Home Sweet Home!

After a long hiatus, we finally are able to post something on here. Sorry for the delay but we have been a bit busy. 

We made it to Japan! First off, we had a great time visiting with Ben, Sonya and the girls the night before we left Seattle. They graciously drove up from Portland so that we could see them before we left. This was also the first time we saw our new niece, little Tessa. She was born on 26 Nov. All the girls had such a good time running around the hotel and playing. In fact there were lots and lots of hugs exchanged between LC and McKinley. They departed at bedtime and it was off to bed for us. We were told we had to be at the airport to check in for our flight between 1:30-4:30am. We were booked on an Air Force Air Mobility Flight direct from SEATAC to Yokota Air Force Base in Japan. We originally had no idea what that even meant. Was that going to be a C130 and we were going to be strapped in the cargo nets? After some phone calls we found out that; (1) only one person would have to check in in the wee hours of the night; (2) the plane was a contracted Boeing 767 flown by Atlas Air. I,(ryan) was hand selected to wake up at 230 and lug our 10 items (4 suitcases, 2 car seats, 3 carry ons and 1 stroller) to the airport via the embassy suits shuttle and get us all checked in. The luggage part was hard but everything else went smooth! They had loads of those airport smartecartes (normally $4 a pop) stacked up awaiting use for all the military families. I loaded up 2 full carts and strapped on 3 bags around my shoulders once the shuttle dropped me off. I got to the back of the line. (The check in process was just like a regular airline. They had the ropes up with the zig zag lines. The people checking bags were civilian and they did everything a regular airlines does). There was about 70 people in front of me on line. After about 32 seconds of being in line, a man approached me and told me to come with him. I followed and he proceeded to get some information, have me fill out some paperwork, check passports and then kicked me to the very front of the line. I think he felt sorry for me. I saw the next available agent and she checked me in, weighed our carry ons, and gave us our boarding passes. I was literally out of there in 20 min. I got back to the hotel and tried to get back to sleep but wasn't able due to the anxiety. We had a 4:45am wake up to catch the 5:30 shuttle to the airport. Shannon and I didn't get a wink of sleep once I returned. Was this a sign that the trip was going to be smooth??

We got to the airport and headed right to security. Again, I think the TSA felt sorry for us (lugging strollers and blankets and bags and toys and two fussy kids) and had us go trough the "crew and first class" line. Security was fine and off to the gate we went. We let the girls run around and the loaded the plane for the 7:30am departure. The seating configuration on the B 767 was 2-3-2. We got two sets of two right behind/in front of each other. We found out on the previous flight the day before to get to Seattle that separating the girls was the best call. They behaved and did brilliantly on the 2.5 hour flight. However, this flight was a 10 hour 15 min flight. 

The girls did amazing! I think maybe 1-2 minor cries and that is it. The flight was full with military personnel and their families which meant a lot of screaming and crying at times. Our girls did a great and we never had to drug them. They both took about 2 hr naps at the same time and ate the two meals that the flight attendants provided. We just played and watched iPad ....... for 10 hours.

We arrived right on time at Yokota Air Force base. They made us leave the plane very orderly and proceeded to the customs terminal. When deplaning ( and while flying in) we noticed the piles and piles of snow. We knew they got around 18" the week prior but didn't really think it was still around. Customs was long but easy. We went to get our baggage and took turns taking the girls to the rest rooms. LC was with me getting bags off the carousel and didn't realize the smarte cartes were for everyone to use and not just us. Meltdown. She lost it when someone else used one that she was touching. I was by myself at the time getting luggage and loading up the carts with our 10 items. She was not having it and wouldn't calm down. I got all the stuff on the carts and 

Tried to soothe while waiting for Shannon. Didn't work. Shannon came out and the LC started asking for everything; dodo, glow worm, blanket, pillow pet, toys etc, most of them being packed in the suitcases. Our sponsor ( a buddy that arrange our arrival and set up a to of logistics here in Japan prior to our arrival) met us right outside the customs gate. He pulled up his funny little rented van and we loaded everything up. LC was still struggling and we quickly loaded the car, strapped in the car seats and loaded up. I tried getting into the right side front seat but forgot that the drivers side is on the right. LC finally calmed down once she was in her seat. The drive was fine. A lot of Stop and go with traffic. I think it took us around 2 hours to get to Atsugi. Ellis slept the entire way and the rest of us just watched. Snow was everywhere and it was neat to see our new home. Driving was a bit on the scary side. Driving on the left side of the road and driver seat is opposite. It took me 20 min before I was able to relax and know we were not going against traffic.  

