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Although 2000 was our first full year in Japan, we are rapidly approaching the two-year point - with only one year remaining on our original three-year tour. Sometime this winter, we'll be asked to decide about whether or not we'll be extending or asking for another tour at Misawa. At a minimum we plan to extend five-to-six months in order to schedule a summer rotation (taking us through June 2002), and it should come as no surprise to most of you that, since we have thoroughly enjoyed our two years in Misawa, we are seriously considering requesting a one-to-two year extension.
With a near-record 220 inches of snowfall
last winter, we made the most of our wintery environment by taking up snowshoeing
and skiing. We remain novices at skiing but hope to advance our skills
this winter. Terry experienced first-hand the worst blizzard of the season
while on an overnight snowshoe expedition in the nearby mountain range.
Apparently he didn't learn anything since he went on another overnight
expedition three weeks later.
In April Patti fulfilled a dream by journeying
to China. With her friend Polly, Patti visited Hong Kong, Beijing,
Shanghai, and Xian over ten days. She walked along the Great Wall,
visited the archaeology site encompassing the terra cotta warriors of Emperor
Qin Shi Huang, and of course - she shopped. While Patti was in China,Terry
quickly learned that Christopher has a preference - and that he is not
the Mommy.
In June we all visited Maryland while Terry was on business, and we also visited our families in Pennsylvania and Iowa. In Iowa, Christopher rode a bicycle (with training wheels) in Dunlap's Fourth of July parade - what fun! Back in Japan throughout the summer, we enjoyed frequent day trips to local beaches, parks, and tourist attractions like the Aquarium in Aomori.
In late July Terry climbed Japan's tallest mountain - Mount Fuji - which is easily the most widely recognizable symbol of Japan. Terry climbed the mountain with hundreds of other people that day - some of whom climb Mt. Fuji annually. Terry claims that climbing Mount Fuji was the most exhausting and mentally demanding thing he has ever done. A Japanese proverb says "There are two types of fools - those who never climb Mount Fuji - and those who climb it more than once." Terry also enjoyed a number of other hikes into the nearby Hakodda mountain range this summer. Patti claims the trips are more about hot baths and beer than climbing mountains for scenic vistas - Terry isn't arguing. Terry also managed to do a little golfing this summer (a little?).
Christopher turned three in November and has really grown into a unique little man. Christopher spent the first part of the year finding Mommy's buttons and spent most of the second-half of the year in "time-out" for pushing them. We're happy to report that both Mommy and Christopher survived the terrible twos. Christopher is highly conversational, he has a terrific sense of humor, and he continues to demonstrate playground coordination well beyond his years - mostly from spending the summer trying to keep up with all the older boys in the neighborhood. We couldn't be more proud of our little guy.
May the holiday season lift your spirits and may the new year bring you and your family continued health, happiness, and prosperity.
Terry, Patti, and Christopher
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