6.8 Earthquake - No Sweat

About lunch time the house started rumbling and shaking for just a second.  I thought - hmmm - was that an earthquake or did a big truck drive by.  Then about a minute later (probably less) things started really shaking and they weren't stopping.  So I grabbed Tennyson and Charlotte and headed for the dinning table.  About the time we got there it stopped.  I was mildly impressed, things were really moving.  It didn't even rattle my dishes or knock anything off the wall - these concrete houses.  I think grabbing Charlotte and heading for the table freaked her out.  She was very nervous after that.

The boys of course had their own wild moments at school.  Jayce was at lunch and saw a TV fall to one side - so he bailed under the table and other kids followed suit.  Grahm was in the computer lab and he has stories of lights falling and a computer getting broken as they went under the tables.  I think I need some clarification - the teacher didn't give any indication that anything that interesting happened.  Never a dull moment here.

Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Jason finally let me attend a military formal function.  In the past we have had too little of babies or he has decided that it is not a great atmosphere for his wife.  This one was a great experience.  I loved all of the ceremony involved and all the symbols.  It was a nice reminder of why we are here and to feel a real connection to the history of our great country.  I think it is so easy to take for granted all of our freedoms and all of the sacrifices of the past that bring us to this point.  I was so glad I was able to attend and hope to be able to again.  The Marine Corps knows how to put on a show.

As we reached the car on our way out - Jason conveniently remembered that we didn't get our picture taken.  Even though I was disappointed I was not about to ask a grumpy man to walk all the way back in to see if the pictures were still available.  So I was sad until I decided that we would just have to dress up again another day and have our pictures taken.  Jason realized that he should have chosen to walk back in and check things out or he should have helped me remember earlier in the evening.  He loves getting his picture taken and loves getting fancied up.

This is a snapshot after we got home - so the hair has wilted and we are tired.  I photoshopped out the door, so that is why it is weird.

Halloween

We had a good Halloween.  By that I mean - I only had to dress them up twice.  The first time was for festival on base.  It was fun and Jayce went with a friend - and we definitely got the "I am too cool for you" vibe when we tried to say hi.  

Charlotte went as a Black Crow to the festival (Grahm wore it when he was about the same age - Jayce was a Scarecrow).  Then Monday at about noon we were talking and she was telling me how much candy everyone was going to give her because she was going to be so creepy.  I explained to her that the Crow costume wasn't that creepy (unless you are scared of Crows ;)).  She told me she needed blood on her face.  I further explained that with a mask you don't get to have blood on her face.  Well she decided to be a vampire instead.  Grahm was Snake Eyes (from GI Joe).  Jayce as Larten Crepsley from The Saga of Larten Crepsley.  Picture at the bottom.

I made the kids a Halloween lunch.  The boys told me everyone at school was super jealous.  Maybe I will try harder next year.  We had help Trick-or-Treating this year.  So someone younger than Jason and I took the boys off running and they came back with a ridiculous amount of candy.  I think next year I will buy smaller bags.  Charlotte had a friend who went as a witch, they were super cute.

Jason is always so good to carve exactly what the kids ask for.  I would probably say - too hard and stick with the traditional face.

Here is the cover of the Jayce's new favorite book.

40th Annual Naha Tsunahiki (Tug-of-War)

This year we attended the annual Tug-of-War festival in Naha.  This event has been in the Guinness Book of World Records.  

This is an excerpt from wikipedia.

The festival begins with men dressed in traditional Okinawan garb standing on the rope facing in opposite directions to symbolize the battle between East and West. A myriad of performances take place along the rope's length, from martial artists of varying ages, to older women performing a sort of fan-dance. It is a international event with Japanese nationals, American military, and tourists in attendance. Just before the start of the match a man dressed in the garb of the Ryūkyūan kings stands on a wooden platform hoisted in the air on the shoulders of men standing on opposite sides of the rope. The "king" is carried on this platform down the length of the rope, before the festival starts, and the two kings perform a ritual sword contest.

The main rope, over one meter in diameter, has many smaller diameter, but very long ropes extending from it, and the participants pull these during the contest. The contest lasts 30 minutes and the challenge is to pull the other team a total of 15 meters. If neither side pulls the other the 15 meters, whichever side has pulled the other the furthest wins.

