Homework - stuff to take

I'll try to get a regular post up soon, but it seems like we've been constantly going to the Dr. Turns out Edamame is somewhat asthmatic, so it makes getting over colds that much harder. BK on the other hand is strong as an ox and has learned to climb the stairs(I'll post a video in a few days). Plus I need to get ready to go to Obaachan and Ojiichan's this weekend for the 5 DAY WEEKEND! Woo hoo! Long holidays, and we'll celebrate Obaachan's birthday and retirement.

Which segways into my homework. What do I never leave home without?

My children...hehehe. Ok so seriously, I don't but, that's not what I'm going to write about. There are a lot of things that I don't leave home without on vacation. My toiletry bag is packed, clothes are of course a necessity, as is an iPhone at this point. I guess what I always try to remember though are the books and toys. We've yet to take a vacation by ourselves in the last three years, and truthfully the toys are the life saver. Toys, for the car ride, new toys for the airplane(the boys get a new toy for each plane ride), toys for the bus ride, etc. They serve a few purposes. First is to keep them entertained, because while the the TV holds them captivated at home when on rare occasion I do let them watch, it doesn't do much on an airplane. Secondly it helps them feel at home wherever we are. Something familiar to keep them company in a strange place, strange bed, and strange food. Neither of my boys have a toy that they can't be separated from, but they do have their preferences. I wish I didn't leave home without something exciting, but really the first and last thing I make sure we have are toys. Clothes - everyone needs those, diapers - we can get anywhere, I've forgotten my toothbrush a million times, passport - only need it when going home, but toys are ALWAYS needed. This also includes two bedtime stories stashed away. We always get new ones, but the oldies but goodies make anywhere feel more like home.

Welcome to Yokohamaaaaaaa!

Today's homework I chose to introduce you to my hometown. I moved far too much as a child to have a real home town, and since the longest I've ever lived in one place is HERE, you can be introduced to here instead.

We live in Zama, but I'll introduce you to the greater Yokohama area. My aunt is coming out this spring with my mother, so this is good practice. Truthfully you could spend a whole week just here, without heading into Tokyo at all.

I'd start us out on a 9am train headed for Yokohama. From there we'd head to China town...the biggest outside of China(bigger than SF), take in the sights and have an early lunch. From there we'd walk to Yamashita Park(which is right on the water) and hop on a water taxi/tour for 90 min. From there I'd take you all to the Red Brick Building(the old immigration bldg), the giant Ferris Wheel, the Nihonmaru. I think from there we'd hop on a train to Shin-Yokohama to try the Ramen Museum. It isn't big, but the atmosphere is like 1950's Japan and the ramen is delicious(and there are quite a few varieties). There are a lot of restaurants around Yokohama station to eat treats at.

I know it is short and sweet, but hey, it's after 10 and I still get up a handful of times in the middle of the night...Add to this whole list a bunch of museums, Temples, Aquariums, parks, etc, and there is a lot to do here. Even with kids!