The Very Scarey Elevator Ride!!!

It was a Friday afternoon, and we were all excited the weekend was here.  I had gone to the bus stop with Leila to pick up the kids. We were all coming back into the building, and discussing snacks :)
Kendall decided to take the stairs, while we loaded up in the elevator....me,  Landen, Jillian..... where's Leila????  The buttons on the elevator were already pushed, and by the time we realized Leila was on the other side of the closed door it was too late.  The elevator began to move.  I was still holding the leash.  We all began to freak out!  Literally!!!!  We did not know what to do.... we had pushed every button we could trying to stop the elevator.  NO LUCK.  With the leash in my hand, the grip became tighter and tighter, pulling my hand closer to the floor with the pull of the cord - until, my hand came crashing back - the leash had broke.  We finally reached the second floor and Kendall had heard all of the commotion.  She started down the stairs and I followed.  The entire way down, I was so nervous as to what we would find.  Would she be caught, injured, choked????  When we turned the corner, she was not there.  Fortunately, there were movers in the garage, and they were able to explain to us with hand motioning that Leila had run off.   By the time we hit our road, there was no sign of her.  Kendall was still in the lead, and luckily spotted her jotting in and out of traffic, as our road is very busy during that time of day, with cars, people, and bikes.  Kendall thought it looked like Leila was following someone.  But thankfully Kendall was able to catch up to her and scoop her up.  If we were just a few seconds behind, and she took a turn, we would not know where to look.  I have never seen Leila shake so much.  We all came back to our place, and sat down all together loving on Leila, and taking many deep breaths.

It is hard to even revisit this day, but one that we just wanted to journal.  We feel so immensely grateful that Leila was not injured and that we found her safe and sound.   WE LOVE YOU LEILA.

                                      (and we promise to be so careful on the elevator!!!)

Leila's Trip to Tokyo

After a great deal of careful consideration, prayer, and thorough research and preperation, it was time to make the final call whether or not Leila would be joining us in our new city.  She was not able to fly over originally with us in August because of the heat regulations, so she stayed behind at our home with Ruth.
Jeff would be making a trip home to Michigan in October and it was then that she would come back..... if that was decided.....  Honesly, when he left on the flight we were pretty certain that it didn't make sense to bring her along because of all of the many challenges and road blocks.  Colleen was going to take wonderful care of her and we were completely comfortable with that. 

Three days into Jeff's visit home, I had a change of heart.  We talked that night and I expressed my feelings.  My intention was to get all of the details worked out and bring her back with us after the Christmas Holidays.  BUT, Jeff had other thoughts. He felt that if she was going to come to Tokyo there was no better time than the present. 

Jeff jumped through many, many hoops, with help from his Administrative Assistant in Grand Haven, and Shan in the Tokyo office.  Between the 3 of them, they had to coordinate between the Japanese Airlines, and Japan government, the Vet's office in Hudsonville, as well as the States Vet office in Lansing Michigan.  There were many mishaps a long the way including incorrect information from the Vet's office, to insufficient information...... at which point my parents were driving time sensitive paperwork to Lansing, and after arriving, only to find out that they did not have all of the documentation they needed.  They drove back to Grand Rapids just as Jeff was anticipating a HUGE round of golf (that he had been so looking forward to since our move)!!  Jeff  felt like he could not ask my parents to make another trip.... so he bailed on the golf game and drove the paperwork to Lansing himself.   When I found this out I just felt sick about the whole thing.  I REALLY wanted Jeff to be able to play in that tournament. 
The Vet felt so badly on the mix-up that she gave Jeff $50 for gas money and appologized a great deal. 

Even as Jeff was driving to the airport to fly back to Tokyo, with Leila on his lap, he still was unsure how it all would turn out... if there would be issues at the airport in Michigan, or on the flip side in Japan. 

On my end, I had kept it a secret from the kids, until we knew it was certain.  Jeff was originally to arrive at around 7pm, which we were going to have the BIG SURPRISE moment!...(with video and the whole deal).  But, more challenges awaited us - delays!  I was not sure when he would be arriving, and because it was a school night, I felt like I had no choice but to put the kids to bed!

BUT, in walks Jeff and LEILA around 9:30pm.... and we took her in to see everyone.  Kendall jumped right up and squeezed her.  Jillian got in some hugs andkisses as well.  When we took Leila in to see Landen he thought it was a dream.  He woke up for a minute, looked at her, said her name, and then went right back to sleep.  And then.... - LEILA!??! Oh my gosh!  Is that really you?? 

It was such a CrAzY process, but we were SO glad to have her with us.  The family is complete again!

The Marine Ball

We were graciously invited to attend The Marine Ball with our neighbors, Duncan and Natasha Lingle.  Duncan works with The American Embassy and the Gorvernment,  his connection to the ball.
We were thrilled for the opportunity.  It was a great evening, honoring The Marines and all that they do to protect our country.  A video was presented explaining the history of The Marines.  There was also a very impressive ceremony by The Marines in full uniform, Salutes, and even Birthday Cake, in celebration of their Birthday.  We also heard speeches from top Commanders as well as the Head of the US Embassy.

It was also a fun excuse to get dressed up, enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing with some great friends.
And also to pay tribute to our country and all of the men and women who fight for us.  It makes you even more patriotic when you live in a foreign country.  God Bless the USA.

