Throwback Thursday...

Today is TBT day and it also happens to be October 26th, which is of course Branny McB's birthday today. So I thought... what a fitting day to do a TBT dedicated to my first born! Branden you were regular size at birth, but as you grew month after month...you became a chubby baby. But that's good. That means you were healthy and a good eater. You were born in Honolulu, Hawaii. You lived your first year in the states and so when my pediatrician said you could be started on solids one at a time. You loved the idea. Your first food was Gerber rice cereal. That was a favorite. You loved Gerber baby peas. Those were also one of your faves. The first 3 times I gave you Gerber baby peaches you hated them and wouldn't eat them. You do like peaches now though and did from around age 2. However you really liked Gerber spiced apples. You loved KFC mashed potatoes and gravy, if your dad and I were out during the day with you and you needed something warm and quick to eat on the go, we liked that we could pick up a teeny tiny one of those for you in a pinch. : ) You loved original Cheerios, the no sugar kind that was your #1 baby snack, Noah's too. I would always have some in my diaper bag with me. And also I always had some Gerber baby wagon wheels with me too. Which is what you were munching on in this pic and what's on your table. As soon as you got teeth and didn't need to gum things anymore. You could eat and enjoy everything. Fresh fruit. Baked or roasted meat cut up in tiny little bite size pieces. 

This is you in Japan somewhere near Osaka. We went from Chiba to Osaka to meet up with your dad's family and we all went for a weekend to an onsen there. We were living in Chiba by now. 

This is you Branden and uncle Jun behind you. He went with you to make sure no deer bit or gobbled you up. HA! You and uncle Jun went to feed some deer. We were still on that family trip near Osaka at some beach onsen resort type place. Uncle Jun was not married yet during this time. Though Noboru/daddy was and my SIL/auntie K was. 2 of the 3 kids were married at this time. You have always loved animals. Dogs, cats, deer, birds. All animals.  

You were always building blanket forts in the house when you were little! You thought they were so cool and fun! Here you were watching your mini DVD player inside your top secret hide-out. : ) I always let you build forts and hoped you would get bored with them the next day, so the house wouldn't look cray-cray. But...I also wanted you to be a kid. And do kid things. And so, if I had to see forts in your room and a few forts in the living room. That was okay. : ) You also got your brother into this blanket fort stuff too! : )

You have always loved the water. 

You've always been kind and nice and had lots of friends. Love that dimple! 

You at the summer festival at your yochien.

You getting ready to go to yochien. It was raining. Good thing you had your ultra cool duckie umbrella. And yes, I made sure to buy a new duckie umbrella by the time Noah enrolled in the same yochien. : )  Because kids are kids for such a short amount of time. They're so amazingly innocent at that age. And they most definitely would not want to use a duckie umbrella when they're in high school. LOL. You wouldn't be caught dead with one right now. But when you were little...you loved it. 

You snuggling in your bedroom. Bottom line kiddo. We love you Bran. I can't even wrap my brain around the fact that you turned 16 years old today!!! I have loved every baby stage, every toddler stage...every child stage...every baby tooth that you lost, I kept and gently placed money under your pillow. Every knee that you skinned I washed it, antibacterial-ed it and put a bandaid on it. Wiped your tears. I have done monster checks in your bedroom when you were little, checked under your bed and inside your closet. Let you sleep with a flashlight...you know...just in case any monster should come during the night....and I have truly loved watching you grow right before my eyes!!! Now you're 16 years old! You're in high school. You're so much taller and bigger than me and daddy now. And while I respect that you're getting older. I love that you're also in many ways still the same too. You still love spending time with me. You still talk...truly talk and tell me stuff. I always listen. You still love coming down to family movie night on a Saturday night. Yet, I know when to give you your space too. So, I hope you look at the pics on here and smile. I already know what you're going to say... you're not going to mind but you will say..."mom those pics are so cringey!!!" And that's okay. Because someday...in the distant future you will think...what a thoughtful thing my mom did. And so no... not cringey at all. I love you kid! : ) 

Branden’s 10th grade class trip to British Hills in Fukushima, Japan...

This summer Branden had his class trip to a place called British Hills. This trip was only for the "English Course kids" not for the regular course (general studies kids) 10th graders or even the genius/smart course kids either.The English course kids are kids who prefer take their curriculum in English at our high school. Meaning gym is in English and all other normal regular classes are also in English versus being in Japanese. There are other hafu. There are kids who attended international elementary schools and international JHS too or returnees (kids who came back to Japan after living in an English speaking country). But these 'English course" kids are in this course because they are serious about English. And it just so happens to be best suited for my kids, because while my kids are 100% bilingual, they both have *strong* preferences for English over speaking Japanese. They can of course speak Japanese duh... but prefer English. It's their comfort language. Next Summer the English course kids, will be going to spend a week in California. Doing a couple nights in a home stay experience. Doing half their trip in a hotel. Visiting their sister school in California and also going to Universal Studios. I have seen the pictures from last year. It looks amazing. This year however it was a 3 day/ 2 night trip to British Hills. This school really wants to create an environment where the kids are surrounded in a little English speaking cocoon. Which is why Bran's teachers are either westerners/American or Canadian primarily. Or Japanese teachers who speak in English. So yes...they headed off to a 3 day English cocoon in British Hills. Look how gorgeous the place is. 

