Sarushima Island

As the brochure says:
Natural Wonder Island Sarushima
Let's go together to round an island!
I love Engrish. But what am I saying it's waaaaaaaaaaaaay better then my Japanglish.
We finally went and checked it out....what the locals call 'Monkey Island.' We've only been starring at it from our window for over a year. Please tell me we're not the only people out there that will travel an hour or two in either direction (or around the world) but completely ignore our own backyard.
Waiting for the ferry. It smelled like fish and beer.
It was worth the trip the kids had tons of fun. My children seem to understand the meaning of 'enjoy the journey'.
Getting there is always half the fun! (At least is Japan because it's walk, train or ferry. If their trapped in a car, not so much)


We discovered what Monkey Island is really about. It's a Saturday/Sunday afternoon location for groups to arrive via ferry with at least two coolers in tow. One with the meat and one with the beer. There is a rental shack that rents all you'll need to start the beach front grillin' fun. It was kind of funny really because hardly anyone gets in the water, so I guess it's about enjoying the view (and the beer). (Actually a beach picnic could be pretty fun........but this place was PACKED, standing room only)
I'd guess only about 20% of the people that arrive actually go and hike around the island. Which is beautiful. It has the remnants of a World War II fort with all the towers and tunnels.


Down some super steep stairs we found amazing tide pools full of little crabs.


After some hiking and a break for ice cream we hit the beach! Lillian and Max rushed the water but Tobias held back.........the whole time.


He just kind of drew this little line in the sand and stayed put. His little face had a 'Why are we still standing here?....Is this suppose to be fun?....cause it's not' look.
He's not a fan of the water.
We collected about 25 pounds of seashells instead! Now my living room is overflowing with Monkey Island treasure.

Pioneers In Japan

I've always thought the Activities Committee would be the best calling....... and I was right! It is! (I think I've said that about every calling I've had though)
A few months ago I became the Activity Committee. It's been awesome. A lot of work, but awesome. Our first big event was a Pioneer Day Celebration on the 24th of July.....because...........why not?
It was my favorite when I was little and it still is.

We had Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread), Watermelon and Lemonade. We drank root beer floats and listen to some banjo. The kids played stick pull and tug-o-war and we had fun, fun, fun. It was RIDICULOUSLY HOT.



We incorporated a pool. That's were the kids stayed.

The Penny Candy Store was the best...... The kids LOVED IT! The chocolate covered pretzels turned into chocolate coated everything......


but I didn't hear any complaints.

Birthday Boys 2 & 3!

May is the Birthday month, and although I won't try to play catch-up (overwhelming), I did want to share Tubby's number 2! What kind of mom would I be if I kept these cute picts to myself.
Max presented a masterpiece to be enjoyed for approximately 45 seconds, at which point Tobias decided in needed a whole lot more color. (Luckily I got a shot of the original, Thanks Max!)


There seems to be something about 9 that translates into all kinds of bizarre picture faces.
Tobias and Lillian love each other soooooo much! (Most of the time)


Tubby absolutely had to have his bike! I've never seen him so proud of himself.

Oh, and then it was Marks birthday two days later.
Poor Mark, Tubby has stolen all the thunder from his birthday.
But everyday is Mark appreciation day. We're so happy he was born... Thanks Lori!

My Favorite Commercial

Birthday Boy #1

Happy Birthday Max!
Max turned the big NINE this year and is enjoying the last of the single digits.... (Can you believe I have a NINE year old...........say you can't)
He already felt he was 'too old' for a party. "It would be kind of childish" he said....

But he wasn't too old to enjoy a 'Birthday Wishes' balloon release, he loved it !



(I guess your never too old to enjoy balloons...;o)


His Birthday Wish this year.....

A special dinner out.
Pizza of course!
(We even scored a live Jazz band)
A bike!
(I've been holding off on this one for years...... )

And a cake! He wanted to decorate it himself. Kids are sooooo easy! I think this will become a new Durben tradition!

I love this picture. These moments make all the craziness worth it!
Happy Birthday Max! He can make me soooooo crazy with his chatter and then melt my heart with his sweetness all in the same two minutes! We Love Our Max!

My Science Project

......look at the little stinker trying to take credit.

This is the year I've heard so much about. The warning that "Kids just get harder as they get older".... now has applicable meaning. I HATE HOMEWORK! (that, and all the sass & backtalk) Anywhoooo, Max has a teacher that loves research projects this year, and in general advises "just look online..;0)..." which is a big no go at our house. This is the third grade! Weekly we're a project team and let me tell you.........it's not easy...... Max is very chatty and particular, have you met him?

He was excited about this Science Project and knew just what he wanted to do..... Make Crystals! All kinds of Crystals, sugar, salt, alum, any other chemicals mom? After heaping on the laundry list of supplies needed......he was done. His contribution was made. It was a painful next six hours with the follow through.



I have to say, when it was all pulled together is turned out pretty neat.

And I think secretly this was the part he was really after.