A Bits and Pieces post from when Noboru was here...

I snapped this pic of Noboru driving right after Noah and I picked him up at the airport. I was originally supposed to pick him up at 1pm. And the plan was, we'd go immediately to Noah's school and pick him up at 2:25pm. And we were even considering first swinging by our townhouse and dropping off his luggage first or not. We were playing it by ear, just depending on our timing. However, as luck would have it, Noboru's flight was delayed. He landed at 2pm. Thank goodness for airplane wifi. So he and I could LINE each other. Considering Noah's a child. And Noboru's an adult. We put our child first. And so Noboru told me, "I'm an adult, I can wait at the airport, go get Noah first and then swing by the airport to get me" FWIW, we have 3 townhouse keys. And Branden has a key always and he knew, to let himself in our townhouse. Since he rides the school bus home anyways. And doesn't get home because of the school buses stops...that they make all along the way, he gets home around 3:10pm. Good thing the kids can have cell phones here at school. So, I texted them around noon and let them know the plan. Noah knew he had to "haul a**" to my car. And he did. He quickly hopped in my car. I quickly hopped the highway. And to the airport we went. Noboru was waiting outside. I parked the car curbside. Hugged and kissed my husband. Noah got out and smiled and hugged his dad. And Noboru jumped in the drivers seat right away. And we actually got to our townhouse about a couple minutes before Branden got there. The boys were both so happy to see their dad. I was happy to see my sweetie pie too.

He brought me, a few extra Cook-Do sweet and sour sauces/packs. Another bag of panko. A new bottle of mirin (for niku jaga). Some sara udon packs. Karaage and ginger. Melting sugar for niku jaga. Three cream stew roux. Another pack of curry roux. Small things yes... but super helpful useful things that we will appreciate when it gets cold and Fall turns into Winter. 

He also brought cookies and snacks for the boys. 

I did mention to Noboru that Branden's backpack has a mesh bottle spot on the outside of his Jansport. Noah picked the size smaller Jansport than Bran's is. And I told Noah his would have no mesh bottle holder. He was fine with it. But, I do notice he wraps his 500ml bottle of water every day in a grocery store bag. Noboru said, not to worry...that he'll bring him some drink covers from the amazing Daiso. And he brought 2. 1 is a back up. This is probably the most useful item he brought. Noah uses the navy blue one every single day now. : ) 

The entire United States is in pumpkin pie flavor mode, now that it's Fall. It's sorta nice to be able to enjoy every little thing available now that I live here. Noboru and I went to lunch one afternoon when the kids were at school. We went for the $5 buck lunch. It comes with a free sundae or you can pay 1 dollar extra and get a blizzard. Of course we had to get  Pumpkin Pie Blizzards.  

The 5 buck lunch, you can get your choice of all white meat chicken strips and fries and country gravy for dunking your strips in. You can also get a grilled cheeseburger if you prefer. Noboru went for the burger. It comes with a drink and also includes a free sundae or you can upgrade to a blizzard. We usually go for the sundae but considering it was a limited time only...we went for the pumpkin pie blizzards. 

Aside from spending the day in Seattle. We mostly stayed in our tiny city of $12,000-$15,000 people. We did go to the next city over and hit Costco though. This is a cart pic. A case of toilet paper beneath the cart. Chicken breast in that box. The chicken breast here is individually wrapped in sets of 2 breasts in each pack. And it comes with many packs. A case of paper plates. Tortillas. A big jug of shoyu (Kikkoman Soy Sauce) and tampons and at night, I will wear a pad for extra protection during that TOM. I think we're all adults here. Just bought basics. Of stuff that can last a good chunk of time. He also filled up my gas tank, while at Costco.

Besides my husband being my best friend. Lunch date. Laugher at each others jokes etc etc. Him coming here was for peace of mind, for him too. He worries all the time, if we're okay. He wanted to make sure my car here is winterized. He washed my car and really scrubbed the daylights out of it. He also took my car for an oil change. He filled up the tires with air. Changed all my filters in my car. Changed my windshield wiper blades. Rain X-ed my windshield.  He did all sorts of things a husband usually does. For his peace of mind and for my mind too. He's seriously so helpful. So wonderful. 

