Japan Day 1 & 2 Hiroshima

Despite getting in late, we knew we would wake up early because of our internal clocks.  We were prepared and we headed for the train to take us to the first ferry to Miyajima.  We hadn't bought anything yet and were excited to try a bread shop, but it wasn't open so we had to settle on convenience store bakery items (still yummy!)  We took the ferry over to the island and Dave finally saw what he had been hoping to see: the old time Japanese culture and architecture.  It was exactly what he wanted and it was exactly how I remembered it.  We enjoyed seeing the monks in the traditional garb walking in the shrine getting ready for morning services.  I finally realized what the little trinkets I always saw on my mission were (tokens blessed for certain 'fortunes' by the priests at the shrines- so you could buy a token for car safety, pregnancy, health, good marriage, etc etc).  

We then hiked up to the top of Mt Misen to get a view of the islands around and the city of Hiroshima.  It was an invigorating hike, we met a foreigner from Austria with whom we chatted (he was impressed with our hiking speed).   Dave loved the vending machines at every corner (even when you thought you were away from civilization) and we tried many different kinds of drinks (although most were tea and coffee... luckily I could read enough to let him know which ones were 'safe') 

We hiked through a gorgeous park on our way down and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. 

We got some delicious oyster and beef stick (which the deer tried to steal from me right after this photo)

We sat down for my long awaited Hiroshima OKONOMIYAKI and it was every bit as amazing as I was hoping.  Dave loved it, too!  It was so much food and you don't tip in Japan so it was much cheaper than we were expecting to pay ($15 for both of us).

We took the train back to Hiroshima and hit up the castle... which was a small museum.


Practiced being samurai

We finally came to the peace park.  I have many memories of lunches at this park and of tracting and talking to people here. It was beautiful and peaceful.  We took a short nap in the grass before heading into the Atomic Bomb memorial. 

the Eternal Flame in memory of those who lost their life in the bombing of Hiroshima. 

the realities of the Atomic bomb are sobering and depressing.  But the city that has risen from ashes is amazing and thriving.  It is a glorious truth that we will always rise above the terrible things that come our way. 

We found a shop to eat at on our way back to the hotel and Dave got sushi.  It wasn't the American-ized sushi he is use to so I think he was a bit disappointed, but this is the Japanese way!

We were exhausted by 6 pm and called it a night. 

Day 2

We woke up early so we headed to a temple.  The rain was lightly falling and we had the temple completely to ourselves.  Mitaki temple was beautiful. We loved the peace and the nature.  

We headed back to the hotel for a breakfast Japanese style (salad, soups, bread, and a token American egg)  Despite it being really different, I loved it and so did Dave.

We headed to church and accidentally went to the wrong ward (Thanks google maps and my own silly brain for not remembering!!)  We 'luckily' saw the missionaries and figured out how to get to Hikari ward and showed up 20 mins late.  It was difficult to listen to much in Japanese.

Sister Chiemi a favorite member and helper in missionary work. 

We walked around the area and found my old apartment and I did a lot of reminiscing.  My favorite Japanese Mom, Mami Tanaka prepared an amazing meal for us and my first baptized investigator Ishida shimai.  She doesn't speak any English, so it was much more difficult to carry on a long conversation.  Luckily Sister Tanaka was so helpful.  It was amazing to see Sister Ishida.  She has a new baby and is so loving and peaceful.  Now that I am a mom I can see what difficult years we knew her in.  It is amazing to see her growth and yet, she is still the same beautiful woman I loved a decade ago.   The Japanese always prepare such an amazing spread and send us home with more food to eat.  Sister Tanaka is aboslutely inspirational in all she gives to the church and her friends.

Day 1 & 2 Hiroshima   Day 3 & 4 Kyoto  Day 5 & 6 Himeji & Takayama   Day 7 Tokyo

Japan Getting there

Getting ready for an getting to Japan was one of the most anxiety-filled experiences of my life.  Starting about 5 days before I was scheduled to take the kids to Utah my stomach was in knots, sleep was far from my eyes and I couldn't eat much (big deal for me).  I worried about the flights mostly and if we really should spend the $$ and the time away from our kids.  This is one of the problems with stand-by travel... You can cancel ANYTIME!  Most people set their vacations and then don't questions whether they should go or not.  I am questioning every second.  But eventually we realized we needed to plan ahead and finally I bought a rail pass (having to pay extra for RUSH shipping) and booked hotels for 6 nights and got a reservation at the temple.  While this was all good in relieving some stress... it added more stress in case we didn't make it to Japan the day we wanted and had to find different places to spend the night and still had to pay for the places we reserved (typically we don't reserve hotels until we are actually IN a city, but for foreign travel with no internet access at our fingertips, this is more difficult.)  So I packed.  For me, for the kids, for grandmas.  I made lists and schedules, I checked Jackson out of school (actually UNENROLLED him!) and felt like an awful parent for making him miss school for my own enjoyment.  Usually I don't feel bad when traveling because I think I am letting him experience awesome things, but this travel was purely for me and Dave.

