It's been six weeks . . .

Wow - time flies when you're having fun. Life is good. We are all doing well. Rodney started high school and he loves it. No, I really mean it. He loves his school. The brothers up at O'dea create a special place, as all of the parents are raving about the change in their kids. I'm waiting for the first progress report. Rod is playing freshman football and he's performing well. He's a starter on the defensive team, cornerback. This is a new position, as he usually plays running back. He's taken this new challenge with grace and has really performed. He caught a pass interception last week. This week he recovered a fumble and ran in two after goal plays for four points.

Naiyah is crawling forward. She's been crawling backwards for a month or so. So, yesterday she mastered crawling forward and today she's pulling up. She hasn't quite got herself to a standing position, but it appears that cruising is only days away. She's just over 8.5 months, so it's not surprising that she's mobile. I haven't updated her website, but I will soon.

Fussy Baby

Okay, it's official. I am tired and the baby is cranky. She won't go to sleep and she keeps whining. Hmmm . . . I suppose she's acting like a typical 7 month old. Oh well, at some point, she will fall asleep. I tried reading her Goodnight Moon and she wanted to gum the pages. Oh my, she's actually quiet. Could it be? She may be putting herself to sleep. Good Job, Naiyah.

No more pictures of Naiyah

Well, a very sick woman has taken pictures of Naiyah and posted them on her website. She claims they are pictures of her daughter. Since I am unable to block the blog and she is so young, we think it's better not to have her image posted. We have placed a password on her web page.

Rodney in Japan

This is Rodney with his Japanese Host Family. They sent him a box with his custom chopsticks. He made them during the trip. Before he left Japan, they gave him a mini photo album with pictures. I have scanned a few for the blog.

Baby Nai in her famous black sling

Naiyah and I are prepared to water the plants. Of course, this only works when she agrees to sit in her sling.

Rodney returns

Rodney returned last week. He was exhausted and spent most of Saturday sleeping. He really enjoyed his trip. Once we have developed his film, I will post some of his pictures.

UPDATE:

This is a picture of the Seattle kids with their host students at their school.

Hiroshima Bound

Tuesday - July 12th, Rodney is headed for Hiroshima. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshima
He and the other students will take a train from Kanazawa . From Miyajima-Guchi Stattion, they will hop a ferry to the island. The students must walk two (2) miles to the camp on Miyajima Island.

Summertime in Seattle

I love my city in the summertime. The sky is beautiful. The trees are divine. The water is blue. Everyone is outside. It's wonderful.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Rodney called on the 4th of July and sent an email later that evening. He is in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa, Japan. He took a 2 hour train ride from Kyoto at 1pm on July 5th (16 hours ahead of Seattle). He attended a Welcome Party at Daitoku Community Hall with his host family.
The host family is the Sugano's. They have two boys. He said they are very friendly.

You may learn additional information about this city at http://www.city.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/index_e.html

In Japan, it's 1:30 am on Wednesday morning. When Rodney wakes up, he will go to school at Daitoku Junior High. They will have a Welcome Ceremony for the students. Mrs. Campbell (Eckstein Principal) will give a speech. The students will travel to City Hall for a meeting with the Mayor kf Kanazawa, have lunch, and then a walking tour of Gorakuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Castle.

You may check the time at http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/custom.html?cities=248,234

Naiyah and the Ear Infection

Last night, the doctor at the after hours clinic diagnosed Naiyah with an ear infection. She was in a great mood, but had a fever of 101.2 and every once in awhile, she would touch her ear. Classic signs of an ear infection without the drama. Oh, don't worry, the drama arrived today. She is behaving like an ill child. She's fussy and refusing her pink antibiotics. How will she ever get better?

Rodney in Kyoto

Rodney is in Japan

Kyoto, Japan

Rodney, the teenager, is Japan. He's been there since Saturday at 1am (pacific time). He has yet to call me. Why did I go to Costco to purchase an international calling card? It's Monday, June 4th, almost noon. He should have visited the Nijojo Castle and be on his way to Kiyomizu Temple (shown right).