Pumpkin Pie Twinkies. Again Americans love everything and anything Pumpkin Pie flavored. Noboru had some of these too. I was expecting these to not be any good. I was shocked because these are actually better than regular Twinkies. Hostess is also selling some Caramel Apple Spice flavored Cupcakes. I took a pass of those cupcakes. But these Pumpkin Pie Twinkies are the bomb. Also Jack and the Box Pumpkin Pie shakes are out right now too. 

Another time we took the whole family to Dairy Queen too. We all had the 5 buck lunch and sadly the Pumpkin Pie Shake was no longer sold anymore. So we all had a sundae. Bran and I,  each picked a peanut butter sundae. Noah picked hot fudge and Noboru went with strawberry. It was just the best, us 4 all being together as a family again. But we also know.. that the kids getting this opportunity at an American education. They're lucky. They're so fortunate to be getting this education. These experiences. They were in Japan in their younger years, when a family should be intact. Now that they're older, they are open for an American education. And American dances, like Homecoming. And driving school. And American style school lunch. And Fun Runs. 

The week before Noboru left. I went to the driving school. I filled out all the paperwork. And talked to the folks there. And got Branden all signed up for drivers ed. He's in like... a 6 week driver course. He goes Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm-6pm. He also has 6 hours/6 drives with the instructors in their Priuses. They have quite a few. A parent meeting was required. Noboru and I showed up for that meeting. He wanted to go... because he knew he wasn't going to be a part of it, so he just wanted to attend the meeting. Noboru told me later. In Japan he handled all the paperwork and all the meetings (although, I went too), all the official stuff. But he finds it cute that in America, although he fluently speaks English. He doesn't feel the pressure to have to handle *it all*. Does that make sense? It's sort of cool and nice for him to just... get to sit back. Sit next to me and say..."the wife is handling it all. She's got this" And yes, here, I got this. Friday October 12th. Was a "no school day" and so the 4 of us went first thing in the morning to the Motor vehicles department to get Branden signed up for his driving permit. He was omitted from taking the test at the DMV because he took it at the state approved driving school, he's attending. So, Noboru and Noah just got to relax and sit in the chairs at the DMV. Mama (me) I handled it. Bran and I took a number. The place was dead. We went right up. You need to prove American citizenship or that you have a greencard or something. I was prepared. I had Branden's American passport. Branden's American birth certificate, his social security card. I had my state drivers license. And he needed a parents signature of consent. Next he went up and took a picture at another window/area. And next, he went and did an eye exam. And she gave him a paper permit that is good for a year. And the hard permit looks just like a license but it's oblong, up an down versus how us adults licenses are. As soon as he had the permit in hand. It was not even 9:10 am yet. We went to the Costco parking lot. And we gave him his first driving lesson until 10am. When Costco opened. After shopping at Costco, which took us only 5 minutes tops. I already knew what I needed.

A bulk amount of pumpkin spice bread. 

And a case of 24 chicken flavored Cup Noodles. That's it. Then we went to the movie theater parking lot and he drove for a good 30 minutes. We placed an order for Wing Stop and they wouldn't be ready until a certain time, so it gave Branden more time to practice driving.

Hunger Games reference here. Instead of "May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor"..."May the Wings Be Ever in Your Flavor"...I swear...Americans have the best sense of humor. Noboru asked each of the boys, the day he arrived. What do you want him to make sure... gets done while he's here. And Branden said, "that I get registered for driving school." And Noah said, "I hope I can try Wing Stop" lol. Noah loves buffalo wings and that was the only thing on his wish list. Adorable, Noboru thought! So he said, to the both of them, done and done! So I ordered them on my cell. While we were driving with B in the movie theater parking lot. And then we went to get wings. Noboru and Noah are the biggest wing fans, I have ever seen. They truly love buffalo wings. 

