Chase's 2nd Birthday

One of Chase's favorite t.v. shows "Blue's Clues". And the dog's name is Blue (a girl).
Chase enjoyed licking off the frosting before we cut the cake. Hope his hands were clean.




Chase's Buddies: Becca, Keaton, Sara, and Ashley
Jump, Jump, and Jump so more


Giving kisses to his stuffed animal "Blue"

Cole's Hike up Mount Iwate

Mount Iwate is the largest peak in Northern Honshu (it is an active volcano about 6600 feet above sea level). It is a popular hiking destination with multiple routes to the top, ranging in difficulty. I joined four friends and we took the most difficult route to the peak (about 20 km round-trip). We stayed overnight in a small lodge at the base of the volcano peak. We saw snakes, waterfalls, sulfur steam, rivers, shrines, and some of the most beautiful views you can imagine. It was a wonderful trip. It only took 3 days for my joints and muscles to recover.

Aomori Nebuta Festival

In a daze watching the floats.

Becca and Chase clapping to the beat of the drums. Festivals are very loud with drums and chanting.

Blue Rasberry Shaved Ice. Chase was loving it

Bre's 30th Birthday

For Bre's birthday, we went to our favorite restaurant here in Misawa with some friends for dinner and Bre pulled out the camera to take a picture of the melt-in-your mouth scallops. Bre enjoyed her flowers and massage and has already made good use of her new blender (inside joke) making Chase lots of smoothies. It's the only way we can sneak him spinach and carrots!