Thursday, June 23, 2011

My 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STi



Just came in yesterday!  We had sold Takako's 2008 Nissan Versa SL a couple weeks ago and I had convinced Takako that if I can choose this car, it would be better in the long run for our family.  She gets the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid now.  (Not a bad prize...)  She knows that I have always liked sports cars as I had my Nissan Skyline before we met...  Now that she is looking at the Subaru, she likes the color and doesn't mind it.  However, she does say that it is quite loud.  So far I am enjoying getting back to a manual transmission.

Monday, June 06, 2011

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus


This past weekend we attended the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Qwest Center, downtown Omaha.  Sakura loved seeing the elephants and other various animals before the sow even started!  Then when it was showtime, she enjoyed clapping along with the music & watching all of the amazing performances throughout the 2-hour long program.  We enjoyed the Circus very much too!  Enjoy the below video of one of the elephant performances.



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Nearing the end of May

Last month, when we had gone to the Magic Kingdom we had also gotten a '3-person caricature' done. Fusing all three of our faces together. We love how it turned out... What do you think?
Back to this current month of May, we have done many things together as a family. Gone paddle-boating on the Base Lake...
Sakura had a great time in her swimming pool in the backyard!
And even went bowling on base!
Continuing on, we also ate a new hamburger place named 'Smash Burger'
And went downtown last weekend having a great time on the large slide & just relaxing at the Gene Lahey Mall near the water...
Now let's get on with Summer! Memorial Day weekend coming up and plenty of Summer to enjoy!

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Day-bis is 5 years old already!

Our first little Pug, Day-bis is 5! He has been with us since he was about 7 weeks old! We tried to find a large peanut-butter bone however Petsmart was sold out. Instead we bought him some frosted dog treats. Sakura fed both he & Kuro the treats after we sang Happy Birthday to him!

We also bought a Haro bicycle for Josh and a Burley Encore child trailer for Sakura & the boys. We are planning on going a many bike rides this summer! Josh isn't too happy with having to wear a helmet as he already knows how to ride a bike but we need to set a good example for Sakura. She even picked out her own helmet!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Sakura is 2!

We just celebrated Sakura's 2nd Birthday. The time flies by as it seems like only yesterday we were in the hospital welcoming her to our family! Takako made her a banana cake with strawberries & whipped yogurt for the frosting. She didn't want it to be too sweet for her. We did get her a cake from the commissary though. Josh will end up eating all of it.

Just yesterday we went to the Nebraska Medical Center for Takako's '20-week' ultrasound. She is actually closer to 21-weeks. We still don't know whether a boy or girl. We will know by the due date, 7 September!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Our Family's Walt Disney World Vacation

Just in case you missed it, on Friday the 8th of April we drove up to Minnesota to visit with family and then head down to Walt Disney World in Florida. We also broke the news to my family that Takako is pregnant with our second little one. She is due 7 September.

Last Sunday we flew from Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to Orlando, Florida. From there, we headed towards the Disney Magical Express to bring us to the Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House. We were there for a pre-Birthday vacation for Sakura. We also wanted to just get-away for a while...

We arrived at the Animal Kingdom Lodge last Sunday night about 7ish. Looking out from our window we could see giraffes and a couple of other animals... Amazing view. The 3 of us headed down to the swimming pool as it was about 80°F (~27°C).

We didn't stay too long as we needed to get some sleep as the next day we visited to Epcot. Then on Tuesday, Magic Kingdom and on Wednesday, Animal Kingdom. We even went to Downtown Disney. We won't go into many details per day as we took over 900 photos. Enjoy!

Disney Magical Express

Meeting Mickey for the 1st time

Meeting Minnie for the 1st time

At the Coral Reef Restaurant

Near Pirates of the Caribbean

Cinderella's Castle at night

Outside at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Sakura driving

On the Merry-Go-Round

Meeting Pooh

5th floor bridge at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Drinking at the Raglan Road Irish Pub (Orange Juice)


All in all, it was a great family vacation to Walt Disney World. Lots of memories created!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

End of March...



It has been a very eventful March. Takako, Sakura & the boys are taking care of the house when daddy is at work or playing volleyball after work... For the most part, the weather has been great, really feeling like spring except for a couple of days but we think that it is finally Spring now! We have been having fun going on walks around the neighborhood, introducing Sakura to new parks so she can play & swing! She has a blast, many times she doesn't want to leave...

