Summerland

Last Saturday we decided to have our last adventure together before the kids and I leave for the US. We went to "Summerland" and had a lovely time. I think as a family we all have the best time when we are around water and sun.
Isabel is a convert now also. She used to not even like baths! Now she is a fan of water.
This pool was my favorite, it was called "the spring" and it had pretty hot water.
On the way to Summerland we had what we call "a Japanese experience". We set the address in our navi and it said it would take about 45 min since it was 25 miles away. We were moving right along when the navi started giving instructions to move out of the freeway (we were still about 6 miles away) but it was all very confusing because the voice giving instructions in Japanese was saying one thing, while the picture in the navi showed only a lane change. I made Cameron stay in the freeway only to go through a toll and run into TONS of traffic without an exit for another 16 miles! So, our supposed 45 min drive there took 2+ hours. I was so frustrated having to drive for such a long time going the wrong direction. You have to understand that freeways in Japan don't have on/off ramps at the same places or very often. No u-turns either since opposite sides are divided by walls. This was one of those times I was sooo proud of my husband for keeping it together and not yelling at me (who made him go the wrong way in the first place) and keeping cool while I whined and complained. Oh that I could be more like Cameron! The boys resigned themselves to the long drive as they kept in sight the goal and Isabel took a relaxing nap. Once we made it to the water park, it was all worth it. Even better, the drive back home was a breeze!

Wednesday = Music

Every Wednesday after we drop off the boys at school Isabel and I head over to "Music Together" This term we are enjoying the "maracas" collection. The class has 10 children and their mothers and we sing and dance for about an hour. Isabel has really enjoyed the interaction with the other children and she loves to wonder around the room and sit with the other moms. For the next to last song we share in the class the teacher brings out a bag filled with instruments. This is by far Isabel's favorite time. She loves to try different ones and play them to the rythm of the music.
Drums are always a favorite!
We were introduced to this program by our dear friends Rachael and her daughter Savannah. Unfortunately they are leaving Tokyo this summer. Japan won't be the same without them...

Weekend in Hong Kong

We left Friday morning May 30th. Cameron had a conference in Hong Kong for BYU alumni leaders in Asia and he asked me to come along. I always have a very hard time leaving the children overnight so it took some convincing on his part, but now that it's done, I'm very happy we had some time to ourselves.Well, we didn't quite take this picture since the weather was like this: It rained all day Friday and the next couple of days were cloudy and hazy but perfect for walking around. Cameron attended meetings most of the day on Saturday, but we managed to get away for a couple of hours. We were staying in an area called Kowloon so we took the Star Ferry to get over to Hong Kong island. It is about a 10 min ride.
Here is a picture of a street tram, I looked at them and kept thinking "the boys would love to ride in one!" Also, all the buses were double deckers trying to accommodate as many people as they can.
Here is a picture of me on front of a temple on Hollywood Road. This was a very fun road with many antique shops and hidden treasures.
On our way back to the hotel we got to see a traditional ship. I had told Cameron that unless I saw one, I wouldn't feel like I'd been to HK. Later that night we went to a street market and did a little bit of shopping. We flew back on Sunday afternoon and when we arrived home the children were asleep. I think they had a good time with our wonderful friends who took great care of them. Thank you Rachael, Nate and Dawn!