820 then on Tuesdays and Thursdays Carter has practice from 6-7.

That's it for now!

The CAST is finally off - Broken Arm Update

2010-05-18T20:01:00.002-04:00

His arm is still very bowed but the cast is off, and we are thankful for that. The doc says it will straighten out over time, I sure hope he is right.

Swollen Ear

2010-05-16T07:47:00.001-04:00

I have no idea what stung Carter's ear but he came home from school with a huge ear. It continued to get even more red and swollen throughout the afternoon and evening. Now three days later it's finally back to a normal size. This is after giving him lots and lots of benadryl. I do have to say it was pretty funny. His ear was so fat and swollen that it became floppy.

Broken arm and fat ear....poor Carter.

5 Years

2010-05-05T23:16:00.003-04:00

If you are reading this through google reader then the date is not going to say May 5, 2010. I am very behind on blogging so I am cheating and back dating my post.

Carter turned the big 5 years today. I think it's called your golden birthday when you turn the age of the day of your birth...or something like that.

Carter you were born 5 years ago today on 5-5-05. My labor with you was the best. I drove my self to the hospital and they started my pitocin at 6am. Daddy stayed with Bryson for a few hours longer and then dropped him off with our friends the Krantz's.

The doctor broke my water around 8 and then I got my epidural around 9 and then daddy showed up a little bit after. We talked about you and how excited we were to see you and on TV Disney World was celebrating it's 50th year anniversary. We talked about how we would like to go to Disney World with you boys. I had already been to Disney World but daddy and Bryson had not been yet.

My labor continued on and the nurse came in and said you would be born before noon. Daddy and I just couldn't believe it. Bryson's labor was 31 hours and yours was going to be less than 6. Sure enough around 11:30 the doctor came in and said it was time to start pushing. I pushed and you started to make your way when we lost your heart rate. They inserted a heart monitor and placed it on your head but it wasn't picking up your heart rate. Your daddy and I were very worried and were even more worried when the doctor and the nurse looked at each other and said we need to get this baby out now.

Thankfully you were alright. You were born at 11:55 weighing in at 8lbs 15oz. Daddy cut your cord and then had to step away for a few minutes and catch his breath and I grabbed the camera and started taking pictures.

You were such a good baby and you are a wonderful child. You bring us so much laughter into our home. You are always making us laugh and smile and the funny thing is you don't even have to try. You are shy around other people at first and then you open right up. Everyone that meets you once remembers your name, you just have that way with people. Kids in your class love to be around you and are always screaming...Hi Carter, or Bye Carter. I will ask you "Who is that?" and you will shrug your shoulders and say "I don't know!"

I love that you have a great imagination and that you can play by yourself. I love that when the month of May starts you think it starts your birthday. You think the whole month of May is your birthday. I love that we can still call you Carter the Farter.

Here on Kadena we only have one real American sit down restaurant. You would eat at Chili's everyday if we let you, well that and Burger King.

For your birthday today you woke up and had doughnuts for breakfast,

then you opened your presents. I took cupcakes to your school, and then Andrea(our next door neighbor) Chase and I took you to the boat races.

Andrea took you on a carnival ride, bought you a snow cone and cotton candy.

Then we took you Chili's with the Salas family. They wouldn't allow us to eat your cake there so we took it to Chris and Andrea's house and we all sang happy birthday to you, I think you had a great day.

Thank you so much for choosing us to be your parents. We love you so much, Happy Birthday Month Carter!!

You are 3 ft 9 1/4 inches, and you weigh 42 lbs.

Okinawa Photographer

2010-05-04T05:47:00.001-04:00

So, I decided to jump in and make my hobby a part time living.

My website isn't completely done yet. I can't figure out how to add music to save my life but for the most part I think it looks great.

Go check it out!!

www.dawnhudsonphotography.com

Tokyo Disneyland and Mickey Mouse

2010-05-03T00:47:00.005-04:00

Here is the video of Carter getting his cast signed by Mickey. At the beginning you can see that Mickey is trying to find out if he can actually sign it and then goes for it. There are a few Japanese that take photos of him signing it and then Mickey gives his arm a kiss afterwards.