Next month, we are heading to Walt Disney World for a family vacation. We both can't wait to see the look on Sakura's face when she meets Winnie the Pooh, Minnie Mouse and various other Disney characters. We will be taking lots of pictures.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Praying for Japan

- 11 March 2011 -



A massive 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan at around 2:46pm on March 11 (JST) causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami. If you can, donate to an organization to help out in any way possible.

Takako's family & our many friends in Japan are safe. Thank you so far for your thoughts & prayers. There are still aftershocks happening in various places. There are many people that are still unaccounted for. Continue to think about & pray for everyone affected in this time of crisis.

Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. Donate here.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day



明日はバレンタインですが、去年のバレンタインはさくらが小麦粉とお水を混ぜて初めて遊んだ日。その後、ピザを食べて過ごしました。
昨日は友人のクリスティーナの息子さんの2歳のお誕生日会に行ってきました。楽しい時間を過ごせました。
今夜はレッドロビンのハンバーガーを食べました。
今日はとても過ごしやすくて13度、朝、昼、夕方を家の近くを散歩しました。今週は木曜日の気温は20度との予報。
春と夏が待ち遠しい!

Last year at this time, Sakura was mixing flour & water. We had a 'heart shaped' pizza from Papa Murphy's. Just in case you missed it.

Yesterday, we attended Kristian's 2nd Birthday party. He is only about 2 1/2 months older than Sakura. They live down the block from us. We had a great time.

Tonight we had Robin Hood gourmet burgers. Tomorrow I will be heading to work, Takako, Sakura & the boys will be here waiting my return at lunch and after work. I can't wait to spend Valentine's evening at home. Takako has been doing a great job at home. Sakura really appreciates the quality time she spends.

Today the temperature got up to about 56°F (13°C). We took a couple of walks outside with the boys. Sakura loves stepping in the water puddles and crushing the ice on the sides of the sidewalk. By this Thursday, the temp is expected to be 68°F (20°C). Hopefully a lot of our snow melts. We are ready for Spring & Summer! Bike Rides!

Saturday, February 05, 2011

Start of February already?



2月は寒くていつだったかマイナス17度の日がありました。
明日はスーパーボールの日(毎年、この記事を書いてるけど)私達はスーパーボールの最中に流れるコマーシャルとハーフショーが楽しみ。ご近所さんに「一緒に見よう」と声をかけられているので行く予定ですが、さくらは19時には寝るので長居する予定はなし(スーパーボール開始は17時から)

ジョシュはここ最近仕事が毎日忙しくて毎日残業、来週には昇進試験があり、それが終わったらA+の資格をとる予定です。

週末は皆でリラックス、さくらの朝食はシリアル、さくらはシリアルが大好き、時間がある時はプールに行ったりと。
もうすぐバレンタインデー(ジョシュは来週末も仕事、どんだけ忙しいんだか。。。)

It has been a cold February so far. Some days the high temp was 1°F (-17°C). Here we are, 1 day away from the Superbowl. I don't really care who wins as I don't care for either team. I will just enjoy the commercials and Takako is looking forward to the Halftime Show with the Black Eyed Peas. We are heading over to a neighbor's house to watch but may leave a little early as Sakura's bedtime is about 7 PM.

I have been busy at work. During the weekdays I sometimes get out of work about 5 PM or later. Just in time to eat dinner then either give Sakura a shower or take a bath with her. She is in bed by about 7PM or earlier. Afterwards, I study some material for my test coming up on Tuesday. It would be for my next promotion to Master Sergeant. Then I will be studying for my A+ certification.

On the weekends, we just relax at home, have breakfast together (Sakura loves Cheerios) and sometimes head over to the YMCA for swimming.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! We may just relax at home. 'Til then!

*BTW - the ice art was shot today from our garage windows...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Halfway thru January


ブログ書いてなかったけど、ジョシュは通常通り仕事に戻り、皆でYMCAに通い始めました(さくらのプール)。友人が夕飯食べにきたり貴子の35歳の誕生日があったり、毎日楽しく過ごしてます。
さくらも日々成長しており成長の早さに驚くばかり。デービスとクロも元気です。

2011 has been eventful so far..

