Niigata nature

We have arrived in Niigata Japan. Yea! I haven't been to Yukari's house here for a couple of years, but not much has changed. It did strike me just how different a world this is to where we live in North Carolina. Not sure I want to go back to the US at the end of this summer... Here are some photos taken in the yard at Yukari's family house, during what is the end of rainy season here in Japan.

On the way to Niigata!

We had a long day traveling... At first Luke and I planned to go to Japan a few weeks earlier than Paul, but I'm glad that we decided to all go together! Luke was very good during the two airplane trips (1 hour to Newark and then 13 hours to Tokyo), he didn't give us too much trouble (^-^) But of course we were all exhausted when we finally arrived at my mother's house. We took a few pictures on our way to Japan, and met nice people all along the way! The flight from Norfolk to Newark was so quick and easy, and we didn't have to wait too long for the next flight to Narita, Japan. Luke had a fun time at the gate with some airport employees -- they were waving and making funny faces at Luke. And there were two Japanese girls who sat next to us while we were waiting for the next flight. Yes, Luke was very interested in them -- staring and smiling at the girls!

The flight from Newark to Narita was about 13 hours. It was very long.... but Luke had a nap and a few hours of sleep, so it was good! There were a few small children near our seats. Sarah -- who is 18 months old (she and her mother were going to Taiwan), Sophia -- 4 months old (her mother is Japanese, and like Luke, this is Sophia's first time trip to Japan), Mary -- 12 months old (her mother is also Japanese, but this is Mary's fourth time trip to Japan! WOW!!). I had a very nice chat with their mothers!

We arrived at Narita around 1:00 pm. But our trip was not finished yet.... we still had to catch a train to get to our final destination! We had very nice lady sat next to us on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Luke liked her very much! This is a nice shot of the two of them (^o^)

Finally we got to my mother's house around 7:00 pm (24 hours after we left Paul's parents house the day before). My mother, grandpa, aunt and uncle were waiting for us and were so excited to see Luke for the first time! I'm sure Luke will have a fun couple of months with them!

First time into the water!

YEAH!!!! Our vacation finally starts! We had a really tough last 2 days finishing up packing and cleaning the house. We arrived in Virginia Beach late last night, we were all tired and exhausted but it was so nice to see Mom and Dad, and just thinking about spending time with them for next couple days make us feel so relaxed and excited (^-^) We slept very well last night and we had relaxing day today!

This evening we decided to take Luke to the beach before dinner. The beach is down the street and it was warm evening---perfect day to get wet!

This is Luke's first time on the beach AND salt water experience (^0^)When I put my feet in the water, it was cold.... but after little while it was getting warm and feels so good! I think Luke also enjoyed in the water as much as Paul did (^-^)We will be back at the beach tomorrow AGAIN!

1st Father's day!

Paul was mowing the grass and packing on his 1st Father's day. I wishI had more time to do something special for him, but since we are busy getting ready to move out the house, I couldn't do much.... (I know it's sounds like just a good excuse, huh...hahaha) Well, we will see next year!

We were really busy packing after church, and didn't have much time to spend playing with Luke (well that is not completely true. Paul will always play with Luke even he is busy. Like today, he was busy packing, but he found time to play with Luke. Luke, you are such a lucky one to have a father like Paul!).

Luke was full of energy today, so I had to put him in the highchair while I was making dinner. He was playing with his toys, banging on the table, and screaming from time to time---yes, making a LOT of noises! But suddenly I didn't heard anything, so I looked in on him to find out what he was doing, and I saw him like like this.... This is his first time he has fallen asleep in his highchair!

Yes, we all had long day... but only few more days before we are finishing up moving and going on vacation!---just few more days...

It was a wonderful day

Paul's cousin Bob and his wife Linda visited us today. Bob and Linda always bring us a lot of fun stories, and we always enjoy having them over -- wish we could see each other more often! We went to lunch and drove by our new apartment, so that they can stop by any time (^-^). Also we came up with a great idea that we are going to visit Japan all together in two years!!! I hope it is not only an idea, but will happen!

I was carrying a camera in my bag all day, but forgot to take any photos... but before they left, I was able to take a picture! Bob and Linda, please visit us again soon (^0^)

After we said goodbye to Bob and Linda, we were heading towards the Bro. and Sis. Stockamps house for Kyle's welcome home party! Kyle just came back from his mission in Taiwan. We never met him before, so when he saw me, he thought I'm Chinese ---hahahaha It's understandable. It was a very nice gethering; great foods (Sis. Stockamp is a great cook!), fun conversation with freinds, and nice fresh air and beautiful views from their porch. It was a beautiful evening. Yes, we enjoyed very much. But again, I forgot to take pictures at the party.... pitty...

We had to stop by the store on the way home, so Luke went to bed a little later than usual, but over all, we had a WONDERFUL DAY!

He makes me feel special!

When Paul came home today, there was a beautiful bouquet on the table. Immediately in my mind "What did I miss??? Anniversary? not my birthday for sure... " Paul is so nice to surprise me! The flowers are perfect in the kitchen and brighten my day every time I see them (^0^)Yes, Paul still makes me feel special!

