we ditched the picnic...

...and hung out on the lawn instead! One day we packed up sandwiches and drinks and walked to our local park. Amazingly enough, it was the same day some classic rock, English singing locals showed up at the random amphitheatre for a Sunday afternoon practice party.

{Hanging out in Mikasa Park}

We're back!

There are a few things I am trying to get back into, one of them being posting about life! So, I will spare all excuses and I am just going to start a series of posts to catch our dear friends and family up on life! In the midst of our workaholic lives we have managed to get out and discover some great things. Maybe that is why I haven't blogged...I've been too busy discovering what to post about, yea. . .that's it. Anyhow, hope you enjoy the posts throughout this week!

{Ella-chan looking out over Yokohama}

Current Happenings

Check out these awesome new vending machines! Spotted at Shinagawa station.

Summer Festival

Ella-chan's school hosted a summer festival this weekend for family and close friends. Two great things happened. Ella got to wear her first Jinbeh, a summer style kimono (altered into a tiny person size) AND my co-workers son won a giant (real) live beetle. Gross. I felt so bad, but he seemed pretty happy about it. Most Japanese boys seem very happy about beetles and bugs in general. The older kids did tiny people versions of ceremonial traditions and then everyone played games and won toys, lots of fun toys!

This is Ella's favorite teacher!

Zushi Beach

Remember how I stated: I promise to get out and discover more of Yokosuka? Well, I ventured out to Zuzshi Beach one day. Bags packed and ready for a fun, relaxing day at the beach. It didn't occur to me that it was the worst day to head to the beach with no plan. Marine Day. I love that Japan pays homage to the mother mother nature that surrounds it! Too bad I didn't get there in the morning...


...as far as the eye could see.

In Our Kitchen: Mango Salsa

There were no decent avocados at the market one day, so I switched it up a bit. Delicious!

In case you are curious:

(2) Mango's: diced

(1/4) Onion: diced

(1) tomato: cored/diced

(2) cloves garlic: minced

(1) tbl sp olive oil

(2) jalapeno: diced

Salt, Pepper & cilantro to taste

*we added a table spoon of Meyer's Rum-it was awesome.

...and here is my best flower arrangement from July!

3 Decades

We had a fun, at home celebration for Brando's 30th birthday. I surprised him with grilled bacon burgers, corn, and tomato's - and of course chocolate cake. Ella and I gave him a classic, acoustic guitar and he was shocked! Even though we didn't have a huge party it was a great time. Willett Style.

Ella Update

Holy 9 months! Where has the time gone. Long gone is the time of daily updates, even weekly updates for that matter. My apologies dear friends. What I can always promise is the sharing of amazing new things as we discover even more about Japan!

Ella is 9 months old today. A Tuesday, she was born on a Tuesday. 6:32 p.m.

current happenings

Happy people walking. Shibuya.

Kitty Cafe

At long last we sought out a Cat Cafe! Thanks to our good friend Laura, who was in town for business, we found a great one in Shibuya. How hilariously brilliant is this concept? You pay for increments of time and get to sip a latte while you hang out with nearly 15 cats. It makes perfect sense for all of those people that can't have a pet in their building. Everyone loves some form of a furry animal and why not get that chance to enjoy it?! Being that I am highly allergic and we had Ella in tow, we maxed out at 30 minutes, but it was well worth my throat closing up.

As we understand it there are also bunny and dog cafes out there. Looks like we have a new mission.

home again

Hello Texas! It was nice to see you.

Letting Up

Last weekend we left Ella with a sitter for the first time and headed into the city to see a show. Finally! Amazingly enough an old friend from high school, Kent, was traveling through Japan on tour with his band, Letting Up Despite Great Faults. Going to see them was a no-brainer. How often does that happen in your life? It only helps that they are a talented group. So, if you ever see them on the set list of your local music festival don't turn your head, you will pleasantly surprised!

Cute DJ girls.

Surprisingly enough, Kent looks identical to my brother, Nathan, beard and all...is it weird that I never recognized that?

Visit Lettingup.com to learn more about Kent's band and mates.