Good eats. TV Talk, that new Scream TV series on MTV, is so good! Salon visit complete. And an update on our summer vacation plans...

How's everybody doing? I know you guys in the US are already on summer vacation (since June, right?). As for us here in Japan, school is still going, but luckily winding down. For our town, the elementary and JHS, last day of school is this Friday and it's a half day letting out at 11am for both Bran and Noah's schools. So that's the good and positive thing, summer break is so close ya'll... we can almost touch it! We can already feel, just how near it is! : )  How have things been here for us? Pretty good. This is a random pic from a dinner we had this week. You know already, what this is, most likely. : ) I made this a few weeks back too. This is 2 lean blocks of pork, rubbed down with some BBQ rub. Slow baked in the oven one day. While everyone was at school (the kids) or work (Noboru)

It was so tender. I just pulled it apart with 2 forks. And covered in tin foil. Until everyone got home. This time, I did not add any BBQ sauce to it. I think for Noboru, being Japanese the sauce is a bit too overly zesty, which is fine (it doesn't bother him with ribs but this shredded with sauce can be a bit too zesty and intense... though he didn't mention anything and wouldn't...he's just too sweet, I could sorta tell the last time, that it was a tad/pinch zesty for my 3 guys though). And so the BBQ rub was more than enough seasoning and actually I too... prefer it this way and this is perfect for our family. Will be making it this way, from now on. : )

Making this 2 times ago, I was worried, should I go and get mini baguettes of bread to make this? But you know what...it's cheaper using hot dog buns and they're so soft and it's actually super delicious this way. Coleslaw bought at KFC, again just makes dinner easier. And some Bush's Baked Beans on the side. Branden had 3 of these sandwiches, Noboru had 4 of them, he loved these! Noah had 1 bbq sammy and extra beans on the side. His tummy tank is just tinier than everyone elses. : )  What else is there.... to talk about real quick. 

I have been cleaning house like a crazy woman. Because, I really hate coming back from vacation to a dirty or dusty house. I know it sounds weird. But I say this every year and those of you that are long time readers know that. I totally prefer clean the house spic and span before we leave and that way when we get back to Japan, we feel happy...to come home to a nice clean house. May sound weird but eh.... it just makes me feel way better. I'd say about right now. The house is just about ready! Oh and that blind duster is a good one and I bought it at the Daiso/100 yen shop. : )

TV talk...I keep wanting to mention this, but I keep forgetting to mention it, each time. I have been loving the new Scream TV show/series on MTV. You know...how when movies become.... spin offs or TV shows, they almost always suck. Well...this one does NOT. This show is on *fleek*. It's actually really good! It just recently started, it's a brand new show and I have been watching it weekly ever since it started. I really like it a lot.

Last Saturday, July 11th at 10am was my hair appointment, I got my hair cut, colored and I got that super hair straightening thing called...the Japanese thermal hair straightener. Took forever at the salon, but in the end it was worth it. Flat irons are used twice during the process and it's super pin straight now. My hair is shiny and all one length at my shoulders. The hair is on point...the hair is indeed on point, ya'll! Just saying. ; ) And I'm just happy... to get it all over and done with... and now I don't have to think about my hair...worry about it... for summer now. And the hair straightening makes it superly easy to take care of. The simple cut alone, also make it even easier to take care of. So one more thing scratched off the list, of things to get done before summer vacation. : )

At the end of each semester each child in elementary school brings back. All their stuff. Paints, crayons, earthquake safety thing/seat cushion. Just everything. Noah has been lugging stuff home all this week. He's already brought home his paints, his shuji/calligraphy stuff. Each day he brings more. He's almost brought everything, I think his last day, he'll bring the seat cushion and inside shoes. : )

I am so sad, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are indeed getting divorced. Like the cutest couple, ever, am I right. He couldn't have married a sweeter girl. When I heard it at first, I was like...that has.... got to be a lie! It can't be true. They're too cute together...plus they've been together for what...10 years. It's got to be gossip news. An untruth. And then sadly...they said it too. Sigh. Just super sad. : (

