Japan Part 1 of ?

I'd love to recap our trip-of-a-lifetime to Japan for you all! Lots of you have asked about our trip, and it's so hard to capture all our adventures in just a short conversation!

First of all, I say "trip-of-a-lifetime" because it was such a unique trip, unrepeatable in many ways! We definitely hope we get a chance to go back, but a future trip would be so different than the ten days we spent there this time--mainly because we got to experience Japan for the first time along with Jonathan's two sisters (also experiencing it for the first time) and his parents, who's experience living in Japan years ago is the reason we went. Much of the time was spent meeting people who meant so much to them, seeing the places that made up their life there back when Jonathan was just a baby, then a toddler, then a little boy. It was sentimental, sweet, and extremely special to see, especially with our baby-turned-toddler. I feel such a strong connection to that stage of my in-laws' life, maybe because Jonathan and I are in the same stage of life they were when they called Japan home. It was palpable enough to bring tears to my eyes on several occasions.

So, to begin this chronicle of our Japan trip, I'll show you a few of those sentimental moments and special people.

 We visited one of the parks Jonathan remembers playing at as a kid.

Eddie loved it. Of course, it was an incredible park! Not only did we wade in this giant pool (which felt so refreshing--it was SO hot!) we walked up those pyramids in the background to the fountains on top.

 The "roll-ey" slide!

It's been redone since Jonathan was little, and Eddie wasn't too sure anyway. Unfortunately, Gramps took Eddie down the slide first and had a little crash at the bottom (let me tell you, it builds up some speed!). I actually caught it on video, accidentally, and while we all felt terrible for Gramps' rear which caused him quite a bit of grief the rest of the trip, it's pretty hysterical to watch!

The girls and Jonathan and I climbed this play structure 

which was another highlight of Jonathan's childhood!

 It was pretty high for me, so I can't imagine watching my little guy climb to the top! 

The park had a river of shallow water to wade in

(and rocks to build dams if you're an engineer).

These two (and all of us!) wished we could stay and play all day!

We saw the university where Dad Sauder taught,

the pool where Jonathan had swimming lessons,
(we didn't actually make a special trip just to stand outside the pool Jonathan swam in, but we peeked in since we were hitting up McDonald's next door for some much needed iced coffee!)

the apartment where Mom Sauder lived when she first moved to Japan,

the door to the apartment Jonathan grew up in,

the view of rice fields and Mt. Fuji from their apartment building,

the little street where Jonathan took his first steps.

We met these dear people, 

who are especially dear to Dad and Mom Sauder.

Eddie clicked with Toru right away, once he took Eddie to see his fish. And the lovely Junko made us delicious tea from herbs grown in her garden.

We met this wonderful woman with a contagious smile.

She welcomed us into her home and fed us the most delicious watermelon I've ever tasted while her husband showed us his handmade home-fired clay instruments, played them for us, and let us try.

This sweet lady generously took us girls shopping at a fancy department store.

Saleswomen swarmed us as we picked out these beautiful traditional yucatas and learned how to put them on and tie the sashes. It was one of the most unique experiences I'd ever had, and also unforgettably humorous. We drew a crowd as the salespeople snapped photos for us, and stood back pronouncing, "kawaii" or "cuuuute". 

 Mostly it was just special to see our special people,

with some of their special people!

Isn't it true that relationships and experiences play such a dramatic role in shaping who we are? In that way, it was an incredible gift to see, or at least glimpse, what played a big part in shaping the Sauder family as a whole, and particularly Dad and Mom and Jonathan. There's no telling who they'd be today if not for the years spent in Japan with those people, living that life. I know because I was forever marked by the culture I spent just a few years living in and the people that influenced me during those few short years. It was dramatic and moving to get to peek into such a major part of the Sauder family story. An experience I treasure along with the many special memories made!

Summer Summation So Far

Summer days! Ahhh! It was long awaited around here! And it has been full of fun! Here's a quick recap so I can feel up-to-date and ready to post on Japan! We leave next week on our international adventure with some of our favorites who are featured in some of these photos since they've been here in CA for a few weeks now!

But before the Sauder clan arrived...

We found a beach playground!

Jonathan had some business a few hours away where there happen to be some gorgeous beaches! So Eddie and I tagged along and amused ourselves until Jonathan was done. We spent the following day exploring Santa Barbara, a first for me. It met expectation, I'll say that. It was lovely, beautiful, a bit crowded and certainly worth seeing!

 We met up with friends!

This park play date with a moms group friend of mine and her son was the first time I saw Eddie really interact with a playmate instead of just playing along side them. These two had a blast, copying each other, jabbering back and forth, and it warmed our mother hearts!

 We cooked yummy new foods!

I've started this new thing with a few long distance friends: Tuesday Aprontastique! (yes, that's apron-fantastic-in-French). We all meet up on Google Hangout to cook dinner together across several time zones. We catch up, get to try a new dish on our families, and get to glimpse a window into each other's lives. It's a blast! We always text photos of the completed meal just for fun!

 More new food! 

JPL had a heritage fair full of food booths from around the world. As with any JPL event, it was packed! But fun!

 First skinned knee!

He proceeded to repeat this event several times in just a few days! Something tells me he's developing some speed! And trust me, it's not all smiles when he goes down!

 "Tea, a drink with jam and bread..."

