The Hackworths

It’s been a busy sort of week here at Hackworth Headquarters. Since the tooth fairy was so busy last week, the girls and I decided to head out to the Â¥100 store (aka Daiso or The Hundred Yen Store which is the equivalent of a dollar store in the US) to spend her yen.

While we were out, we also decided to hit Tokai (the craft store) and generally just have ourselves a girls day out. I got lost. Twice. But then I realized I wasn’t really lost, which was a huge relief, let me tell you. In reality, I found a quicker and easier way to get to that side of town. It was so nice because I am the Queen of Lost. I grew up in a city laid out on a grid. I went to college in a town laid out in much the same way. Super simple to navigate, and still I would occasionally get lost.

Then we move to Pensacola, FL. I seldom drove. Not only was I about 20 months pregnant in the middle of July and barely able to fit behind the steering wheel, but it was just easier letting Justin chauffeur me around. Fast forward three months to us moving to Jacksonville, NC where there is absolutely nothing grid-like about their streets. I got lost our first night in town looking for the Wal-Mart. See? Queen of Lost.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to call Justin from a pay phone or gas station and ask him to find me on Google Maps.

The point of all of this? Yeah, I’m not sure. Except I have no pictures of the kiddos for you since we’ve been so swamped this week. But I got that cute little bucket at Daiso for (you guessed it) Â¥100 and the pretty purple flowers the next day at You Me Town for Â¥398. All in all a cheap ($4.29) way to make me happy and give me something other than my kids to show you.

So, we’re all still alive and kickin’. I can’t believe I’ve neglected this place for so long. I have no excuse, so instead I’ll just jump right in with the latest.

Lauren turned 7 a couple weeks ago, then promptly lost some teeth. Soccer will be starting soon and she’s very excited to start the 2nd grade. She’ll more than likely be in a multi-age class again this year since it worked to her advantage last year. She’s growing like a weed and already she’s nearly as tall as my shoulder.

Kate also celebrated her birthday back in May. 5 years old and so ready to start kindergarten already. She’ll be playing soccer this year, too. She’s enjoying Japan so much. Every time we leave the base all of the kids ask for sushi.

Ryan turns 3 this month. I am seriously confused about where my baby went. He’s done with the whole potty training thing. No more diaper changes for me! We’ll be putting him in Yochien (Japanese preschool) in September. If my poor little Mom heart can take it. I’m excited to have the day child free to do whatever, but at the same time I’m a little… I don’t even know. But what am I going to do with myself all day?!

We’ve been spending lots of time at the beaches and running around town. We do some of our grocery shopping in the Japanese grocery stores to get ourselves out and experience some of the culture. We love many of the local restaurants, too. It helps me keep my mind off the fact that I miss Target. And Old Navy. And Chili’s, Starbucks, and lots of other places, too.

All in all, we’re enjoying our time here. And I’ll try not to stay away for so long.