Finally, the night before I was to take the kids to Utah arrived and I was a bundle of nerves.  Then to make matters worse, the flight direct to SLC filled up.  We looked into alternate plans and one included leaving in the morning to Phx, 4 hour layover, flight to SLC and then only 20 minutes before the flight back to DFW left.  It was not a great plan.  If anything went wrong I am stuck with 3 kids in some place and we still can't get to Japan.  But it was all we had left . I knew I had to be 100% 'on' all day.  Being patient and calm, even though  I was stressed and anxious, I couldn't let the kids feel it or they would act up and traveling alone with 3 is hard enough.  I did security in DFW without a problem, but the first flight felt like an eternity.  It was too early to call my sister-in-law so I didn't know if we would be able to see her, but luckily when we landed she came and picked us up for the layover.  It was so nice to have a place to relax, to play, to eat and to let the kids move with friends.

 Unfortunately, Mariah didn't take the time to take a nap like I was hoping.  She fell asleep on the way back to the airport :( thus she got a 10 min nap.  I didn't let  it bother me like I usually would (being stressed about future tired-ness).  The second time with tired kid, security was really difficult and I just didn't have enough hands to help all the kids.  Luckily, I checked most of our bags, so it was just backpacks, but the kids were fighting and I was tired, too.  The flight  seemed long and about half way through I started worrying about catching the one home and saying goodbye to my kids at the gate, and the stress of dropping my kids off with my mother-in-law (who Mariah didn't know well).  I also worried because we were flying into a blizzard!  My kids were wearing flip flops and shorts!  With only light jackets (packed).  I felt like I was unprepared (despite lots of preparing) and wondered what else I didn't remember that my kids would need.  My mother-in-law is a saint and came to the gate to walk them out since I didn't have time to wait for bags or re-do security.  I started to feel the extreme exhaustion of a long day.  When we de-planed she was ready and waiting and Mariah started clinging and I was so worried she wouldn't go without a fight.  and how can grandma corral 2 kids and a fighting toddler on her own??  I was so worried.  But grandma had a plan.  She had a toy in her pocket to entice Mariah to her.  She went to her with no problem and was able to say goodbye to me and even smiled at me as she was carried through security.  Hallie came running back to tell me she was scared.  I gave her a big hug and told her how much fun she would have and she scurried off to catch up with grandma (through security already).   Then I lost it.  I cried and cried.  My mental and emotional fatigue and the stress of not know how it was going to go without me to comfort my kids overcame me.  I didn't have to be strong anymore since my kids weren't there so I was weak.   I went back up to my gate and realized I had another 10 mins before boarding was complete and wished I had longer with my kids.  I grabbed some food and called grandma 3 times to see how it was going.  I found out while we were being de-iced that all bags were accounted for, Mariah had fallen asleep on the ride home and that the other kids were eating dinner! (I was just glad they made it through the blizzard safely, but also so relieved to hear my kids were doing well and grandma and grandpa were surviving.  It was out of my hands now, so I tried to relax.  I thought I would completely crash and sleep on the plane, but the anxiety never left and the new anxiety of going to a foreign country where I 'speak the language' and planned the trip started to overcome me.

After Dave picked me up, we packed and planned a bit, but mostly just planed to do it all in the morning since we were exhausted (he stressed for me and had to wrap up things at work for a 10 day absence).  I didn't sleep well, but better than the previous nights.  It was so strange to be home and sleeping with our kids not there, I kept wanting to check on them.  Getting ready in the morning was so simple and unencumbered by kids needs, messes, wants, fussiness, etc.  It was simple to be able to plan what to do and just do it.  We cleaned the house really well, packed everything and left early enough for a shopping trip for food and some last minute items AND to get to the bank AND foreign licensing office when they opened at 9.  I was a bit stressed we were cutting it close, but they opened early and got Dave his license by 9:10. We got a ride to the airport.  As soon as we were through security my anxiety melted away.  I knew there were enough seats.  I had talked to my kids (who slept through the night and even slept in!).   I finally relaxed.  Finally, I was able to eat (at the club in the airport) and enjoyed some time alone with my husband.  We were going back to my mission and I was so excited.  the flight was 14 hours.  Three meals, 6 drink services, 6 movies, and some sleeping.  Because we left at 11 am we never really got tired enough to sleep much.  We talked to our flight attendant (Mormon BTW) and

