Well hello again! sorry it has been so long! it has been a crazy month! After the cutest darn end of the year concert and Ghett's kindergarten graduation, (another stinkin cute production) we had big vacation times planned, lots of fun and activities.........
We started off well with a trip to Nagoya Castle as a family. lots of great things to see and do. It was the start of the Cherry blossom season and people were having picnics on tarps under the trees. It becomes a full scale celebration as the trees really begin to blossom fully! We had fun playing samurai and learning about the old time Japanese traditions in this amazing place.
Unfortunately Ghett contracted Scarlett fever! who gets that anymore? but he did. He started with a high fever for a few days, very lethargic, very out of character..... so we went to the Dr. here that speaks English, at least some. and low and behold! Scarlett fever, apparently for some people who get Strep throat it becomes toxic and they also get the red rash and tummy issues, etc. poor guy was very sick. but thank god! for antibiotics! they almost instantly took effect and he was back up and running the next day. makes me feel so bad for all those children that do not have access to modern medicine for whatever reason. no child should have to suffer like that, ever! for no reason! so after a couple days of down time we went to the Childrens Center to play, i had not spent more than 10 minutes talking to this nice Swedish mother and i look over my shoulder to see my guys running, with the biggest smiles on their faces! through the fountain water outside! no one elses kids, MINE! of course! soaking wet! as usual!
so i haul them out of there, make them strip down to undies and tshirts, and march them out of the place. really hard to keep a straight face.
well, the next day we head down to the Port, to the Maritime museum, and amusement park. we had a lovely time in the park, and at the look out tower, on the big ship, and then went to lunch at the Red Lobster. we were having a nice lunch and i had Ghett try some shrimp........... hives, swelling, redness....... oh shit! gave him Benedryl, since i travel fully packed with Benedryl and Epi pen for Jaxon at all times. didn't help. we are way out of town, and the only Dr. or Hospital i know of is not close.... took me two hours to drive him to the ER, thankfully he never had trouble breathing, though i was watching him in the rearview mirror the whole drive, dreading have to use that Epi pen! turns our he is allergic to shrimp, and after the blood test, we find that he is also allergic to eggs, more so than shrimp. ugh! both very hard to avoid here in Japan. luckily he does not like eggs. jeezzz!
the next day we headed up to Ciao to go skiing, seemed like it would be a short couple hour drive, but with all the (beautiful) windy roads took us over four hours each way! skied for two hours, and drove back. we did find a really cool cafe, the owner roasted marshmallows in the fireplace for the boys, very nice touch. he recommended an Onsen for next time so we will stay over. the ski area was really nice, and had a fun play area for the boys! Ghett could play all day instead of ski, he loves to toboggan and throw snowballs!
so, vacation is almost over now....... where did the time go?
We did get to enjoy a wonderful tradition here, Sakura, viewing of the Cherry Blossoms. we found the most beautiful place to go, with a trail that wanders along a small creek. the boys loved the creek of course, but we all loved the blossoms, it was spectacular!
We also have discovered a few beautiful shrines and parks in the area, and had a fantastic time exploring in them. Japan offers so many beautiful fun experiences.
this weekend we went to the amusement park, finally and had a fabulous time! the kids had a blast! it was just right for them. they went on all of the rides, well Jaxon did, Ghett doesn't like the scary stuff, but he loved the other rides.
this is a great place for families and ours is flourishing here.
I also got a job offer at the school where i am learning Japanese! i would be teaching English and Art! to kids, and women. I am doing my English conversation class with some other mothers from Aichi International school. We are having a great time! It is so great to be talking and laughing and helping them to improve on their English. I love to have them making strange sounds, like "Wah" and "Ffff" and "Err". imagine four lovely, picturesque, japanese women making funny noises in a coffee shop! I also had them singing "Row Row Row your boat" what fun! I am thoroughly enjoying myself with them!
Home is coming together little by little. We were denied our local move, though i haven't given up altogether. but we got bunk beds for the boys to have more space in their rooms, cabinets to put more things away, deck furniture! it is lovely, small and cramped, but lovely and the area is fantastic!
We are really having a wonderful time here! I think it is good for all of us! It's been good for our family, our relationship (we bought Kirk a suit, went on a wonderful date, had dinner downstairs at the Cantinetta then went to "Star Eyes" a Jazz club nearby) and for each of us individually. Ghett is doing great at school, says he enjoys his whole day! Jaxon is doing well at school, though testing the teachers as always, he is very proud of himself and is becoming so grown up! Kirk is feeling good about his job, that he is helpful and useful, but working less hours, and has less stress. I am enjoying myself, walking, eating sushi! making friends! miss you all! but we are doing great!
