Snowcation 2010

Don't hate us because we loved the snow. I am well aware that playing in the snow for 2 days and then flying back to your tropical island is much more fun than back to back snow storms leaving you stranded for days. But WE LOVED THE SNOW!!! In the words of Alison after arriving to Sapporo "EVERY THING'S MADE OF SNOW!!!" We had a fabulous trip. Lots of snow, sledding, hot cocoa, fellowship, competition, ice skating, and family time. It was so fun to take a snowcation. When you are used to living in warm climates you forget how fun the snow can be. We even went ice skating outside. The kids loved it! Watch out Luke and Brady, Owen may just show up ready to play hockey in a few months.

Sapporo was beautiful. One afternoon Owen went with our friends to sled and while Jeff and Alison napped I enjoyed a cream puff, hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall out our window. Such peace.

It was a great vacation. I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to see another part of Japan and for having a break from the busyness of life. Hope you enjoy the pictures. And hope you enjoy your snow as much as we enjoyed ours. (would you kill me if I told you we are having a thunderstorm and our A/C just kicked on?!?)

Snowmobile ride

Snow slides

After the ice slide "that was so fast"

Alison is the little pink thing on the 4th ice slide

Mickey and Minnie

Before the snowmobile ride

Zoo animals, the detail on this sculpture was amazing!

Pulling the kids in the sled. Our friend Buddy provided the sleds for the kids. Pure genius!

Ice sculptures

Airplane ice sculpture

Car ice sculpture

Jack on the seal pup

Alison trying to mount the seal pup

Sledding. Buddy found us the best hill ever!

Jen with the popular Japanese pose

Owen ready to go down

Snow Angel

Trying to get back up

I love this stuff!

Owen down but not out

Go Owen go!

Alison and Daddy skating.

Cherry Blossom Festival 2010

Saturday we traveled to Nago for the Cherry Blossom Festival. We had great weather and enjoyed climbing all the stairs this year. The last time we went it was a little rainy and Alison was about 18 months, needless to say we didn't make it to the top. This year the kids had no excuse seeing as how they climbed The Great Wall back in April. They did great and it was such a beautiful walk amongst the cherry blossom trees. I've never been to D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Festival, but I feel like I've seen the "real" thing since our trees were a gift from the people of Japan. Maybe next spring we'll get to go to the festival in Washington D.C. since we'll be close. We are trying to soak up all things "Japan" with our 5 months left. On Thursday we head to Sapporo for the Snow and Ice Festival. It should be great fun. I don't think either of our kids really remembers what snow is like. Thankfully GramZ and Baba sent us some snowsuits to borrow from their stash in Michigan. We should be toasty warm as we slide, tube, and snowball fight. Our friends, the Rathmells, are also going to be there. We look forward to some great fellowship and competition. :)

Enjoy the pictures. Sorry if they make you long for spring. Next year we won't be living on this tropical island, but for now we'll enjoy the 70 degree temps!