An update on our travel plans. #1, there are like 1 or 2 typhoons approaching Japan (I thought there was just 1, Noboru says there's actually 2 different ones coming). OMG, why now right, well the logical answer would be...typhoon season is still trying to cling and hold on! And it's getting hard to know...will they affect our flight. And if so... will it affect our flight in a good way? Meaning all other stand-by passengers got stranded elsewhere and therefore could not make it to the flight, therefore leaving all the seats for us? Or affect us in a bad way...meaning the flights canceled. Or in another bad way...meaning everyone stand-by just moved to our flight? That sort of thing. So...yes...the 1-2 typhoons coming to Japan somewhere between Friday and next week are starting to worry us. Granted since we are on this side of Japan....usually they pummel/hit other parts of Japan first (sorry), so we are just hoping they loose their steam before they get to the Narita area. So the weather...we have been keeping a close eye on the weather. I just wish this typhoon would change directions and save us all in Japan the headache. Hahaha. Many of us are indeed trying to get back to our home countries and this can totally wreck the plans here. Bad typhoon...bad bad! : ) So the typhoon is a worry.  Straight up...it is.

Also...the flight itself.  We sort of know by now, which flight is the one, for us to try and catch. The flight we think we have the best chance to get on. As for Friday...straight up, there's no chance for us to catch a flight this Friday, too full. So Friday...forget Friday, Friday for us is out. Also, the flight we are trying to catch, there are 15 available seats in first class. We are like # 6,7,8 and 9 on the stand-by list. Being 6-9 is a bit scary, we've never been that bad of a number on the stand by list. However, there are a lot of older Americans who have been with Delta since Noboru and I were in kindergarten or elementary school, apparently...trying to get on that flight. And so while yes.... they're as old as the Crypt Keeper, they do have the seniority, which is totally fair...but also for us frustrating. So, while these people were hired and already working in the 80's. I was...off riding my Big Wheel in the 80's and collecting Strawberry Shortcake dolls and Noboru was off fishing or collecting Ultraman dolls. @_@  So...what will we do. We will attempt to get to California for 2 days. And we actually might get on those flights. The following day has like 22 seats available in first class. So we do actually have a shot here! Again though..is the typhoon going to make flights delayed and add more stand-bys on our flight?  So we have agreed that the best thing for us to do is...we will spend 2 days trying to fly to California. And again...we might actually get on the flight the first day. Who knows. However though it is always smart to have a plan B. Or back up plan. Our back up plan is this...if we cannot get on the California flight for 2 days. We will then say forget California. It's not California's fault. Hey...no worries, but we also don't want to waste valuable vacation days... sitting at an airport either. So, again we will spend 2 days trying/attempting to get to LA and if that does not happen...we will say no worries. We tried. Best to forget it. And move on. And plan B is...we will go to Honolulu. The Honolulu flight for us is wide *wide* open. And most Americans (stand-by) fly to Hawaii from the mainland US. So not much older folks with higher seniority... to worry about from Japan to Honolulu. And we'd be like #1-4 on the stand by list. So...it wouldn't even be a worry or second thought like..."gee, I hope we get there." We know, Honolulu is a definite. Granted our first choice and hope is for California. But you know...if it wasn't meant to be...at least we have plan B. We have our hotel booked in California already and car...gee, since way over a month ago. And this morning we checked for the availability of our hotel we like in Hawaii and it's available. Again we like to plan ahead and prepare for the worst. So...I think by Saturday or Sunday morning we'll pretty much either be in California or know..if we will have to switch plans and destination. The good news is and I do always believe there is a positive, shorts and tee-shirts and swimsuits can go to either destination. Meaning it's not like we're going to Antarctica and the Caribbean and would have to pack for 2 totally different types of weather....and therefore pack different clothes. I hope we can get to California you guys. And I can't tell really right now...which way things are going to end up. My feelings on stand-by? I still absolutely love it! The fact, we can fly for free. Plus we don't have to sit in coach/economy so the seats are very comfortable.  And not have to spend $800 US each... for each of our family of 4 or even $1000 US each... for our family of 4, for airplane tickets. I love that! That just saves us money. Money we can use towards, our hotel, or going to the movies while there, eating out... or on things we plan to purchase at Target or Sephora and whatnot. Knowing we can save such huge amounts of money, by not having to pay for our airfare really helps. I absolutely do not mind flying stand-by at all. We love you Delta, you take good care of your employees, best company to work for. So, nope we do not mind flying stand-by...not at all. I do want us to go to California. But hey...if we can't...saving our family US $3500-$4000 for the flight and going to Honolulu and sitting in paradise for a week...isn't exactly bad either. Which way will the coin land? I honestly don't know. It's Wednesday here in Japan already. And again...we're just trying to keep a close eye on the flight and a close eye on the typhoon. We'd love it if the typhoon would just skip Japan all together. That way we'd have 1 less thing to think about. : )  Anyway that's the update on the flight situation. We're going somewhere, but as to where? We're still unsure, which of the 2 places it will be. 
Dinner tonight, homemade tostadas (beans are done boiling on the stove already, I will mash and fry them after lunch). Alrighty, it's lunch time and that grilled cheese and some sliced dill pickles are calling my name. : ) The house is clean for today and a load of fresh clean towels is flapping in the breeze, heavily clipped on the laundry poles on the back patio, I'll bring them in, after my lunch. I'll catch up with you all again, I'm sure... before we leave. : ) Bye for now. : )  Both the boys get off school at 3:45pm today. : ) The boys and I, will also be going to Guam this summer as well. But after we get back from our main summer vacation. : )

