Aomori Parade

Our first Japanese outing was to the northern town Aomori (which means "blue forest" if you're interested). It was the hottest day of my life. Marie did ok though. She had lots of fans (the hand held kind and the people liking you kind). Several times people in the parade would stop and poke her. They think she is just a hoot. A few people even took pictures with her. Being her mom, I can't blame them. But I guess I get the culture attraction though, because the Japanese toddlers here are so beautiful. Especially the girls. I really REALLY want one. Hopefully my baby will come out Japanese.

They LOVE festivals. And thousands of people participate in each one. Note all the people pulling this huge rice-paper float.

Most floats-are awesome- but they look the same- lots of Samari, swords, and fierce characters.

A lot of dancers also. During the parade there was alot of drumming, which Marie loved. I was pretty hot, and cranky the entire time- a true debbie downer, but Brett loved it anyway. He's a real optimist. Adjusting to this life has been his forte. As I complain about the rice, the weird fish smell, and lack of Diet Coke, he embraces the culture and happily loves to try new things. He's even helping me learn Japanese. So far we can count to ninety-nine and say a few polite words. I think I've got the accent wrong though, because the Japanese are always laughing after I speak. At least I've got 3 years to learn.

Japan: "Important Things"

Options, options, options.  The Japanese love Tradition, but they always give you options. These commodes are both found in the ladies room, but I'm not really sure what the one on the right is all about. Maybe for a little boy?

Of course, most public toilets look like this (yes, these are all in the same restroom). You think it would be obvious which one I would choose, however the Japanese threw a kink in my plan...

They provide a "kid hanger" in one of these bathrooms. How could anyone turn that down? And more importantly how do we NOT HAVE THESE IN AMERICA?! How many times have I gone to the restroom with an infant in my lap or  Marie trying to play in the puddles on the floor, or even sticking her head under the stall to greet the person next to me. With this invention I give my utmost respect to the Japanese. I truly hold them high in my heart.

This is Miss Veedol Beach. It gets very hot here AND THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING IN OUR APARTMENT (not that I'm upset about it or anything).

This is Marie giving her best "CHEESE"

Life is been really good to us here. Our first day in our apartment we met Lyana who has a son who is 18mos. They live next door and go to our church! Sweet.

In fact there are a TON of Mormons here. My ward here is bigger than my ward in California. Two nurseries, and most everyone is our age. It's like being in a college married ward.... in Japan...and infinity kids. 

So Hard to Go (Utah- Part 2)

Grandma Great, Stephanie, Marie, Cassie

It was a rockin' good time at the cabin. It wasn't Parrydise- but we had a good time at Parris. Thank you so much Steve and Sharon for a fantastic time!

Rafting the Snake River was awesome, except for the part where I fell out... oh wait, that was awesome to. Brett and I were in the "ducky" and hit Lunch Counter (weird name for a rapid right?) sideways and away I went. Good thing I didn't tell Sharon I was pregnant.

But I suppose danger is in our blood. Marie is not even two here and she wants to go ATVing? Good thing Grandpa Ron had an ATV for toddlers. (Forgot to take a picture of that though! doh!)

These kids are ANIMALS. ...not. They are just funny. For 7 kids stuck in a cabin all weekend I didn't hear any fighting.... well except Marie instigating a few ones.

In Utah we ate at the glorious MAYAN! Finally. I can say I've been to the Mayan. Check off of my bucket list. Was the food good? No. But it was an awesome atmosphere. When the divers walked around to greet us Steph mentioned we came all the way from Georgia and Japan (ha!). So this gal took us backstage! Here is Jorja and one of the talented divers.

I got to see my childhood friends- and their kids! Marie and Cecelia were born a week apart. They are great friends... do you hear that Marie? You WILL be friends...

This is after an exhausting hour at Cherry Hill. Anyone ever been to Cherry Hill?

 

Brett got to see his old Posse (not saying they are old- like old men- but you get me). Here is Marie at the Posse BBQ- when left to her own devices she's all glamed up and strutting her stuff.

