Tokyo Trip #2

I had been looking forward to my trip to Tokyo for a long time.  That's where I got to meet my parents, my brother Craig and sis-in law Char.  I hadn't seen them in over two years and I missed them so much.  Nick took some leave from work so that he could stay home with the boys.  He did such a good job.  They all had a great time with dad and the house was spotless when I got home.  Good Job, Nick!  We had been to Tokyo last year and loved it but this time I got to see the city without carrying my boys up and down the million subway steps.  

The trip was perfect!  We had such a good time.  It had been so long seeing my family that I had to pinch myself that they were in Japan with me!  My brother Craig served his LDS mission in Tokyo 15 years ago and hadn't been back to visit.  I was SO impressed with his Japanese and it helped us get around a lot faster.  We visited his mission areas and his mission home.  It was so fun seeing and hearing his stories about his two years in Tokyo.   We also met up with an old friend of his and he took us around Nikko.  A beautiful tourist spot full of Shrines and a bus tour on top of the mountains.  ( I thought I was going to die driving on the windy road)  but it was so beautiful.  

One of the best things about Tokyo is the train system.  It is so entertaining to ride among so many people around the city.  We loved to people watch.  There are some really interesting people in the city.  I wish I could describe how much we laughed at some of the crazies but it you just had to be there.  

 Just remember rain and humidity make my hair frizz!

           My Brother Craig is 6"6.  A whole head taller than the Japanese. 

                    He looked like a giant. They are walking across THE busiest intersection in the world.  It's amazing.  

Char on the train. We were getting a picture of the cool hair style from the guy two seats to her left.  

Eating Katsudon and Soba in Nikko with Gokan-san.

My mom is in "Heaven".

My 2nd Tokyo trip was awesome.  It was so great to be with my mom and dad and Craig and Char.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  After Tokyo they came back to Okinawa, but that's a whole new post for another time.

Mighty Mike and TJ's quick trip

Nick's dad,  Grandpa Peterson (AKA Mighty Mike) and Uncle TJ came for a quick visit in September.  We didn't tell the boys so we could give them a great surprise.  Nick new that his dad was coming but he didn't know that his brother TJ was coming.  So he was shocked at the airport when TJ jumped out from behind the wall.  Nick was not expecting it.  Yea! We love family coming.  When you live across the world from family, it's just not everyday that Grandpa and TJ would be here.  It was so much fun to see the boy's excitement.  Max and Caden are old enough to understand and know but Jake was just a little hesitant.  But not for long. He joined in all of the fun and loved every minute of it. Nick got to take them on one of his favorite bike rides and they went golfing.  Typhoon Sinlaku was supposed to be headed right for us but we lucked out and  it turned and went to west instead.  We still got some rain but it was still a great trip and we made some great memories.  It's so fun to show our loved ones what our life on the island is like.  Thanks Mighty Mike and TJ for flying over many miles to see us here in Japan.  

                               TJ reading the boys bedtime stories.
The bikers all ready for their ride.  Sorry, Mike for Nick running you off the road.  I hope your ribs are healed!
Yoshi Hashi sushi bar.  We got a picture with  Yoshi himself. People say that he is THE original Iron Chef.

Exploring the caves at our favorite beach Maeda.  We love that place.  It's a snorkelers dream.

Obon Festivals

In August the Japanese celebrate Obon.   It's one of their major holidays.  They believe that their ancestors' spirits come back to their homes to be reunited with their family during obon.  It includes lots of festivals and parades.  We love to see them dance and listen to the Taiko Drums.  It is such a fun culture to be a part of.  When they play the drums (very loudly) the boys just watch in awe.  It's such a fun beat.  And their dancing is so beautiful.