Summer vacation plans starting to take shape...

Are you going on a vacation this summer? Do you have anything fun planned?  Camping or backyard bbq maybe or perhaps a trip a little farther? : ) As for us and our family, we always like to take 1 big family vacation together in summer. This years original options were, Los Angeles, Hawaii, South Korea or Europe. After a lot of deciding and talking we managed to get it widdled down to Los Angeles or Hawaii. As of right now we are strongly leaning towards Los Angeles. I'd say it's a 90% chance we will be going to Los Angeles and a 10% chance we head to Hawaii. We love Hawaii, a lot, Branden was born there, we used to live there. And we seem to go there every summer for vacation, however we'd really like to take the boys to Universal Studios while they are at this age, and what a perfect age to go! Age 12 and 8 (well Noah will be a newly minted 9 year old by then : ) And yes we know  the Harry Potter ride is opening at USJ, same for in Florida too, I believe (won't open in the one in Hollywood until 2016, I think). However we'd like to to go the original Universal Studios, and just check it out. I haven't been to Universal Studios Hollywood since I was a child, so I'm excited. : ) Noah is so into the Transformers, so I know he'll be over the moon to ride this!

The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride just opened and it looks super cool! We all can't wait for this ride. 

The Simpsons ride looks cool too!

Branden will dig this ride, I'm sure. : )

Jurassic Park-The Ride, we loved this ride at USJ. So it'll be nice to try this again. 

King Kong 360.

It's just gonna be a very cool/fun day for us. Riding and seeing so many fun things and okay some scary things too. Hahaha. : )

It will be nice to catch the shows in English, not that I mind having to catch them in Japanese most of the time here, but yes it will be nice to catch all the shows in English. : )

We have been in serious research mode...anytime I have free time where I'm not at a kids club thing or meeting or here at home spending time with my family. If we have free time, say while the kids are at school, we both are heavily researching. Best, cleanest, highest Trip Advisor reviews for hotels and affordable. Location, is it safe. Food, what's to eat nearby. Like right here, one day I was, researching what sort of food is available on the day we head to Universal Studios. They have Gru's Cafe.  El Macho Nachos (this cracks me up, because the names of foods are characters from Despicable Me.) Dr. Nefarios Lab salad. Banana Chocolate shakes (omg, I like choco banana flavored anything)...and the other place to eat... Despicable Delights, lol. 

At the mall walk. Which should be either right near Universal Studios or inside. I'm not sure, again we'll find out when we get there because I haven't been in a zillion years. And our kids have never been to Universal Studios Hollywood before, they've just been to USJ (Branden twice and Noah once). Pizza Hut Express, KFC Express....

Handmade pretzel shop, Yogurtland, and Subway...lots of choices... so eating at Universal Studios seems to be zero problem at all. Could be...too many good choice options... but that's not really a problem at all. : ) 

Again either in Universal Studios or at the mall walk near Universal...Tommy Hamburgers (famous place in California, as in a landmark type restaurant) and Taco Bell...

Panda express and Pinks Hot Dogs! Yeah... zero trouble food wise at all.

Louie's Pizza (yumm) and the Flintstone's Bar-B-Q.  LOL, the Flintstone's! 

