Yesterday we took a train two hours each way to visit a friend in a hospital. It was good to see so much improvement in him. As we got out of the city I was hopeful that it would be cooler. The train was gradually climbing and my ears even popped. I could see mountains in the distance. Cooler temperatures were not to be. It was as hot there as it is in Tokyo. Here are some photos I took. All but the first one is from the train.
This is where we went
We left the US on Saturday, but because we crossed the International date line we lost a day and arrived in Tokyo on Sunday. I guess I make up for the lost day by the really long day when I travel to the US. Long haul travel is in my blood!
Today we went to Walmart and a sewing store and bought the things we need to make Leigh’s childhood of t-shirts into a quilt. No photos of our work. This is of Rorey taking care of herself while we were working.
Monday, Rick and Alex went for a run and Stacey, Jan and I met them at the park for a little play time.
Saturday night we drove to San Antonio to spend a few days with Alex, Stacey and Jan. Today after church we went back to their apartment and just spent time playing with Jan and visiting.
Today we went to Schlitterbahn water park in New Braunfels, Texas. We had a large enough group to get the group rates. James and Ruth and their family, Kristina and Brian, Alex, Stacey and Jan, Rick’s cousin, Russ and his with Laura and their son Bill, his wife Emily and their three girls joined Rick and I. It was fun day although the park was packed and we stood in long lines for most of the slides.
James, Ruth and Family
Alex and Jan
Sunscreening
Babies
Today we drove to San Marcos, TX. The big event for today was the outlet mall. I have never seen an outlet mall like this one. There are two actually but we only went to one. It has outlets for Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Kate Spade, Coach, Gap, Juicy Couture, Brighton, Crate and Barrel…..to infinity! It’s a good thing I don’t live in Texas. We met up with some of our Carruth cousins at the hotel and headed to the mall. James kept his children as well as two of Emily’s girls. He is an amazing dad! After hanging out with the kids for awhile Laura and I decided to go off on our own. We were mostly looking, but we each ended up buying something in Kate Spade. She got some darling earrings and I got this great wallet in my favorite color. It was 50% off the already discounted outlet price, making it less expensive than the one I bought in Singapore and used for 5 years.
Trouble
I adore one year olds! I love the way they get into everything and love to take everything out and leave it. Holli loves emptying the baskets.
Date Night
Kristina and Brian are giving unique birthday gifts this year. Lainey received a gift certificate good for a movie date. Caitlyn got one good for a bike ride to a restaurant of her choice and Aimee gets to go miniature golfing. Such a great idea for one on one time with your aunt and uncle.
rickandvanalee's photo
rickandvanalee's photo
