Update

Now that school is back in session we get to do fun science experiments.  In the picture we were testing the PH balance by using a cabbage solution we found.  

Bob took the kids to the skate park a few times in the freezing cold.  They like to go in the morning before it gets crowded.

Bob got injured doing these jumps on his bike and has been recovering from some pretty good sized bruises.

Working a lot is part of Bob's life here in Japan, but he has made time to spend with the kids.  Now instead of working out at the gym alone everyday Tucker rides his bike over and joins him a few times a week.  Although, during the week our gym has recently once again closed to civilians.  So they won't be able to do this until Covid calms down a bit.

Penelope had a temple and young women preview meeting and I made temple cookies for everyone.  She has since been to a couple young women activities and is loving it.  I can't believe she is old enough for young womens.  It is crazy!  I am happy for her.  She could really use the social interaction.  With everything being closed for Covid this is really her only thing.  There is a good size group of about six girls her age all starting together and a couple even live in our neighborhood.

It was time for us to take down the antlers, and the rest of the Christmas decorations for that matter.

I got a Japanese bank account!  For those in the states it sounds like no big deal.  But to be an American living in Japan with no residency card it is pretty difficult.  They are picky with who they will give an account to.  I needed several papers and a good reason for needing an account.  I also had to go two separate times because the first time they told me needed to bring a translator.  I brought the one Japanese person I feel like I really know, my piano teacher.  She was so sweet to come with me.  It took about three hours.  I even was told I would need a Hanko, a custom name stamp that Japanese people often use instead of their signature.   I didn't end up needing that, but I did get one because I thought I would need it.  It was worth it though.  The reason I need the account is so we can get paid for the modeling jobs.  We have had money waiting for us with the agency for almost two years now.  Prior to that I got cash, but it requires a separate trip up to Tokyo, which is something I never want to do.  On the way home form the bank we stopped at a bakery.  Japan has some of the most beautiful food.

On New Years Day we did our customary hike.  It was cold, but the perfect way to start the new year.  

It was even better than last year because this time we didn't take a wrong turn and take forever to find our way out of the woods.

I managed to catch the end of Leon putting these away at the Diaso for about five minutes.