Josh started going back to work, we finally received enough snow to play in, started going to the YMCA for family swimming, had some friends over for dinner, and we just celebrated Takako's 35th birthday (25th w/10 years experience), relaxing at home with the family... It is so great to be back home, with the family falling into the 'normal' life.

Sakura is growing up to be a proper little girl. It is amazing how fast she is growing up. Day-bis & Kuro have been great big brothers for her. Takako is enjoying being a mom... Life is great!

Saturday, January 01, 2011

New Years Day



あけましておめでとうございます。毎年恒例の初日の出を見に行ってきました。今年もよろしくお願いいたします。

We started out the day by waking up to the alarm at 6:10am. We needed to get everything/everyone ready to get in the car, en-route for the base lake. Our family tradition that started back on 1 January 2007 at Yokota AB. We need to take a family photo with the new year's sun at sunrise. We believe the temperature was in the single digits this morning when we took our photo. Our day was wonderful! Hope that everyone out there has a great 2011!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas was great, now onto New Years!



私達はとても楽しいクリスマスを過ごしました。ジョシュは約2.2キロのチキンの丸焼きに挑戦。貴子は寿司、サラダ、マッシュポテト、クリスマスケーキを作りました。さくらはクリスマスプレゼントを開けるのが大好き。さくらが寝た後、ジョシュと貴子はさくらにプレゼントしたキッチンの組み立てをしました。約2時間かかりました。
日曜日は、皆して体調を崩してしまいました。原因は不明。月曜日は皆でリラックス。
さくらはジョシュの両親にクリスマスプレゼントでもらったブロックを積み上げては倒すのが大好き。そして貴子の母親からクリスマスプレゼントでもらった小さなピアノで遊ぶのが大好き。私たちからのクリスマスプレゼント、サングラスをするのが大好き。
メリークリスマス!

We had a wonderful time at home on Christmas. We bought Sakura a pre-Christmas gift of sunglasses. She got to pick them out. She made a great choice! Josh made a 5 lb. chicken with a recipe from Food Network. Takako made sushi rolls, mashed potatoes, salad & Christmas cake. Sakura loved opening her gifts or asking mom to help. Day-bis & Kuro were also there by her side to offer help. Once Sakura's bedtime came, Josh & Takako started to put her small kitchen together so she could play with it the following day. It took a little over 2 hours to assemble but it came together nicely. She has already gotten a lot of use out of it. Yesterday we just slept in as we were sick the entire day. We don't know why, maybe too many activities all together. Today we just relaxed at home with the family. I love these days. Sakura loves stacking blocks and then knocking them down. She also loves learning to play the piano with her book that she received from Hideko.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas time is almost here...



ジョシュが帰国してから毎日忙しい?日々を送ってますが、
本日、アメリカ在住の方にクリスマスカードを送りました。日本の友達には1月初旬にカードが届く予定です。
クリスマスイブは明後日、さくらにとって2回目のクリスマス、最近、色々な表情をするのでプレゼントを開けた瞬間のさくらの表情が楽しみ。
今年のクリスマスは初めて丸鳥を焼く予定。
皆さんも良いクリスマスを。

The family is all back together and eagerly awaiting Christmas. We have been busy since my return from the deployment. We went to the zoo, visited with our MN family & Sakura even helped with some leaves before received some snow. We just sent out our 'Holiday Greeting Cards' today as we missed the Christmas deadline. The tree is up (our small one). Presents are all wrapped and under it. We can't wait to see Sakura's face when she opens some presents. This will be her 2nd Christmas but we don't believe she remembers much about last Christmas. Takako is going to try a new recipe for roast chicken. Josh is just glad to be home with the family.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

A Reunited Family...


12月6日、無事にジョシュが帰国しました。

Josh just got back from his deployment this past Monday, the 6th of December. Takako & Sakura met him at the airport. What a joyous reunion. We are now a reunited family.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Our 2010 Surprises