Mel's Diner. And the shops to buy gifts from Universal Studios, they have the Kwik E Mart (from the Simpsons) probably can buy lots of Simpsons souvenirs there. And they also have a Transformers place to buy stuff from too. I imagine we will have to buy a few things from the Transformers shop. Hahaha. : )  Again, do we have summer vacation plans? You betcha! We're just keepin' things on the down low for right now. But yep...lots of online researching. When we go to Hawaii, we really don't have to research stuff because we know already. : ) Same for when we go to Denver. But, we are a bit unfamiliar with Los Angeles, so...that is why we are researching like crazy now...so by the time, we do get there, we at least have a general idea. A notebook of restaurants to try...I am already making sure are written down or a list of movie theaters to check out nearest us...or a list of closets Targets or Walmarts or outlet malls from our hotel, type information, you know what I mean, I hope. :  ) 

For example, one of my most favorite things to eat in the entire world, is a chili relleno burrito. So, I searched with keywords "best chili relleno burrito in Los Angeles" and a whole list on Yelp popped out. Yelp is a place that does reviews in the US, real reviews written by real people with real pics they take at the restaurant or whatever. Whenever we head to a city we are unfamiliar with, I always hit up Trip Advisor and Yelp! I just always do. : )  Turns out lots of people also *love* chili relleno burritios as much as I do. The highest ranked place is...La Azteca. Over 102 people say...they make the best! Well...okay then! I believe you! So, I'll try 'em! : )

It says..."but especially the chili relleno burrito, it was the best."  And in 2nd place is another restaurant which I also wrote down too. 

An Asian American guy named Tai, says La Azteca is the best for chili relleno burritos. Again in states like Colorado, California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, it really doesn't matter if you are Asian American, African American or Italian American, chances are, if you grew up in one of those types a states you are a Mexican food expert! 

This is Tai's review and that is his pic down below. Okay technically, I took a pic of his pic, so Tai gets all the credit, so glad he and the others shared pics because I was curious what it looked like. Thank goodness for sites like Yelp and the people who take the time to leave a review and share pics! We are coming all the way from Japan to try this place now! So thanks! : )

I must have looked at this pic and read the caption lots of times. That is so totally a handmade tortilla. *drools* hahaha. 

Another pic, courtesy of Yelp. But OMG, doesn't that look delicious. To me it does! So anyway...not trying to make a super hugely long post. But yep we are researching Los Angles like crazy insane right now. Restaurants. Best Italian, best this best that. We also plan to go to a few movies also. Oh when will we be going? We are shooting for immediately after the Summer Festival. Because I am a yakuin head, I *have* to be here for that. I can't get out of it. So, we are planning the very next day after that... is when we will leave. So right now the plan is at the end of July to head out on vacation. : ) Of course with us... the dates can always be changed and stuff depending on when they actually give Noboru his vacation days off and stuff. But at least it gives you a general idea of when. Either last week of July or first week of August at the latest. Type dates.  So 90% chance of Los Angles and 10% chance of Hawaii. Either way we will be looking forward to it. : )

Also, our family is taking a small weekend get away type trip to a hotel someplace near Mt Fuji last weekend in June. We have had a hotel reservation for that for over a month and it's just something we will be looking forward to. Especially since it will be right after Branden takes his finals. So some R&R will be surely needed for us all. : )

Also...sorry, one more thing. My dad is taking his summer vacation starting tomorrow. He will be flying to Denver for 2 weeks and will be staying with his sister, my auntie. : ) So my dad is really looking forward to that. And since he's flying non-rev/stand by. I will be monitoring his flight and connections off and on tomorrow, making sure he makes every connection. Guam to Narita (no time to visit, he's just connecting),  Narita directly to MN and then on to Denver. : )  If he should get bumped we will relist him immediately, but tomorrow's flight looks *really* good which is why I listed him on that flight in the first place. : )  So yep, plans are starting to form and take shape for sure! : )

Stuff from California

We went to California all the way back in February, as you know. Now it's April. I think for me, after we got back from California. With it being the end of the school year. I was a little delayed with getting the posts up from the actual California trip. Finally, finally finally got them up minus the usual "what we brought back post". Then the end of the school year got things a little more busy around here. We longed for Spring break. Ehhh I can get that final post up on Spring break I thought. Famous last words. @_@ Then the unthinkable happened, the earthquake and tsunami, the nuclear problem at the Fukushima power plant. And besides having power outages. Plus having the absolute scare of our lives. I think the "what we brought back" post became like the least important thing on our minds. Honestly. We had bigger fish to fry...meaning more important issues like our family of 4 being split up for a while. Etc etc. Also I think, I felt respect wise I would purposely not put it on for a certain length of time. Not saying I'd never put it up. Because well...I can't just have my blog frozen in time either.... that wouldn't really be fair either. And now it's nearing 2 month's later. Since we were in California to begin with. And nearly 3 and a half weeks since the earthquake and tsunami. Still, biding my time and trying to figure out when I should finally get it posted. And then I slowly start seeing other Japan bloggers posting about happy things again and that made me smile, it was needed, and I could definitely use a smile. And I started to think hmm. Perhaps I should start to think about some positive things and write about those. Catch this blog up entirely. Especially considering since I had this post waiting since Feb! Honestly it was quite a long while to wait. And I am glad I did wait. But now feel it's time to start blogging normally again. And since this post has been in pause since Feb, sounds like a good start. So, read this if you want. So anyway....trying really hard to get myself back into the groove once again and into the swing of things.