After the 30 minute time limit expires, one side is declared the victors, and they are allowed to climb on top of their rope to celebrate. It is customary for participants to cut apart the rope, and take a length of it as a token, and so throngs of people using tools ranging from their pocket knives, scissors and hacksaws set on the rope cutting lengths of it to commemorate the festival.

Before the Tug-of-War starts there is a parade.

There are several of these large "flags".  They bounce them to the music as they move down the street during the parade.  The other sticks are there to help pick up the "flag" and to keep it upright.  Each "flag" has a different top.  

In the events of NAHA GIANT TAG-OF-WAR, there are many unique and traditional events- finger whistle, firecracker, gong, drum, preparation and Karate‐show. Before the tag-of-war, parade of 14 flags is held by many young men wearing the black special uniform named Mumunuchihanta. This parade is called Ufunnasunei. There are 14 committees in the conservation society, but each of them has one or two flags. These flags are symbols and good-luck charms of the areas, which they live. 　It is very difficult to walk and hold the flags. So the young men are very proud of attending the parade and holding the flags. (Source)

Some children performing in the parade.

This is how you have fireworks in a parade.  They light them and toss them in this little box.  I want one.


After the parade and before the tug-of-war started we checked out a local meat market.  This was interesting.  Pork is important here on the island.

This picture gives you an idea of how large around the rope is.

The boys getting ready to help pull.

The drummers help the participants pull the rope to a rhythm.  Charlotte and her friend are getting a chance to help.

I took this picture so you could see how crowded it is.  I was really nervous that Grahm was going to get trampled.  The blonde head in the middle.

Before the Tug-of-War begins they have a re-enactment fight between the Ryukyu East and West rulers.

They pulled for 30 minutes.  It was hot and crowded pulling and Jason will never do it again.  After the contest is over then everyone gets a pieces of the rope.  It is good luck that lasts all year.  It was a tie this year.

Life Well Lived Getting Happy

If you have stopped by Blogher you might have noticed that they have a Life Well Lived section that covers lots of useful topics. They have discussed staying on top of your laundry, dressing for your age, using accessories, and more.

I have been asked to comment on the question: How do you deal with negative people in your life?

How do I deal with negative people in my life?  I avoid them.  Just kidding.

I listen so they feel that they have been heard.  I let them know I understand their feelings without stoking the fire.  Then I try to focus the conversation on something positive, even if it means a change of subject (smooth and subtle change of subject).

Dr. Aymee has some great tips that I think can even get through to a grouchy 9 year old or an angry 7 year old.  Go check it out and share what you do to stay positive here. You also need to stop by here to enter for a chance to win $250.

**I volunteered  for this program and I am not being paid to share my thoughts!

The Aquarium and Strange Poster

We visited the Aquarium again.  It was Jason's first time.  It is really cool and there is more to see at the entire Ocean Expo Park - another visit.

This picture is outside the Aquarium.   All over the park grounds they have other botanical sculptures of sea life.

We visited the aquarium with friends and the girls were so cute.  I love how 3 of the kids climbed into this window to watch the Sharks.

It was a super fun trip, except Tennyson was sick on the way home and made me wash the car seat cover.


At the Aquarium outside of the restrooms I noticed this poster and had to quickly snap a picture.  I believe it is telling us that if we don't wash our hands that we will get a beating from germs.  I love the visual image of being beaten by a giant purple germ.  So please follow the directions to the left to avoid your own future germ beating.

She's One!

My baby is One and walking.  Technically a baby, but so big already.  I miss the days when she would sit and snuggle.  She probably had the worst First Birthday ever.  She spent her day crying for Mom as I prepared and hosted 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 year olds and taught them cool Science.  Then on the day we designated for her cake and dinner we decided last minute to run to the Aquarium and on our return home she ended up sick and blew out a diaper all over the car seat.  We kept her up too late trying to finish dinner and presents.  Next year will be better, I promise.

For her Birthday she received a Little People Ice Cream Truck (Which was very distracting because it wasn't wrapped.  She didn't want to unwrap anything.), bath toys, cupcake toys to add to the kitchen, and her Corolle Doll.  She has been trying to steal Charlotte's and it has been causing problems, so she was very excited to get hers. 

Can you tell by the one picture that she was tired and not feeling well?

 The kids thought the rainbow cake was super cool and it was kind of fun to make.  Maybe we will do it again.

