Arrival to Japan

We're slowing getting settled in. Still no word on when we can expect to get into a house. We're of course hoping for a pet friendly house near the hospital as we're hoping to make it with only one vehicle, at least to start. The pets are doing better at the kennel. We've been able to see them everyday, except tomorrow, Memorial Day. The staff seem great and that has certainly been a comfort.

Following the whirlwind that was our arrival

'Flood the PO box' movement- thanks!

Cody spotted Fuji from our 4th floor hotel room (we are grateful for the full kitchen)

The shopping center that houses Cody's favorite grocery store. I think we'll be shopping here a lot

Trying a random seaweed-wrapped rice triangle

Caillat's accommodations- only one other cat in that room so far

She likes to hide under the kennels

Forced bonding

Ah, that's better

Obsessed over a reflection

Cool Wilson

We've been sampling vending machine drinks- this surprising had white grape chunks in it, quite the shock with the first drink

Remainder of Leave

The last week of leave before flying over the great blue

At dinner with Cody's grandma Barb and her husband Darrell

Uncle Todd and cousin Dani

'See you next year'

at handoff  #2 in Sioux City

Just one of many games

Why not conquer a puzzle at the coffeeshop

And teach Dad how to play bocce ball whilst sampling more Broken Bow brews

It wasn't in the cards that day for Dad or I

the angelic griller

I declined to publish the remainder of the photos in this array 

Discussing the proper way to create the perfect smore

One of my favorites

Reunited and it ...stinks

It runs in the family...

A quick drive up cabbage hill

Wilson and Cody in our tiny, tiny little car

This picture makes me smile

The usual picture lineup before departing

Parting words from the street

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

Wilson was quite the hit here

These guys woke up at 2am to tote us and all our luggage and pets to the airport- can't thank them enough!

Saying goodbye to his parents- it's what finally produced the tears for this guy

The boarding passes on our 767, 2-3-2 seater, two in flight meals transport

Thanks so much for all those helping us during this move, and especially to family for driving us around and making sacrifices to see us before we departed. More to come on our arrival in Japan...

Fam Fam

A few pics from our time in IA:

Looking for his birding lists

Found it!

Enjoying a brew at West O

Just a wee bit windy at a rest stop in S. Dakota

Dinner at Rhombus Guys in Grand Forks, ND

Dropped them off at the Volbeat concert

delicious breakfast joint

A stop out at the family farm near Detroit Lakes, MN

Only accumulated a few ticks

My favorite picture

Ethel's deer stand

 Saturday, 9 May:

Warbler Walk at Marble Lake with Donnie and Skyla

Birding runs in the family

Finally returning to golf at one of his favorite spots around home

Darci and I rode along

4th hole- his fav

whoops, snapped the pic at just the wrong time

Cody's cousin Ryan, Tim & Cody

Later, fishing for bullhead