Tokyo Drift

Sayonara

2011-06-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

My very dear friend is leaving me after 3 exciting years here in Tokyo. She and I hit it off instantly as well as our families. Ava and her daughter have been best friends since they were 2. I can't believe when I come back in August she will not be here.....

I will be making frequent trips to Hong Kong next year to visit!

Lien, Hilary, Rebecca, and Cynthia (my Bff)

She and her husband treated her close friends to a fabulous dinner in Shibuya.

She looked so beautiful!

We had to show off our shoes!

This group of ladies are my lifeline over here.

Bong and I. She inherited that nickname after our trip to Cambodia. She is also my 'smart' friend. She is a cardiologist! I am spending time with her this Summer at her place in the Hamptons. It's good to have friends in high places!

Pic came out green! Most of our days are spent on the tennis courts.

Rebecca, Leon (our tennis coach), and Cyn

The two tennis pros at the club who have put up with our lack of skills for the past few years.

We had a GNO sayonara for her last week as well. Pics will come soon.....

Japan

2011-03-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

Tokyo, Japan has been our home for the past 3 years. We have really grown to love it there. The people, the customs, the order, the politeness, the service levels, and the friends that we've made both foreign and Japanese. My heart goes out to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami disaster. How easily it could have been my little house and life that was completely turned upside down. I was separated from my kids and Ryan during the big earthquake. It was a very scary time and not until I was able to know they were safe did I feel relief. Then as the rest of the days events unfolded, watching the tsunami clean out the town of Sendai, it became apparent how lucky we were to have just felt a big earthquake with no consequences. Here are some photos I have found that really touched me. We have left the country to make sure it is safe for us while the nuclear power plants are being repaired. We look forward to returning and continuing our lives in Japan with the wonderful people they are.

Daddy Daughter Dance

2011-03-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Ryan took Savannah and Ava to the Daddy Daughter Dance held at the American Club for Valentine's. They had a great night with lots and lots of dancing. Cole and I went on a date of our own to Outback Steakhouse where he even treated me to dinner. It's great to be able to have these special outings with our kids while they are still willing to hang with us.

These two pictures of Ry with the girls are my favorite.

Ring in the New Year

2011-01-22T00:36:00.000-08:00

Karaoke, Karaoke, and more

Karaoke to 'sing' in the new year!

Lots of fun with all our cousins and neighbor boys!

2011 Is looking good so far!

Home for the Holidays

2010-12-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

A little tidbit of what we've been up to since landing in Utah......

First off was our 'Festive' holiday sweater party with friends.

Kids were so excited to hit the slopes. Ava's first time out and she did great with her instructor. She is excited to go back for more.

Ry went up the next day with our friends and their boys. He said the snow in Park City was much better.

Enjoying a night out with the kids and a visit with Santa.

Decorating our Gingerbread men.

We had this little section of the house set up for photos. We've used it for several gatherings and it's been so much fun.

Christmas Eve morning brunch at our place with Ryan's family.

Ryan and his Grandmother who just had her 90th birthday.

A little nativity action at my family's on Christmas Eve.

The kids saying goodbye to our Elf, Ralph, who has been watching the kids and reporting back to the North Pole
each night. He leaves on Christmas Eve with Santa and will return again next year.

Making sure I get some goods.

Legos, legos, and more legos.

And so it ends....
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your families.

Goodbye Beijing

2010-11-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

Our tour guide bought these treats for the kids. It was a sweet fruit with a sugary coating kind of like a caramel apple.

We took pedi cab rides through a traditional Chinese village. These housing areas are protected and can only be built in their original style which is a square. It was called the Houtong.

The temps dropped into the low 40's this day so we were all a bit chilly.

Ava put on a smile even though she was freezing.

We visited a family's house.

Inside the square house was a little courtyard and the rooms on the perimeter were the bedrooms, kitchen, and sitting areas.

My dream....

