happy HALLOWEEN!

We went to Huis Ten Bosch for Halloween afternoon, it was free to those in costume and was a beautiful afternoon. We joined friends Cheryl, Joy and Shelbie.

Get our theme? chicken, farmer and cook... sick, eh?

Cora chasing Shelbie to the Carousel

Cora's "dip" into the ice cream... little piggy!

almost Halloween...

this was Cora's get-up for her school party :)

Greg's HOG experience...

only in Japan do the driving schools (a fun mini-world of driving / parking challenges) shut down and host Harley Davidson "try outs." Of course Greg was more than excited to take a few spins... since it's likely the closest he'll ever come to owning one!

back in Sasebo...

the reverse jet lag has passed and it wasn't as bad as the other direction. BUT the family is now sharing a bug that seems to linger, it's not fun...

here's an update of what we did last week (since this week we are collectively on the couch in jammies)!

watching Koi fish at HVC

with buddies Shelbie and Priya

yes, daddy took Cora down this slide (I couldn't take a picture b/c I was so scared!)

striking a pose

with daddy on grass slide

the whole distance of grass slide

Sports day @ Mamenoki!

Today was a beautiful fall day and we really enjoyed Cora's school function. We gathered at Sasebo Park for a bunch of activities. The kids have been practicing for months for this day and it was a great event.

with her favorite sensei

the kids line up for "opening ceremonies"

race between Cora and 2 others close to her age.... she got the bronze!

dancing with daddy

the older kids showed off their gymnastics

Cora shows off her medal to Sophia

a visit to New Jersey...

Sorry for this late entry -- the time has flown by and I'm barely caught up with it, back in Japan and in the swing of life once more.

After we left Philly we crossed the boarder and headed up to Bayonne to visit the Madea family and introduce Cora. We were there to celebrate Aunt El's birthday and otherwise we spent a lot of time relaxing and chatting. We spent an afternoon at Liberty State Park where we had great weather and were able to see NYC, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Cora and (5th) cousin Joey (he's 6 months younger)

4 generations of Madeas

outside Grandma and Aunt El's house

triple slide at Liberty Park

well worth the 2 year wait for a Sabrett and yoohoo!

wayy behind Lady Liberty

Cora found Grandma's glove drawer and had a ball trying them on!

Skyping with China and meeting the newest member of the Madea family --

welcome Caitlin Mei!

meanwhile around Philadelphia...

We've spent a few extra days around town as Becky and Jim "honeymoon." This gave Cora a chance to be the only apple of Obaa and Sofu's eyes! The weather wasn't too cooperative, so we spent most time indoors.

Philadelphia "Please Touch" children's museum in Fairmont Park

creating tunes

playing with baby in Children's Hospital Nursery exhibit

Grocery shopping at the fish counter

Painting roses in Alice's Wonderland

first carousel ride with Obaa

little Liberache'

We're heading to visit Aunt Lynn and Uncle Bob today and tomorrow over to NJ to introduce Cora to the rest of the Madea bunch!

Cora shows off her laptop to Mitchie

AND helps him escape --- they became great buddies!