Underwear for Noah. Back in February while we were in Los Angeles, we went to Target. Target is my favorite American store, they sell everything there. And for so cheap plus the stuff they do sell is so cute. I swear if we lived in the US, 90% of the boys things would come from there. But we don't live in the US, so we just do the best we can and stock up once a year or so when we can. Cartoon character ones on the left and cool guy types on the right.

They had the cutest undies, loved the orange colors for the boys.

We picked up a pack of the orange striped undies for B too. And also another pack of different colored ones too and a pack of inside tee shirts Branden needs for school.

Branden got a good assortment. Noah did too. And they were all at such a price that we felt happy we saved. So it helped our family buying there.

These socks were $5 for a pack. So Branden got 2 packs and Noah only got 1 pack. Because Branden actually wears these socks to school and when he's not in school. Where as Noah actually wears uniform socks to school so he doesn't need as many as Branden does.

Noboru usually wears boxers. But he decided while he was at Target and he saw the cheap pack of undie types the boys got, he got himself a big value pack too and a value pack of socks.

Hmm, with everyone in the family getting new underwear it was only natural for me to think hmm. Perhaps I should get some new ones as well. So, I got some low cut ones and some bikini ones. And that cheap white bra I told you about way back in February.

If I were to buy comfy house shorts in Japan. Believe me, I bought some last year for a 2 pack for like $2500. $25 US or with the exchange maybe around $26.50 or somewhere around there. So, honestly yes, it really does save our family budget...plus we were there anyway. And since I'll need comfy house shorts anyway. To get them there. And at $7.99 each it did save us money.

A savings is a savings. I got 1 pair in large and 1 pair in medium. I'm now wishing I would have got 2 mediums versus 1 of each. Oh well. 1 baggy pair is not so bad I guess.

I'm not into French stuff at all. But I saw this shirt though and liked the picture. And the beading on her beret. I've been wearing this 2 ways so far. One way is with skin tight capri jeans, the ballet flats with the black rose on the toe and a black blazer. And I've also worn this with a jean jacket and black leggings and those same ballet flats with the big black roses on the toe area. Looks cute either way. I actually wore this on my flight to Guam. The flight attendant commented on my outfit...liking it when we entered the airplane. And I thanked her. Anyway feeling like a dork now so moving on.....

These packs of snacks are just $1 per pack. $1 Reese's peanut butter cups, licorice, Milk duds etc. And we often have family movie night so a little mixed bowl of these are great for family movie night.

Again Target makes the cutest things. They sold these cool popcorn plastic containers. They will help us feel really into movie night. These will be perfect for that. One for each of us.

A huge container of Goldfish for $6 bucks. And 1 small container of them, the boys munched back on the flight. And 2 boxes of cinnabon type breakfast bars. The box was right they do taste amazing warm.

Miracle whip for sandwiches. And whipped cream frosting so light and another extra bottle of pumpkin pie spice. It was our 1 big chance to get it so we did.

Anyone remember Chocodiles growing up? Anyone? They were sold everywhere in the US growing up. Then disappeared. Online if you ever look, there is almost a cult following and everyone says they are available in California and one other state I forget. I checked and sure enough they are. So, just for old times sake, I bought these. Boy did the flavor take me back! My tastebuds perked up and everything.

I am pretty sure I have a 6 month supply of feminine products now. I always worry..what if I run out. I know I'd survive surely....and they do sell them here. Just like the ones from home is all.

2 packs of tortillas. Perfect for wraps. And pasta roni and quick oats, Safeway brand (store brand) for apple crisp.

Liquid stuff in ziplock bags.

Cleanser plus makeup remover these smell great.

I like the scrub too.

