Summer Sunset

Today is our last day in Misawa, Japan, yes, it's really happening. I can't believe our three years is over and now we're going back Stateside to make a go at private practice. Dan and I are really excited for this next chapter but, we will miss Japan immensely. Crazy to think that three years ago I cried when I found out we were moving here, and not happy tears. I wouldn't trade our time here for anything. A couple of Sunday's ago, after our family walk I took some time for myself down at the base lake to take some photos of the beautiful sunset!

Misawa summers can be so overcast so this was such a treat.

We feel so blessed and grateful for so many things, at the top of our list is our adopted home, Japan, and also our home-home, America. Here's to new beginnings, ha, I think I said that three years ago!

A Visit

Our three nephews made it to town a couple of weeks ago so we got to show them around Misawa and Northern Japan a little. It was a very well timed trip because we got to see a few sites for the last time before we move next month. Our first stop was a festival in Aomori City.

These boys were up to trying anything whether it be a site or foods, made it really easy on us!

Festival yakisoba, yum.

We were kinda far back from the parade but could still see mostly everything, like the taiko drums.

And the super awesome Nebuta Floats.

Next up was the Oirase Gorge. This was the very first place we came to visit when we moved to Japan and we got a little sentimental thinking this would probably be our last visit. But, very cool that it was with family.

Last stop was Kakunodate and the samurai houses. I hadn't been here since 2013 so I was very happy to go again before we move. It's a gorgeous town with loads of history.

It's called 'little Kyoto' I think because it hearkens back a bit to old Japan.

Beautiful day in Kakunodate. What fun it was to have family visit!

Rose Festival and Japanese Gelato

Well it's definitely summer in Northern Japan, the temps are cooler, the air is misty and the sun peaks out only periodically. The heat doesn't hit until mid to late July and then it's sweltering humidity until September. With the kids on summer break we try hard to get out of the house and do something throughout the day. We've tended to get in ruts in years past and that means way too much time with electronics, well this year I've put my foot down and that's saying a lot for this mama. Today, we drove 45 minutes to a rose festival in Shichinohe. Now, I knew this wouldn't be something my kids would be thrilled with, but they're okay once we get to these places and with the added promise of a stop for gelato they were a go.

It wasn't really rainy as it was misty, just enough where little droplets of water was covering everything.

I spy some beautiful flowers and a beautiful girl!

We didn't stay too long at the rose before kids started wanting to move on. So off to gelato!
We headed to Namiki Farm. It was very quaint and green!

Ponies!

We could of had something as exotic as sesame or black currant but no we're chocolate people.

After gelato we stopped by to say hi to the ponies and then back home. I love these summer outings and my kids love sweet things so I call this one a win.