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Christmas 1999
It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of our first year in northern Japan already. Although the year began with apprehension and disarray, we quickly grew to realize that moving to Japan was a good decision. We've established many new friendships, Christopher and Patti are kept busy with activities on base, and Terry is enjoying a challenging management position.
Christopher turned two in November and finally has one haircut to his credit. Christopher is thriving here and enjoys swimming lessons, playgroups, and the numerous spacious playgrounds in Misawa. Christopher is nearly as talkative as he is mobile, though half his words make sense only to him. He runs everywhere - and when he isn't running, he is riding his tricycle which he recently mastered.
We are very fortunate that Patti is able to care for Christopher full time. She enjoys the swimming and other activities as much as Christopher and she also makes sure we get out of the house as a family to enjoy local sight-seeing as well as some of the numerous seasonal festivals. Patti is also active with a couple of social groups on base and she is organizing a nine-day trip to China in the spring for approximately 10 of her friends (Terry will understandably remain in Misawa on babysitting duty for this trip).
When he isn't golfing or chasing Christopher around the house, Terry can usually be found at the office. He traveled several times this year on business - back to Maryland in May, and onto Iowa in June for his 20th year high school reunion; to Hawaii (with his golf clubs); to the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Okinawa; and twice to Tokyo. Terry's father, Dick Howard, visited us in September. Although he enjoyed sight-seeing and the air show at Misawa which drew nearly 300,000 spectators, I'm sure he would tell you that the highlight of his visit was hearing Christopher call him Grandpa for the first time.
As much as we enjoyed the experience of living off-base, we were excited to have the opportunity to move on base in late November. We moved into a three-bedroom home adjacent to a large playground which is within walking distance of the commissary and base exchange complex, the church, and the main gate to the base. In addition, this move has reduced Terry's drive time to/from work by nearly 40 minutes each day. The extra 500 square feet helps too.
As you can see it has been a busy, exciting, and rewarding year for the Howard family. Good luck with Y2K.
We wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season.
Terry, Patti, and Christopher
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