Oh my, what a year it has been. We just hope this annual note finds you and your family healthy and happy despite horrendous disasters in NYC, DC, and PA.
Luckily, our family is doing well. In fact, when you read this, we will be in Japan. The fear for terrorism keeps air fare quite low and we took advantage of it. It is the first winter break in Japan for Akiko and myself in 19 years, and the very first one ever for Shota and Kenta. We are taking one of Shota's his friends, Charlie, along so that it will be more fun.
Last February, we went skiing to Red River, NM, and we are going back there next year again. It is becoming our annual family tradition along with our summer trip to Japan and fall trip to Florida beach. During summer, Shota went to a middle school in Japan for the second year, and Kenta to an elementary school for the fifth year. Since Akiko's parents had to move due to a construction project, they are not going back to the same school next year, though.
Here is an update for each of us:
Shota is in the 8th grade, taller than his mom, but not as tall as his dad yet. He is really becoming a Japanese jock. His highlight this year was probably the last football game. Playing a running back, he scored two touchdowns earlier in the game. With a couple of minutes to go, the opponent scored a go-ahead touchdown. Guess who took their kickoff, and guess what happened. Shota returned all the way for the game-winning touchdown! His true love seems to be soccer, however, and he is currently playing for his high school team. Basketball (point guard) and baseball (pitcher) complete his agenda. Oh, he is doing well with academics, by the way.
Kenta is in the 5th grade, not a tall lad yet. He is becoming a solid short stop/pitcher/leadoff hitter in baseball, despite that a bad hop in spring broke his nose (He looks no different, though). Playing a cornerback, his football highlight was a beautiful interception return. He is currently playing basketball in 6th grade team, and will play soccer in spring. He tried downhill in Red River, and came 1st in the time trial in his age group at Red River (Another skier beat his time later, making him #2 for the entire season). A kid from Louisiana is ranked #2 in skiing! Piano is still part of his repertoire with the drum in his school band in the mix. Oh, he is doing well at school, by the way.
I added coaching fall baseball to my agenda, which still includes coaching soccer and being a water boy in football ("the most well-educated water boy," according to my friend). I also worked for the international broadcasting team in Confederation Cup Soccer in summer. I am definitely ready to work for the World Cup Soccer in Japan next year. Keeping up with the Joneses, I created "family web site," though part of it is still under construction. Please visit www.kamos.net when you have time. We have some English contents, too, including the collection of our previous years' season's greetings. Oh, I am still working as a sociologist, by the way.
My lovely wife, Akiko, is holding on her own. First, her eyes opened to Broadway musicals, to arts, and then, to American novels. All of sudden, she became a performing/visual art fan and an avid book reader. Taking advantage of her conference trip to DC, she went to NYC twice to enjoy musicals and art museums. She also visited several museums in Japan. She was going to Paris with her friend last summer, but a death in her friend's family made her cancel the trip. She was disappointed, but now plans to get back there this summer. Oh, she is still teaching Japanese, by the way.
Please take care of yourself. We Wish You a Happy Holiday Season!