Noboru taking a pic to send to his friends in Japan. : ) At Wing Stop. 

We let Noah pick which flavors, since it was his wish to eat there. Noboru helped him decide. I personally am open to any flavor. They picked garlic parmesan and original. We drove home and had these for lunch. Mission accomplished that day. Bran got his drivers permit and Noah got to try the wings he'd been dreaming about and hoping to try. Noboru and Noah weren't blown away by the wings sad to say. Oh well, at least he got to try. : )

Gap USA, online was having a 50% off sale. We urged Bran to pick some sweatshirts. He didn't want any. @_@ Noah picked 2. Also Old Navy was having a sale, 1 sweatshirt in particular was $10, for just that 1 day. Noboru loved the price so much. We 4 all hopped in the car and drove to the bigger-ish city and Noboru got that sweatshirt, so did Noah and he wanted to buy Bran the same one too. B didn't want that sweatshirt either. It's a zip hoodie, gray and the navy blue wording says simply Old Navy. I thought what a good basic. So did Noboru and Noah but, you know Bran is getting older. He's a teen and I do respect his ideas. On what clothes he'd like. So Noah did get 3 sweatshirts. 2 Gap and 1 Old Navy. Noboru just wanted to make sure the boys were going to be warm in the Fall and Winter months. : ) 

Noboru was here for 3 long wonderful weeks. We were looking for a navy blue warm cozy fleece type winter blanket for each of the boys beds. We checked Walmart and Target first. No navy blue fleece blankets there. But we found them at Marshalls. For super cheap. Cheaper than the prices at Walmart. 

Super high quality by American designer Tommy Hilfiger. And only $16.99 each. 

They are a nice thick weight. And super super soft. I washed them both and put both on each of the boys beds. Definitely warm enough for Fall. Not sure how winter will feel around here. But if need be, I can always zip out and pick up another at Marshall's. But for Fall weather, they're plenty warm.

We also picked up a warm fleece blanket for my bed too. They had one at Walmart for $26. But Marshall's was just cheaper. And the quality is better.

We all have T shirt sheets and pillow cases. Because they're so soft. And the color of my sheets is this pillow case on the left. I actually took this pillow case with me to Marshall's because they had so many different shades of gray, that I didn't wnat to buy the wrong shade, so I brought my own gray pillow case and doing that... made sure I found a dead on match and look. How the pillow case matches my fleece blanket. 

Loved the price. I did wash it and tumbled it dry. And my bed is so cozy now. Again though, perfect for Fall. I have never lived in this state before. I have never experienced winter here. If I were to guess, I would say their winters are mild. Just like my area of Chiba was. I do not think it gets like serious winter here like Minnesota does. Or Alaska does. But again, I have no winter experience of this state yet. Plus keep in mind.. all townhouses and houses in America have central heating. So, again, I'm not sure if 1 warm thick weight blanket will be enough plus our comforter too. Or if I will... start of December run out and buy more blankets? Again, I'll find out. : )

Noboru had take out pizza 3 times. What, I do is I cook dinner in America 6 nights each week. Every Saturday we order pizza. Depending on who is cheaper that week. We order from either Papa John's or Pizza Hut. The first weekend Noboru was here, we had Papa John's. The 2nd weekend Noboru was here we had Pizza Hut and the final weekend Noboru was here we had Papa John's. Pizzas run around $7.99 for a 2 topping pizza, size large at Pizza Hut and size extra large at Papa John's which is about the same size of a Pizza Hut large. In Japan, I cooked dinner just about 7 nights a week. So for me, it's sort of wonderful to get a break from cooking once a week.  And sure we could hit Wendy's or Taco Bell or KFC or whatever. But we mostly just go for the pizza.

