James Bond Night

You know, we don't travel ALL The time:). We do our everyday stuff most days, getting some more excitement on weekends when our kids try to convince us to stay home and do nothing. And sometimes we do (and doing nothing in their minds is "not to be going somewhere").  

Being associated with the base community, we have an opportunity to participate in all sorts of events--entertaining, fundraising, sports, etc. I like to be involved and be in the know of what is happening in the area. I think if this were our first base, I probably wouldn't feel as inclined to do so, but because of how Misawa taught us that community is important when living overseas especially, I try to stay informed. I think living on the street where most families are very involved in our base's life helps as well.

One of the fun things we did this March was go to a fundraising dinner organized by our Middle High School cooked with the help of a professional chef, our teacher of consumer science. The dinner's theme was "James Bond" as they couldn't technically call it "Casino Royale". So we had fun dressing up and feel all posh going out. Chanel lipstick from my cousin is a must for such events, right?;)

This is what we thought we looked like:

But this is how we truly looked like:

I have to say, the school gym was decorated brilliantly! Loved the food too! 

Fundraiser was in a form of a silent auction and somehow, without me knowing, Robert bid on several themed baskets (full of STUFF) and only won this Garden Pot kit-haha. Oh well...all for charity to raise money for our kids.

We have already planted the flowers and waiting for them to come up to enjoy all summer long by our front door. 

Should I write any more regular life posts? I don't know... I guess I am stalling before my massive project of blogging about our cruise;))).

Lyana.

Cambridge With Julie

After a great weekend in London with my girlfriends, we received a fun bonus--our friend Julie took the train up to our house to spend her last day in England with us. I picked her up from the train station and we all went to church. After a quick lunch, we squished into our van and drove 30 minutes to Cambridge. After a few diversions en route because of the marathon that day, we finally got to central Cambridge. 

Because it was Sunday, we didn't want to do anything crazy. We made it just in time (a few minutes late, actually) to the King's College Chapel choral service. The chapel was beautiful inside! Music was wonderful, but the kids only lasted maybe twenty minutes. 

Across the street we stopped by our favorite fudge shop for a sample and then walked over to the River Cam. 

Punting once again-hahaha.

I think I've done it five times now. This is a picture of me raising my hand when the tour guide asked if anyone had done the punting tour before. 

Our guide this time was very knowledgable actually. He told us a ton of interesting stuff about people who went to Cambridge and a lot of historical connections that other guides never mentioned. It was very educational, and the boys enjoyed it as well (little turkeys--they always want to go on the boat just to relax and see surrounding buildings. They've done it three or four times now).

Robert and Katya stayed ashore walking around in the drizzle and taking beautiful pictures of the river...

...and of us passing under the bridge.

This early spring scenery has its own charm, doesn't it? Do you notice how the grass is still green--always green?

Unfortunately, this visit had to be a short one. We had to go home to our regular stuff like eating dinner:). So glad Julie was able to join us even for one day! And somehow I don't even have any pictures of me and her to post here (just a group one).

Visitors are still welcome! But you only have about a year left. Book in advance to make sure we are home:).

Lyana.

"Friends Forever" In London

It is true--maintaining friendships long distance is difficult. At the same time, maintaining friendship with truly good friends is quite easy and the moment you see them again it feels like you'd never left each other. I have mentioned it many times before on this blog that we have made some very special friends in Misawa. We have managed to meet up several times in the past three years and it's been a blast. 

This time...I am not sure how this miracle happened but we carved time out  of our busy moms' lives to meet in London for a long weekend. I had the shortest time to travel (lucky me), but others came from the states and Germany.

First stop: King's Cross to pick up Julie! Julie was our first friend in Misawa, actually she was one of Robert's best friends in High School. 

Of course, Harry Potter picture with an extra hand holding the scarf-hahaha.

By the way, all these pictures are acting a bit funky since I collected them from all over Facebook.

Second stop: Julie and I made our way to Baker Street and found our apartment AND Emily! She had arrived from the states and was waiting for the rest of us to arrive.

By the time it was early afternoon, we collected a few more girlfriends. This is just half of us by the door to our apartments (a great place that could fit up to fourteen people!). 

Third stop: Trafalgar Square and a Thai dinner at the Lemon Tree nearby. It was such a nice pleasant evening walk.

Fourth stop: Fulfilling Emily's lifelong dream to see "The Mousetrap"! Cozy authentic British theatre, six ladies--we made history by watching the longest running play in London (performance number 25964).

The play was witty, old-fashioned, beautifully done and kept us all guessing till the END! Way to go Agatha;). Julie was nodding off next to me--jet lag is not kind.

By the time we came home that night, we found one more friend at the apartment, and two more arrived by Friday morning. It was party time! We headed straight to Westminster Abbey (I was not disappointed to see it again), Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.

As the weather was just wonderful (although windy), we decided to take a boat ride from Westminster to the Tower of London area.

My true friends--didn't even tell me how funny I looked with my scarf on my head-haha. My ears were cold.

"WE ARE SO FANCY".

Deneka led the way to her favorite fish and chips place by the Tower. We scored a table for nine right away and enjoyed some good fish and pies.