We had a great trip. Beijing was beautiful. We had a lot of fun with our friends and got to see such amazing things.

Beijing Day 3

2010-11-08T05:02:00.000-08:00

You have to really love us to look through all these pictures. It will be easier to put captions under anything important. Enjoy the show......

Starting the day at the Great Wall

We were there during the most beautiful season. All the ivy and leaves were orange and red. My favorite.

This is just one small section of the wall. The entire length spans 6,000 kilometers which is longer than the width of the entire United States.

Ava and her bestie playing at the Wall. Pretty cool!

A and Lila

It was pretty crowded and steep.

Always wanted to see the Wall. Check.

Love the translations.

It was too steep for the little ones to climb but Cole had his heart set on it so he and Ry made it to the top.

My 'North Face' gloves I bought from a toothless man on the street. I got a steal. 3 bucks for these bad boys!
And they're 'North Face'! I don't think so. It was one piece of felt with fingers sewn together.

Little Bunnies at Tienamen Square.

Rub for good like.... just like the Karate Kid.

Oh wait... these were the ones.

Inside the Forbidden City. It was forever and forever. Ry kept asking if we were inside yet.... our tour guide would say 'almost' then it was another building and courtyard just like this. Over and over and over and over.

And another......

More photo ops.

This was the acrobat show we went to in the evening.
Ry was pulled onstage to perform this chair trick.
Well maybe not... but he can do this at home 'wink'.

Something for me and the girls to work on.

The pool at the Hyatt was awesome. The kids loved coming here at night and swimming and having dinner.

Love this sweet girl!

A worn out Dad.

Such a handsome devil.

Must be in a deep conversation???

Another end to a fantastic day.

Beijing Day 2

2010-10-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

Day 2

We stayed out near the Great Wall at a place called the Commune at the Great Wall. It was in the mountains and all these houses/units spread throughout the beautiful trees. You have your own private access to parts of the Great Wall that are unrestored and not crowded with tourists. Unfortunately we had rain all day and so we all just hung out, rented out the theatre room, I got a massage, Ava played in the kid's room with Lila, and we had a fantastic Chinese food dinner. Even though it threw off our agenda a little we still had a great time just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful nature.

Walking from our house to the main lodge for breakfast.

How many Chinamen does it take to put a mattress on top of a van?

We were laughing so hard.....

And this was the final product.....

Love it!

It was a little chilly up in the mountains...

Made me feel like I was at home in Utah.

This wasn't our place but an example of the cool houses that were up here. The architecture was very modern and minimalist.

We had to take the hotel van to and from while it was raining.

When the sun finally came out I rounded the corner and this is what I saw....

Finally the Great Wall of China!

And then breakfast... which was just as good as the Great Wall.

Day 2 didn't get many pics because of the weather...... But it's late and I don't think I could do any more blogging so stay tuned....

Beijing Day 1

2010-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

I will probably have to do this post in segments since there are a lot of pictures. I'm sure they will all look the same since the buildings/places in China are very similar. We had a great trip and being there was so amazing with all it's culture, sights, and people. But it's always nice coming back to Japan where everything seems to be orderly, people keep to themselves, and we can understand a few words!

We went with our friends, The Mix's, and we had a big bus and tour guide for our entire visit.

Day one we went to the Summer Palace. It was so beautiful and set up on this hillside that stepped down to a lake. I think this was my favorite place of the entire trip.

I love all the places that this smart, wonderful man has been able to take us too. Even though we've bounced around and have been away from home forever.... he provides us a pretty amazing life!

I love this little munchkin. She is so full of life. She was quite popular among the Chinese. They loved taking her picture and she loved posing for them.

It's so hard to capture the vastness of this place!

My favorite pic from the trip!

Deciding whether or not to take a boat ride, but little Miss A wasn't fond of the idea. She's been a little weary of boats ever since our little popped raft in the Provo River this past Summer.

The 'LONG CORRIDOR' which really is long. I guess it's in the Geniuses Book of World Records.

