Japan! Day 2 : Seeing Relatives at the Century Southern Tower Hotel

We arrived at the Century Southern Tower Hotel in Shinjuku by dinnertime, Anna had a seat in the beautiful lobby while we checked in. Then we were greeted by a nice welcoming party: Uncle Mimichan and his son Maron, Aunt Kanchan, and Minori and her husband Takashi. They visited our hotel room, where a mini paparazzi session ensued. We exchanged some gifts and then parted ways, knowing we would see them again during our trip.

The view from our room was spectacular, we could spot the Takashimaya department store where we eventually headed for dinner at "Pasta Sweets and Seicento". Because of the jetlag we were all in a daze, and being in Japan still seemed so surreal, yet we were able to enjoy the delicious pasta. We all had a restful sleep in our comfortable room that night.

Japan! Day 1 : LAX to NRT

The next several posts will chronicle our amazing family vacation to Japan. Each entry will be dated for the actual day of travel.

Sam was up bright and early, and ready in 5 minutes for the drive to Los Angeles, where we would board our lunchtime flight heading to Narita Airport, Japan. Yumi and Mama dropped us off with two cars to especially accommodate the luggage. Later, Yumi would drive our car to Mari's home near the airport, where it would be parked during our trip. I was anxious to see how the kids would do during the 10+ hour flight, and our eventual arrival to a foreign country where there would be quite a time difference. It went very smoothly on our American Airlines flight, the seating was nice, we sat behind the kids in window seats. There were individual screens for the kids to watch movies and play games. They also had their individual electronic devices to keep them entertained.

Once we arrived at Narita Airport, we were greeted with the hustle and bustle of the Japanese. We picked up our luggage, exchange some $ for yen, and bought shuttle bus tickets for a ride to our hotel, which would take another hour. By now it was late afternoon, Japan time. Experiencing the time difference going to Japan was as if we stayed up all night until 4 a.m. or so, so needless to say we were quite tired. Steve, Sam and Anna were able to catch a little cat nap on the bus.

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Santa Ana Zoo

Sam's Last Day of Second Grade

Bob's Biggest Fans

Anna's 6th Grade Graduation

Steve's Softball Team 2013

Julia's First Dandelion

Mina's Open House

For my 3 regular readers, you can see that I've powered up on my blogging tonight and am almost caught up to the present day, a week before our trip to Japan. I've fallen behind on my regular blogging because of family and school obligations. This year, the 4/5 grade combo has been challenging as well as rewarding. After 4 years at 4 different schools and various grade levels, I'm at a place that I'd like to stay at for a while. There's a wide variety of student personalities (and behaviors) but they are all so sweet and helpful and I've made so many connections with them this year. This school truly goes "all out" on Open House, but I am proud of the students' work and how the room turned out. It has been a wonderful school year!

Friends Forever

Spring 2013 Candids

Cute and happy!

Daddy made pho!

We ate some at a restaurant too!

Sam and pal Sean!

Steve can tell you the story about this bucket!

Pals at Yogurtland.

Wow Paulina!

Homeowners!

IPad effects!

Visiting college.

Winners' stand!

South Coast shoppers.

Steve bought out the menu at the Lime Truck!

1st Place!

A & P!

Instagram.