Again back in February. While we were at Target. These were new and on sale. We figured with the exchange rate and the yen being so strong. It would be a great time to get some things for Spring/Summer.

2 toners. The white one for the hot humid Summer. And the blue one for now.

The DS game for Branden. And the Transformers Bumble Bee for Noah.

I had been wanting to go to Sally Beauty Supply for quite some time. They don't have one in Guam, or Hawaii. And so since we haven't been to the mainland in years, while we were there I went to one.

I had been wanting a yellowbird for some time now. A professional hair dryer. And the bada bing gel was for Branden.

At Target, we got this big Easter platter and a white salad plate for me to put my dinners on. For my portions.

$4.99 for that huge Easter platter. Again not sure what something like that would cost me in Japan. Or if something like that would even be available. But, with us being at Target and with it being the price it was back in Feb, we bought it.

The kids plates and bowls we have at home are so old. We got them at the Daiso when Branden was a young babe so they are super used. With the prices at Target it was the right thing for us to get these cute monkey plates and yumm bowls. Also I ended up with a few extra plates missing and not in this pic but it's down below. The Yum bowls are pictured here.

Sixteen candles $5 at Target. And Paranormal 2, Noboru and I enjoyed one night first week of March. And the Easter card the boys picked out at Target for grandpa, we thought it was so funny. Little did we know we would hand give this to him after the quake. : ( And the dvd player Noboru got me for my birthday. For my b-day the following month.

Letters for my scrapbooking. Now I have many pretty letters for both Branden and Noah's scrapbooks.

Geeze how much was this scarf again? I forget it happened so long ago. I bought this on Olvera street. It's a nice soft fleecy material. And the orange in this I loved. And I'll be sure to wear it.

This was hiding in another suitcase.

This is a nice cleanser too.

A very small handful of things from Old Navy.

Black flip flops with diamonds. Fake of course but cute anyway with the rhinestones. And denim shorts and khaki shorts for the Summer. I came back with only these 2 summer shorts and the Target house comfy shorts for the house or lounging around.

2 for $10.

Branden got 2 of these, yellow and navy. And Noah got the yellow.

Branden also got this shirt. Again not hundreds but back in February we thought, if we had the chance to get a few things for Spring/Summer and it saved money more power to us.

I go to a lot of parent meetings at the schools. I often find myself carrying scissors for the "bell mark" cut at the yochien. Or crafting for the Summer festival. And these bags are going to be useful for carrying things like that.

And the price was right.

The MAC at the Nordies that morning.

It's a medium coverage. Skin still shows through. But it's longwear. I wondered if it was really longwear or not. On my usual days I either wear no makeup or studio fix. And it disappears after a good 6 hours. Anyway, I wore this the day I left Guam. And it lasted and looked like new from the early morning in Guam all the way until the late evening in Japan. It looked like I just applied it that night. I think I'll save this for when we have parents meetings or entrance ceremony type days or graduation type days.

NC15.

Also at Nordies that morning, Kiehl's face lotion. Then we went upstairs and had lunch.

At Sephora....

I have been interested in the daily face peel. Also the word peel sorta freaks me out. It didn't peel anything off for me. It was really gentle and I have very sensitive skin. But it gave me really really clear skin. I mean like freakishly clean skin.

No nose blackheads, nothing. A little too much for my budget to use regularly but it was nice to try the trial pack of 10 at least. ; ) Tinted brow gel.

A really good match for my brows.

Yep, I'm a brunette. : )

Nars Dolce Vita.

Nars lip creamy thick pencil and a Sephora brand thick creamy lip pencil. Goes on as smooth as a lipstick.

Eyebrow scissors.

Peach butter and apple butter from Knotss Berry Farm. I made sure they packaged them in enough paper and then wrapped them in my towel going back to Japan.

My dad enjoyed his. We're enjoying ours too.

The cookies were omiyage. And the apple crisp topping in the apple bag we bought to try at home.

Apple crisp topping mix.

Noboru liked his friends Garmin navigation system, he borrowed us. He wanted one himself. He bought this at Costco in California.

After unloading that stuff and emptying out some more suitcases. Another table full.

Again hindsights 20/20. How on earth would we know what would happen on 3/11. Way back in Febuary. There was absolutely no way of knowing. All I can say is....Noboru bought this cereal on sale and he loves this. But after the quake and cereal all but disappeared from the shelves we would be happy we had this. Again though....we had no idea at the time when he bought this.