I was really sad when Noboru left. But, we accomplished a lot while he was here. We winterized the kids a little bit more. We winterized the beds. We winterized the car. We got to have that amazing important family time. And he'll be back here in January. The kids and I... are just quietly living here. The kids are doing so well here. Halloween is this coming week. They both have their Halloween costumes already. Branden did enjoy his homecoming. Branden's driving is improving little by little. Today is Branden's birthday. He turns 17 years old today. Can you believe it? He has his second scheduled drive with his driving instructor this evening at 6:30pm. And after an hour of driving, he drives himself to our townhouse. And the instructor then drives back to the driving school. We went out to an early birthday dinner when Noboru was here. A place of Branden's choosing (The Red Lobster) he also got birthday money from grandpa in Denver and from us too and got to pick out some new clothes. I do have an ice cream cake here. And we'll have a quiet little family thing here at home, just us 3. Tomorrow the kids and I are going to the movies too. We'd go tonight, but B has his driving lesson. So we'll go and enjoy a movie tomorrow. How is the weather? Yesterday and today feels really cold. Up until yesterday... it felt really warm in the daytime and cool at night. But yesterday was a gray day all day, low heavy clouds and while I was picking up Noah at middle school yesterday. And it's been raining off and on, ever since yesterday. It's still gray skies and cool. The wind is starting to have a bite to it.  

Touristy stuff in Seattle Washington. Pike Place Market, The very first Starbucks, etc etc...

Saturday, September 29th, 2018, our family went to do some touristy stuff. We went to Pike Place Market! We went to the the very first Starbucks. The one that started it all! We also went to China Town aka the International District. There's a an area called "Japan Town" Which is an area with a huge Japanese grocery store in it. We had lunch in the food court there, by the way. And it was delicious! It was a very cool way to spend a Saturday for the 4 of us. 

Noboru and Noah walking towards the very first Starbucks.

Of course, I had to take a picture. The original logo on the window! 

I hope you can see the reflection of the window, just how many people were trying to take a photo of this special spot! The very first Starbucks. There also was a very long line to get a drink. We didn't go inside. Because frankly there was another Starbucks but 1-2 minutes away on foot and empty. So if you need a drink, maybe go to the empty less famous one. And of course take tons of pics outside this one, just as a keep sake. : )

The address of the original Starbucks. 

These next couple of pics were taken inside the Pike Place Market. The whole vibe being there was excitement. There were tons of tourists. American tourists as well as from overseas. Everyone was happy to be there. Everyone was with a camera snapping pics. The workers were used to it and smiling. The whole place was buzzing. Exciting and fun.

Fresh fruits, veggies. Vibrant colors. And my gosh are the people in Seattle friendly! So nice!

King crab legs from Alaska.

Lobster. The only seafood, I like is shrimp and lobster. I was thinking..."hello there you gorgeous delicious looking lobster tails!!!" LOL.

There was so many interesting shops inside Pike Place Market. Like this candy shop.

The kids enjoyed this button shop which had former president election buttons. 

Clown shoe. : )

Hi Noah! And the World's tallest man. It said actual size. 

When I first saw this, I immediately thought, Zoltar from the movie Big with Tom Hanks. And then near Noah's hand, it does say, "Think... Big" And of course, I smiled. I'm sure so many have thought of the Big movie too. : )

China Town was very cool. We went inside quite a few shops. 

The Japanese grocery store, Uwajimaya. My goodness is everything inside there... double and somethings were even triple and quadruple the price of what you can buy in Japan. I didn't buy 1 thing in there. It was still cool to look around in there though. 

Noboru handed them $30 bucks, while we guarded our 4 seats to sit and eat and said to pick anything they wanted in the food court and to bring him back the change. They both picked a big hot bowl of ramen. 

I went to the Korean restaurant in the same food court and had a spicy chicken breast with veggie dish. It came with rice and a salad. Mine was delicious. The 4 of us enjoyed our lunch. 

Random pic inside the Japanese supermarket. It's nice to know it's available. But wowsa those prices. Anyway, it was a fabulous way to spend the day.

Getting ready for their first full year of school in America. School clothes shopping. School supplies etc...