ブログの更新が止まってしまいましたが、私とさくらは5週間日本で楽しい時間を母親と過ごしました。日本にいる間にいきなりジョシュが中東への長期出張が決まり、さらに出張の前に一ヶ月間(3月下旬から4月下旬まで)シアトルにトレーニングに行く事になり、3月中旬にジョシュの両親がオマハにきてくれデービスと黒をミネソタに連れて帰ってくれました(私とさくらは日本にいた為)5週間日本で過ごした私とさくらはオマハに戻らずジョシュの実家で2週間程、過ごしました(丁度乗り換え空港がミネソタだったのとデービスと黒も実家でお世話になっているのと、私とさくらも実家で過ごすのが一番いいだろうという事になったので)
ジョシュはシアトルでのトレーニング中、ヘイダン君とメメさんが何度もベースにご飯を持ってきてくれたりと、ジョシュは毎日のトレーニングで辛かった部分もあると思うんだけど、そんな時、二人がベースにきてくれて一緒に時間を過ごしてくれてジョシュも本当に楽しかったそうです。本当にありがとう。
(実は4月の中旬からヘイダン君とメメさんが住んでるシアトルに一週間程遊びに行く予定でした、年末にチケットも手配済み、すっごい楽しみにしてました。でもジョシュの出張が決まり、その旅行はなくなってしまったの。でもジョシュのトレーニング先がシアトルだったので、ジョシュはヘイダン君とメメさんに会えました)
ジョシュがシアトルでのトレーニングが終わった後、一旦オマハに戻ってくるというので両親、私とさくら、デービスと黒でオマハに戻りました(両親は数日滞在してミネソタに戻りました)ジョシュの出発がいつになるのか決まらずでしがた、先日、5月19日に出発する事になりました。私とさくら、デービスと黒はジョシュが出発した後、ミネソタの実家で一ヶ月半過ごす予定、その後、私とさくらは4ヶ月程日本に里帰りし、またミネソタに戻り数週間程度過ごした後、ジョシュが戻ってくる数日前にオマハに戻ってくる予定です。
4月28日はさくらの1歳の誕生日でした。出産してから1年、この1年は本当に早かった。5月3日はデービスの4歳の誕生日でした。
ジョシュが戻ってきてからの一ヶ月は本当に毎日が早かった。
そして、ジョシュのいない6ヶ月間ジョシュの両親や兄弟、私の母親のサポートに本当に感謝。ありがとう。

Long time no see...err...write. Sorry it has been so long but our 2010 has taken quite a turn. As you may have read from our last post, Takako & Sakura traveled to Japan at the beginning of March and stayed for 5 weeks. During that time is when everything happened. Sakura learned a lot of how to walk, with some help from Takako, in the park just behind Grandma Hideko’s. They video-chatted frequently with Josh who was holding down the fort in Omaha with the boys. Josh was amazed at the strides that Sakura was taking, growing up so fast.

And...if you didn’t already know, about the middle of March, Josh was notified that he needed to fill a spot for an upcoming deployment. The individual that was supposed to go was medically disqualified. He had about 9 days notice before he needed to be out at Fort Lewis near Tacoma, WA to start training with the Army. Even though he is in the Air Force, it is something known as a JET tasking. We are merging not only career fields but many facets of the military are becoming more & more joint operations. While I was out in WA, I was able to meet up with Haydon & Megumi (our friends from Omaha that live in Tacoma now.) Right place at the right time. (We already had purchased tickets to visit them in WA after Takako & Sakura’s Japan trip but that became canceled.)

Quite the logistical nightmare with coordinating the care of our Pugs (with my parents), scheduling lawn care for the entire summer, not to mention Takako & Sakura’s return flight & what they would like to do for the following 6 months. Contact with Takako that same night via video-chat in Japan he broke the news to her about the deployment. The following week, he was medically cleared and boarded the plane for WA. CST was a one-month long, ‘this is the way the Army does it’ class/hand-on instruction. Then as Takako & Sakura were due back in Omaha, they deplaned in Minneapolis where they stayed with Josh’s parents until his possible return at the end of April, before the deployment.

Josh returned back to Omaha at the end of April. His parents met him at the airport & they headed for home to meet the rest of the family. Now it was just a matter of time on how long they will be together before the deployment. We were able to celebrate Sakura’s 1st Birthday & Day-bis’ 4th Birthday. We could spend a lot of quality time together at home. We also just found out that the 19th of May is the day to head to the airport.

