Random Raymond...

Here are just a few of Mr. Ray's best:

Ray and Brayden, Christmas night dinner, just before popping open a bottle of champagne that Katie brought from Italy...

This is what happens when you don't monitor Ray's tea drinking.  Gets a little out of hand...

Anything to get a meal...

Laughing so hard, tears were falling...

He's taken up a new habit...

Yummy!

Kristin, Ryan's girlfriend, brought some delicious "Snoqualmie Pancake mix" from Washington, and she and Ryan treated the three of us to amazing apple pancakes on Christmas morning.  What a delight!

Christmas Eve- Italian Style!

Katie cooked us up quite the feast for Christmas Eve- a delicious Pasta Carbonara, made with bacon, onion and broccoli.  She also brought a block of fresh parmasean, which is a rare treat for us here in Japan.  We all ate so much- what a gift!

Girl Time and Christmas Cheer!!

It has been so cool to have Katie (Ray's sis) and Kristin (teammate Ryan's girlfriend) here.  Such a blessing to have other girls to laugh and chat with- a wonderful Christmas gift!

HAPPY 25th Big Ray!!!

On December 20th, Ray entered into his quarter century of existence.  It's a pretty fine existence at that!  Katie had shown up a day prior and was here to celebrate.  He had to travel to Osaka for games, but we made the trip with him.  These pics are in reverse, but we were even able to wake him up to fresh crepes in the morning!

His cake from the team...

At the game in Osaka, with Kristin, girlfriend of teammate Ryan.  She is playing basketball in Ireland, and was able to make the trip to Japan for the holidays!!

Birthday Breakfast in Bed...

Starring Mrs. Claus...

So... I never thought that I could say this... but I am Mrs. Santa Claus.

Yes, it's true, I was asked to dress up and star as Mrs. Claus for a class of kindergarten students, fielding such questions as, "Is it true Santa is rich?" and, "How does Santa make all those toys?".  Because the teachers couldn't find someone to be Santa, the children had many questions as to his whereabouts.  They even asked me where I parked the reindeer.

Christmas Wishes...

Well, I admit to really slacking on the whole blog front.  My apologies.  I have a bunch of video and pics that I wanted to upload before blogging about the last game, but I still havent gotten around to that.  

Last weekend the Lakes took on Osaka Evessa at their home, but Katie and I were able to travel and see both games!  Osaka has won the championship for the past three years... and despite playing very well and very hard, the Lakes weren't able to pull out wins.  Ray had 16 points and 20 points respectively.  It seems that his caliber of play has hit a point where it can't possibly come down.  He is a truly thrilling player to watch.  In the second game he had two big dunks back to back.  And even the opposing team crowd loved it!

As I mentioned, Ray's sister Katie is here with us for the holidays.  Ray has practice both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day here in Japan, so we plan on taking it easy and doing whatever we can to celebrate the birth of our Lord.  We are a bit jealous of the snow back home, but also realize that it is preventing families to be together for the holidays.  We send our love back home... and hope that despite the obstacles, each and every one of you will be surrounded by warmth and love these next few days!!

Game 2 vs. Takamatsu FiveArrows

Though the Lakes came away with a loss from this game, it was hard fought and well played.  Ray AGAIN won Player of the Game, with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and hard and smart play.

This coming weekend the Lakes will take on Osaka at their house.  They havent played them since their first games, and the Lake Stars have improved incrementally since them.  Katie, Ray's sis, flies in on Friday and we will go together to the games.  Go Lakes Stars, and GO RAY!!!

Jump Shot!

Drive that ball- AND 1!!!

Home Game 1 vs. Takamatsu Five Arrows

VICTORY!!!!!   The Lakes pulled away with an overtime win of 99-93 against the Takamatsu FiveArrows tonight.  The Lakes previously lost to the FiveArrows when they played them at their place.  Tonight Ray logged 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, earning him MVP!

They will play them again tomorrow!!

BIG DUNK!!!

Hook

Look at that big guy work the ball!!

He was 11 of 16 from the free throw line... his free throws were a main factor in the win!

MVP of the game once more.... and he praises his teammates!  This time, he was awarded a couple good restaurant gift certificates!  (Sort of a step up from rice and a heater!!!)  

Our little tortoises...

Just in case you've been wondering how our little friends, Tucker and Tilly have been doing, we thought we'd update you.  Besides lots of shrimp and fruit eating, a bunch of underwater sleeping and sun basking, these little fellas have been doing a lot of gymnastics, that of stacking themselves up on each other and stretching their little flippers out to get warm.  Its absolutely adorable...

Away games vs. the Sendai 89ers

The boys drove nearly 13 hours up the Island to reach Sendai.  They split their games, narrowly losing in overtime on Saturday, and pulling out a great win on Sunday. Ray booked 14 and 16 points respectively, a few big blocks and carried high rebounds.  Here are some pics from the Lakes website.

Giving Thanks in Japan...

I should have posted these earlier, but they are worthy to put on here regardless.  This was our outstanding Thanksgiving dinner, shared with Dacia, the other three American teammates, Coach and Ray and I.  We couldnt cook a turkey, but made due, with each person pitching in a dish.  It was delicious!!  ...Then a little cards to follow...

The Okermans and Himeji Castle...

Not long ago I wrote a little bit about the missionary family we met, the Okermans.  Last Monday, we got the opportunity to visit them again, this time heading to an ancient Japanese castle, and joining the family for dinner.  It is particularly wonderful to spend time with this amazing family because like Ray, they have 7 kids (3 older bros and 4 younger sisters), with the four girls still at home.  The family has already extended their arms to us here in Japan, which is what we've been waiting and praying for...

Himeji Castle was among one of the most incredible sites we've been to here in Japan.  It was built in the 1600's, and stood many different rulers.  The entire castle grounds took us many hours to explore, and we didnt finish the half of it.  We had one of the most picturesque days, so it was very hard to sort through pictures and choose some to post on this blog!

Lets just say the ancient doors were not fit for a big man...

The tile crests shown here were to symbolize each ruling family.  Each family had a symbol, and it would change slightly down a lineage.  These beautiful crests could be found adorning every building, which gave history to where each family lived.

The view from the 7th floor of the main castle tower...

Soldier armor...

Again, not to fit for the big man...

This was the last Christian crest remaining.