Settling In & Stepping Out

Well, we have done a little more exploring off base. We found an Aeon shopping mall, same chain as what we had in Misawa just on a larger scale. It rivals an American Mall and includes U.S. stores like Eddie Bauer and GAP, plus it has a large grocery store. The kids enjoyed a Disney stand, you can see them sporting their Mickey and Minnie Mouse hats. Who needs Disneyland right? Ummm . . . no. I think a trip to Disneyland Tokyo is in our near future. We shall see. Gabe, following in daddy's footsteps, liked looking at the bikes. Walter is so excited for ours to arrive since biking is such a common method for getting around here. I have to admit, I am nervous about the traffic issues, as all we hear is how bikes explode out of no where! Seems like there's no more space for "more" bikes on the road, but I'm sure I'll see there indeed is. What else? Oh, we were again shocked by a trip to "Joyful Honda." It is a huge shopping center where dogs are apparently more than welcome to join in on the family shopping trip. The store is like a cross between IKEA, Super Walmart, and Home Depot. It also includes a pet store (hence all the dogs), and a meat market at the bottom level. Dogs are strolled around in carts, large wooden ones for Akitas and Dobermans, regular shopping carts (don't forget the pee pad) for the little guys. So, amidst the 80's music playing in the background, is the yapping of probably fifty percent of the store's customers' furry friends. The kids loved it. Especially the goat . . . yes, there was a goat in his very own pen at the pet store. Who would of expected that? Certainly not me! Monday Walter returned to work. It sounds like he is going to enjoy the job aspect of his assignment, I am thankful for that. It's always nice to like what you are doing everyday. Plus, he gets the biggest hugs from two of the cutest kids when he walks through the door. I know he likes that part best! The kids and I have been hanging out, playing in the front yard with various rocks and sticks, and inside the house with our little toy animals and play dough (shout out to Kate) . . . so glad that got to us. Oh, and I made my debut driving off base on Sunday. I do not remember being this nervous driving off base when we were here before, but this time I feel like I am going to drive into on coming traffic at any moment! I'm sure with time my nerves will subside, I just hope it's sooner than later!