No pictures are to be taken of the large rock behind Ryan. Brings bad luck! I just don't like to be told not to do something..... bring on the bad luck I guess.

One of many of Ava's admirers.

Back on the bus and out to the Commune at the Great Wall where we stayed the next two nights.

End of Day 1.

More to come..........

Bragging Rights

2010-10-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Just a few videos to brag about my hubby.

He did a great job at his convention this past weekend. Here's a little glimpse into his stage presentation along with everyone singing Happy Birthday to him.

Ryan's Birthday and Convention

2010-10-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ryan got to spend his special day this year with the ones he loves the most....

NuSkin distributors! Japan's convention fell on the weekend of his birthday so we snuck in a little celebration between his speeches, sessions, and gazillions of people trying to take his picture. Blake did however get the entire arena of around 13,000 people to sing to him so I guess everyone doesn't get that all the time. The kids came up Saturday to see some of the big production and to be with Dad on his birthday.

Ryan giving the opening speech. He was so polished and confident. I was extremely proud.

Introducing the new Nuskin Japan App.

The Grand Finale. The kids loved being on stage and all the excitement.

It kind of was a fun way to celebrate his birthday.

His staff had a cake brought in for him.

Backstage eating cake.

Finally finished and heading off to dinner!

Super yummy pi

Forgot to rotate... but Ry always put the birthday boy/girl's initial on our front door so we couldn't forget about his at the hotel.

Birthday cake in the hotel.

Always messy.

Before heading home we took a detour to a fun spot in Yokohama. The kids were dying to get on the rides.

Sometimes he surprises us.

A little party at home to open the presents.

Kevin and Isaac Heaton

Baby Hazel

Melanie Keller made this cake which was to die for. There's always tomorrow!!!

We were supposed to act like we were blowing them out... Ry left me hanging.

Jenice and Hazel

Off to bed! This is how the kids sleep every single night. They love all being together in Savannah's room.
We have tried getting them alone but what is the point. We love that they do this and some day they will want their space so for now it's one big sleepover!

The End!

Happy Birthday Lover.

Tokyo Disney

2010-09-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Something we never do is stand in line to see the princesses.
But today the line was short right when it opened so Ava got to see Ariel.

Mike and Melanie Keller moved over here for Nuskin a few weeks ago.
It's so fun having them to hang out with. She will be adding to her family
very soon.

All three kids wanted a genie.

After our little mishap on the Provo river this Summer Ava refuses to go on boats .
This used to be one of her favorite rides.... not any more.

Melanie finally getting to ride something.

A cute little Japanese girl took our picture. I think she went for the 'fun' angle because she works
at Disneyland!

Ava told Ryan several times she couldn't talk because she needed to focus
because she isn't a very good driver.

Cole finally is tall enough to drive his own car alone.

Waiting for the Halloween parade to start. Super duper hot!

A few of the Halloween characters in the parade....

Lunch in Toon Town. Our hot dogs were on actual bones... kind of gross if you ask me.
It was Pluto's food stand. A pretend one would have been fine.

Our last ride of the day...

We thought Ava's Mini looked like she was in a coffin.

I can't ride with Ry because he makes me sick going too fast. The kids love it.

Even though we were there for a Nuskin meeting... we had a lot of fun. The weather was nice
and the parks weren't as crowded as they could have been.
Success!

Just as we were leaving all the Robin Hood characters were walking around. Ava is terrified of the stuffed people but
Sav took her book to get signed and Ava followed and eventually softened up.... but only
with the 'girl' characters.

The End!

Mt. Fuji Day Hike

2010-09-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

Went with a tour group from the American Club Women's Group today to Mt. Fuji. It is an active volcano and is very famous here in Japan. It's last eruption was over 300 years ago. It was a cross between walking on the moon and being in a Dr. Seuss book. We started out at station 5 and hiked to station 6 (there are 10 stations to the summit) then trekked to a huge crater on the volcano. It made me kind of want to attempt the full climb next Summer. I'm sure the moment will pass!