Relaxing in the airport lounge (only photo of the 24 hour journey)

As soon as we touched down we were starting to get really tired (it is about  midnight our time) but we had to make it to Hiroshima before the trains stopped running, so we quickly went to the rail pass office and then headed into Tokyo.  We started off looking at everything and I was excited to see so many familiar things I had forgotten about.  Hanging futons, little gardens, the apartment complexes, the little cars, etc).  Then we caught a 6 hour train ride south.  We were so tired.  Luckily, we knew how long the ride was so we set our alarms and fell asleep on the amazing bullet train of Japan. We transferred in Okayama to a slower trained to Hiroshima.  We arrived at 11 pm (9 am our time?) and there was a Hiroshima Carp baseball game that just got out.  the train station was PACKED!  We found our way out , but then realized we hadn't printed the map to our first hotel.  Our phone internet didn't work and I was so sad that all had gone well, but now we were stuck.  The information desk was closed, but Dave could see an English map, so he was able to get it and I knew which area it was in so we headed that way hoping for the best.  As soon as we arrived in the -Machi (the area) the hotel was right in front of us!  Great luck!  We got into our tiny room and talked to our kids.  We were worried about falling asleep since it was our bodies' morning time, but it wasn't a problem.

As you can see I am a total worrier.  And you may also be thinking, how is this worth it?  I was also thinking this at this point... THIS IS NOT WORTH IT.  And I was thinking I would probably never do it again.  But then the real amazing part of the trip begins.  The kids are getting to know their grandparents in a way that is never possible when mom and dad are around.  I get time to re-connect with my husband and share a huge part of my heart and life before him.  We see amazing things and experience a culture so different from our own and then, I forget why it all seemed so hard :).

Day 1 & 2 Hiroshima   Day 3 & 4 Kyoto  Day 5 & 6 Himeji & Takayama   Day 7 Tokyo

Denver for the first time!

Typically we travel to places where we have family frequently.  However, with flights always being full and schedules conflicting, we have never actually flown to Denver to spend time with my brother Ryan and MaryAnn's family (we drove through on our mini-van buying road trip).  We have 3 kids all the same ages and gender, so it is super fun times together.  When we planned to get together over conference weekend I thought we would have no problem since there are 10 flights a day from DFW-DEN.  But when it got right down to it, flights filled up and I was super disappointed.  I had packed and cleaned until I realized it wasn't going to happen and I took the rest of the day off.  At dinner time I checked again and there were 6 seats available.  Typically since we need 5 seats, we wouldn't even bother going to the airport because it isn't likely, but our hearts were set on going, so we made a run for it.  At the last minute they had only 3 seats so we decided to split up boys and girls and tried to quickly divide what I would need and I ran on the plane with the girls.   As I was getting buckled and situated I started panicking about picking up the rental car, not having jackets, wondering if I had the phone charger I needed etc, etc.  Right then, Dave and Jackson walked on and got seats right next to us.  12 passengers missed the connection!  I was so happy we were headed to Denver.  The flight was great.  Mariah fell asleep and then Hallie fell asleep at the end.  

It was snowing when we touched down and it was cold in shorts and flip flops.  

We stayed up late talking and talking.  We love discussing finances and life with them.  Unfortunately, the kids were up early and the day started with lots of energy.  

MaryAnn and I went to work out and then took Jackson to eat lunch at Dayton's school.  

We went shopping at costco where Dave brought pants.  Apparently, I was suppose to pack them... He also bought a 'go pro' camera for good measure.   and I bought things to stock the conference store with.  

Dave and I went to the temple while MaryAnn graciously offered to watch the kids.  Unfortunately, on the way there, I realized my recommend was expired, which means no entry.   I was sad, but it was a good reminder that frequently, the most important things are left out in my life.  I want to put God first and it takes more effort than I've been giving it.    I still enjoyed the peace just in the foyer and the grounds.  It truly is a place of rest and worship. 

We took the kids to Daytons soccer practice, but we were all freezing cold, so we sat in the car.  Then we all went out to eat at Sweet Tomatos which is our kids favorite place since they get to pick what and how much they eat.  

Saturday, we listened to conference (if the radio decided it wanted to work) and dyed easter eggs.  the boys and kids rode a long path with bikes, scooters and trikes.  I picked flowers with Mariah.  It was a gorgeous day outside.  

We continued with conference and the kids loved earning bucks and buying goodies at the store.  

We had another egg hunt with friends of Ryan and MaryAnns at the park.  The kids also had an egg joust.   