I was thinking about Halloween and how the boys and I could make caramel apples. How they don't sell this stuff in Guam and if I had any hope to buy this now would be the time. So, we bought it in February.

Will last until 2012, so it will definitely last until this coming Oct. Again this is clearly a sign...we really had no idea what would happen the following month at all.

Pudding for Noah's lunches. And the graham crackers for the kids.

Rice a roni, the family size, stove top and ravioli. Again when we bought the ravioli, we thought fun frivilous lunch for the boys. Never in our wildest nightmares would we think...for when the power cuts out and all the meat goes bad in the freezer and the food shortages start. Again talk about being taken off guard.

Here we were thinking...fun buffalo wings for Spring and some ranch to dip the wings in. Some Safeway brand pasta sauce for cheap...possible lasagna cheat.

Safeway brand popcorn, the other missing whipped cream frosting and 2 creamers for coffee.

Irish cream and Italian sweet cream.

Again we could not predict the future. We were thinking happy thoughts of the upcoming lovely Spring. And bought this house freshner that smells of a lovely spring day.

For my weekly eyebrow plucking. A 3x mirror will help.

While Noboru was at Costco deciding on his car navigation thing, I walked the clothes area and found this swimming robe/cover up for Noah. I bought the size bigger. Wish they had the same in Branden's size but no such luck.

A very happy robe for Summer.

I have been wishing for a flat iron for quite a long time. Have researched them for a while. The CHI are in a price range from the low end $100-to a high end Chi would be around $180. So really expensive. : ( I wanted the GVP. One was half off on clearance. We got that as a back up. And the other one is a limited edition in purple. 3 total, these should last forever. Again we just don't have the opportuniy to be on the mainland very often. And if we only bought 1 and it broke I'd be kicking myself. After much debate with the hubby. We concluded that even getting these 3, it still was cheaper then buying the name brand CHI one. So, we felt happy. All 3 of these were around $80 for all 3. So we saved 100 bucks by not buying the CHI. Nothing against the Chi at all. I'm just happy with the choice we made.

Heat protectant.

Big bottles of shampoo. Knock off shampoos of the Matrix and Aveda.

A very big travel bag perfect for carrying on the airplane.

The price was fair, a steal given the exchange rate. Yay for a strong yen and the zipper top means I feel more comfortable knowing my stuff is safe.

The bright pink lining ws also a nice touch.

I liked this preppy little bag. It's actually a good size and great for the warmer weather.

Two monkey plates for Noah. And 2 monkey plates for Branden. And 1 yum plate each. Plus they each got a yum bowl. And I got a pack of pony tail holders. 2 Spiderman and villians of Spiderman cups. And 1 small box of Advil/ibuprofin for myself. Now we can throw out the old kids plates in the dish cabinet. $1 for the Spider man cups. Again so cheap.

They had polo tops in the boys section for $6.99 each.

We figured 3 for Branden would be a good little jump start for getting him ready for Spring/Summer.

And a great deal for a pair of shorts for Branden too.

1 pair for Branden, just a start.

Size 6/7. We thought the same for Noah too.

Again didn't want to buy 100 for the kids. But 3 each was a good little head start for the warmer weather. Little did we foresee the boys would be using them in March in Guam. @_@ Sigh.

And poor Noah, he's so skinny. The size 6 tops fit. But the size 6 shorts were enormous on him. He's a very normal and healthy height..... but his thinness is definitely something we always know. So we had him try both sizes on in the fitting room. Yep size 5 it was. : (

And even still, it was cinched inside so small.

Mario tee for playing around the housing community for Branden for the warmer upcoming weather.

Again we rarely get to go to the mainland, and the deals plus knowing they'd need Summer stuff soon anyway...we got a few things while we were there.

Diary Of a Wimpy Kid. I remember when I blogged when Branden got that book as one of his Christmas presents a few years back along with the Giving Tree. Anyway he loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid and has read that book twice already and owns the dvd. So when he saw this shirt....he wanted it. And given the price, we said yes.

Noah loves Phineas and Ferb. And wanted this shirt just for lazy days at home for the Summer time. Again little did we even think Noah would be wearing this in Guam in March. Little did we know. : (

And again there's Bumble Bee from the Transformers again. Noah is gaga for Bumble Bee. And so he got this for lazy days at home for the Summer. Anyway that's what we brought back way back in February. The Guam post is behind this one on the next page.