Joe here, I realized recently that I've been negligent in my posting duties. In fact, I've allowed years of these blogs to slip by without fully capturing the electronic medium of intro/extrospection. New word, TM. Mel does so much, and I've let her run the blog all this time without even posting? Tsk Tsk. That being said, let's take a look at all of the things that've happened in the last few months. July was a mixed bag, we were sad but ready to leave Okinawa. That island was a great place; we made a number of good friends and memories but to quote Frost:

...And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back...

Ty happily skampers, leading us down our new path, to a new and different world of palm trees and pumpkins. Fall weather worthy of jeans and sweaters, "real shopping" and more training. I'm excited to try something new, and my job is certainly providing new challenges, but that's what it's all about. This winter Ty turns 2, and the time doesn't seem to be slowing down any. Mel is proudly taking on the SAHM role, and I think they are both benefitting greatly. She gets to see the little day-to-day changes, and he's got his own pre-K/primary school teacher giving him a head start on learning. Some of his new spoken words include: elephant, circle, helicopter, and many more. He can recognize and point out animals, shapes, vehicles of every size and shape and so many other things. It's fascinating how technologically savvy he is, manipulating iPhones, iPads, TV remotes and the like with great ease. 

I look forward to completing a marathon season of TDY/trainings and spending time with my family soon! The holidays are quickly approaching and being in the US affords us the opportunity to meet up with friends, family, and attend parties and gatherings that were a stretch to get to from Okinawa!

 Time for a walk! Show us the way lil guy...