An interesting Chinese man we met along the way. He wanted us to take his picture and he had such great poses that I just had to take one with him.

My favorite shot of the day with my favorite gal.

Back to School

2010-09-05T03:38:00.000-07:00

Aren't they just adorable. Ava was so excited to finally be a 'big' girl and get to go to the 'big' school and ride the 'big' bus.

Walking to the bus stop. The humidity is so thick that it fogged up my camera.

His 'blue steel' smile.

Ava and Lila finally riding the bus together.

Ava had no trouble adjusting to her new classroom. She and Lila pretty much owned the room within minutes.

One of Cole's best buds found out he was moving back to England the week before school started. Luckily he called us to say goodbye after the first day of school.

The girls were half day for the first week so we took them to Costco after school to stock up after a long Summer being away.

I love how everything is in it's proper place in Japan. These are the carts perfectly lined up while people eat at the food court.

First GNO with all the girls. Yummy food and great catching up.

Nikki, Cynthia, and Emma

Kristen (bday girl in pink) and Kim

Agnes and Sarah (Sarah's friend in the middle visiting).

New House in Tokyo....

2010-07-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

Our Street isn't very wide so it's hard to get far enough away for a decent shot. So happy to finally have a garage to keep all the bikes and toys. We also have a huge attic for storage which we really needed with all the supplies we bring back from the U.S. each Summer.

A view of our street. It's always very hard to explain that we have a house in the middle of the city of Tokyo. There aren't really yards. Some people have a little bit of greenery but mostly just concrete and power lines.

We have a front door entrance and a side one that leads to the back yard. We actually have quite a bit of space compared to most homes and most people live in apartments. We are really lucky to have a house and some greenery.

We sat outside and ate breakfast and dinner every chance we got before we left for the Summer. We have only been in the house 3 weeks...

Our little yard. We have a parking lot next to us and a pond surrounded by trees behind our little fence. You can see goldfish swimming around. We do get mosquitos but love the privacy and peace and quiet.

Family Room

Work out room.

Everything is very simple but clean.

Savannah and Annie heading to school on my kids' last day.

This is where our street ends.. which this is a main street in our 'hood'. Across the street is a baseball field, park, tennis courts, and a little to the right is the tennis club I spend my life at.

Some of the bus stop kids. We won't be seeing most of them next year because they are moving back to the U.S.

Their cute little bus and their cool bus monitor.

Ava's graduation from her ABC Preschool.

Her teacher, Tomomi, was so much fun.

Ava's two BFF's... Lila and Mya.

My good friends, Cynthia, Hilary, and Rebecca.

GNO at Nobu before we all left for the Summer.

Life in Tokyo wouldn't be the same without my favorite person!

I hope these pics made you want to come and visit us!!!!

It's Great to be 8!

2010-05-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

My handsome Cole was baptized today here in Tokyo. We went back and forth about waiting to do it in Utah this Summer but we felt compelled to have it here in our home ward amongst the great people we go to church with. He would have been one of many in Utah but today, here in Japan, he was the main attraction. I was amazed to see so many people stay after church for another hour to support our family. I was overwhelmed with love and am grateful for the wonderful Ward we have here in Japan.

The Nelson Family. Sadly they are moving back to the US tomorrow! Brett gave a talk on baptism today and captured Cole's attention with a story about cinnamon bears.

The Heaton Family. Kevin spoke to Cole about the Holy Ghost. This adorable family is our home away from home.

West Family. Theresa was an angel and helped me with Cole's announcements. She is also his scout leader and is such a wonderful person and friend.

The kids sang 'When I was Baptized'. Ava was a little shy but Cole and Savannah were fantastic.

Cole and Bing.

Bishop Benfell

Elder and Sister Stevenson

Brett and Renea Nelson

The spread. So many people helped me with the refreshments.

The girls were told to guard the table with their lives.