The day after we arrived from Japan, at the end of July, I went online to the Jansport website and I had the boys decide which size, which style, which color of Jansport backpack they wanted. They each picked navy blue, but Branden picked a larger size than Noah picked. And that's understandable, he's so much taller, bigger and older than Noah is. I ordered them in the morning. Later that day, since we were jetlagged and ordered before 8am. And later that day, I had received an email, saying they had been shipped from their factory in California and would be arriving within 2 days. Free shipping. And they arrived perfectly. Nicely packed. And Bran's went into his closet in his room and Noah's went in his closet in his room. So backpacks for the new school year were no longer an issue. Also wanted to point out, I saw Jansport backpacks all over town all August and September. And they were about $7-10 bucks higher in price at Kohl's and elsewhere than what you could buy directly from the actual Jansport website. Just FYI, for you in the states. 

They each have a laptop pouch built in.... in each of these backpacks, which is perfect for American kids, like mine because now days every school in the US has kids use Chromebooks for much of their homework assignments.So kids bring their laptops back and forth from school to home, back and forth.

School supply list. In America, each grade for each particular school, provides a school supply list. Things your child will be needing for class. And remember 3 ring binders? Now they call them D ring binders. Good thing my kids started last April, because they both told me, all the kids at both their school "prefer" the Avery brand D ring binders... over other brands, because they're super gentle to open and close with just the lightest touch of the button. Since, I clearly came from the Trapper Keeper era. This fact was helpful for me. So, when we went to Target and also Walmart to get school supplies. We made sure to pick the Avery binder at Target immediately. 98% of their school supplies came from Target. Composition notebooks. Or as my kids call them..."comp books." These are required in almost *every* single class now days? Noah wanted a pencil pouch, and his school supply list says he needs one. Branden did not want one. He wanted to use his one from Mujirushi. @_@ Which is fine. I offered him a new one, he said no thanks. : ) Also, I made another mistake last April, I bought my kids Mead paper/cardboard but definitely paper-based type folders. You know, in the old days we used to call them, peechee folders? Well, Branden said, the paper ones...cardboard type ones are bogus. And they tear easily. So I made sure, to buy them plastic folders for like 59 cents instead. Again, I am learning this stuff all over again. As a mom, not a student. And in a new era. : )

Stuff on the left is Branden's. Stuff on the right is Noah's.

Loose leaf paper was $1.79 at Target in Augus,t but like 69 cents a pack at Walmart. I bought 6 packs of college width loose leaf paper at Walmart. Both of the kids got a calculator. Not sure where the pic of Bran's calculator is. His is for harder math though. Same price as Noah's, but more technical than what Noah needs for middle school. By August 5th, I was 100% done with their school supplies. 

I also did go and buy a few extra comp books for the boys. And OMG, am I glad I did. Branden ended up needing an extra one and said, "mom can you take me to Target later tonight, I need another comp book?" I walked to my closet and grabbed a navy blue one of these and handed it to him. I told both my kids, I bought extra loose leaf paper and comp books and spiral notebooks too. If you both need anything, more than likely I have it. I also bought Noah this mirror and magnet holder for his locker, he says he keeps spare pencils in there. High school kids don't use their lockers here??? They can have one, but none use them? @_@ But middle schoolers do. 

As soon as they both got their school schedules. I set up Branden's and Noah's D ring binders. Wrote the little name subject for each class. Bran was impressed after his first day of school. He said, "wow, you really were raised in America...how you set up my binder, is the same way, everyone set theirs up too." I said.."duh, no kidding" LOL. : ) In Japan, I would ask for help from my senpai mom friends. Until I didn't need help anymore. But here...I naturally know this stuff. And honestly? It's kinda easy...and sorta cool. 

