Visitor from Home

When you're overseas for a prolonged period of time, the only thing better than getting in touch with family and friends from home is getting a visit from family back home. In early April, over Josh's spring break from school, Nicki's mom came to visit. I'm not sure who was more excited about the trip, Nicki's mom, Laura, or the rest of us.

We picked her up from Narita on April 3 - the first time we had actually drive up to Narita Airport in the 3.5 years that we've been living here. She returned to the airport on April 13 to fly back to the States. And in between, we had a whole lot of fun.

We spent a few nights up at the New Sanno Hotel, which we were able to book only a week in advance, thanks to some last minute cancellations. It had been a while since we stayed up there... so long, in fact, that it made me realize how fun it actually can be. Josh got to spend a bit of time in the pool and hot tub, which he loves. And we were able to show Grammi many of the fun touristy things to see in Tokyo, including Harajuku, Tokyo Disneyland, the Emperor's Palace, and Shibuya (just Nicki and her mom). Outside of Tokyo, we also took her to Kamakura, to give her a taste of the real flavor of Japan's great temples and shrines. Grammi was even game for going to Kawasaki for the annual Fertility Festival, which was a blast as it is every year, even with the kids in tow.

Her trip coincided almost identically with the entire cherry blossom season, which led us into some great photo opportunities. Pics are in the Gallery, dated 04/30/2009, or you can view them by clicking here.

Joshisms

Another mommy/family post. I have to type them down before I forget them. Joshua has been saying some really funny things lately.

Joshua: I'd like to go to Europe

Mom & Dad: Why is that Joshua

Joshua: Because Europe rhymes with syrup.

Tonight we were watching the Disney movie Hercules for Friday movie night. When Joshua said to us, "Hercules.....he sounds German"

At the end of the movie we asked him why Hercules sounded German to which he replied, "Well I think so because Jeremy can speak German".

Apparently there is a boy in his class named Jeremy who can speak German. 5 year old's are the best!

Hamagin Space Science Center

Joshua took a field trip with his kindergarten class a few weeks ago to Hamagin Space Science Center. He had a blast and kept talking on and on about it, so we decided to take the trip ourselves so he could show us all about it.

Awesome place! Totally recommended for families with young kids. We drove up there and had no trouble finding a parking space, though parking is fairly limited under the building, but there is additional parking in the area. If you feel like training it, the station is right around the corner, too.

Photos are in the Gallery, dated 04/03/2009, or just click here.

The Shark Has Teeth

As is typical with my side of the family, our 5-month old sprouted his first tooth sometime around March 22. And being the obnoxious photographer that I am, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to preserve the image. For all those that care, a click on the image provides a better view.

As of today, his neighboring tooth has also sprouted, and the top center ones appear about ready to move in.