Jere Miller taking care of all the refreshments and filling water, replenishing the food, and just being so helpful.

My dear friend, Tracey, who took all the photos for me. She is leaving me in a few weeks. Very sad.

Lastly, taking Sumo on his walk after church in the rain!

Now off to my nap.

To all our friends and family in Utah.... we really did miss having you be a part of this special day. You were there with us in our hearts.

Jen

Fujifilm.com

2010-05-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

If you have a chance follow this link and you'll see one of Cole's past jobs for Fuji Film. It's crazy to think we spent all day long at two different locations only to have this tiny little bit of what he did on their site. But cute none the less.

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_s2500hd/features/page_03.html

You may have to copy and paste???

2010-05-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

We had a Winter break in February. Ry was busy with meetings throughout Japan so we stayed put and did local things. There was a great ice rink set up in Midtown and the day we went was gorgeous and empty.

Cole and Michael (who happens to be Cole's good friend, Maya's, brother).

She was still in school so we got Michael instead.

Love the guys in their suits. Can't you just imagine Ry and his buddies taking their lunch break to go ice skating? Ahhh only in Japan.

It's all I've got over here so gotta love it.

Walking home down the main street to our 'hood'.

This is the little mom and pop flower shop on the corner of our street. They always give me an extra tulip for the girls if they are with me.

My street. If you look all the way down to the right you'll see a telephone pole and a person walking right in front of it. The house to the right of all that is where ours is but just behind the one you can see.

Our gather place. We pop in here once or twice a day for milk, ice cream, corn dogs, or to meet up with friends. Everyone knows where this place is so it's our landmark.

The Sunkus intersection.

Local hotties

Really not too worried about Savannah and boys just yet.

See Jen Run

2010-05-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have run a few 5K's but wanted to see what I was made of. I completed the entire 10K without walking. I may not have had the best time but I finished and am ready for the next one!

My running partner was my good friend, Tracey. She may or may not be here next year so we had to capture the day with lots of photos.

Warming up

She may be even goofier than I am!! Love it...

Imperial Palace grounds... getting ready....

Eye candy...

Set....

GO!!!

Nice form Tracey!

Only time we stopped....

We did it!!

What a fun day! Beautiful weather, amazing scenery,

perfect running partner, and a goal accomplished.

Whale Watching

2010-04-16T03:56:00.000-07:00

I must have had too many photos last time because it left off the last part of our trip. It was our favorite day... overcast... so we decided to take the kids whale watching. They had a blast and saw some beautiful hump-back whales. Here's the last bit of our trip.

Getting ready to head out!

Ava was quite fearful at first but then loved it after we got moving.

The guy in blue was a volunteer whale guide who is retired and just loves to join the crew and share his knowledge!

Cole had lots of questions both on and off the subject of whales.

Finally brave enough to sit by herself.

I think I just might retire!

Co-Captain

Jumping with the waves.

He is just so cute.

You can see why this was their favorite day!

Too cool.

The island of Maui. So gorgeous.

All done. What a great day.

Had our friends over to the condo for dinner.

Hannah and Savannah

Wiped out.

Back to Tokyo in the morning.

Maui we love you and will be back very soon!

Maui Wowie

2010-04-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from our amazing spring break in Maui.

We had such a relaxing time and loved the island. We will definitely be back.

We attempted a day snorkeling but ended up being too windy so after we got all the way out there and checked in they told us we couldn't go. Bummer!

Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-03-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how old she is getting. She is so beautiful and sweet. Who would have thought that super hard baby/child would have turned out to be this amazing. What a joy she is in our family!

Hoshinoya Girl's Trip

2010-03-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

The thing about being an expat is that you get to make wonderful new friends. But you also have to end up saying goodbye to them as well. Our dear friend, Marlo, left this last week back to the US. But before she left the 'girls' all went on an overnight spa trip to this beautiful place in the mountains. It was so relaxing and so fun to get away.

