Homesick

Jip and I have both been feeling a bit homesick lately. I'm not sure what triggered it, but it seems to be just hanging on in the background. But, tonight, we watched the 4th of July celebrations in Boston and DC on TV, and I think it made us extra homesick.

We were trying to tell RJ how Mom and Dad have done the 4th on the banks of the Charles River twice and on the Capitol Steps once. RJ didn't care--I can't say I blame him. We even vowed to take the kids to both celebrations once we get back to the States. RJ still didn't care. But, Jip and I continued to dream of packing fried chicken, lots of water, a sun shelter of some sort, and a lot of patience for an hour or so of fireworks and musical glory. But, we didn't reminisce or dream of the stinky port-a-potties, the overpriced ice cream, the annoying drunk people, or the horrid trip home (or back to the hotel) on the subway once it over. I'm not sure we want to think of the negative aspects of doing those once-in-lifetime experiences (well, more than once for us)--we'd rather wallow a little longer in our homesick-laden daydreams of Independence Days spent with our fellow Americans in America.

I'm sure the homesickness will pass shortly and we'll continue our outs and abouts in Japan to help us make the remaining time here pass quickly. But, now it is time to hit the hay, humming Stars and Stripes Forever until I fall asleep.

Strike One...Strike Two...

We almost had a no hitter today, but luckily some fish saved us!

Today started like most days, but I didn't have to go to work, so it was much better.  After a quick bite to eat, we headed over to the gymnasium where the "Four on the Fourth" race was starting at 0830.  RJ and Ryleigh rode in the jogging stroller like true champions and about 34 minutes after starting the race, we came across the finish line.  It was pretty hot, though, and humid so none of us were very comfortable.  Amy was there to see us off and welcome us back--thanks, Aim!

As we were leaving the house.

At the starting line.

At the finish line.

RJ wearing his birthday shirt.  It's not yet his birthday, but it worked very well as a festive Fourth shirt so he got it early.  Amy had this shirt custom made for his upcoming third birthday.

Ryleigh in her festive Fourth outfit!

After the race, I took a much needed shower and we loaded up our things and headed up to Tokyo.  Our goal today was to go see an old Carousel which had once been at Coney Island but is currently at a park in Tokyo (Toshimaen Park).  After about an hour and half of driving (and hitting just about every red light we could possibly hit) we got to the park...only to find that it was closed.  It turns out that it's closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays--bummer.  Strike one.

To make the best of the situation, we decided that we should go to the Tokyo Skytree.  Japan's newest radio tower with several observation decks was recognized last November by the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.  Despite the recognition last year, it only opened up to the public in May.  We thought a trip up the tower would be fun and worth our while.  We got to the tower with no issues, got parked, got to the ticket line...only to find out that general admission tickets were not on sale yet.  Only online reserved tickets were being issued with general admission tickets going on sale on July 10th--double bummer.  Strike two.

We did not know before getting there, but as we were making our way up to the fourth floor of the Skytree complex, we discovered that there was an aquarium built into the building on the fifth and sixth floors.  For the third and final attempt to make something of our day, we bought tickets and went into the aquarium.  RJ was ecstatic.  He was soooooo excited to be there and ran around for over an hour constantly exclaiming "Mom, look at the fish" and "Dad, come on.  Let's go see this fish."  It made his day and ours, too.  Ryleigh even seemed to enjoy the fish, although she wasn't quite sure what all the hubbub was about coming from her brother.

Although you can't really tell, RJ was explaining how the shark said chomp-chomp-chomp.

There was a nice penguin pool as well.

RJ was enamoured with the fish in the big tank.

Here's Ryleigh trying to figure out what those creatures were on the other side of the glass.

Ryleigh being cute, and RJ yelling at the fish.

Thank goodness for fish saving our day.

I hope there were no strike outs on your Fourth.
-Jip

Ni Hao!

Ni Hao is a common Chinese greeting.  Why am I using it?  Well, we officially booked a trip to China.  It is going to be a bit of a whirlwind -- 5 days, 4 nights -- over the long Labor Day weekend.  We're going to pack it in--The Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Scquare, Beijing Zoo (how can the Mosman Family pass up a zoo?), Olympic Green (the park central to many of the Olympic venues), and more.  When Jip went to fork out the dough for the trip today, we found out something a little bit crazy--we are probably going to have a tour guide just for our family!  Wow!!  The tour guide will be Chinese (but will speak English) and will meet us in Beijing at the airport.  Then he is ours until he drops us back at the airport.  Our travel agency takes care of getting our visitor visas for us--we just fill out the paperwork and they make the two runs to the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo to accomplish the task.  These perks definitely make the pocketbook hit more palatable.

It promises to be a great trip, especially with our own guide!  We're already counting down the days...

First Swimming Lesson

We had Ryleigh's first swimming lesson today, and she did so great.  She has some serious natural buoyancy--just like her Mama!  I could have let go and she would have floated on her belly, no problem.  But, I'm not quite that daring yet.  Ryleigh splashed and chased the rubber ducks around the pool.  She even did a back float that was on par with her brother's!  I can't wait for the rest of our lessons this week and next!!

I need to figure out a time Jip can meet us at the lesson so he can snap some pics.  But, in the meantime, this out-of-the-pool, aren't-I-so-cute picture will have to do.

Rained out of the Fourth celebrations.

Today was the day for CFAY to host a Fourth of July party celebration.  There were several attractions set up including a live band, food, and other entertaining things.  We had fully intended on heading over to the main event to at least go to the petting zoo so RJ could pet the "sheeps, cows, horses, and pigs."  We've had a small petting zoo come on base before and while they did have some stinky sheep and some horses/ponies to ride, they did not have any pigs or cows.  I'm not sure what they had this time because as we were gathering everyone up to go find out, the rain moved in.  We didn't really feel like getting wet, so we stayed indoors and relaxed.  Oh well.  I'm sure our children will get plenty of other opportunities to pet animals.

Tonight, CFAY put on a small fireworks show very near to our house.  In fact, we were able to leave our door and be "ringside" for the show in about 3 minutes.  It was still spitting a little bit, but it wasn't cold or windy, so we threw a couple jackets on the kiddos and headed out to watch.  Below are some pictures taken by either Amy or me.  We were playing with the camera more than we were paying attention to the show.  RJ held his ears as usual during the fireworks, and Ryleigh just took it all in.

Just as the show started.

Ooooh...

Aaaaah...

BANG!

Near the end of the show.

Have a great Sunday!
-Jip