Bringing It All Back Home

There is that levi blanket I had been missing for so many months, and those super cute kido's I really missed too.

Our family had a mexican fiesta for us as soon as we landed, look at pappy's famous smoked pork tacos and those beans so delicious and refried.

I about died as I watched my mom and sisters play just dance, which is ok cause they probably laughed equally hard at me. We all know I walk like a duck I'm sure my dancing is a very attractive waddle.

We got to see Wes, Spider Man and a very spooky witch.

Peter and I got to go to a baseball game with Bee and Alex. I love baseball but to be honest I have never lasted past the 7th inning. Fortunately, it was an amazing game and the Diamondback broke their loosing streak, take that Braves.

I hate the Braves and their stupid chopping and chanting.

Sophie had the magic tough with the bubble wand I gave Will for his birthday, I just got soap in my eyes.

Gus got to wear this snazzy speedo, which isn't a speedo at all and is in fact Jersey's bikini bottoms. Way to forget his suit Cic.

On our way home from Cicily's house I noticed this restaurant, Takamatsu, what are the odds that Chandler, Arizona would have a restaurant named after the city we lived in while in Japan. I never found any food in Takamatsu, Japan that I was too thrilled about but we have to go eat there, right?

I'm Big In Japan

Piyuki Bloda you haunted my dreams for a year, but I have my money and my family and friends are waiting for me to come home.

Some Mother's Son

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I shaved for you.

Bento Means New Love

Anyone who knows me knows of my love for tiny things and organization. So, when I arrived to Japan I quickly fell in love with bentos. I have finally found myself the perfect bento to eat all my future lunches in. Now all I need is the cute little animal toothpicks, silicon cup dividers, and cookie cutters to cut all my food into nice shapes. I have learned that its not a bento unless everything is molded into shapes.

It even comes with a pair of chopsticks (I am still learning the art of how to use them but am excited none the less).

Mrs. Gold and Mr. Mud

We kicked off Golden week with a trip to the Fukuoka temple with our district. We now realize how fortunate we are to have always lived so close to temples.

Despite the lack of sleep we had a great time.

With a week off of work and only three weeks left in Japan we decided to take a trip to Kyoto.

Here is Peter at the main gates of Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do is known as the "longest wooden structure in the world". I have noticed that Japan likes to claim most world records.

Peter and I climbing the steps to the Kiyomizu temple.

These three fountains are near the Kiyomizu temple. There is a huge line to drink from there waters which are said to promote either: health, wealth or beauty. With everyone drinking out of the same cup we decided against the germfest.

During holidays or when visiting temples a lot of Japanese will get dressed in their Kimonos to go out. I love how traditional they are here in Japan.

Kiyomizu-dera was our favorite site. It is set on the side of a mountain and the view is simply amazing.

One of the most visited sites in Japan is the Golden temple, or

Kinkaku-ji temple. To be honest, with the way everyone talks about it, I was expecting something a little grander.

This was the general feeling for the trip.

With Kyoto being so close to Osaka we couldn't pass up the chance to go to the Osaka aquarium and see the two whale sharks that live there.

I was having a lot of trouble getting photos of the whale shark, this is the only one that gives you a good idea of how big they were. I was hoping they would be a little more wild like a great white shark. But they are so tame and gentle. I was hoping for some Deep Blue Sea action.

These are Japanese Giant Crabs. These photos really didn't turn out either but I wanted you to see how big these crabs are in comparison to our bodies. They look like something out of an Aliens movie.

I love the way a jellyfish moves.

Our 24 hour trip to Kyoto/Osaka was up there with my favorites since we have been in Japan.

One Family Under a Groove

It's been three years since we got married and almost 11 since we met. This year had to be the craziest of all, thanks for sticking it out with me.

Your my favorite!

Animal Farm

Whenever we go to the grocery store I always get really excited to find fun new candy to try. These are my new favorites. They're little cookies with animal faces on them.

Monkey face.

Other animal faces include: hippo, cow, cat, bunny, hedgehog, bear and mouse. They're all too cute to decide which one is my favorite.

I think the boxes are sometimes more fun than the candy inside.