Heading out on the shinkansen.

Only an hour train ride and we have snow!

Me, Marlo, Linda, Barbara, and Cynthia.

I always feel like the neandrathal around here in Japan so I'm trying to suck it up and look skinny.

Push up contest.

I wanted her to jump in my arms!

Cynthia trying to figure out which bus we take. Turned out it was the one that just left.

TAXI!

These individual condo/rooms were amazing. I want to go back in the Fall and hike around.

We stopped for lunch before checking in. This is what we ate. It's really just a vegetable like soup and then you put your soba noodles in the basket and put them in the pot to cook. It was yummy on a cold day.

These ladies are obsessed with pictures. We were trying to find good angles to make our arms look thin.

If you make a face your arm will look skinnier???

???

Our house shoes.

They give you these yukatas to wear around the resort. We went to dinner in them.

Dinner turned out to be 3 hours of disgusting food so I'm glad we were at least comfortable.

Ok.. this was yummy. Finally.

Breakfast was much better. Rice, some green veggie stuff, and grilled salmon.

This was the view from the train station. You may not think it looks like much but this is where we spent our morning before heading back home.

OUTLETS!!!

Lots of US stores!

Final Group Shot.

Hilary, Michelle, Barbara, Marlo, Cynthia, Jen, and Linda

Sayonara!

Ava + Gymastics =

2010-02-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

THIS!!

She was kicked in the mouth last night during Savannah's sleepover. Four 10 year old girls doing gymnastics in our Japanese sized house just wasn't the smartest thing. Poor little thing looks like a different person. We love you Ava.

Here are the culprits.....

They look so innocent.

Savannah's Ski Trip

2010-02-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Savannah was reluctant to go on the ski trip this year with her grade but we really encouraged her to do it because we knew she would have a great time. I made arrangements to come up for the last night so that she wouldn't get too homesick and would know she would see me in two days. Once you've lived with me it's pretty hard to go without! Here are some pics from her trip. I was able to ski with her Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. We haven't been that frequent but she did amazing and really is a beautiful skier.

My Savannah is in the purple/black jacket.

She was all bundled up!

The beautiful little town of Shiga Kogen, Nagano. The olympics were held here.

Are these the largest pieces of gum ever??

We opted out of night skiing and made blueberry jam.

They slept in a traditional Japanese hotel with the tatami mats on the floor and an onsen for their bath (which is basically a public bath that you go nude in). Needless to say Savannah was happy to not shower the whole 4 days!!!

Savannah is in the purple jacket. I got to take her group of friends out for the morning. They are all such good skiers.

Lunch after morning skiing. Savannah's best friend, Annie, is in the red. Annie's sister, Sophie, is at the end with the braids, and Miranda is across from Sav.

Waiting for the shuttle bus to take us back to the train station.

I got to take my little girl home on the train instead of the school bus. She was so happy to be on her way HOME!

Couldn't have said it any better myself.....

2010-02-19T22:28:00.001-08:00

My friend, Tracey (with an E), just posted this on her blog and I had to share since it involves me and Ava. She is so funny and remembered so much about that day that I had forgotten. This is a glimpse into our lives over here.

Thanks Tracey!!

Click this link below......

Another Fujitsu Job

February Blues

2010-02-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just that time of year.

Maybe the effects of being away from home are wearing on me.

Maybe I just wish it was warmer.

Maybe I wish I had family that would come visit like everyone elses.

Maybe I wish I could get more sleep but still have Ava in my bed (just not the kicking).

Maybe I'm just hungry all the time.

Maybe it's just these dang female hormones.

Maybe it's just Winter and I'm definitely a Summer girl.

Maybe I just need a Valentine's date with my sweetie.

Maybe because I miss my brother.

Maybe I'll just go get in bed.

Maybe tomorrow will be better.........

Thank Goodness She's 4.....

2010-02-07T00:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Ava!