Going over some rules. Again it's all 100% completely in English. British Hills was made aware that one of the kids coming was a native speaker. Because throughout his entire trip. The staff/teachers, people at the buffet etc etc would ask, which one of you is the one who was born in America or which one of you is the native speaker. And Branden would raise his hand. Poor Bran for being called out like that. @_@ I wish our school would have not said. But on a positive note. Perhaps the school asked. "Anyone a native?" So not sure how the staff was made aware. But seems the whole of British Hills knew...that one of them was a fluent native speaker of English. Poor Branden. He just wanted to quietly enjoy his trip. Hahaha. 

The eating area was *very* cool. Very Harry Potter!!! Branden ate 3 square meals here a day. He said it was very cool eating here. : ) He also said, he loved the food. It was western food. So he loved it. Not sure about some of his classmates though. Hahaha. 

The buffet is on the left. And like it says on the tables  "welcome group 4" and "welcome group 2" All signs in English. 

Fried chicken (yum) spicy fries (double yum) Branden said these spicy fries were delicious! They had fish (fried and baked) everything even mini pizzas. Western people. Hafu kids would love coming here and food will be no problem at all. You will enjoy the food. 

Inside one of the libraries.

This picture made me smile because in my house growing up. One of our bathrooms had an old style tub with claw feet. The other bathroom we had growing up... had a regular American modern shower and tub. But yep, it made me remember seeing this tub. : ) 

Living room. One girl in Branden's class, said that the couch was taller in height and the coffee table was so tall too. Branden said he just stood quiet, but told me later at home, our couch at home and coffee table at home is this tall too. I said, I know. And our kitchen table at home is tall/standard sized height too. It was eye opening for my son to hear what his classmates thought. Or things they thought were unusual. Because for my son they were normal and not unusual. So yes a little eye opening for Bran. : )

Beautiful staircase.

Beautiful stained glass window and chandelier.

One of their teachers talking about the intricate carvings and fine details.

So beautiful.

Branden is so lucky to be able to go and spend 3 days here. And be in such a fun environment. And be around other people from around the world. 

His class went for a night stroll. Keep in mind most of Branden's classmates come from the super crowded packed cities. From bustling cities with tons of people. Branden comes from rural Japan. A quiet town of under 5,000 people. So even though Branden loved going for this stroll and taking in...just how gorgeous British Hills was. The city kids were even more surprised because it was quiet. No huge bustling cities with city noise. 

So quiet. Sun is going to be setting soon. 

So gorgeous. What a beautiful place for a walk.

It was so hard to find pics that didn't contain a classmate of Branden's or Branden. I did black out the color of her skirt and blacked out her bow and pinked out her face. His classmates identity is kept safe, lol. Anyway, there were a few British women waiting the next day for the kids to learn how to bake some scones homemade from scratch. Yes they also asked. Which one of you is the the native speaker. Seriously, poor Branden. Branden again raised his hand. And one of the lady's said which one of your parents is the American one. He said, "my mom"...they asked "have you ever baked with her?" He said, "oh yes, many many times since I was in kindergarten. They said, "perfect, get over here!" Hahaha. And so Branden and 2 British women and his class all baked away. And they chatted the morning away. Cracking jokes. And talking a mile a minute. Branden said the ladies were absolutely lovely! And they liked him a lot. And they just got on so well. And talked each other ears off. Branden and the entire staff got along so well. By the end of the morning everyone knew it was Branden. And the whole mood was fun and light. Sincerely, thank you... kind ladies for being absolutely amazing with my son!!! As a fellow western woman living in Japan. I appreciate it *very* much. 

Each of the kids came back to their rooms with their own hot fresh baked scones that they made!!! 

Sleeping quarters for the kids. Each set of 2 girls shared a room. So 2 girls per room. However there are only 3 boys in the English speaking course. So they lumped the 3 boys together and pulled out a bed in the middle. Branden slept in the bed far right. J slept in the middle bed. And S slept in the bed nearest the window. 

Branden brought home 3 scones. 

Souvenirs. 

