I figured that it was time to put a post up about Noah, since Jake seems to be getting all the attention lately between kindergarten and teeth falling out (yep, he lost another one today). Anyways, on tuesday nights Noah plays soccer with the YMCA. I can't say that he loves it, but I am seeing improvement for sure. On his first night he didn't want to play with girls. Problem, since they make up half of his team. The second night he cried because "nobody would give him a turn"! Tonight was better though. He was spurred on because TWICE he broke away with the ball. Both times it was a clear shot for the goal. The first time he ran over the ball and came crying to the sidelines. After a pep talk (from me) he headed back out. On his second break-away he was so close - his shot bounced off the goal post. But, he didn't cry!! As I watched him I realized that he might have some skill in this sport. That, however, is a total guess on my part since I am not the soccer player in the family! He ended up content with the fact that he was close to scoring and has now declared that he likes playing soccer. Good, since we're not even halfway into the season! Such a big boy he's becoming!
Jake and Noah, it is our first day in Japan together. We found a little "garden" on top of the roof of a mall and sat down and thought of you guys. How has Aunt Lisa been doing? I am glad to hear that you are doing a good job of helping her around the house while mom is gone.
We rode the "Shin" train today. I think you boy's would like to ride it as it goes really fast through tunnels and cities. Check out the video at the bottom of the post.
When we got to Kyoto, we met crane. He didn't know where Po or Monkey were...he said we might find them later on if we look hard enough. 
We also went and saw a Japanese castle in Kyoto. It was really big and was made entirely of wood. They don't let you take pictures of the inside or wear shoes while you go in there, but it is a nice building.
I took your mother to "sushi-go-round" for the first time. Above is a picture of raw squid that I ate and below is your mom trying the feast. The little conveyor belt brings the sushi around to all the tables and lets you pick which one you want to eat...a rather unique way of serving the food. I was glad that mom was willing to try it; the squid is extra squishy/gooey, but it was some of the better squid that I have had.
And finally, here is your mom being crazy again. Monkey would be proud! Love you boy's and thanks for the monk e-mails. Hopefully we can call you sometime soon! Love, Mom and Dad.
