Today is Thanksgiving. I smoked my annual turkey, and Becky made about 9 dozen rolls (literally), an equal number of deviled eggs, and sweet potatoes. The morning started at 0430 so I could get my turkey going in the smoker.

Things have been going smoother with the neighbors since we have convinced the Jake to keep his hands off the neighbor's balls. However, we had another incident today that I am sure has the neighbors talking about us. Although this time it was more of a serious incident in my mind.

The boys' bedroom is on the second floor, and there is about a 4' by 2' ledge just under the window. I guess they built it there so if the house was on fire you wouldn't immediately burn inside the house, you could just sort of slow-roast on the outside while everyone watched, or until the firemen got there. One of the little neighbor kids informed me this morning that Isaac had been out there playing on the ledge earlier. I ran upstairs to interrogate him about it, and sure enough he didn't even try to deny it. I think he thought I would be proud. I wasn't. The neighbor kid also informed me that a lot of people drove by in their cars, slowed down, and watched him playing out there.

I cannot believe nobody said anything to us. These people will inform us about the most petty bullsh!z, yet noone said anything about this. Don't get me wrong, I am fully responsible for what my kids do, but if you see them in danger please say something. That ledge is 15' off the ground with solid tile patio underneath. I tried to make a lasting impression on the boy that I never wanted him to do that again, and we are in the process of putting a child-proof lock on it.

We had dinner tonight with the Hiroshima mission president, about 25 missionaries, some branch members, and 4 Yochien sensei's from the boys school. It was a good time and the smoked turkey was a big hit, as was everything Becky made. Reminiscent of home, Becky cajoled everyone into a game of pit, a Radford family favorite. The branch members have never before seen the fiery, loud, aggressive side of Becky that comes out when she plays such games. I have, and I was quite content to hold the baby.

-AJW