Back in the USA

We are back in the USA for some leave and such. The girls did really good on the plane. They maybe slept 2 hours which meant they were only up for 20 hours that day. We took off from Japan around 4pm on the 4th and arrived in WA at 8am on the 4th. Weird. We got some American food and went swimming at the hotel but decided to call it a day at 5pm that night. The girls slept for 16 hours that night -- Super tired!  We met up with my sister and her fam in OR that afternoon and we had the greatest of times. The girls loved playing with their cousins and couldn't get enough of them. We enjoyed some good slip-n-slide time, some pool time and got to relax and catch-up while soaking in the amazing and cool OR weather. After a few days in OR we headed to KY to hang out with my folks. Again, we had a great time and the girls soaked up all the attention. We hung out with family and Shannon and I got to go into the big city of Louisville on a date night to celebrate 12 years of marriage. After a few days in KY, Shannon and the kids headed to VA and I headed to my Navy school up in Newport, RI. I have been here for 1 week and so far it has been alright. It has been a little warm, but the scenery and vibe is pretty neat. Shannon and the girls have been catching up with the family in VA and enjoying their time there. It feels odd to be back in the states but we are for sure enjoying our time. The girls have been troopers on the planes. It all started with the +9 hour flight from Japan to WA which means those 2-3 hour flights throughout the US have been a breeze.

Here are some pix from the past weeks. I'll apologize upfront, but they are going to be a little bit out of order because I pulled them from multiple cameras.

We stayed at the Navy Lodge hotel on base for 10 days prior to us leaving. We made sure we hit up our favorite Japanese restaurants. The kids wanted to go to the sushi go-around every night so they could get these salmon egg sushi. Weirdos. 

The girls stayed busy on the plane rides with coloring, stickers, and various "surprises".  

This was the last sighting of Japan that we saw from the plane as we crossed the beach line eastbound for the USA. We had the most wonderful time in Japan and Japan will forever have a special place in our hearts. 

E wanted to sit by me during all the flights and LC sat with mom. We had a good time for the most part. I am happy to repot that there were no meltdowns either. 

Here is the chartered flight we got to Seattle. 

Again, out of order I know, but this was when Shannon and I had our anniversary date night in Louisville, KY. That's the Ohio river looking towards Indiana. Oh by the way, it was freaking hot! 

 We also took a tour of a bourbon distillery, Woodford Reserve. Shannon and I both went there not really caring for bourbon and we left there with the same thoughts. 

We also visited the Louisville Slugger factory and museum in downtown Louisville. That is the largest bat in the world.

We went on a long walk in the morning to beat the heat and see some more sights. 

Okay, the pictures are really out of order. This is Newport, Rhode Island where I am currently at. A beautiful state that is full of scenery and water. This was the view from the Officers Club on base. Not too shabby. 

I've been getting my run on these past few days and have been running down to the cliff walk where all the giant mansions are. 

Gigantic houses on the bay.

And everyone seems to sail here. I am going to go watch a polo match tomorrow which will be a first for me. 

This was back at the Navy Lodge Hotel in Japan. They look nothing alike but they sure are cute.  

Shannon bought both of the girls Yukatas before we left.  

We hit up a little splash park in KY to cool off. The girls finished up their swimming lessons in Japan before we left so they are really into getting in the water. 

Lunch time at the splash park. 

We were able to spend some priceless time with the great grandparents too. This was great grandpa performing his magic tricks. 

More more! 

Pulling a coin out of E's nose. They loved it.

They couldn't get enough of his tricks. 

Here are a few cousin shots from our time in OR. 

Gramma sent these matching outfits too. 

Picking apples and berries. 

E and Tessa = Silly kids. 

Family picture.... a lot of girls here. 

The girls had an absolute ball handing out with their cousins. They spent hours upon hours in the back yard playing in the water and snacking on freshly picked apples.  

One final shot before we headed to the airport.

More to follow was we travel around the USA and spend time with family and friends!