Beautiful Japan

We TRULY have fallen in love with this country. Living on base surrounded by awesome military families has helped, too. But this place is exquisite. We are in the North and have snow covered mountain ranges all around us. There are evergreens everywhere, dense forests, and amazing sushi and food. The Japanese here love the Americans so much. Misawa City is a sweet, crowded yet rural town.

Every trip off base is an adventure - there are so many Ramen and sushi restaurants! Our favorite is Kappa Sushi where you order your choice on a computer at your table, the sushi is freshly made and it shoots out on a little train and arrives at your table. We love that!

Since being here, I have acquired a mamasan - she comes once a week (or more if needed) to clean our house, teach our children Japanese, babysit and cook should we need it. It is amazing and I was so excited to find her.

Noah has made his lifelong BFF in Aaron, they live down the street and both of our families have fallen in love with the other. It is so sweet how our children love each other and how us parents love the other's children. Noah's had about 6 spend the night parties and they have become brothers. It is so fun watching your babies meet their first best friend.

Dan's job is super busy - but as a commander, he is doing a fabulous job. The troops and leadership love him and I am really proud.

We have had about 5 snowstorms already and they have rid the trees of the final beautiful colors Japan had to offer. We are all decorated for Christmas and can't wait to spend the holidays with our new Misawa family. This is far different than being at home - which we really miss - but new experiences are fun and exciting too. Plus we get the advantage of starting our own traditions as a little family of four.

Noah is loving his Taiko drum classes. He goes each Tuesday and is really into it which is great. We are still waiting on him to get off of the waiting list and into his preschool. He and Elly go to a sitter several hours a day so I can get some work done but he's desperate to get back into the routine of school; as am I..... I am expecting a call anyday that he's off of the list but every day waiting is still agonizing.

We had the privilege of having Trace Adkins come perform on a USO tour. Not many people make it up this far north so for him to make that effort spoke volumes about his patriotism. My friend, Denise (Aaron's mom), is the Squadron Commander for the unit that helped get him here. He performed in an aircraft hangar and we were on the front row. I'm not a huge fan of his music but having him here was a big morale booster for the troops. Afterwards, Denise took us back and we got to spend some time with him before he left for his quarters. It was great.

We're Here!

We are here! Actual residents of Misawa-Shi, Japan. This is crazy!! It is absolutely beautiful, quaint, full of lovely Americans and Japanese families and there is SO much to explore and take in. We are within one hour of the mountains and resorts where we will spend the winter skiing/snowboarding and within one hour of some of the most beautiful, rocky coastline in the world.

Noah will start school off base next week. He will attend Pre k at an all Japanese school and wear a uniform. Ellyotte will go to MDO out there as well. What better way to immerse our children!?

I am hiring a mamasan to come in and clean once a week and watch the kids when I need her. They are typically older traditional Japanese women - and are supposed to be the most attentive, wonderful caregivers and cleaners. I am looking forward to all of us learning Japanese culture through having someone come into our home weekly.

Dan is off tomorrow so we are going to go exploring! There are apple orchards everywhere - and about 2 hours away they have some mountains where wild horses run. Bonsais and evergreens are everywhere - it is so cold here and the snow starts in a week or so.

I received my Japanese drivers license yesterday - they drive on the other side of the car and the other side of the road. I am scared to take my SUV anywhere!!!!

The trip over here took about 40 hours total - we were exhausted. But so thankful to be here and a family again in our own home. Gumbo kitty was happy to have us here too.

The kids and I went off base with a friend today and had our first real Japanese sushi - let me say: it puts anything in America to shame! I got an entire fresh order of two rolls for 200 yen (about $3.00). What?! It was divine. I think this might be a good diet plan that I actually will enjoy for the next 2-3 years.

The kids had  a great Halloween. Noah was a ninja and Elly was a monkey. So cute. We went to the squadron Halloween party then trick or treated on our road, which is Commander's Row. It was a fun MOB scene! So cold so everyone had out their firepits and handed out candy - most houses elaborately decorated. I never lived on base before but this is HEAVEN! Grocery store, gym, mall - all within one mile. Not to mention the amazing people who live around us. Truly a patriotic and all American place to be!

Jet lag has taken its toll on us! We passed over 6 time zones (14 hours ahead of Central time - the future) so they say to give yourself a day for each zone to get over jet lag. I cannot sleep past 3 am each morning. And Noah and Ellyotte have wanted to take marathon naps so theyve had some issues at night.

There is so much to write and share. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. Stay tuned if you are interested in hearing what living in Japan is truly like!

Daddy's home!

Dan is home! One week from today, my sister gets married and two weeks from today, we move as a family of four to Japan. I am LOVING having my hot husband home!! This is the best ending to a long stinkin and depressed summer. I'm so thankful by how far God has brought me out of the deeeeep hole I was living in. I will update on that soon..... Till then, know that Dan is home and this family is on full blown wedding mode!

Fall beach fun

I love that we are able to come down to the beach all the time. This summer has been great in the aspect that our babies have spent tons of fun in the sand and sun. Right now it is only 70 something and pristine! Here are my favorite shots from the weekend down here