Tennyson you are the busiest of all your siblings.  You are the most curious and determined.  You keep us on our toes.  We are so proud of you and love that you are apart of our family.  You still demand to be held by Mom most of the time and only give kisses when the mood strikes you.  If someone tries to steal a kiss you get angry (hope you feel that way at 16).  You love to play in the water (toilets are acceptable).  You like to get into your brother's Legos and you smile and run when you get caught.  Love you tons, Little Miss.

Mad Scientist Birthday Party (again)

Yes, I did a Mad Scientist Birthday Party a little over 2 years ago for big brother.  This time it was for Grahm and since it was Halloween I was able to get excited about decorating.  You will be surprised to know I didn't buy any new decorations.  My Mom sends my kids a creepy box every Halloween (they love it as much as Christmas) and so I am well stocked in creepy items.

The invitations were tucked inside small vials or test tubes.  They were simple and included things like "Testing Begins at"  "Lab Location".  The party favor bags I made .  I printed the logo I made on brown paper bags.  For how to print on lunch bags click here.  I will attach the pdf file for the print at the bottom (if someone has a picture they know is okay to use and distribute I would love to place it in the pdf file).  To add to the feel of the "Lab", I taped black plastic (garbage bags) over the walls.

For the experiments we:

1.  Franken-Bugs.  We made bugs with our Creepy Crawler Machine.

2.  Insta-Snow.  We learned about polymers.  You can read more here.

3.  Foaming-Snow.  You microwave Ivory soap (has to be Ivory).  Explained here.

4.  Hover Crafts.  You use a CD, bottle top, and a balloon.  Explained here.

5.  Tympanic Torture Device.  Could be really annoying.  Explained here. 

6.  Jello-Petri Dish.  I explained this using temperature and molecules.  Then every time they were getting too wild - I would have my molecules freeze.  We put smarties in our Jello to be our "growths".

7.  Film Canister Rockets.  Vinegar and Alka-Seltzer in a film canister and the lid pops off - be careful of eyes.  No pointing at anyone.  They can pop pretty hard.

8.  Diet Soda/Mento Geysers.  Explained here.

For refreshments we served:

1.  Abby Normal Cupcakes.  My awesome neighbor hand created each of these fondant brains.  I love how they turned out.

2.  Arsenic Cider.  I am in love with layering drinks.  The Sisters Cafe has a nice video how to.

3.  Cryo-Cream (sorry no pic).  Mint-Brownie Ice Cream.

My favorite decor for the party was the china cabinet.  I filled it to make it look like a specimen cabinet you see in labs.  Essentially I found creepy things, put them in jars.  Then added water and food coloring to them.  I wanted to add dust and cobwebs, but at some point you have to be done.

Here are a few pics from the party.  The boys were literally this wiggly the whole time.  I am glad that they had fun.   Here they are decorating their hover craft.

Playing with our tympanic torture devices.

You will have to find a picture of a spider or skeleton hand on your own and add it.
Mad Science Treats

Mad Science Goody Bag

If they live until 7 do I get to go to Heaven?

Grahm celebrated his seventh Birthday!  We celebrated as a family and then had a big Birthday bash for friends the following weekend.  It was fun.

He made off with a microscope and accessories (explains the face), Nerf gun, How to Pin Bugs book, and a coat.

 Ignore the Diet Coke in the background and the awful picture (it really makes the Torte look gross).

My 7 year old.  How on earth did he get this big.  I was just throwing a 7 year old party for his big brother.

I like the idea of taking a picture with the Birthday kid - so we started the tradition.  Well see if I can remember or get it done with each one every year.

Grahm you are super sweet.  You share better than anyone I have ever met.  You notice when people are in need and you are quick to respond.  You have lots of energy and love to laugh and smile.  You are good at sports and excel at everything you try.  You just started Gymnastics and are loving it.  You love Legos, Nerf guns, science, reading, running with you Dad (Mom is too slow), Star Wars the Clone Wars, primary, hugs, and so much more.  You are a good big brother and always try to help with the baby and you play really well with your bother and sister.  You are a blessing to us and a joy to have.

Run Forrest, Run!

0Well my boys like to run these days.  They ran again in September and plan to run again in October.  They are not getting in as much practice lately with soccer and football practices going on.  This has become our new family activity (well we manage about once a week all together).  By the way - I have new respect for stroller pushers.  That is rough to do - especially uphill.

Grahm finishing up.

Jason encouraging Jayce for the last 100meters.