Grandma left on November 20. That night, when we sat down to dinner, Matthew looked at the empty seat where she always sat. Then he burst into tears and said, "Grandma". We do miss her!
On November 24, Jessica's class had their annual music concert and art show. Jess was so much fun to watch as she sang every word with confidence and a smile. She also was very proud of the art work that she had done over the past few months.
Jessica with friends Kan and Luka.
On November 26, Matthew had soccer clinic, while Jacob had basketball games - both at our school, Canadian Academy. Then, the expat adults got together for a big Thanksgiving feast at the Fitzpatricks' (who live right above us). Their kids stayed with ours downstairs for their own party. Jacob was in charge! The food was amazing, and the company terrific. It gave us a little feeling of home.
The next morning, Matthew realized he had left his backpack at CA on Saturday. Jacob went with him to get it before rugby training. However, it was not there. The whole family went back later in the day to look. No luck. On Monday, we checked the school lost and found and the police. Still no luck. I kept thinking it would show up. It is Japan - home of the most honest people in the world! We never found the backpack or any of its contents.
This next week brought a stomach virus to our home. Jacob started it Monday, and then I got it Thursday. Matthew got sick Saturday, and then Phillip on Sunday. Jessica was the only healthy one! Matthew was so sick on Saturday. Yet, he somehow made it to play in the rugby tournament on Sunday. He was so weak at first and had to just nibble on crackers. I was so proud of his effort. He even scored twice! That Sunday afternoon, I was on a mission to wash everything in sight - clothes, sheets, you name it - and spray the house with Lysol. Unfortunately, I washed a jacket that had Jacob's iphone in it. Really? We just lost 2 phones in 1 week? (After getting an extra phone from a friend and going to the Apple store, everyone is back on line!)
Of course, St. Nick came to visit on December 6.
On December 9 & 10, Jacob's Canandian Academy basketball team won the league tournament. They dominated every game. So, now CA has won baseball and basketball championships this school year!! Hey, wait, I know that coach!
Jacob with Joesh and Kai
December always brings fun parties.
Jessica went to a birthday party for 3 classmates - Kan, Fabi, and Chiho. For our baseball friends and Cardinal family, it is interesting to note that Kan's last name is Taguchi. Yes. Kan is So Taguchi's son, born in St. Louis during So's playing time there. So has just finished his career where he started it here in Japan with the Orix Buffaloes. So, his wife Emiko, and Kan are all very friendly and kind. Jacob did not complain at all about walking his sister home from this party! :)
Other parties included ...
...Cookie exchange, bunko white elephant party, as well as Japanese Tea at the Ritz in Osaka. (My pictures at the Ritz are not very good, but they give an idea of how lovely the hotel and tea were.)
... a lovely coffee morning at the home of our British friend, Sandra. I just love the way she says "coffee at mine".
.... and finally a party in Jessica's class on December 16. I am so glad that Jessica is still young enough that I can help with parties! I organized the party and was overwhelmed by parents' participation and generosity. We had so much food and drink! We also collected money for teacher gifts, and had about 20 parents show up to help at the party!
Jessica with her friends Denise, Alex, Chiho, and Karina.We spent Saturday just hanging out and packing for our winter break trip. On Sunday, December 18, we are off to Kuala Lumpur and Bali!
Peace and Love for the Christmas season!
Tina
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