More souvenirs. All in all Branden had a total blast. So many of Bran's former JHS/elementary school classmates mom's run into me at the one and only grocery store in town and will ask me in Japanese, "how's Branden-kun liking his school?" Honestly he freaking loves it! I mean he *loves* it *so* much. That I have to tone it down, as to... not sound like I am showing off. But I mean. He's so happy every single day, going to his high school. An English speaking high school, was the best possible choice we have ever made. If...if we are still in Japan when Noah is at the high school age...he will most certainly be attending this same high school. It's super expensive to attend this high school. But it's so worth it for Branden. I have heard from the grapevine of a few from our town JHS of a few kids who are very sad with their high school choice. Branden's bestie since yochien days... hates his high school choice for example. And for that, I'm so sorry. So yeah when people ask me about "how does Branden like his school? I want to start twirling like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music on the top of that mountain. Instead...I have to stop myself. Take it down a few notches. And say..."oh, umm, he likes it" And stop it right there. But between you and me. What a fun high school. They learn so much. Best high school ever. Anyway...Branden really enjoyed his time at British Hills. 

We're all packed and ready to go today...

Our suitcases are all packed up and we're ready to go and enjoy our family vacation. I'll catch up with you all, when we get back! Bye you guys. : )

Branden's high school trip to Tokyo Disney Sea...

Hi you guys! I have about 3 posts that are getting super old. As in... happened way before Golden Week. And before they are outrageously superly out of date, I would like to post them. I hope to get all 3 posted today. But heck...I'd be just happy if I could get 2 of them up. So...either 1 or 2 today. Just letting ya'll know now. I'm just posting 2 (hope for 3 though... that would be the best) because like I said, they're getting pretty old, but I do want them up for memory purposes. : ) Anyways, so on Friday April 21st. Branden and all of the new high school students went to spend a day at Tokyo Disney Sea. All 10th graders went. All the regular kids in the regular program. All the English course kids. And the genius kids went too. Basically everyone who belongs to this high school and who is in the 10th grade went. The regular class kids and genius kids took the same limousine buses to Disney Sea. And they study in the same part of the school too. However the English course kids had their own bus, that only English course kids could be in. And I just add that... because while all the kids get along really well. They really do. They do separate the kids that way, because they want the English course kids in an English speaking environment and that's why they are separated from the rest of the 10th graders. Which is fine though and they all do get along. : ) Also as you know there are only 4 boys total in the 10th grade... Branden being 1 of the 4 in the 10th grade class. So even though there are 3 English (course) kids and 1 genius boy (remember boys are not allowed in the regular course. So...even though the genius boy had to ride on the regular bus to Disney. He did have a plan to ride the rides with the other 3 boys. So those four 10th grader boys hung around together the whole time at Tokyo Disney Sea. And the genius (super smart) boy is super nice. And gets along super well with the 3 English course boys. So this picture is of, Branden's lunch at the NY Deli inside Tokyo Disney Sea. And the other 3 lunches or trays you see belong to 2 of the English (course) boys and the 1 lone genius course boy. Branden ordered a Reuben (sandwich), fries and a soda. 

His school was smart to have the freshman class go to Disney on a weekday. Also it was a gray overcast day, so the weather was comfortable to walk around. It never rained. Though I did pack a tiny folding umbrella in Bran's school bag. Also uniforms were mandatory for all high school kids to wear at Disney, since they were on a field trip which is understandable. And even though carrying a backpack would have been easier to lug around Disney all day long, the school sent a letter that stated all kids must use the school appointed high school bag. It was fine, but just not as easy to lug around if it would have been a backpack. If it would have been a backpack it would have been super easy to carry around Disney. So...if you do ever go to Tokyo Disneyland or Sea and wonder...why do all those high schoolers wear their uniforms? It's because they're more than likely on a class field trip there. And the uniforms and carrying the bags are indeed mandatory. And there were 2 head teachers/officials that went and they walked around all day long making sure everyone was behaving right and using the school appointed bag etc. : )

The kids tickets were bought as part of our school fees. So we didn't have to pay for Branden's entrance into the park. However, we do always give Bran around $100 US. 10,000 yen that way, he can buy lunch or souvenirs or popcorn that sort of thing. He brought back these cookies. I love this tin, it's so cute! Inside were strawberry cookies, butter cookies, banana cookies and chocolate cookies. : )

Easter chocolates...

These were delicious too. All the kids went from like 8am. And they all met up at 4:30pm. To get on the buses and head back to the train station near the school. From there... the kids all got off the bus and they all went their separate ways to catch trains back to wherever everyone lives. : ) I was waiting at the train station in my town with Noah in the car and we were happy to pick up Branden. : ) We came home and he told us all his fun stories from that day. I meanwhile had his supper ready. The rest of us already ate. All in all, Branden had a wonderful time getting to spend the day at Tokyo Disney Sea with his new classmates!!! : )

Throwback Thursday...

