Unintended Breaks

Let me start by saying, I never intended a 2.5 week break from blogging.  I actually have some photos of our journey home from Japan...but alas, the camera cords are at the hotel.  


What?!  Hotel??  


Did I forget to mention that's where we've been living for the last week? :-) I actually figured out that we're going to spend more time away from our house than at it this year...
Our journey home from Japan went relatively smoothly.  We ended up with 5 checked bags and 4 carry-ons.  It was more heavy and difficult to maneuver as you can imagine.  Thankfully, the taxi driver was prepared for such a load and was gracious enough to get out 3 different times to check the trunk and make sure nothing had been "left behind."  Also, I would like to put in a petition to the U.S. airports about making the luggage carts available free of charge.  


Japan = Free      America = $4


We were also able to upgrade our seats to "Economy Plus," giving both of us 5 extra inches of leg room.  We decided to gamble big and go for two middle aisle seats (in a row of 5) instead of the typical window/aisle combo.  Our gamble PAID OFF!  We ended up with the entire row, enabling us to trade of, lay down completely and actually sleep for part of the flight.  The flight went smoothly and lasted just over 8 hours.  We love having a tailwind!


Thankfully customs also went smoothly, we grabbed our bags in the world's fastest time and were ready to go before my parents even got to the airport!  


In addition to all of our baggage, we had also shipped 4 packages home through the base.  Our experience in having things shipped to Japan were less-than-stellar, so we insured everything to the max and reinforced all the boxes.  Upon our arrival at home, one was already waiting and the next three arrived within a week.  We. Were. Shocked.  Oh, and they were all completely intact.  Amazing.


It took us both about a week to readjust to Pacific Standard Time and despite this, Tim was back at work the very next day.  I did end up forcing him to take the next day off, due to his slight exhaustion.  


Since we've been home we've been running around seeing friends and family...and moving into a hotel.  Unfortunately, Tim was reassigned to a new project and that has meant about 4 weeks away from home.  We're making the best of things and constantly look forward to the weekend when we get to sleep in our bed again.  (Which has become REMARKABLY more comfortable since our return from the rock in Japan!)  


I promise pictures will be posted soon! And hopefully there won't be anymore 2.5 week breaks in posting.