Back in Japan

We departed Charlotte a day late, due to weather, and made the long trip to Tokyo. Yukari and the boys will be staying here through to early July. I have a couple of conference presentations in Indonesia in May, but will join them again here in Japan early June for a month of rural Japanese life.

So far, we really have enjoyed visiting Japan again in the springtime. It has been years since I have seen both the snow on the mountains and the flowering trees here. Luckily, we have had a few sunny days to enjoy the sakura (cherry blossoms) with a day at Zenibuchi park, here in Yukari's hometown.

Kite Weather

Enjoyed a few days of early spring in Virginia Beach, before we leave for Japan later this month. Not exactly swimming weather yet, but a beautiful day Saturday to enjoy flying kites.

Virginia Welcome Center

Whenever we come to visit the family in Virginia Beach, we always stop at the Virginia state line Welcome center. The boys need a few minutes of fresh air at the playground there.

Decorating for Easter

Yukari is decorating our house this week for Easter.

The Day the Aliens Arrived

It was a nice sunny weekend, so we spent time outside making a movie about aliens arriving at our house. Luke wanted to be the director and cameraman, and I also think he did a great job as an actor... Ian too.. especially, rolling down the hill to escape the aliens.

Ian's Second Birthday

Today we celebrated Ian's second birthday. He has been sick the past few days, so unfortunately, he couldn't play outside in the snow today. But Yukari made a nice snowman birthday cake for him, which we all enjoyed!

Snow

We had a quick snowstorm last night, and picked up a good 6 to 8 inches here on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A great day to try sledding down the hill in our new backyard.

A Warm Day in Winter

With a birthday gift for Ian from Aunt Liz, Uncle John, and their cousins, Luke and Ian enjoyed an unseasonably warm Saturday outside today. Thanks for the basketball hoop!

We have a hill in the backyard, so Ian is pointing to me: "get the ball please!"

Then, with the lack of snow this year, we were forced to sled down the hill using just the wet grass. Fun anyway!

Happy Anniversary

We celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary this past week. Yukari and I had a chance to get out to have a nice lunch at Mint, the new Indian restaurant in Boone, and see a matinee movie -- with the boys at a friend's house for the afternoon.

Our new home

We have been quite busy over the past few days moving into our new home here in the mountains of North Carolina. Setting up utilities and unpacking, and still getting a feeling for the house -- we are still settling in. Here is a photo of the front, we will post more as things finish up inside.