We got to the base and quickly went to the squadron to get my orders stamped to let them know I was there. Then were dropped off at the Navy Lodge hotel. After we got everything and everybody to the room Shannon and I did a happy dance. We have been living out of a suitcase since 16 Dec, traveled, woke up early, lugged 10 bags, a 10 + hour plane ride, a 17 hour time change and a 2 hour van ride...... With 2 kids!! We did it. We were so happy and proud and extremely tired. We knew we had to stay up as long as possible. I think we got to the room at 2pm or so. Our sponsor and the hotel loaded our room with snacks and drinks so we had stuff here. We settled in and just walked around like zombies. We made it till 6pm. Both girls were wide awake at 2:30am which is about a 8:30am USA time. Yikes. 

Saturday and Sunday was just a chance to get settled and try to adjust time zones. We knew it was going to be hard and it was. We were always up between 2-5 and both girls were waking each other other with crying or coughing (LC woke up sick the morning we left San Diego). So sleeping was at a premium. However when they did get to bed both girls were dead tired and fell to sleep within a few minutes. We tried cutting naps short and other techniques to assist but it was working. A lot of my friends that I knew here stopped by, we went over to play and/or eat with too. Everything is within walking distance here on base. There is a NEX and a food court across the street, too. We went and signed up for Japanese cell phones on Saturday after noon. We both got brand new iPhone 5's and signed a 2 year contract. None of the contract was in English so I hoped I signed the right things. Their plans are very cheap and much much better then that In the US. 

Yesterday (Monday) was our first day at the briefings and classes you have to take on customs and general information. It was very informative. Most speakers were either US military or spouses (volunteers/workers) here on base. There were 2 Japanese nationals that spoke to us and Shannon and I, as well as the rest of the class chuckled at all their pronunciations. We signed up for our drivers licenses and things like that as well. We also went and checked in at the housing office to decline on-base housing and start looking for a place off base. So far there has been some potentials. Everyone at the housing office is Japanese so it was fun working and talking to them. They even wrote out our names in Japanese. 

The girls were at the Child development center (day care) while we are at these classes all week. We were hoping for the best and warned them that they are still jet lagged and not on a good schedule. They said they see it every week and they will be fine. So we hung up their stuff In their cubbies and the old Japanese ladies whisked them away, washed their hands and put a smock on Ellis. Ellis went right to the table where they were having breakfast snack and ate. They don't have sippy cups here so it was cups of OJ. We were worried about them all day but when we picked ten up they said they did great. They asked for more clothes for EC ( she spilled every drink I her clothes) because she has never drank out of anything but a sippy. Haha. They said Ellis ate everything at every meal, which we were not surprised. Ellis also took a 2 hour nap. LC did good too but didn't eat well or sleep. 

Last night was the first night that everyone slept through the night. We all we to sleep around 7:30-8pm and got up at 6am. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

So far it has been great. Everyone has been friendly and very helpful. We borrowed a pack and play from a friend because the pack and play they gave us here at the lodge was about one third the size and Ellis didn't fit. Some friends had us over for brunch and the we walked over to housing where a lot of my friends lived and let the girls just play while we talked and caught up. 

This week we will finish up those classes and then go on field trips via train to Learn how to ride. That is how most people get around. So far the classes have been super informative and we are actually enjoying learning about the culture and language and traditions. We are learning some good greetings and phrases and they are starting to stick. 

Okay, I think I bored you with enough today. Sorry it was so wordy. Here are a few photos. We have been taking some with our nice camera but we dont have the cord to download them. So here are just a few from my phone.

This was our lunch outing today. We have a good friend Dave that lives here with his family. He also went to VaTech and Dave and I roomed together in Flight School for the 2 years in Pensacola. He also was just at that Safety School I was in down in Pensacola as well. He took us to a Sushi Go around. It is off base and no one spoke english. You place your orders and you grab plates of sushi as they come by. The sushi they eat here is what we call "Nigiri" in the states. It is just a piece of rice with something on top. We absolutely loved it. The quality of fish is far superior to what we normally get in America. You stack your plates up at the end of the table and they come by to measure them and tell you what you owe. The only thing new we tried was raw scallop. It was good. Everything is automated so you order on the screen and it come by. They have hot water spicket there for green tea as well. My favorite was the salmon and the fatty tuna. The three of us ate for $31 which would have cost us around $50 in the states. Not too shabby and a great experience. 

This is just one of many parks they have here on base. We try to hit them up a lot to get out of the room and get some fresh airs.

That is all I have... I know I know you want more pics. We will work on it and try to post more later. 

take care!