Living in Japan for 16 years. It was wonderful. And we sorta just buy clothes throughout the year. On a need it..basis. If you outgrow something, go and get another one. And sure, being American...I did stock up according to the season, in Winter and Summer. And we do that here too. But the "back to school shopping" in America is huge. And I guess, I sort of forgot how exactly huge it is... until we moved here. From the end of July, every time we'd go to Walmart or Target or the shopping mall. There were posters or signs that read "back to school savings" Sort of mentally revving up the nation... if you're a parent. Seeing the signs you start to think...Everyone is preparing. I guess I better prepare my kids too. Plus again, I do have memories of myself getting prepared as a teen too. So, backpack check! School supplies check! New underwear check. And all August underwear was on sale in packs. A gentle reminder for us parents to stock up. Okay both kids new underwear done. Check! 

Some socks, I bought for them at Target, which is what is pictured here. And another big pack each... we bought at Walmart later. And that Aveda knock-off Suave brand Rosemary Mint shampoo was for me. I love that shampoo. 

Back to school shopping. We hit Kohl's, we hit Marshall's. Ross. The shopping mall. We were so busy in August. With back to school shopping.

We'd go out one day and collect some back to school stuff. And then go out another day and buy some more stuff. 

The shirt on the left is Noah's, we found it at Ross. He saw it, loved it. Size men's small. It was like $4.99 or something. B's shirt was equally cheap in price. But big on style. These Savage shirts we see everywhere! 

Kohl's, these 2 Vans tops are Noah's. 1 short sleeve and one long sleeve. 

Two pair of cargo shorts for Branden. At Kohl's.

Both Levi's brand shorts. 

Plus 2 pair of Levi's jeans for Branden too. That way if it should cool down unexpectedly, he wouldn't freeze to death. He'd have at least 2 pair to fall back on. Branden needs at least 3 more pair of pants, but this is a nice start.

Two Vans shirts for Branden from the actual Vans shop at the mall.

Noah's stuff from the actual Vans shop too. Noah's shirt is a size S in the men's size now. And he's been wanting a pair of checkered Vans forever. And now that he's going to school in America, he can. Plus he got that new pair of Nike's we brought back from Japan too. 

Noah's tops to start with. And second pair of school shoes. Plus remember, he also got shorts and pants in Japan. And the 2 sweatshirts from Gap in Japan too. Noah's not 100% done with school clothes shopping, but he has good stuff to start school with, no doubt!

Bran's stuff. Plus he still has 3 pair of Uniqlo shorts that still fit him. 

Plus the jeans.

We did go back to Marshall's another day too. Marhsall's round 2. And Branden picked these 3 tops. The mountain scene is from the Gap, but bought at Marshall's. And he was thrilled to get another Savage shirt too. This one is a short sleeve. 

Also bought on our return trip to Marhsall's. Round 2. Noah found these 2 Abercrombie tops. Abercrombie is expensive. I know, because I used to wear it in uni myself. And to find these 2 preppy Abercombie tops at Marshall's. Noah was so happy!

I also drove back to the mall another time and bought Branden a new pair of Vans. This makes his 3rd pair right now that he owns and wears. And gets to mix and match with his outfits.

We found another bigger pack of "no show" socks the kind of socks, you would wear with Vans. And bought another pack of undies, because they were 50% off. Again those back to school sales. Totally cray cray. And such a steal at that price. 

Marshall's trip round 3. They had zero long sleeve in B's size. How unbelievable but true. Only ugly stuff in his size that time. However the trip was not a total waste, because they had 2 long sleeves in Noah's size. Ralph Lauren. With the preppy pony and whole shebang. Are the kids 100% done with clothes shopping? Nope not yet. But, they each got a nice big chunk out of the way. And nice cool brand name stylish stuff too. And at great prices.

At Noah's middle school you are asked to donate to the class. A box of tissues and disinfecting wipes. Fact of life is kids sniffle and sneeze throughout the school year. And I know firsthand, that often more than people realize... things like keeping tissue stocked in the classroom is paid for by the teachers themselves. For the kids to use. And so, I have absolutely no problem helping. I was sadly surprised though... when Noah came back and told me...he was the only one who brought it to the class. I reminded Noah..."teachers are human too and they *will* remember which kid brought this type of stuff" Since I do prefer think the best about humanity and people....I will just think positively and hope the other kids brought it on a different day or something. : )