First Impressions

On Saturday evening, our sponsors took us to a Japanese restaurant out in town. It was a more casual restaurant that served a variety of Asian dishes with sushi making up much of the menu. Chris and I have tried a few things and while they weren't disgusting, I have yet to grasp the appeal of those who crave it. Before dinner we walked through a typical Japanese grocery store and I was much more impressed than the commissary. I am so intrigued by the town and can't wait to really get out and explore it more. Many people wear those hospital masks to prevent getting sick and spreading sickness. I felt like an abomination as all of my kids are coughing and I am still perplexed to where these masks come from. It must be as common for people to carry and have as kleenex. They have a 7-11 outside the main gate, so you know it's civilized, haha.

There are vending machines everywhere with a variety of beverage options but the most valuable to me are the canned lattes that are hot. Chris and I were thrilled to be in a country that values fresh and lean food only to be stuck eating from the fast food court on base and unable to venture off base until we have a car and Chris has his liberty card to go off base. 

Monday was a long day with a very typical military "death-by-powerpoint" presentation about all of the basic newcomer information. The last presentation was in preparation for the driving test and after a few minutes, we got to take our 100 question, multiple-choice test. Both of us passed with 100%. On Tuesday we went to the military version of the DMV and got our license cards. Our main mode of transportation has been walking and fortunately the base isn't too big. We were able to knock out school registration papers, housing, medical, mail, and licenses in one day. Finley was able to be seen at the clinic that same day and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. Now that he's on antibiotics, he's doing so much better. We're trying to stay inside the hotel as much as possible because the cold, thin air aggravates the coughing for all of the kids but as you can imagine, we're going a bit stir-crazy being cooped up in the hotel room. 

We Made It!

After having been at the Seattle airport for 8 hours, we were notified as we were nearing our boarding time that the plane was broken and our flight would be delayed 4 hours. While I'm grateful we ended up with a safely functioning plane, I had to fight back tears of frustration. We had already had a restless night with the kids crashing on metal plates and dirty terminal floors to have to endure another 4 hours in the airport. We spent just over 12 hours total there and were beyond thrilled to finally board the plane.

The flight itself was tolerable and all things considered, the kids were very well behaved. They definitely had moments, like every other kid that was on the flight. Every one of us slept on and off except Quinn. Somehow she stayed up the entire duration of flight and then was passed out cold on the descent into Yokoto AFB. It was nearly impossible to wake her up. We had to deboard so they could clean and refuel. Some passengers were ending there and the rest of us got back on the plane for another hour to Iwakuni. We were the only family ending our journey in Iwakuni and the remaining families were headed to Okinawa. All of us were out for the flight to Iwakuni and debarring was miserable. Quinn and Rylan didn't want to get up and Finley wanted to be held. All were crying loudly and whining. Chris and I had to carry all of the bags along with Chris carrying Finley out into the rain to get on a shuttle to the gate on base. The crying didn't stop until we got into the cars of our sponsors to get a ride to our hotel. I definitely don't want to be on a plane again for a long time after that experience. 

It worked out nicely that our flight plans were so delayed because we got back to the hotel after 8pm our time and put the kids right to bed after showers. They woke up about 5am so we still have a little work to do but overall, because we got here about normal bedtime, I'm hoping the time change and jet lag won't be an issue.

This morning we got out with our sponsor, Kevin, to see the base a bit and get cell phones and groceries. It's very industrial and a bit dreary so I'm hoping that when we explore off base a little bit it will be a little better. It doesn't help that it's rainy today, I suppose. I'm anxious to see the Japanese marketplaces and houses. We have our "Welcome Aboard" meeting on Monday followed by our SOFA driving test and hopefully, if we pass, we'll be able to get a car. On Tuesday we have a meeting with housing.

Sleepless in Seattle

I definitely hate the sleepless part but love that I got to use that title! The flight from San Diego went quickly, fortunately. The walk from our terminal to the baggage claim and then to the USO Lounge was less than awesome. These kids are tired and already not feeling well and with as many bags as we have, there are no extra arms to carry anyone around. Finley napped only about 30 minutes on the flight and Rylan slept most of the way. Quinn didn't sleep a wink. When we arrived to the USO Lounge, all of the family rooms and recliner space was occupied and we were basically turned away. Not to mention, we couldn't leave to get a hotel nearby even if we wanted to because of the ridiculous schedule we have to abide by. We have to report at the ticketing booth to have all of our luggage weighed and checked at 0230 and then return at 0600 to get boarding passes and hope we get a row together. Fortunately, because there was no room at the USO Lounge, we were able to claim first in line for the families and were able to get seats in the same row.

