Christmas Party!

On December 23rd, we had a fantastic Christmas party with all of the other residents of Shirasagi and our Japanese friends from the surrounding community! The party consisted of a concert given by Joe, Katie, Eiko, and Marie and Adam Newman! We sang our favorite songs for the party, and then we all went out into the neighborhood for Christmas Caroling. This was a first for most of our Japanese friends, so it was a total riot! We came back for Christmas goodies and a 500 yen gift exchange. The night was fantastic, and made the Christmas season feel more familiar. We miss our family and friends incredibly, but we are lucky to have a new "family" in Japan!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Christmas 2007 was exciting for the new Casey's! Although we missed our family and friends like crazy, we created several memories we will cherish forever. We started with carrying on a Casey family tradition of Italian food for Xmas Eve dinner and opening one gift. Katie made a quiche (a Rex family tradition) from scratch! Joe and Katie also made ambrosia for breakfast, and prepared an amazing Christmas dinner of prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, and a delicious casserole! Our day was filled with opening stockings, presents from Santa, delicious food, and Skype! We will always be fond of our "Japan Christmas" !!!

Katies Dance Showcase

Katie has been teaching dance classes voluntarily for the tenants of Shirasagi Residence and a few other friends for over two months. This is a video of Katie dancing with two sisters from Australia, Tina Nesbitt and Marie Nerris, who had never danced before the beginning of these classes. Their progress has been extraordinary. Sadly, they leave Japan and return home in a matter of days, and Katie is very sad to see some of her dance buddies leave.

A Day in Kyoto

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to take a day trip to Kyoto, which is under two hours north of Himeji. What a wonderful city! We wandered around several temples, including Kinkakuji and Kyomizudera. We walked through the cobblestoned streets of Gion and saw all of the women dressed as Geishas. We ate "Cup of Noodles from a vending machine, and received handmade cards from adorable Japanese girls! The most fantastic part of the day was the autumn leaves. We are so excited to be experiencing this beautiful season in a country where the colors are so vibrant!

White Trash College Bash

This weekend Joe and Katie planned and organized the 1st Annual White Trash College Bash, as a means of sending the soon-to-leave Australian neighbors off in style.

Event: Back to college night
Bring: Beer
Attire: Anything trashy
Expect: Beer bongs, beer pong, flippie cup, and more
Why: Why not?

It went off without a hitch. Nearly everyone from our residence came, and also many friends from all around town. Guest appearances included 'Mitsubishi Mike', our Japanese buddies who did not realize there was alcohol in the jello being served, and America's next addition MAYA. (Shes our friend, moving to Cave Creek AZ in a few weeks for a nanny job.