Why we don't buy many apples

 Actually, fruit isn't always this horrendously expensive.  Mostly just on base.  If you buy it off base and when it is in-season, it isn't too awful.  But it is rough when nothing is in season!

Yeah, you only get 5 apples in this bag.

Branch Beach Day

 Last Saturday our branch had an event at the beach.  I wasn't sure the first Saturday in October was going to be warm enough to swim, but the kids didn't care.  The grown ups thought it was a bit chilly, but the kids jumped right in.  Ryle was a little concerned about the blobby jellyfish, but the ones here (so far!) haven't been the stinging kind.

We had a lovely afternoon with our friends at the beach and I didn't take very many photos at all.  Partly because the way the sun was made them all very dark.

Marian swam all over but was disappointed that there was no fun stuff to find at the bottom.

Ryle did overcome her jellyfish fear, but was sad there was no one to swim with her.  And then she got cold. 

Joshua did not get in the water, but had a marvelous time digging in the sand and making a fairly impressive castle.   

 Callie had convinced me that we should bring Levi.  He did not want to go in the water, but he had fun sniffing lots of stuff.

 The tide was the highest I had ever seen it, so the beach was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. But it was still gorgeous.

I was there and I liked it!

And it was a lovely day!

Last Birthday of the Year

 Well, I may have run out of birthday enthusiasm, since I seem to have taken so few photos of Dan's birthday!  Someone hit the big 4-0 this year and we celebrated in usual style.  Which to say, with no style at all.  Cake is the only requirement, and that was there!  The traditional Jello Poke Cake that Dan enjoys was much enjoyed and devoured.

The loot was well received.  The kids especially had a marvelous time prepping the "Money Tree" with 40 individual $1 bills. Hee hee hee!  I think Dan had a pleasant birthday, and I'm sure he appreciated the lack of "Over the Hill" propaganda.

Someone turned 6!

 Rylee had her birthday.  I know, I'm way behind.  Rylee had high hopes that I would let her skip school that day, because it was her birthday.  She told me her teacher said it was okay.  I asked the teacher and the teacher said it was up to Rylee's mom if Rylee got to miss school.  Um, Rylee's mom said no.

With 3 birthdays in the same month and Rylee and Dan's so close together, I try to do vastly different cakes so we don't get over-caked.  I went with an angel food cake with strawberry whipped cream topping.  It was not popular with the kids.  That worked well for me!  (burp)

Despite being disappointed with her cake, Rylee was delighted with her presents. Her sisters were delighted as well, and loved helping her unwrap.  It was a successful birthday and my baby is growing up!

What? Kintai Again?!

I got to go to a baby shower that was held at Kintai and thought I might see if I could improve on photos I have already taken of the area.  I don't think I did.  But I got some nice ones!