Happy TBT everyone!!! Today's Throwback Thursday is going to be *so* super cool and amazing! Because it just is and you will love it! And it's so...coming full circle, if you know what I mean! You'll see. Last week, when I was making last weeks TBT. Which also happened to be, 1 day before Branden was about to go on his excursion/class trip to Tokyo Disney Sea with his high school. I... by sheer coincidence while looking through April pics. Found these. And I was awed! And I thought...how truly marvelous to find such fitting photos 1 day before Branden took his school trip as a high school student there. How truly amazing it was to find these pics. What good luck!!! Here is Noboru and Branden, in 2008 in April at Tokyo Disney Sea. She had to check to see if Branden was tall enough to ride the ride. And Noah was obviously way too little, so he and I sat this one out. But we looked out and watched and I meanwhile took pics. Meanwhile also pictured is a high school boy on his high school class trip wearing his high school uniform and high school bag. Little did we know... someday in the distant future Branden would be taking *his* high school trip at the same exact amusement park! 

More high school students on their class trip back in 2008. Once again. This year, 2017 it was *my* son who became the high schooler and he was taking his class trip to Tokyo Disney Sea. And perhaps there was a child there at the park in 2017 and his mom snapped a pic of her child with Bran in her background. How cool, just thinking about it. Oh and fwiw, I was having my camera pointed at the exit for this ride and this was my practice shot. : )And yep, boy and girl high school students on class trip in this picture in 2008.

High school students on their high school trip on the right and a wee little Branden in his bright yellow rain coat happily running towards Noah and I. Noah meanwhile... saw Branden and ran towards him and Noboru. 

Aha there is my little blondie!!! Noah had the lightest shade of hair when he was little. And the blondest eyebrows. Even at age 11, he still has lightest hair than anyone in his class and school.  

The only thing I can think of is. Enjoy every stage of your kids! Enjoy the heck out of their toddler age! Enjoy their elementary years too. Spend time with them. Listen to them. Laugh with them. Just love them and be there. Be present. We took our kids to Tokyo Disneyland or Sea twice a year. Not every week or every month. But we did it as a special treat. We also did small stuff like having movie nights at home. Or taking them hunting for crawdads/crayfish in rural Japan where we live. Backyard BBQs. Or just sitting on the couch watching TV together or playing a round of Sorry or Monopoly on the kitchen table. We took cheesy pictures ALWAYS. We did goofy and silly things weekly. We cook and bake together even now. And believe me...they'll remember all this stuff when they get older. And they'll love you for it! They truly will! : ) Like this pic...Branden was pointing at this silly Spring dessert. And I could tell he wanted it...so I said..."you like it...make sure you order it!!!" : ) And he did. And well... he still has this cup! : ) He also had a sandwich and fries and regular lunch stuff too. But yep. Kids will remember the quality time and the quantity too. : )

My sweet Noah : ) 

And a family sharing a coconut soft serve. And me meanwhile trying really hard not to notice that this lady in the background of my pic was basically PHOTOBOMBING every pic I tried to take. All I wanted to do was take a pic of both my kids. And instead of her just acting like a normal human and turning around and let me take pics of my children. She faced my camera directly and stared straight into my lens. Has this ever happened to any of you? I mean...I snapped about 30 pics and she just stood there staring and never looked away. Did she want to be in my picture THAT badly? I mean...OMG...who does that? That lady was a real freak-o! Total weirdo! Oh well...I do love the pic though... because it shows how much Noah adores his big brother. His eyes were always on his brother. : ) Such big wide innocent eyes. 

Of course we had to take pics of this. Branden was tall enough, but Noah was sadly not tall enough. It's okay though... there were a lot of rides Noah could ride. Right cutie patootie? Right! : )

My little blondie holding onto his daddy's lap... just in case the ride got too scary. So he was holding onto Noboru's leg for safety. Hahaha. : )

Yay, we 4 just got out of that ride and it was fun. 

So today's TBT is just a gentle reminder to enjoy your child at every age and every stage... because if you blink...next thing you know... they'll be on another stage and you'll miss it. So just enjoy it all. Enjoy every stage. I'm so glad I enjoyed it all. And in fact I still am. Lucky for me...my kids are still kids. They're just 11 and 15 and I have *many* fun filled years left with them. And I'm not taking any of our days or years for granted! Gosh I love you Branden! You are such a sweetheart. 

Branden asked me to take this pic because he wanted me to share that he was tall enough to ride the big kid rides!!! Awww! And I am so glad I took this pic! : )

And their lovely, silly cheesy amazing and corny Ultraman poses! Which I lovelovelove! And I am *so* glad that they were carefree enough to take these. Being just 2 silly brothers at Tokyo Disney Sea back in 2008!!!

I hope you had as much fun at Tokyo Disney Sea last week, as you did in 2008! I love you Branden! : )