Back in Japan

Wow, what a wonderful visit! It was a great month, and oodles of fun. I'm not even sure I can remember everything I did! lol.

After arriving back in the US (on the 25th of June) my mom, and 2nd cousin Chris picked me up from O'hare and I was dead tired. I hadn't slept at all on the plane. I was so happy to see my family though I survived, lol. We all went straight to bed after we got back to my parents place and slept great.

2 days later (the 27th) we went to the Phillippi family reunion, and although we didn't stay long, we had a great time hanging out with everyone. Alex really enjoyed the park there, and even though their bathrooms were quite scary, the park was nice.

From there my BFF picked me up and, while Alex stayed with his Aunt Marcy and cousins for the night, we headed off to Detroit for her baby shower. It was Alex's first sleep-over and, from what I hear, he had a GREAT time. He really enjoys hanging out with his cousins Michael and Megan. I really wish we lived closer so he could do it more often!

The baby shower was great fun, and I was so so glad I got to go. Plus, hanging out with Di for a couple days just the two of us (and Rori too) was awesome. We haven't had that kind of opportunity in years.

On Friday (the 3rd) my hubby came in from Virginia Beach! The kids (and I) were super happy to have Daddy back. It had been a very long month and a half without him.

Rori's blessing was on Sunday, and although she screamed the whole time (lol) it went really well. Her Grandpa gave her blessing and many friend participated including her Uncle Reo. It was wonderful.

Apollo only got to hang out with us for a week, but we made it worth while. We went shopping alot! Barnes and Noble, Target, Kohls, two trips to the mall. We cooked a very yummy meal for Rori's blessing. Watched Uncle Tim light oodles of fireworks. And the best part, we got to go to Steak and Shake KIDLESS! Yay, for Grandparents. <3 Apollo flew out on the 10th, which was a bummer, but I was still thrilled to have 2 long weeks left at home.

Over the next 2 weeks I spent alot of time hanging out with our families. Lots of tractor rides, playing with Michael, having girl time with my sister, getting to know my parents new roommate Amanda, enjoying watching my children getting to better know their family, Dinners with Grandma and Grandpa Melo, a whole weekend with Aunt Amanda, another family reunion, 9pm shopping trips with my mom, a really fun tractor race with Alex and Grandpa, test driving a 2010 Prius! and thoroughly just enjoying being at home.

After a wonderful month at home, I had to head back to Japan. So, I shipped myself 3! boxes of things I'd bought, packed up my bags, had one last fun night with the family, and flew back to Japan. It's been a long week of recovery, but we are back to a normal schedule now and happy to be home.

(Pictures have been uploaded to our Webshots page!)

---Diana