Finally in Sasebo, Japan!

It seems like it took so long to finally get here, but here we are.  We are still in the Navy lodge and it's tough with the four of us in this small room.  The time change was especially difficult for 9 month old Braden.  I think after 5 days now he is getting in the groove.  Matt and I did our "welcome to Japan" classes and got our drivers licenses.  Mine is restricted to driving on base for a week for a slight curb check during my test.  We are fortunate to have a loaner car from Matt's sponsor so we can get around.  We are in the process of looking for a car (no simple task with the language barrier).  We also hope to accept housing this week.  We looked at townhouse and an apartment in the tower at Hario village.  I think we are opting for the tower.  Here are a few pictures of us around town.  Will update soon......Jess

moving out

Matt and I are finally wrapping up a tedious week of packing out and cleaning the house.  We are living out of suitcases and staying at Ma and Pa Bakers house.  We have been getting repairs done and cleaning non-stop.  Can't wait to be finished!

Braden get's a haircut

Our littlest B got his first little man haircut today. He also had a couple shots so he was a little sad. Matt took him to Suzie, the lady who cuts his hair. Here are the before and after.

Brenna's birthday

Brenna turned the big 3 on the 4th. She had a wonderful party made even more special by the family and friends there.

Pumkin patch

Finally got them over to the patch today. Hard to get pictures of Brenna these days, shes a fast moving target. Braden was more interested in playing with and tasting the straw. Thankfully, grandmawas there to help keep em corralled.

My little singers

My little singers.

Navy Ball

Matty and I went to our first Navy ball together last night. We had been told how much fun it was last year and that we should really give it a go. So I wore my bridesmaid dress from Christina's wedding and Matt wore his choker whites. He looked so handsome ;-) . We got there had a couple drinks and mingled. Then we had dinner (not too tasty). I had high hopes for the giant cake that would be cut later. After dinner there were a couple laim dance songs, s/a the electric slide, celebration, cotton eye joe. Then 3 speakers were to talk about there IA experience. Evidently no time limit was set and these poor guys were not public speakers. Looking around the room, people were yawning and talking amongst themselves. I excused myself to the ladies room between speakers and on the way back found Matt and some others in the bar. I was there for quite some time before I went back. I figured the speaking would be almost over. I was wrong. During the featured speakers talk the county commissioner,who was a few seats away, collapsed. For a while the speaker kept going but then EMT's got there and it was obvious his condition was serious. We and most of the party goers stepped out for his privacy. During that time 1/2 - 1/3 of the attendees left the ball all together. Hard to have fun and dance after that. Matt and I and most of the Vigilant Eagles stayed. There were a bunch of door prizes to be had and our odds had just improved. We ended up having a good time and Matt won a $100 savings bond. It definitely wasn't what I expected but it was nice to dress up and go out with my husband. Ohh, and the cake was excellent!