The kids are doing the best they can but are mostly over-tired train wrecks, understandably so given the circumstances. We've been sitting in the terminal for 3.5 hours already and still have 1 to go before we can board the plane. Living out of the airport isn't very ideal with little kids, but with no great options, we're making due. Chris and I haven't slept at all yet and I'm hoping this next long flight will provide us an opportunity at some point for rest. We're going on 24 hours of no sleep and I'm on my 3rd cup of coffee!

Last Week in San Diego

On Sunday, my mom and Mike hosted an awesome going-away party for family with delicious Mexican food and complete with a bounce house for the kids...and Kevin!

Monday, we had our final housing inspection and got off with only a $25 charge because we forgot to clean the oven. This was a huge relief because we've heard horror stories of housing charging hundreds of dollars for the most heinous things. After leaving there, with a huge sigh of relief, we took the kids to Legoland for the day. Quinn's Sunday school leader works at Legoland and offered us free park-hopper passes to the park and aquarium. It was a perfect day after some huge checks in boxes to just let the kids have fun. It had been so stressful leading up to the move-out process and unfortunately they mostly got our worst side during that time. Rylan was sick, so it wasn't as fun for him but he had moments when we went through the Star Wars area and let them each pick out a small set of Legos when he perked up.

We ended the day with dinner at the Leuthardt's with final goodbyes to them and followed by final goodbyes from the Jacobs. Tuesday was packed full of errands and last minute preparations for our departure. The kids sat in the car most of the day, poor things! Wednesday was our time for final good-byes to family for a while. These adventures are always so bittersweet. It's hard to say goodbye for a while and simultaneously look forward to the journey ahead.

When the Truck Comes and Goes

On March 8th, the movers came to pack and take our storage items and after a few late nights because I had put it off, we managed to organize and clearly separate our storage items from HHG (household goods) items. On March 10th, they came to pack our remaining items for Japan and instead of packing that Thursday and loading on Friday, they decided they would be able to do it all in one day. So, a day earlier than expected, all of our items were gone and we were left with an empty house except for our luggage items. There is great truth that it "takes a village" to get through life, especially this military one. Our neighbors and friends came to the rescue with air mattresses, bedding, towels, and even taking our kids for a sleepover last minute the day the packers moved our stuff. At some point during that evening, I had hit a wall and became instantly overwhelmed. What a process this has been and at last, my emotions caught up to me.

On Saturday we were able to stay for our neighbor's annual crawfish boil and spent that evening finalizing all of the cleaning for our upcoming house inspection. That night we finally made it out of our house and left to Ramona to spend our last days staying at my mom's house.

Friendly Farewells

What a grueling two weeks it has been!

The farewells began with a girls night out with my best friends and neighbors. Carrie, Ashley, Tonia, and I had a fun time at a restaurant and bar called Coyote in Carlsbad Village. It was nice to get out and talk and relax without a kid interrupting 8765873645 times. We attracted some old men, so our husbands are reassured that they need not ever worry about us going out solo!

The next night, I had a great dinner at Fidel's Mexican in Solana Beach with my best friend, April and her youngest, Adeline. Wow was the food good, but the company was better! I was reflecting on how hard it was in Florida to say goodbye to my first best friends that I shared my life with on the daily for two years. I was devastated then thinking we might not ever see each other, but then being stationed again with 2/3 of them again makes me feel pretty hopeful that these goodbyes are more like, "See you later!" I wish now that April and I would have taken a picture together, but here's an oldie for fun!

The week before Quinn's last day of school, her teacher, Mrs. Grove, had a going-away party to which Quinn also requested an early birthday celebration to be held simultaneously since she won't be there for her birthday. Chris and I were invited to come and I was greatly moved by the love she was surrounded with on a daily basis at school. Each of her classmates surprised her with a letter and picture. They each got up to read what they had written to her and it melted my heart! After that presentation, the teacher started a group-prayer to send her off and when Mrs. Grove asked, "Who wants to pray for Quinn?"every student's hand shot in the air as you'll see pictured below.

The next week, the kids' last week of school, was filled with playdates. Quinn played at Quintin's house and Grace's house and Rylan got to play at Lacey's house, his best friend from preschool. We said our last goodbyes to my BSF group and Growth Group and the boys had last hugs and prayers from their BSF leaders. We are so incredibly blessed by all of the people God has put in our lives while we were stationed at Camp Pendleton. Feeling the sting of goodbyes lets you know you made great relationships worth missing, but also worth maintaining, even if from afar.

Change of Command

Today Chris had his Change of Command ceremony. I was so glad that I got to be there and the kids and his mom got to see him being honored for a job well done. He also received a Navy Commendation Medal for his actions/billets over the last three years, culminating with his role as Company Commander. I am so proud of him and all of his achievements and his incredible growth in leadership. It was the perfect end to an amazing chapter in his career.

In other fun news today, Quinn got to have crazy hair for Dr. Seuss's Birthday!