Somehow we managed to get from Tower of London area to the British Museum (where a few ladies walked into the museum and saw quickly what they wanted to see) and finally took the tube all the way to Kensington Palace area for a real English afternoon tea experience at the Orangery.

It was fabulous! We felt so posh! Unlimited hot chocolate or teas plus finger sandwiches and desserts. For memories' sake, I am going to name everyone at the table-Tawnya, Rose, Janeen, Julie, Emily, me, Tami, Erin, Deneka.

Our night was not over! We all had a West End show to see. Since we all had seen different shows before, we had to split up into three groups--two went to see "Miss Saigon", five went to see "Matilda" and Erin and I chose "Les Miserables".

And we were not disappointed! Fabulous show, amazing music. I cannot wait to take Katya to see it.

Originally, I was planning to take a late train home on Friday night, but the girls were too much fun. We went out for some late after-show dessert and I decided to stay one more night and go home in the morning. The rest of the group had a great Jane Austen tour planned for Saturday (which turned out to be comically not so good-haha), but since I am not a die-hard fan of JA and there was no room for me in the tour van, I chose to go back home.

It was a bit hard to say good bye to some of the girls this time as we were not so sure when we'd be seeing each other again. I am sure though, we can make it happen because Misawa created extraordinary friends.

Lyana.

P.S. There are a few of you, my very special friends, who were not here in London this weekend or are friends from another page of my life. I love and remember you all!!!

Colors Of The Wind

I wanted to share this video of Katya singing at our Middle School/High School Showstoppers fundraising show last Thursday. Katya is part of the Theater Club at her school that is preparing for their play in May ("Charlie And The Chocolate Factory"). She loves to sing and sings all the time! It also looks like she is getting more and more confident with being on stage:). We just love watching her and so proud when she succeeds. Enjoy!

Lyana.

The Young Americans-2

We have been excited for a year for the Young Americans to come visit our base again. Last year their workshop and performance was a great success and kids talked about their show for weeks. As soon as they left last March, the date was set for their return visit to RAF Alconbury in February 2015. This time Alex was able to join the workshop and the performance as he was old enough, despite the fact that he goes to the school off base. 

Here is a picture of all the kids involved.

And unfortunately, this blogging program doesn't let me crop the picture..or I can't figure it out...

I signed up to volunteer as a chaperone for a couple of hours during the rehearsals, so I took a few pictures of the kids. Here is Katya's blue group. 

And here is Alex's purple group (the youngest kids).

The Young Americans spent a whole Thursday afternoon and Friday all day to work with the kids. Katya and Alex got solo parts in the show and were very excited to show off on Saturday nigh.

Alex had two lines to sing and then be the closing act of the movie medley saying "That's all folks!" like the famous pigs in the cartoons. He loved that-haha.

Katya had a few lines in the song from "Matilda" musical. She did a fantastic job! 

The show lasted almost two hours and was enjoyed by everyone.

Both Alex and Katya are hoping to be part of the Young Americans experience next year again if they come. 

My two performers:)

Basketball Season 2015-Feeling American

Our boys LOVE basketball! 

This was the first year that Mark was old enough to participate in our Youth Center's basketball season. He was almost old enough last year, but he was turning five at the end of December, while practices started in the middle of November (and actual games started after he turned five). This year he was very excited! We had to give up tennis before Christmas because it was conflicting with our basketball practices, but Mark was insistent that he really wants to do basketball. He was one of the older and more mature kids on the team and quickly became one of the best players, the ones that actually were not afraid of the ball and scored at almost every game. His height helped too.

Mark is #43. He looked forward to every game, so the first six weeks when they only practiced were a bit long for him-he craved competition.

In January, the games started, so we had practices on Monday evenings (5-6 pm for Mark +6-7 pm for Alex) and then games back to back on Friday evenings. 

Mark gave 100% at each game and he learned so much during the season! 

He scored several points throughout the season, and when he did he always ran pass us with a big smile on his cute face! And yes, we cheered, "Go, Mark!!!". 

Here is Mark's little team. Next year he is really hoping to be on the 7-9 year olds' team, but it all depends again if they will let him do that if he turns seven before the games start. 

Alex has been participating in our base basketball season almost every year since he was five. For the first three years he showed off more dance moves than basketball skills, but he enjoyed every minute of it. This year was very different. He was one of the pros on the team, his last year on the 7-9 year olds team. 

And he was good! He scored, he dribbled, he worked with his teammates and listened to the coach. 

Alex was the tallest on his team. He towered over some of the opposing players. 

He even got to do the penalty shots which he missed both times. That basketball hoop in our driveway is waiting for you, Alex.

We attended every basketball game (for both Alex and Mark) as a family, cheering like crazy! Katya got into it too, it was funny. I must admit, Alex's games were intense! They were so fun to watch and you never knew how they would end. I would get hoarse after each game from cheering for our "Lakers" team.

I am grateful for the coaches who volunteer their time to teach our kids to play. Coach Webster (on the left) was Alex's coach for two years in a row. He was always very chill but fun and a good example to the kids.

We had a quick ice cream party for the boys after the last game. They got their T-shirts, trophies and ice cream.

I like basketball, especially watching it. So I hope that the boys will keep playing:).

Lyana.