Due to the flight loads, we had to take off EARLY on Easter morning.  (If I had known I could've left the entire suitcase that was filled with easter baskets and goodies).  Everything took longer than usual and we ran full force to our flight and barely made it on.  (BTW:  don't pack sidewalk chalk... TSA thinks it is dynamite).  Mariah took a nap and Hallie watched a movie from her own seat TV (awesome new planes!) We were back in our house an hour before conference even started.  We ate breakfast, unpacked and started listening again.  the kids were great.  

 the talks were wonderful and inspiring as always.  The theme was definitely FAMILY, which is exactly what I needed.  I am engaged in vitally important work and love God's reminder to do it to the best of my ability.  

We did a little easter basket with swim wear/gear in it.  The kids tried it out in our bathtub.  Early bedtimes for everyone helped us to catch up on the weekend of fun.

We are thankful that through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ our family can resurrected, purified and be sealed together forever.  I am thankful to a Heavenly Father that loved us enough to make a plan to get us back to Him.  The knowledge of a Savior is important to me.

St Patricks Day in Chicago

We were so disappointed that our plans for spring break all fell through and flights going anywhere were full, full, full.  We were going to go camping, but it rained and then the rest of the week we watched flights to Utah with nothing opening up.  Finally, we went camping on Thursday night with our new friends the Pittson's.  It was so much fun!  We loved the food, hiking, relaxing and just being in nature.  It is definitely different than Utah camping, but we enjoyed it.  We headed home late Friday night (after the Friday night flights filled up again) and really wanted to go somewhere fun.  Instead of looking at flights we were so tired we watched TV.  At midnight, we finally looked at flights and discovered that Chicago was open  AND was having their St. Patrick's day parade.  So we got packed and went to bed by 1, only to wake up 5 hours later to catch the flight.  We thought all our plans were for naught when my ID went missing on our shuttle bus.  Luckily, the bus came back around and I got it in time.  

We were on our way to Chicago for the first time.   We debated using transportation or getting a rental car.  In the end, having a place to stash our stuff was an important reason to have a car.  We headed straight down town and tried to find the parade.  

Dave told me it was 'unseasonably warm' in Chicago.   Since we were just wearing flip flops and camping outdoors, I packed us all a light jacket.  We were COLD!!  We pulled our extra clothes out and wore double layers and tried to stay out in the sun rather than between the sky scrapers.  We waded through huge crowds of partyers.  It was crazy with bright green everywhere.  Lots of teens, drugs and drinking, which made me nervous, but the kids didn't seem to notice and we didn't lose anyone.  

I  was so confused by what was happening.  In Utah , a parade starts, everyone SITS and watches for 30 mins and then it is over.  This was totally different.  Everyone was standing and watching (so the kids couldn't see at all) the parade route was only a 1/2 mile long, but the parade went on for 3 hours!!  So you could come and go at will (and I was afraid we were going to 'miss' it for hours before hand!).  After watching with the kids on our necks for 5 mins, we snuck a spot in the front for the kids and they watched for a while getting some prizes a long the way.  

We stopped in for some lunch (LATE).  I was surprised that we waited until 3 with really no meal, but the kids did great!   We enjoyed warming up before starting out to sight see more.  

We walked back to the 'bean' which was streaming with people.  It was so interesting!  

 We played in a little patch of snow... unseasonably warm in Chicago means COLD to me.

We walked over to the bridge to see the river turned green.  It was so awesome.  Jackson got pulled into a street show that was actually horrible (they collected $$ and then didn't do a show).  So Jackson was disappointed.  

We walked shivering and tired back to the car.  We stopped at McDonalds for a bathroom and the kids begged for food, but we talked them into waiting for a deep dish Chicago pizza.  We ordered it to go (the wait was insane) and then took a look at the pier while waiting.  

We picked up the pizza and headed to the Residence Inn to eat and relax.  The pizza  was good, but I like regular pizza better.  We went swimming, but were so tired that it didn't last long.  We crashed!I love the comfort of Residence Inn with a separate bedroom (not to mention awesome breakfasts!)

We enjoyed breakfast and then got ready for Church.  It is so awesome to find a church anywhere.  This ward had quite a few young families and they were friendly and happy with us.  We went to all our meetings andthen the temple president offered to let us into the grounds of the temple.  so we were able to show our kids the Chicago Temple.  

We went to the first McDonald's ever and killed some time before heading to the airport really early.  

We were a bit nervous because we were having a layover in Indianapolis.  If we missed the flight there was no way out of Chicago the rest of the night, but we made the flight without problems.  A kind woman handed my girls some princess coloring pads and that made their flight so much better.  We got home late, happy we were finally able to travel somewhere.