Putting aside the fact that my YOUNGEST, MY BABY, my little, love-bug is turning 16 this Sunday, and that is way TOO old to be possible, we celebrated this momentous and special Birthday with a family trip to Japan.
No. This cute little lovey can't be turning 16?!
Why Japan?
Well, Miss Krystin has been very excited about this birthday forever!
She had plans, before we moved.
We were going to have a great Masquerade type ball!
Then we moved across the globe.
We discussed having a great party here,
but it didn't feel right, without her friends at home.
We really wanted her birthday to be magical!
So...
Todd and I discussed it.
The children all LOVE the Japanese culture.
They all wanted to go to Japan, very badly.
Well, that and we only live 3.5 hours away from Japan currently.
That is closer than Chicago from LA!
After some discussion on coordinating and such,
we decided Japan would a great way to celebrate!
We couldn't arrange the trip on her actual birthday, because Krystin volunteered for a 24 hour charity run on her actual birthday, and we wanted to avoid holidays.
We left early Thursday Morning, the 8th of Nov.
Thankfully, my Dad was here to hang with the pets, and they love him! :P
on the plane
Krystin's Duff and mine, shared a seat!
Which they greatly preferred, to the overhead compartment.
First view of Japan.
We landed at Narita Airport, and needed to head to Tokyo.
So.. We had the opportunity to experience the Metro there.
We are PROS at navigating the Metro in Hong Kong.
We thought, Japan's Metro, No problem....
Then we saw this map.
Yes. We had NO clue, even after asking for help.
We thought, Japan's Metro, No problem....
Then we saw this map.
Yes. We had NO clue, even after asking for help.
But, with some help of kindly stranger we found our way! :)
Shuttle bus to Hotel, which was literally across the street from the station.
Todd thought it would be a fun surprise to have a Japanese style suite!
There was MUCH excitement!
The kids kept saying they felt like they were in an anime!
Our room door!
The hotel was very nice, and even smelled like fun.
It was getting pretty late by the time we checked into the hotel,
so we were starving for Dinner!
We journeyed, not tooo far from the Hotel and found a TGIF's!
Which is funny to me.
We had a lot of fun, food was good (probably cause we miss US food!)
And
They even surprised Krystin with a song and awesome treat!
and was such a blessing to have with!
She was our 'go to girl' to ask questions and did a GREAT Job!
She even told the waitress in Japanese it was Krystin's birthday!
On arrival back to the Hotel room,
our beds (on the floor) were laid out,
and an EXTRA Surprise was waiting for Krystin!
A special Chocolate cake and card!
Happy 16 to You!
The next day we were up bright and early!
Our destination - Disney Sea.
We were told of all the Disney parks, this one is the best!
I think we saw one other white family the entire day, lol!
Can you see Logan in the sea of people below?
Best Place in the ENTIRE Park - Biggest Duffy store EVER!
They even had Duffy girlfriends. SO CUTE!
Little Shelly Mae Bears.
Yes, I want one! Maybe some day!!!
Krystin did get a Shelly Mae as a birthday present,
so I can snuggle on her regularly. :)
They had CHURROS!
How we miss churros,
and not only did they have churros, they had different flavors.
For the record: Chocolate Churros covered in Powdered SUGAR are the bomb!
Never seen a park like it before.
We wanted to just move in there and stay,
and not just because they have CHURROS!
Throughout the park different flavors of popcorn could be found.
Strawberry was pretty good!
I can't remember what these were called, but they were yummy!
They have little Duffy spots through out the park as well,
even in the bathrooms.
The squids felt right at home!
It was the longest line in the park for food, so we figured couldn't be bad!
They weren't like anything we had tried before, which was cool, and they were pretty good too!
and, once again, for Krystin's birthday we went on her favorite ride,
Indiana Jones, and it worked out that she was driving again!
16 seemed appropriate!
The HUGE model of Mt. Fuji really erupted at the end of the day.
Amazing!
You can see Krystin's Shelly Mae in her arms!
Duffy Photo-spot!
(apparently, squidling too)
After an amazing time at Disney Sea,
we headed to Tokyo DisneyLand!
(which was nextdoorish)
Our first stop - PIRATES!!
Oh, how we have missed you Captain Jack!
Then on to our other favorite Jack!!
We were cold.
Cold, what is that?
If you look really closely, we are all in this pic.
The ride stopped with us all in front of the mirror!
If you were wondering,
I know you were...
Yes. Pocket Llama was on this journey too!
The Castle was so incredible, I was in Awe!
After a VERY long, exhausting, wonderful day,
we headed back to the hotel,
where the children recorded their memories in ink,
and prepared for the next adventure - Japan style!
We did not get much sleep,
as we had to be about an hour from our hotel by 815am.
Actually, we got an hour more sleep then we intended,
because I forgot that Japan was an hour later than HK and didn't change my phone.
OOPS.
Luckily, I am slightly, ok compulsively early,
so we still had plenty of time!
Today's Adventure- Touring Japan- Nature style!
Woo hoo
Are those duck heads!?
We are pretending they were going to a new home to be loved and cherished,
as opposed to stew.
Once we got on the Bus,
Duffy was excited he had his own spot by the window.
before heading up the mountain itself.
I was SOOO proud of my Man.
He not only took care of our little 'friend',
but he caught and released the little dude.
Look closely, I think he is waving thanks!
Look! Fuji is erupting!!!
No, just kidding. That is just the sun!
Mt Fuji hasn't erupted in some like 300 years.
It was Perfect!
Only complaint, we were cold!
We even were able to try a neat topping,
supposedly only found there.
Kokemomo - (not a pokemon, as it might sound),
but a delicious berry that is supposed to give eternal youth or something.
Yes, we bought three jars to take home!
Seriously though, this stuff was excellent!
Fall is something we really don't ever have the opportunity to experience,
and there Fall was like falling into a heavenly painting!
WOO HOOO!!!
They really pack them full!
we headed to the lake for a boat ride,
as the sun said, "adieu..."
We headed back to the bus for another ~2.5 hours of driving..
To the Bullet Train to Tokyo!
350 Km per hour fast!
I think Todd would call it the 'Butt train'.
It kinda smelled bad.
Todds attempt to hide from the scent, Ha hahahha!
We arrived in Tokyo Hungry, tired, but still excited to look around!
It was about 830pm at that time!
We wandered into a mall.
Their hunger for knowledge was greater than for sustenance!
We decided a quick easy Pretzel dinner was in order.
Ok, maybe I begged a Little.
I haven't had one in MONTHS!!!!
so of course we had to make sure they had that experience!
Beautiful day and night!
We headed back to our Disneyline to our hotel.
The Christmas decor was awesome!
We crashed into our beds and slept well...
In the morning,
we started our journey home...
There were Father Chrismas' all over the hotel.
I think this one was the cutest!
Then we headed down to, shute can't remember the name.
I will ask Krystin again. A something street!
They are always being interviewed, it is funny!
celebration of Krystin's 16th Birthday,
We stopped at Krispy Kreme!!
Oh sugar overload, how we have missed you!
We had a wonderful time!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share in this special birthday and make wonderful memories as a family, through exploring the world.
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