My little four year old cutie was once a super hard baby.... so we are thankful for her 4th birthday and that she is getting easier, sweetier, and funnier each year. I think I would freeze her at this age if I could.

Her Birthday fell on a Sunday so we went to church then had some of our friends join us for her birthday celebration after dinner.

This is Jenice and baby Hazel on the left and Tracy on the right.

Tracy and her girls, Shailey and Emma, are always so cute with Ava.

Ryan and Kevin

Me and the birthday girl with our buddy, Issac.

I just love her to pieces!!!

Her celebration continued the next day at school. I brought in cupcakes for her class.

Birthday morning pancakes!!

Our sweet friend, Bing, who bought her a new dress from the Disney store.

Ava's favorite gift.

The next Saturday..... the big party.

She invited Belle to come so we'll have to wait and see....

Ava's friend, Maya.

Ta Dah.... Belle arrived and was singing about Gaston following her.

She then taught them a dance to 'Be our guest".

And finally a story about Belle.

I love this pic of my friends in the back. Something was seriously funny.

They each made a necklace and had their picture taken with her to put inside.

There were two little boys there but they just weren't as into the princess as the girls were.

A good-bye hug.

Now for the food.

Ava's favorite time of day.

Will the candy ever come out???

Savannah used her strength to break the pinata.

She's so shy...... not really.

After the last person left I shut the door, went upstairs, and jumped in bed for a long nap. Her birthday week was exhausting. Now I know how Ryan feels about mine!

I love birthdays.

Until next year my little Princess Ava.

(no I am not pregos.... bad shirt angle)

Let's Wrap it Up.....2009

2010-01-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

These are the final pics from our vacation to Utah and then our stop in Hawaii. I won't bore everyone with the details. The pics are pretty self explanatory.

We had two great trips, lots of packing/unpacking, vomit, vomit, and more vomit, great snow skiing, amazing beaches, and unforgettable memories.

Cole and his buddy, Nathan.

My cute little brother on the right with his bestie, Kate, and their friend from Sweden who would have made a fabulous "Edward".

He left on his mission a few days after we left Utah. I'm so sad!

Turtle Bay, Oahu.

Seriously so yummy.

The girl on the left is from our neck of the woods in Tokyo. Took the pic to show her family if I ever meet them.

Someday my prince will come.....

Waikiki

Poor Ava was sick pretty much the whole week. She tried to still have fun.

Yes I am married to this man!!!

Wow!!!

Back to Japan.

Such a long flight.

So many suitcases.

Belated Christmas Post

2010-01-04T21:37:00.001-08:00

I've been late getting things posted. Lots of traveling and having too much fun.

We kicked the holiday season off by spending the weekend at Disneyland. (Really for Ry's meetings which kept him away from us over Thanksgiving, but I'm being the optimist)

NEVER... and I repeat NEVER go to the Tokyo Disneyland on a Saturday during the holidays. Insanity. Just waiting in the bathroom line took 30 to 45 minutes if that gives you any idea how crowded it was.

But the kids still had fun and scored some sweet hats.

Next stop for Savannah and I was a 'girls' weekend to Osaka with our friends and went to Universal Stuidos.

Lucky for us my friend's husband works for Goldman Sachs which owns some of this place and so we got special passes which took us straight to the front of each line.

Thanks Cynthia and Bryan!

The girls had fun and Savannah and I had a great little weekend together. We even stayed at the Ritz.

Next holiday festivity was the Nuskin holiday party.

A few of our friends were in town on business and attended the party which made it so much more fun.

Ryan getting into all the crazy Japanese games. Unfortunately we didn't win.. but I protest it was due to not understanding any of the directions!!!

JET LAG!!

Heading to Utah!

Christmas Eve pagent

Christmas morning!!!

Santa even remembered to deliver the gifts to us in Utah and not Tokyo.

We had a great holiday. Zhu zhu pets were a hit. The time flew but leaving Utah to go to Hawaii made the goodbyes a little easier.

Happy New Year!!!

