Hiroshima

 

The A-Bomb Dome

 

On August 6, 1945 at 8:15am, an American B29 bomber carried out the world's first atomic bombing. The bomb exploded approximately 600 meters above and 160 meters southeast of the Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall, ripping through and igniting the building instantly killing everyone in it.

 

Because the blast struck from almost directly above, some of the center walls remained standing, leaving enough of the building and iron frame to be recognizable as a dome.

 

After the war, these dramatic remains came to be known as the A-Bomb Dome.

 

We LOVED that we got a chance to see this huge piece of history.

 

The kids loved the Japanese Hotel we stayed at.

 

A view from our Hotel room.

 

Okonomiyaki is a very popular dish served in Southern Japan. We of course HAD to try it!

 

Was it good?

 

Yes! Yes, it was!!

 

There was a Festival of Lights going on in downtown Hiroshima, so after dinner, we walked around all the beautiful lights they had displayed.

 

It's the closest thing we could find to "Sitting on Santa's Lap" while in Hiroshima. Nonetheless, we loved it!

Miyajima

 

Before we leave Japan, there are a couple of places on our "Must See List" that we have to go to.

 

We got to see Mt Fuji from the Shinkansen. I'm glad Dan got a chance to climb it while we were here.

 

Even Southern Japan in December, is a little cold.

 

The beautiful view from the ferry ride over to Miyajima.

 

The deer on the Island are overly friendly. This guy was hoping to be let into the store.

 

I've always loved this Floating Torii Gate. I'm SO glad we were able to see it before we leave Japan.

Change of Command

 

Today was Dan's Change of Command. They presented him with this beautiful gift.

It's the detachment guide-on and also his command coin.

It's really awesome!

 

CPT Heubert is the one who will be taking over.

 

Cortez was one of the many awesome guys to work with Dan here in Japan.

 

They took one of the images off Dan's coin and put it on the cake.

 

Our awesome neighbors the Grahek's let their daughter skip school so they could come support us and say goodbye.

 

Yukari and her girls surprised us at the airport to see us off.

I'm really going to miss all the awesome people we got to meet while here in Japan.

 

Saying Goodbye is ALWAYS hard!!

 

So long Misawa!! Hopefully we can come back again!

 

The airline attendants were amazingly nice to the kids. They gave them coloring books and toy planes to play with.

 

Dan crashed after a LONG day.

 

The kids being goofy!!

 

More treats from the airline attendants.

Moving Day

 

Well, the day has finally arrived! The movers are here. I'm really sad to be leaving Japan. I really loved it here!

 



 

The Japanese are amazingly quick and efficient. They had us all packed up within a few hours.

 

Sydney and her friend Lily playing in my newly cleaned fridge.

Elf Arrival

 

Our Elf Christina arrived today.

Sydney found her riding on one of the Temple Dogs.

 

We have 2 Elves, a brother and sister.

Christopher & Christina Pop-in-kin.

They take turns coming to see us each year.

Last year we saw Christopher and this year it's Christina who showed up.

 

The kids LOVE looking for the Elf each year.

 

 

This is Christopher last year. He found some VERY creative places to hide.