Back to April '09

April in Japan bloomed magnificently with delicate cherry blossoms and splendid visits from home. Rory's parents arrived first and could not have planned their timing better, it seems Japan was at its most beautiful just for them. Just a little preview of the beauty which was spring in Japan.

I promise more pictures to come:)After giving Mom and Dad a day of relaxation as well as a tour of the base, we headed up to Tokyo. It was in the Chiyoda ward that you can find what is said to be the "most expensive square kilometer in the world". This of course is where the Imperial Palace is located. In the photo above you see a garden area which is front of the Nijubashi bridge (a part of the palace). We all found it so fascinating to see the modern skyscrapers towering over the eccentric evergreens.

The moat around the palace.

The family in front of the Nijubashi Bridge which is said to be the most photographed scene in Japan.

The inner palace gardens and buildings are only open to the public twice a year, January 2 and December 23, when the Imperial family makes a public appearance.

Another angle of the bridge with palace buildings in the background.

We did make it back:)

Yes we did make it back to the United States though you wouldn't know it from the blog. Sorry about that but as you can imagine we have been busy busy busy! With a family welcome home party at the beach and a big party at the Ellis' we have been royally welcomed home. It has been a little over a month since we have arrived back in the states and life has not slowed though we have a down weekend this weekend. Ahh a little relaxing.

I do promise to finish out our Japan pictures as we keep you updated on our current adventure: Trusting our Lord as He directs us in finding a new home town, job, and abode.