Lights, Camera, Action!!!

2009-12-04T23:39:00.001-08:00

Our family was picked to do a segment for a Japanese DVD that teaches English. So funny. Our house was transported into a set this afternoon. Cole was the main star and we were his family. We played Twister, sang songs, and ate Caramel Apples. Please stay tuned for our big win at the Oscars!

The Mask

2009-11-12T00:17:00.000-08:00

I was called to pick Cole up from school yesterday because he was coughing really hard. This is what I found! I am always making fun of everyone who wears these. Really?

But I have to say they do come in handy when your kids are sick.

I have been humbled by the mask.

Of course the second Ava saw it she had to have one too!

Kyoto

2009-11-05T23:25:00.001-08:00

Ryan's birthday was the beginning of October. We have been away from home for the last 6 years so it's always a struggle how to make his day special without having our close friends and family around. This year I decided to take him away for the weekend down to Kyoto.

His lunch... they put fried eggs on top of everything.

Mine was a little less scary. Spring rolls and ramen.

A food market. Never seen any of this stuff in the USA.. and that's a good thing!

The walk up to our dinner restaurant. It was gorgeous. Korean BBQ for my Korean speaking hubby. It was so romantic. Our own private room with a beautiful view.

The yummiest piece of steak.

Our private little waitress. She would shuffle in and out on her knees.

They even did a little Birthday surprise dessert. I guess the lady at the hotel told them because I sure didn't.

I don't know what it was but I sure ate it and liked it.

Me and my old man!

A little sightseeing.

These tori gates were amazing. They went on forever and ever. So cool.

Our own tori gate. The left side is the date and the right side is our name??? Maybe it's the other way around. You get the idea!!!

My favorite things ever. This would be paradise for me. I'll have one of everything!

Savannah made this cake for Ryan while we were gone. It was yummy.

What could he possibly wish for???

Our friends, The Nelsons, came to join in on the celebrations.

This was the first of many helpings for Andrew!

Sumo was kind of depressed he didn't get any cake.

Happy Birthday Babe! You only get better and better with age!!

Party Time Tokyo Style

2009-11-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween. It was awesome having my brother still here with us. Ava went to school as a cheerleader but then changed to a beautiful bride for trick or treating. We stopped by the church party for a bit and then hit the town for some serious candy. Ryan and I attended an adult dress up party which was a lot of fun. The theme was your 'dark' side hence the scary pics of us!

Our little friend, Issac.

Issac's little sister, Hazel.

Cole and his friend, Maya.

Pretty Sweet

2009-10-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Ryan is heading out tonight with the guys to see the all blacks play Australia here in Tokyo.

I will be trick or treating with the kids while he is enjoying some rugby.

Shimoda

2009-09-29T03:46:00.001-07:00

This is a super long post. I took lots of pictures. Went down to a place called Shimoda. One of the prettiest beaches. The drive down was about 90 miles and took 5 hours there and 7 hours home thanks to wonderful traffic. We knew it would take anywhere between 2 and 12 hours so I guess it could have been worse. Had lots of fun. Enjoying our trips around Japan.

Savannah's BFF from school, Annie (left), ended up being there and staying at the same hotel as us. She and her sister love Ava so they entertained her lots.

Cynthia with her amazing body.

Annie, Sav, and Miranda

Here comes the wave!

Wipe out!

Cynthia's middle, Sophia. I want her body!

Then there is Lila and Ava. Can't say I'm too jealous of their figures! But they somehow pull it off.

Ryan, Tom, and Bryan

Kacey and my brother, Andrew.

Lila and Ava are so funny together. I love this sequence of pictures.

Take her down!

Lila looks like an exotic dancer here. Too cute.

Oh yeah!

The sand sledding hill. My kids hated it. Ry braved it with them while I was on a walk. He wasn't in the best mood when I returned.

Here they come... These two are two peas in a pod.

Princess with her shirley temple

Wow. That was a lot of pictures.