The Happiest Place On Earth

We are home from a 5 day trip to Tokyo. We left Okinawa on Thanksgiving Day and arrived in Tokyo around noon. We stayed at the New Sanno, a military hotel, in Tokyo. It was amazing. Great service, clean beautiful rooms, great food, and a swimming pool for the kids. The reason for our trip was to take the kids to Tokyo Disneyland. Let me just say even in Japan Disney does not disappoint. First of all God was so good to us because it was raining when we arrived but once we walked through the gates at opening it didn't rain another minute. The park was decorated for Christmas and Christmas carols were playing throughout the park. I really don't know who had more fun, the kids or Jeff and me. The highlight for Owen was Space Mountain and Star Tours. Alison liked the carousel and the teacups. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the electrical parade. When I was little I had the record to the electrical parade. I would listen to the music over and over but I never got to see the parade. When we lived in San Diego Jeff and I were able to see it at California Adventure, but Tokyo's was way better. I felt just like the little girl who listened to the record over and over again. 

Our second day we went to Disney Sea. It was a very cool park but the rides were geared more towards older kids and adults. Jeff and O went on Indiana Jones but Owen said it was a little scary. This park was more crowded than any other Disney park I've been to. Plus we only saw about 10 other Americans the whole day. That was kind of weird but also kind of normal. We have gotten used to being the minority. One thing that is very cool about having blond haired children is that the Japanese love to take their pictures. We felt like parents of movie stars. The kids had their picture taken several times at both parks and in the airport. I think Alison is getting used to the attention and somewhat expects people to fuss over her. Owen on the other hand acts shy and has a hard time even smiling for the photos. 

The trip was great and a wonderful time of relaxation for our family. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to go. We are also thankful to the Hyser's for giving the kids spending money so they could pick some souvenirs from the trip. 

Now we're really in the Christmas spirit and plan to enjoy "the most wonderful time of the year". We hope you do to!