We have now entered the last year of having a preteen in the house!

Monday Joshy turned 12!

He is our most Japanese kiddo... rice - YES / bread - No Way.  Pure & simple, he loves Japanese food!  So we had a Japanese birthday meal.

This year Joshy was actually more interested in getting gifts out of the bags than in the bags themselves!

Birthday boy got 3 new toys, the ball & car are from Aunt Robin, pj's & boots.

We also pushed the limits on his limitations and went to a Christian concert.

AND we even let Joshy out of his chair... it was his birthday

Then home for J's favorite dessert - floats.  He would have likely preferred root beer floats, but he had no trouble polishing off a melon float!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!

My new camera really enjoys hiking

After our planned a family outing got rained out we ended up spending a quiet day at home.  I did need to pick up a few things for Joshy's upcoming birthday & decided to get some steps in while I was at it.  It was refreshing!   I hiked some new trails at a park near the universities where Jerry teaches.

I lovely leaves also drew me across the road to a big cemetery.  It was much bigger than I thought.  I also discovered that they are ahead of the winter prep game there.  See how the bushes & trees are tied up?  That is to protect them from the heavy snow.

 I saw another unusual site - a Christian grave.  The cross & carving stood out among all the Buddhist graves.  A good reminder that each Christian is called to let their light shine.  To stand out.  To be different from the world around us.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16