And Papa too!

Nick joined us for the second week, along with their god-daughter Laura Jayne.  The lucky girl hasn't finished high school and is already jet-setting around the world.  She's always loved Japan, so we made sure to get her all the squid-covered pizzas and awkward translation moments her heart desired.  Just kidding.  :)  We had a great time, and hope Laura Jayne did too!

We had to go up to Tokyo to get Claire's birth certificate and passport taken care of, so everyone came up to explore the city.  I love springtime!  Much appreciated sunny days and beautiful flowers.

Can you tell we're excited winter is over?  

 I'm sorry, too many pictures of the same yellow field.

But I didn't want Claire to complain she isn't in any of our family trips 

just because she slept the whole time.  :)

Caught some cherry blossoms!

Two lovely ladies

Nick, Marsha, and Laura Jayne enjoyed a tea ceremony

in this scenic tea house

Bowing to receive the tea

Back home, one of our favorite hikes is still the trails behind our old house.  

Here's a temple tucked in the woods.

On the same hike, we stayed out to see the sunset with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

We also brought them over to Kamakura, a historic town nearby.  

Spring is a popular time for weddings.  We caught a few bridal couples in their fancy kimonos.

This picture sums up Madeleine pretty well.

Oblivious and on the brink of disaster, constantly.  :)

Totoro!  

(If you haven't seen this movie, you should. It's so cute.

Then you can ask the girls about the 'dust buddies.')

Gotta get a snuggly picture

On their last day here we had beautiful weather 

for a picnic at the roller slides.

Laura Jayne wasn't too sure teenagers could be cool and 

ride roller slides, but I think we converted her.  ;)

Claire's hiding in the stroller, asleep again.  

Can't wait for this summer, we're already looking forward to more Nana and Papa time!