October 2021

The biggest change for me in October is that I started my Masters of Art in Teaching. It is all day on Saturdays so Damon is getting some high-quality time with the kiddos. On a Saturday they went out to Tinago Falls. Damon's Jimny is lacking rear seatbelts so I had to fashion a car seat securing system for Milton to have a safe place to sit. This utilized a two-inch ratchet strap that is probably the most securely attached car seat around. Owen sits in the front with his booster seat. Since it is a Japanese vehicle, Owen is sitting on the 'driver's side' so he gets pretty excited he gets to hold Damon's ID card to get through the security gate on base. Milton also started his soccer team and he loves it. Damon did his virtual Marine Corps and Boston marathons running around the island. He selected his route and then took my phone that would track his progress and measure his pace and time. He did not get a personal best, but he did get it done. We redeemed our first voucher for the PHR membership at the Hilton Resort hotel. The room wasn't all that fantastic, but the kids had fun so it all worked out. The PHR is a package that includes 3 hotel nights and then four pool passes to each of the pools. And then randomly, birthday cake. The Hilton has a water slide that the boys love. Milton's best friend from church was there too that made the pool time even better. We have spent a few mornings at the beach on base with some of the other kids from the ward. Owen and Milton are both doing great in school. Milton is very proud of his 'green stars' and I get a full report every day if he is able to get a star for making a 'green choice'. October ended up being the wettest October on record with a total of 26 inches of rain which is 13 inches more than average. We certainly got a wet welcome.