Closing out 2013

Wow…before you know it, 4 months has gone by and I am now writing an end-of-the-year post vice just another up-date!  I'd like to give you a list of things that have kept me from writing, but it is mostly my adult ADD, or more commonly known as, "bright shiny object disorder".

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front, for all my non-military family and friends): School started, Amie became president of the swim team, multiple swim meets, Ethan's soccer, Liam's soccer, flag football and dodgeball, serious consideration of retirement, fortunate series of events to change my mind, trip to Thailand, a trip to Taiwan and the holidays.  So in other words…not much going on, I should have written a bunch!  Mea Culpa

I'm sure that you are all sick of hearing about Thailand since Amie and I both hit it hard on Facebook.  It was an awesome trip, something I won't soon forget.  We've got some more big trips planned for the future so stand by to hear about Hawaii or Bali, New Zealand, Singapore, Osaka and Kyoto to name a few!

It's pretty amazing to think that a year ago we were stuck in the lodge suffering from major culture shock and a little bit of regret.  We'd just left VT-3, the best tour I've had to date, leaving all our friends and family behind.  The simple thought of driving out in town was horrifying!  Now, hitting the road is as natural as it is stateside, once you figure out where you are going to park when you get to your destination.  Big shout out to Carl and Michelle for getting us on our feet.  We wouldn't be able to run now if it was for you guys.  I still laugh a little thinking of the first train ride that completely turned me around.

2013 was a crazy hectic year, but it has finished much better than it started.  Now that we've got the basics down, living in Japan is great.  Look forward to seeing what 2014 has in store!

Here's some of the pictures from our 2013 that sum up our year.