We have such gracious families that my parents will welcome Takako, Sakura, Day-bis & Kuro from the end of May. Then in July, Takako & Sakura will once again return to Japan to visit with Grandma Hideko for about 4 months prior to returning to MN awaiting my return. Day-bis & Kuro will wait upon their return in November at which time they will all come down to Omaha. That reunion will be quite a special one. I already can’t wait.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Sakura & Takako are in Japan - Kuro's 3rd Birthday


3月2日、私とさくらは日本に向けて出発しました。乗り継ぎ空港のミネソタではジョシュのご両親とご対面、ご両親も2日にカルフォルニアに旅行に行くので、空港で会いました。荷物が多かったので持ってもらったりと本当に助かりました。
機内でもさくらはぐずる事なく本当に楽でした。これから5週間、実家で過ごします。
3月4日はクロの3歳のお誕生日、ビデオチャットでクロのお誕生日をお祝いしました。

This past Tuesday morning Takako & Sakura left for Japan. We will miss them very much. Takako stated that Sakura was very good on the flight over. Wes & Vicky even met them in Minneapolis to escort/help them to the International departures. Wes & Vicky were heading out to California for a short vacation the same day. Takako stated they were a 'very big help!' She wishes to thank them once again! Takako & Sakura will be visiting Hideko for the next 5 weeks. Back in Omaha, we celebrated Kuro's 3rd Birthday over a video chat with Takako & Sakura in Tokyo. We sang Happy Birthday to him then he was able to eat a large treat.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sakura is 10 months old


早いもので2月も終わり。
久々に先日、ジョシュとデービスとクロはパグミィーテイングに行ってきました。私とさくらは風邪の為、お家でお留守番。
ジョシュもデービスもクロも楽しい時間を過ごしたようです。
先週の土曜日は、さくらのジムでした。3月と4月はお休みしてまた5月からジムに通います。
さくらも日に日に歩く歩数も増えてきて、ますます目が離せなくなってます。

Already the end of February. Either time has flown by this year or we have stayed busy. Ever since the beginning of the year we have had Sakura enrolled in both swimming lessons at the YMCA & Level 1/2 at Gymboree. This past Saturday was her last Gymboree class until May. She will be up to level 3 class by then as today she is 10 months old. She surprises us daily with little things that she is learning/exploring. She is getting much better at walking around the house (living room thru the kitchen to the computer room). We really need to watch her as she quickly leaves the room to explore. This past week Josh brought Day-bis & Kuro to a Pug meeting/birthday party at Dogtopia. Very busy pictures with about 20 Pugs in attendance. Takako & Sakura stayed at home for some girl time.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Valentine's Day


今日はバレンタインデー。午前中は、さくらと一緒に小麦粉粘度で遊び、お昼はハート型のピザを食べ(お店で売ってるのを買って家で焼きました。)その後は、皆でプールに遊びに行きました。夜は今朝作ったチョコレートケーキを食べました。
さくらはここ最近、数歩、歩けるようになりました。明日はアメリカは祝日、大統領の日。明日も皆でプールに行く予定。

Today, Valentine's Day. I am very lucky because I have two girls to spoil today. The pictures above look like Sakura made the pizza dough but we cheated and bought a heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's. We just wanted to introduce her to flour & then water mixed in as seen in the below video. In Japan they call it, "flour clay". After the pizza lunch, we headed for swimming at the Sarpy County YMCA then back home to relax the rest of the night away. Takako had also made a 'triple' chocolate cake. (One layer of smashed Oreo's, one layer of chocolate cream cheese & topped with chocolate syrup.) It sure was a Valentine's Day to remember.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Nearing the end of January


今日から2月。早いものです。1月から初めたさくらのジムとプール。まだまだ人見知りと恥ずかしがりやな部分があるもののジムもプールにも慣れてきた様子。
そしてアメリカにきて初めて焼き肉をお家でしました。アメリカは焼き肉用のお肉が売ってないので大きな肉の固まりを買ってそれを薄く切って焼き肉として食べました。やはり焼き肉は美味しい!

We can't believe that it is already the end of January! This month has flown by. We have been keeping busy with Sakura's Gymboree classes on the weekends and YMCA swimming classes on Tuesday nights. So far she is getting over her 'shyness' with others at Gymboree and becoming much more comfortable with the water at swim lessons. This past weekend we brought out the Yakiniku grill so we could grill some meat at home. (Takako even sliced all of the meat from one large brisket. There are no 'Yakiniku variety trays' in the states, only in Japan.) Now as we head into February, more adventures await for our family.