愛・地球博記念公園（モリコロパーク）と回転寿し Morikoro Park & Conveyor belt Sushi

We originally visited Hokaido, the northern part of Japan this weekend but canceled due to my grandparents's health conditions. So my father took us to Morikoro park, where they hosted the Expo back in 2005. There were no cultural pavilions left but were playgrounds and water fountains for children to play. Yuna enjoyed Ferris wheel and walking in the little pond.

Linimo.
    







Cultural shock of the day: Americans (even doctors) put superglue to glue open wounds together.
今日のカルチャーショック：なんと、アメリカ人はスーパー接着剤でパックリ開いた傷をくっつけるようです。医者もそうすることがあるようです。やはり、食うか食われるかの世界で、ちまちま日本人のように通院なんてしてられないようです。よかったー、日本人で！でも、アメリカで怪我をより避けたくなりました。

Reverse culture shock: All the medical cost for children under 15 is absolutely FREE. Thus, people take their kids to see a doctor for any little symptoms, like just coughing or running nose. For that reason, doctor's office seems to me a playground and mothers' social networking place (I met my neighbor and a friend from elementary school.)
逆カルチャーショック：子供の医療費タダ、故、医者の込み具合が半端じゃない。（みんな軽い症状で、早めの処置を考えているのでしょうか？アメリカでは８度４分とかにならないと連れてこないでくださいと言われる。）お医者さんの待合室が「児童館」のように見えるのは私だけでしょうか？そして、そこで、近所のおばさんや小学校の頃の同級生に会うのも私だけでしょうか？

Love surprises! 

Random pictures from my i-phone

We are here in Japan. Finally. So here are some random pictures from my i-phone.
 

My brother Takuma took us to fire works at Meiji mura.




Foot bath.







When people say "Smile," they usually have this reaction.



However, our Yuna shows some originality.

 






With best friend, Minato.





Shortly after we arrived in Japan, Obon begun. Obon is a Japanese holiday to welcome deceased ones into our homes once again to thank them for watching over us and remember them. We will put out fire in front of the house to guide our ancestors.

This is what we have at home to honor our ancestors. Yuna likes to make some sounds with Mokugyo and Rin.

Everyday, we are finding out new things that had happened to Japan last two years we were gone. Like these asparagus. They got Japanese size.

I can't believe it's been already 2 weeks here. Life in Utah seems to be so unrealistic.
It's slow to get started with a toddler but we are surely making some progress in looking for jobs, making new friends, seeing old friends, getting used to driving opposite way, eating delicious food (which was quick for us to adjust), and finding right diapers (You think I read Japanese. I do, too. But I have bought two different bags of what-I-thought-to-be diapers.)
Tomorrow might be the first official day of sightseeing here in Japan. Pictures to follow. 

"arigato" ありがとう

「ありがとう」を言うことを学びました。

Yuna's first swim

Yuna's first swim went well.
Thank you for letting us come in, Aunt Jan! 

Scripture study

My daughter loves reading scriptures.

She also knows how to listen to still small voice. I never was this content while reading scriptures. So many things to learn from her.

Rock Canyon Biggest Loser Competition

Just as I found a new favorite hot chocolate, I signed up for Rock Canyon Biggest Loser Competition with 12 other ladies in the neighborhood. It's been 2 weeks out of 6 week competition and my progress is PLUS 0.17% from the original weight. Yes, Matt, I need some my-father-in-law advice. I am exercising every morning at least 30 minutes of Yoga or running. At work, I dance with the kids, hike with them, swim with them, and bike with them as well. I do not eat sweets; if so, it is kept under 100 calories. My sleep time averages 7 hours. I drink more than 64 oz of liquid a day. I continue to have muscle pains somewhere in my body each day. Ain't I doing what people on the diet do?! Although my expectation on weight loss is not at its shining moment yet, I am happy that I can run more distance and feel that my body is getting more flexible and stronger. It's fun and rewarding. Talking about diet and good eating habit, I (actually David) discovered Yuna's new favorite food.
 

Yes.

 

It is.

 

LIME.

April 19th, Yuna's one-year-old birthday!

Yuna happily turned one on April 19th. Although I took afternoon off from my work to take her somewhere fun, like Thanksgiving Point or aquarium, Yuna was not feeling great due to her teething so we stayed around Provo. She had great time opening presents from Japan.



A letter from my mom.


 

Cloth books.
 

A puppet rabbit.


 I made her a rabbit sushi and a cake to celebrate!
 

Have you ever thought that drinking water is exhausting?!

 

 In all, Yuna and we had great birthday!!