Contracting out the Holidays

Since we'd already bought an Anikan Skywalker jedi outfit for William's birthday, that is what he went as this Halloween. The day after we got back from China, it was October 30, and Tim and I went to see Joe Sample in Tokyo. Joe Sample is a jazz pianist. The show was excellent. Spendy, but a great venue (we saw him at the Cotton Club). So, William went to spend some time at the Strand's that night. They were carving pumpkins, and this is what William did without our help. Interesting big eye there...
Jowanzo's birthday is in November, but his mom had his party on Halloween night. That way, his Japanese friends could come on base and trick-or-treat. William, Shuto (who is great at soccer), ?, Masato and Jowanzo are pictured.

It was strange dropping him off, as we've always done Halloween with him, and he was off on his own.

They did a very traditional Japanese thing for Jowanzo's birthday. They went to an onsen and all soaked in hot water together. I imagine it was really late before they got to bed. But, I thought it was interesting: They all had to wear diapers. Usually, he doesn't when he stays at Jowanzo's. But, one of the kids obviously has an overnight incontinence issue, so to be fair, they all wore them! That is so Japanese to make everyone be equal.
I caught up to them for a brief moment at the commissary parking lot. They were having a blast, and I was having a little sting of not being a part of William's experiences here!
Thanksgiving was at the Strands. They put all the kids out-doors. William was late, as he had to go to school that day (Japanese Labor/Thanksgiving was on Monday). Liesl, Kaile, William, Charla, and Erin had a blast.

It was strange being the 'orphans.' We invited ourselves over. Our oven is a mini-oven, and not big enough for a turkey. Maybe a turkey breast. Strands have a place for an oven from base (base provides) and therefore were able to make a huge turkey! And, the stuffing was home-made and very good. All we had to do was bring pie, wine, cranberry salad (chopped fresh cranberries, mini marshmallows, cool whip, walnuts and grapes), and a relish tray.

For those who care. I made the Libby's classic pumpkin pie, and Paula Deen's Food Network pumpkin pie with cream cheese. Paula Deen's won hands-down. The pecan pie was good, as well. Burp.
This was the last picture taken before the food fight. OMG. These girls went at it. It was a total mess. And William didn't even holler when a fairly large chunk of turkey breast smacked him in the face! It was kinda funny to see the look on his face. Shoulda seen the candied yams stuck in the girl's hair, and the debris on the grass. I guess it will always be a memorable Thanksgiving for William.

Without football, we watched a Sumo competition. They're getting towards the end of the tournament, so it was interesting. William got to play his favorite game, 'Mille Bornes' (the Strands own this card game). Then, we went home. The past 2 holidays passed without much of an effort on our part. Kinda strange.

I missed my family terribly. They all got together at my sisters. My sister has new grandbabies to hold, and the pumpkin pie smack-down would have been fun to participate in... It is times like these that I ache for my family and friends. We are grateful we have good friends here.