When these folks got to town, we kicked off their first weekend here by going to the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long at the Hollywood Bowl. It was AMAZING! Basically, we watched the movie on a gigantic screen with a whole host of other Sound of Music fans, and every time a song began, the words popped up on the screen karaoke style and everyone joined in! People dressed up (hence, our curtain-fabric kerchiefs), we brought props for different parts of the movie (tea with jam and bread, pink lemonade, etc.), it was a blast!

We've done quite a bit of beach time!

He's pretty precious!

Agua! 

(one of his favorite new words)

Fireworks were a bit more frightening this year.

Eddie would bury his head in my shoulder and spent the first few minutes shuddering. Then he'd do this funny thing where he'd frantically lunge for Dad, then Grammy, then on down the line, then back to me, probably looking for someone who'd take him away from the loud booms and bright lights! 

Eddie LOVES the beach!

He could play in the sand all day, and he likes the waves, but has a healthy fear of the cold water (which I don't mind!).

Our big project a few weekends back--cleaning out the garage and patio!

Thanks to some great helpers/babysitters, by evening we were celebrating with our inaugural patio dinner!

Jonathan and I even made it away for a few days, just us!

We relived our honeymoon by setting off down the Pacific Coast highway in our little convertible--this time we went south, though, and stayed just a few hours away in San Diego. It was a treat to have so much "us" time after the past few months of craziness as we bought and fixed up our house! And I was happy knowing our little guy was in good hands while we were away, and he might be missing us, but mostly was soaking up some spoiling!

After our trip, we made it back into town just in time for a work event Jonathan was invited to--an evening concert at the LA Arboretum. The show was a lot of fun: a great group of guys impersonating the Beatles performed along with a full orchestra! 

This isn't from the show we were at, but it was very similar!

And this past weekend...

We celebrated a very special Grammy's birthday!

Our Huntington picnic was rained out (in drought-stricken California, I know, go figure), but we had a wonderful party inside complete with fancy cake, which was delicious! 

Overall, this summer has surpassed all the high hopes for good times! It's been one to remember! And as Mr. Whitaker would say, "The Best is Yet to Come!" Stay tuned for a recounting of our Japan trip!

Emerson House

Well, three months into living in our cozy little cottage, I think it's well past time for an update on the state of things here at Emerson House!

Where did I leave you last? Cleaning and moving things in? Something like that...well, much has changed!

 We added a little coffee bar to the dining room.

It really makes the room feel complete!

 We bought plants! Bringing the green inside is always a nice touch!

Also featured: that cool cabinet (thrift store find), the rug, a new coffee table (with great storage!),

and the gramophone (one of the best housewarming gifts ever!).

 Our kitchen floor! It's cork, and beautiful!

(and cleans much nicer than plywood sub floor does!)

And our super-cool cabinet hardware!

 Eddie's completed bedroom.

(minus a few odds and ends, of course! nothing ever gets completely done, right?)

 Our bedroom is coming along!

Still missing a door (which is currently on the front porch, classy, I know).

 The bathroom is as done as it will get 

till we tackle the hideous yellow shower tile and ugly paint color I chose.

 This photo of our front porch is staged so you don't see the unfinished bathroom door.

You're welcome! (Our neighbors aren't so lucky!)

That's the olive tree we planted! Yay! I'm so excited to have an olive tree!!

Eddie has yard toys! We play outside!

So incredibly fun! We still can't get over it!

Not pictured is the foundation bolting (yes, Jonathan, the incredible, single-handedly earthquake retrofitted our house!), many light fixtures, a pomegranate tree in the back yard, bathroom door trim (which had to be built since the old trim in this house is no longer manufactured), a whole house fan (you do NOT want to hear the details of how that project went! I'm hoping to forget!), and odds and ends here and there. It's pretty much never-ending! Now we're working on accepting that and settling into a normal that includes continuing progress.

Now come visit! And see with your own eyes!

Well, It's June

Here we are, with summer upon us. Even without our household experiencing the stark contrast of school-year to summer break, we are still feeling the change of pace, and it is welcomed! Eddie's and my activities are mostly on the school year schedule, so our weekly out-of-the-house days are over for summer break, namely MOPS, bible study, and Toddler and Me class.

Now what?

Oh...mornings at home with coffee and unending playtime, getting together with friends here and there, and weeks of fun with visiting family this summer! Sounds dreamy!

To recap May,

We spent an afternoon at the Huntington Library and Gardens, a favorite, with Jim and Maria and little Calvin while they were in town.

Eddie is all about the kids' garden's water play. He was soaked.

 

 photo credit to Jim

 Jonathan and I went to a Piano Guys concert at the Greek Theater.

It was amazing! They have so much fun, you can't help but enjoy it!

 On a random note, Eddie loves broccoli. LOVES it! 

 And dirt. He will literally throw it on himself

or throw himself down on the ground in it in pure delight!

 Reading books. A favorite!

"Dinosaur Roar" and "Now I Eat My ABC's" are his favorites,

and any lift-the-flap books.

 Such a happy kiddo, most of the time!

He's adding to his vocabulary every day! Dad, moon, go, shoes, Mama, and doh-dah (avocado), have been added to his original list including dog, hot dog, and up.

 Family Dinner is always fun!

Longer evenings and warmer weather make it even more fun!

This is such a fun season!

Simply delightful!