Grandma Shirley visits!

Two weeks before Archie was born, my mom surprised me by getting a plane ticket to come for Archie's birth. This was unexpected because my parents already have a trip to see us planned for October. I was thrilled that my mom was willing to make the long trip twice just a few months apart, and so happy that she'd be here for Archie's first few weeks.

While Grandma was mostly here to cuddle the baby and help with the bigger boys, we did manage to get out and do some fun things while she was here. It was nice that she's coming again in October, because we didn't feel the pressure to see and do everything during this trip. It also started getting pretty hot and humid during the two weeks she was here, so we didn't mind staying in with the boys some of the time.

Nathan took her to our neighborhood grocery store where they sell awesome Japanese meals for lunch. They came home with many different options and some cute mini beers. None of us were big fans of the sake they found, but it came in a cute bottle so it made the picture!

We took the 99 Islands boat ride. Leo was thrilled because it was our first time on the red pirate ship. In October, we plan on going out again but on the much classier Pearl Queen.

Wilson's school had it's Father's Day festival so mom got to meet some of Wilson's classmates and have a look around his school.

She also watched the big boys for us on Father's Day. Archie and I took Nathan out to a movie and lunch at his favorite Indian restaurant.

We got in some shopping at the Ginza and a few 100 yen stores around town. 

We went out to eat a few times and she loved the food! I didn't get a picture at her favorite, Coco Curry House, but here's the tiny Ra Ra Ramen restaurant where the food was excellent. It was my first time, too!

 Wilson got a chopsticks lesson.

We took Grandma to Saikai Park for the beautiful view.  The kids had fun showing her the huge roller slide.

We did a day trip and headed south to Obama Onsen. She was having such a great time- I even got her to pose with Obama!

Grandma made friends with some ladies there and we had a fun time relaxing and soaking our feet.

Next, we drove up in the mountains to the really neat resort town of Unzen. There are more hot springs there that we had fun walking through.

We also discovered a neat shrine tucked away on a side street.

Leo had fun showing Grandma how to use the Japanese version of drinking fountains.

It was a great two weeks having Grandma around to help out and have fun with. Grandma LOVED pretty much everything about Japan and it was neat hearing her rave about it. We already have a pretty long list of things to do when she comes back in October with Grandpa and Aunt Judy. We can't wait!