Friday

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Our first full day in Charleston was fairly relaxing.  We spent much of the day at home with Kyle and Sarah.  Margie & Ruli had planned to arrive that morning but ran into travel difficulties; they would not arrive until Monday morning.  In the afternoon, all the boys (Randy, Kyle, Daniel & David) made a bunch of sandwiches to take downtown later.

David & Kyle

At dinnertime, we went with a large group of volunteers to feed a number of people who lined up for food.  All of the people receiving food were extremely nice to us and very appreciative of the food.  Many of these people were quick to engage us in conversation and they were generally optimistic and upbeat, despite the fact that most of them would spend the night outdoors on a very cold (for Charleston) night just a few days before Christmas.  The experience was a good one for us, althoug it might have been a bit more than Daniel was prepared for.  He didn’t really want to talk about it so all we can do is speculate, but it seems he wasn’t prepared to see poverty in America.

After that we met up with a couple of Sarah & Kyle’s frieds, Matt and Crystal, for dinner at Barsa restaurant.  Dinner was fantastic and the conversation even better.

MLK Museum

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David, Daniel & Sarah

We’re in South Carolina, visiting Sarah and Kyle for Christmas and New Year.  We flew into Atlanta (yes, we understand the geography; we also understand the economics of airline travel with a party of four).  Sarah made the five-hour drive from Charleston to pick us up.  We took the opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr., Museum.  It’s an inspiring place and I recommend it for anyone who wants a better understanding of the struggles that were faced by many in our country.  It’s a testament to our better nature that now we can walk freely on those same streets with a mixed-race family without any strange glances.

The museum has some short films playing, and some powerful photos and other exhibits.  When we finished in the museum, we walked to the MLK birth home, the reflecting pool, grave & eternal flame, and then on to Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Click the picture to see more photos.

Accolades

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DBacksInNewsTribuneDaniel’s soccer team was featured in the local paper.  They finished first in their league (which was spread all over the western half of the state).  It was a very successful year and Daniel enjoyed the competition immensely.  Click here to read the blurb (and see the picture) on the paper’s website.

Seattle Christmas

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David & Daniel mailing their letters to Santa

Saturday was pretty much wall-to-wall Christmas.  In the morning, the boys finished their letters to Santa and we headed in to Seattle.  Every year we visit Santa at the downtown Nordstrom for pictures and to mail letters to him.  This year, we had already seen Santa in Tacoma, so we just needed to stop by his mailbox in Seattle.  We also enjoy the gingerbread house display – the creativity amazes us each year.  While we’re downtown, we try to squeeze in some time at Game Works (in past years, one of the girls would take the boys for games while we waited in line for Santa).

After Seattle, we went to Julie & Cindy’s for the Averill family Christmas gathering.  As usual, we had a great time eating and visiting and eating and eating.  The boys played FIFA soccer on the Wii with Borja, Mason and MacKenzie.  Dinner was awesome – paella loaded with clams, shrimp and scallops.  After dinner, we exchanged gifts.

 

Natsumi

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Of all the exchange students we’ve hosted, there have been a few that remain “special” in our hearts.  Natsumi was the first to stay with us for several months (most of the school year) and remains close.  She came to town to visit with a couple of her former teachers at Puyallup High School and we were able to have dinner at the home of the Prudens and visit with her.  It was a special time to catch up on her and her family, as well as with the Prudens and Sniders.  We reminisced, received updates of Natsumi’s family in Japan (hard to believe Honoka is 15!) and, of course, talked about Sarah behind her back (it’s all good).

On top of that, we were honored to be with them as they lit the Menorah for the seventh day of Hannukah.  We had recently talked with the boys about Hannukah, so it was particularly meaningful to be present and to hear our friends explain its significance in a bit greater detail and authenticity.

It was a great evening!

Danny’s Brief Visit

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Sary-Jo’s brother came to Seattle and we were able to spend some time with him on Saturday, Dec. 8. We had brunch with him, Joany and Alyssa. Then he came to the boys’ basketball practice and helped us put up our outdoor Christmas lights. Later, we went to Seattle to have dinner at The Naked City while the boys were with Margie, Richard and Ruli seeing the stage presentation of Elf at the 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle (what a treat for them!).  Even though Donald and Michelle weren’t working (their family Christmas party), we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the meal.  Although the time went by too fast, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Click the picture to see more.

Reindeer Run 2012

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Daniel & David both signed up to run the 5K in the inaugural Reindeer Run put on by Rogers High School.  It was a great day for running, with cool temperatures but no rain.  We saw many people we knew, including some teachers from Karshner.  As is typical before a race, the boys kind of got “in the zone” even though Mom and Dad wanted to talk with them.  Then the race started and they took off.  As expected, they stayed near the front.  Daniel was the sixth overall finisher and David was the 11th.  In the 14-and-under age group, they finished… let me try to remember… Oh yeah!  FIRST and SECOND!!!

Click the picture above to see more photos.  Watch the video that includes a bit of pre-race preparation and the start and finishes.

Santa Parade

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Daniel leading the group

This year the boys got to walk in the Puyallup Santa Parade.  All the members of the safety patrol (crossing guards) were involved.  Daniel got to help carry the school’s banner.  The parade was a lot of fun (Grand Marshall Danny Bonaduce for you fans of The Partridge Family).  Randy & Sary-Jo enjoyed a latte as the parade went by.  Click the photo above to see a few more.  Enjoy the brief video of the Karshner group.

Soccer Gathering

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Today was the second annual Wolverines vs. Parents soccer match.  As with other “new traditions” it improves each year.  This year, it included a cookout and pot luck.  Also, Janel and Ryan were in town so Ryan represented the parents.  Randy served as referee again and we’re pretty sure everybody enjoyed themselves.  We got a break in the weather.  For the record, the kids won 3-2.  David scored a goal off a pass from Daniel as time was expiring.

Click the picture for more.  The video below is very brief, but it’s all we took.