Getting closer to Japan

We're almost ready to go to Japan. Andreas' deployment orders have been changed more than I can even count! Finally, the last set of orders has confirmed that he will leave at the end of this month. We just got an email that some of our stuff is actually already there in Iwakuni. Wow! Hard to believe that our stuff is there and we're still in the USA. Will try to keep this blog updated!

One thing I really worry about in Japan are the holidays! Will they have a Christmas Tree "Farm" that we can go to and pick out our tree? Will they have any turkey's for Thanksgiving? This all came about because we went to a "Pumpkin Patch" this week. Actually, Emma & I got to go twice! We all went as a family early in the week and then I went with some girlfriends and their little boys later in the week. I can easily say that I will miss the convenience(s) of Scottsdale, AZ. With in just a few miles we hit a pumpkin patch/farm, then upscale, outside shopping and a sushi restaurant. I guess, there will be sushi in Japan, but what about all the sunny outside activities?? Will I miss hiking up the local mountains? Jogging around the park? Probably.

Mama's got a new camera!

So I have been researching camera's over the last 6 months. I have been going back and forth between a Canon or a Nikon. I ended up going with a Canon. I bought my first grow-up camera yesterday and I love it! A friend met me up at a local electronic/camera store and was so helpful in interpreting what the salesman was saying. He was trying to talk me into buying the HIGH end, expensive camera and that's not really what I needed. Anyway, it's great to have a friend who is knowledgeable in the camera language!!
I have very fond memories of my mom taking pictures with her Canon when I was a little girl. I think that is what swayed me to consider Canon, because most of my friends are all Nikon-lover's. Hopefully, I can capture some great moments of Emma's life..especially the next 3 years while we are in Japan. That is my big hope for me and this new camera, that we (the camera & I) will create good, quality, memorable photos the family and our adventures around the world.

Leaving work behind...

I finally made it official at work. My last day is November 2nd. Even thought I knew I obviously wouldn't stay working in Phoenix while living in Japan, it was difficult to resign. It added a permanence to the whole situation. It will be hard to leave all the families and kiddo's but duty calls for our family and we must go!

Stocking up for Japan

We're stocking up on a few American things I don't think we'll be able to get when we're in Japan. Like the foo-foo non toxic soap we use for Emma and her special eczema skin creams. Who knows what they will have or won't have. This really nice doc at work gave me some books for Japan, the first titled, " Living abroad in Japan" and the other is "Eating in Japan". Both of which I think will be very helpful!