A lot of things done in rainy days

Rainy days are not my favorite... It has being raining A LOT these last few days -- yikes! But I decided to look on the brighten side, I'm able to get a lot of work done cleaning and organizing the house (6 more days before we leave! ). So! I'm okay with this rainy day (^-^)

...but Luke, on the other hand, is getting bored... staying inside all the time.... as much as I need to work done, we hope we can see a sunny days soon! Sunshine for Luke and weeding for me... yes, I need to do more in the garden before we leave...

First trip to the dump... I mean storage unit

I remember last June we were on Guam packing for moving back to here to the mainland. And this June, we are packing AGAIN... Our first trip to put things in storage was done yesterday. A big thanks to Mark to helping us! I really liked the U-Haul van, so I had to take a few photos. It is my first experience renting a moving van!

This time it was much easier to do packing, because for the first time in many years we are not moving overseas, just a couple of miles away. I can just dump all of our stuff in the boxes and don't have to worry about the weight and how much it will cost to send!!!! hahaha. We are going to rent a van one more time on Tuesday the 23rd of June, just before we leave town. And rest of the summer we are going to have a fun with family in Virginia Beach and in Japan (^-^)

We got a spider (yikes!)

Luke has new wheels. It's a new stroller called the "Mutsy Spider"! We always wanted to get a lightweight stroller and this is perfect for us. At first, we weren't necessarily looking for anything "musty" or "spidery", but Luke seems to be enjoying the smooth ride! We are looking forward to using this on the walking trail in the park.

Besides... it is a whole lot better than our old stroller:

Little picnic

Another beautiful day, so we decided to do little picnic in our yard. I wanted to just relax and read a book or taking a quick nap in the sunshine, but of course Luke never sits still... he is always moving around---crawling, throwing toys, and chewing my shoes.

We are leaving this house pretty soon, moving into new place much closer to the university in Boone. We are exciting about the change, and having a place more of our own, but I'm sure we will miss this beautiful yard and enjoying a little picnic under the warm sunshine.

Sunday afternoon

We had rain almost all week, so it was nice to have beautiful sunny weather today. Paul and Luke were spending time at outside this afternoon, while I was making dinner (^-^) Luke loves to practice standing these days. He is getting much much better!!!!
Luke loves our house cat Suttree. Looks like they were having fun together!
Oh, I would like to mentioned that the T-shirt Luke is wearing, he got it from the hospital when he was born. It says "Special Delivery from Watauga Medical Center". He is nearly 9 months old but still wearing it. Can you believe it?

It's Friday!

Every Friday, we are going to the Children's Playhouse here in Boone. Luke is having more fun there since he started sitting down, crawling, and cruising (^-^) Rebekah (who answers all my mommy questions) and her son Nathan (who shows Luke how to use all the toys!) are always there for us. Today, Rebekah and Nathan showed Luke for so many new toys and fun things do to!

[Luke playing the piano with Rebekah]

[Nathan and Luke with a train set]

[Luke pushing the "Lawnmower"]

When Nathan saw his father mowing the grass, he thought this toy is exactly like his father's lawnmower! Yes, it looks like lawnmower, doesn't it? When Luke started touching Nathan's train, Nathan told Luke "you go mow grass!". So Luke started mowing the grass---hahaha It was so funny!

WOW! Feel's so good...

Today was my first session with my trainer Carla. WOW! It was tough, but feel so good afterward!!! Well, I'm not sure I will feel the same way tomorrow morning, though. I hope I can get up from the bed---hahaha. I have another session tomorrow, can't wait (^v^) Paul also had session (second one), and his muscles are sore already---heeheehee

He is already 9 months!

Today was Luke's 9 months check up. Well, actually he will be 9 months next Saturday (the 13th), but it is close enough! When we are waiting for Dr. Adams, Luke was flirting with the nurse, and then he found his favorite thing to play with -- PAPER!!!

We like Dr. Adams very much. He is very sweet and takes lots of time with us to answer all of our questions. We are very lucky to find a good doctor (^-^)

[Paul, Luke, and Dr. Adams]

Here are the Luke's 9 month development statistics:
Weight: 19 lbs 4.5 oz (8.7 kg)
Height: 27.5 in (69.9 cm)
Head Circumference: 17.4 in (44.2 cm)

We were surprised that he used to be in the 25th percentile for size and weight, but now he is in the 35th percentile! He is growing quickly.

Personal trainer

Paul and I signed up for 8 sessions each with a personal trainer at Appalachian State University. Yes, it's time to get active and think about promoting good health! We are excited about this program. Paul and his trainer "Mark" already had first their session, and Paul told me he was almost throwing up (my first comment to Paul was "Oh my goodness, what did you do?)---hahaha. For me, I just met my trainer "Carla" today, and did body strengthen and strech test, but my body already feels great afterward!!! I can't wait to start exercising on a regular basis (^0^)

Roses

There are couple of rose bushes in the yard. Every time when I took a walk with Luke, I checked each bushed and think about which rose will bloom first. Luke was waiting for me in the yard until I checked all the bushes every time.

I thought this rose bush will bloom first...
BUT... I was wrong, today I checked again and the roses are just like this...
instead, all other rose bushes are blooming already. Red, pink and white!
So now, we are enjoying lovely colors and smells when we take a walk in the yard (^-^)