Rock Challenge Dance Competition

Kendall had a wonderful opportunity with her school to take part in a Japan Dance Competition called "Rock Challenge".  Each team is able to tell a story through their dance.  Tokyo Internation Schools' story takes place in Nigiria and it is about "Following Your Dreams".  The story starts with a group of children playing and coming upon a sign looking for performers during the World Cup in South Africa.  The children decide to follow their dreams and they sign up to perform in this amazing opportunity.  Kendall loved being involved with this. The story, music and dance itself were so uplifting.  Both girls and boys were part of the team, and the kids ranged in age from Grade 5 - Grade 8.   The performance took place in Yokohoma, so we made the road trip to support our girl  and our school.  It was a magical night of dancing from all of the schools, many displaying japanese dance forms and martial art type movements.  The talent was amazing.  TIS walked away with the honor or "Best Story".  The crowd was thrilled as many families came out to support our school.

Kendall was tired on the drive home but was able to find a soft spot to fall! So sweet!

Kendall's Ski Trip

Hi you guys, it is Kendall...
On February 1st to the 4th, me, all 5th grade, and middle School went on a Ski trip.
I was a begginer and I was only able to go down the easy hills. Now I am able to go down the middle hills. It was very fun!  Me and my roomates and everyone there had a wonderful time. I can't wait for next year to go again.

Anticipating Christmas

We were so excited about making our way back home to see family and friends for the holidays.
We also wanted to enjoy the holiday attractions around the city.  Christmas is an interesting holiday here.

It has nothing to do with the birth of Christ.  It is more an opportunity to advertise, and create an atmosphere for shopping.  There are signs in the subway stations with messages that read "Happy Lucky Christmas".  Japan likes the decorations piece of Christmas as well.  Lights, wreaths and Christmas Trees would sparkle about.
Santa Claus also makes an appearance, and of course he is Japanese.  Christmas music is played at all the local coffee shops and restaurants. 

Tokyo Midtown was said to be a great spot to take in the lights. The decorations were stunning.  It was a spirit filled sight that took our excitement for the holidays to a new level. 

This was a two story Christmas Tree shaped frame filled with thousands of Santa Claus ornaments.

Purchasing a Christmas Tree here is another change from the States.  Trees are brought to local stores and are priced at 47000 Yen.... somewhere right around 500 US Dollars.  Now that is an investment in the holiday!

One of the nicest surprises as we entered into the season, was trees blossoming outside our apartment with gorgeous pink flowers.  All kinds of trees throughout the city were in bloom.  One large tree was right outside our kitchen window.  The trees are still flowering now in February. 

Oh, I almost forgot.... one more thing to add on to this.  Our neighbor Allison also helped the kids to enjoy something else they love to do during the Christmas Season.  In years past they have done this at Grandma's House, but this year it was with the Sweet Sussers.  They were kind enough to share their gingerbread house with us, and the kids were each able to decorate a side, with all kinds of candy decorations. 

Hachiko Statue

So, have you seen the movie "Hachi", with Richard Geere.  We would highly recommend it.  It is a great tale about a Man and his Best Friend, based on a true story.  The "Best Friend" is a famous breed of dog from Japan, and the train station is a big part of the movie.  To honor Hachi, there is a statue there, at the Shinjuku Station.  Coinsidentally that is also where the busiest intersection in Tokyo lies!)

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower can be see from almost any vantage point in Tokyo.  It is Big.. and White and Red.

It seems like you can always get a feel for where you are when you spot the tower.  And everything seems like it is a spoke of the tower throughout the city. 

We wanted to go visit the Tokyo Tower and explore inside.  One Sunday we headed out on our bikes to try and find it.  It is a very busy place and little did we know but there is a lil' city inside as well ~ restaurants, shopping, play equiptment, etc. 

The elevator ride up was also thrilling, it was almost hard to look outside if you are scared of heights (like me).  We arrived at the "Look Out" floor and it was truly a sight.  It was also a beautiful clear day which made it easy to spot things.    They also have signs that tell you what side of the city you are looking at.
We tried to find our apartment, the Tokyo American Club, and the kids school.

It was great to go and experience that since it is such a well known structure in Tokyo.

There is a new tower currently under construction called the "Sky Tree".

You can spot it, even though it is just over half complete.  The project is set to be done in 2012.

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Tsukiji Fish Market

This fall some girls got together and signed up for a cooking class.  The woman who conducts the classes holds it in a studio apartment near the fish market.  We took the time to head out on the subway after getting the kids to school, and then we had time to explore the fish market.  I had heard about it from Jeff, who got to experience the auction, that takes place everyday.  You have to go very early in the morning, so they say it's best when you first arrive and are dealing with jetlag.  However, now because of spectators that did not follow the rules, you are no longer able to view the auction for sanitary reasons.  Bummer!
But we were able to see all of the merchants with their catch.  I have never seen fish SO LARGE! 
You can purchase fish from all of the vendors everyday.  There is such an assortment and it is all so fresh!

All surrounding the market is other vendors selling food, dishes, japanese seasonings and other cooking utensils, etc.  It is a great place to visit.... and definitely come hungry to enjoy all of the amazing food.

We then went to our cooking class, where we learned to make some family friendly dishes.  The best part was lunch.  We got to enjoy all of the delicious dishes that Reiko taught us to make.  I was never much of a salmon fan until I tried hers.  I still don't think I could recreate all of the recipes, but it was still a wonderful experience to participate and learn about the japanese methods of cooking with spices, sauces, sugars & rice.