While Brett went cayoneering I snuck in a Youngberg family reunion. The name tags were very informative. Marie enjoyed them so much she started taking them from people.

 

Here is Marie's most awesome cake! Maysen made it! I taught my niece how to make fondant. She's a natural . Can you believe that is her first time? Go ahead, blow the picture up, it's seamless!

We had a pretty sweet joint birthday party for Ange and Matt who also share the birthday month of Harry Potter (who else is excited for the next movie!? I get shivers just thinking about it!) Anyways it was so nice to have a celebration with the Millburns!

 

We were at Ron's for almost 2 weeks. What did we do? Alot of games. Games... games... games... games...

Jk- I love them, but not as much as these brothers. Mike- see what you missed out on?

I also got a chance to take Marie to the house I grew up in. It's for sale if you are interested.

Here is Marie deciding if it's an investment worth making. I think she'll wait a couple more years for the market to fluctuate. (Also I would like to note how nervous I was taking this picture on the porch- I mean- what if someone just walked out the front door? Yikes).

Candy? I think THIS is why Marie is so obsessed with her Aunt Cassie. Actually this is the scripture case Cassie bought for Marie's new Book of Mormon- which Stephanie got enscribed with Marie's name on it. What cool aunts!

 

This is what we call a picture moment.

Ron, Cathy, and Max took us to Heritage Park. The train was rockin'.

Marie enjoyed swimming with Max and Beth.

 

My dad flew down just for the day! That was an awesome treat.

 

Max and Marie "hammin'" it up. Actually I don't know what they are doing here. But usually it involves putting something on her head. (Maybe a closet Harry Potter fan?). Max was so sweet to her- what a good cousin to have.

 

And YES Jesse came down again just to see us for 30 minutes at lunch. Maresa is such a sport! These girls, however, were little trouble makers!

 

I can't get over that Jesse and I are all grown up with our own kids. I don't think I ever imagined this far.

 

And lastly, Uncle Jesse comes to see us off at the gate. He also takes a moment to show Marie how to bring in an Airplane, if she ever happens to need to do so.


We loved Utah. Had a great time. It's crazy to think we won't be back for over a year. I hope we can still be Mormon! Love you Utah!

So Hard To Leave- Cali & Idaho (Part 1)

I don't even know what to write under this picture. But in words all I can say that I have missed Katie and her son Preston very much. I didn't want to STAY in California (at least not with the high taxes and our cramped apartment) but I did want to take them with me.

On the way out of Cali our car broke down in Auburn, two hours north of Vacaville. Luckily we found the most super Christian mechanic who took the time to drive us to the local pool while he fixed our car for 4 hours. We were so blessed that day.

 

It was so fun to celebrate the 4th with my family. It's cool being around people who know how to enjoy their fireworks. And when I say enjoy- I mean buy illegal ones and use the legal ones not so very safely.

My mom helped me with the cake- something I always love. She always makes things extra perfect. This is her free hand writing of the ship "Marie." We had an early celebration of Marie's 2 year birthday. The cake was "Dora and the Pirate Piggies." We wanted in incorporate Pirates considering her new venture with eye patches this year.

 

She loves her uncle Mal, and despite his "too cool for school" attitude, he is really good with kids.

 

Marie enjoying the cotton candy sea.

On our last day Jesse and family made it up. They missed the canoe day at the lake, but we tried to recreate it for them with the background my mom painted for a stake dance. I think it was a hit with the girls.

I snuck in 3 visits with friends. This is Jen and Ruby whom will actually will be coming to Japan while we live there! Yay Idaho!

Pictures of a Goose!

Yes, we are here in Japan. But I don't want to blog about that yet,

Here are some of Marie's two year pictures. You can check them out at

nicolettefrancisphotography.blogspot.com

The photographer has been my best friend since the 6th grade. She was taking pictures even that young. Glad to have talented friends- Thanks Nicolette!