One Year Japanniversary!

It's hard to believe, but January 24 marks the one year anniversary of our move to Japan. Although it was difficult to leave family and friends, we've met countless wonderful people overseas and have loved exploring our foreign home. Here is a recap of some highlights from our first year in Atsugi:

• John started his new job in the Public Works Department

• Moved into our house during the "worst snow storm in 40 years" (that was fun)

• Met wonderful friends and integrated into military life overseas

• Tackled the snowy mountains of Nagano twice

• Our niece Avery was born

• Attended the Seabee Ball

• Boarded several MWR tours bound for fascinating day-trip sightseeing destinations including Nara and Kyoto

• Journeyed back to the USA for Avery's Baptism, two weddings and visits with family and friends

• Embarked on our inaugural road trip to Shirakawa-go

• Went zip lining/adventure coursing!

• John survived dual hernia surgery (NOT related to zip lining)

• Jennifer danced in the summer Bon Odori festivals

• John spent a week in Hawaii for training and Jennifer tagged along

• Climbed Mount Fuji

• Road tripped to Sado Island and Nikko

• Jennifer began working at Ichiban Collectibles, an on-base store run by the officers' spouses' club and began babysitting three sweet little girls on base

• Our nephews Bryce and Aaron were born

 

• Our niece Sierra turned 1

• Jennifer visited her family in California

• Started teaching 8th grade Confirmation students as part of the base chapel CCD program

• Attended the Navy Ball

• Announced the expected arrival of Baby R in Spring 2015

• Ventured to Thailand for two weeks and celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary on November 9 in Phuket

• John travelled to San Diego for two weeks of training and enjoyed time with family and friends

• John travelled to Huntsville for two weeks of training and got to see his family as a perk!

• Attended 5 weddings total

• Enjoyed countless Skype dates with family back at home

This year has been overwhelmingly blessed and we are so grateful for our experience in Japan thus far. Cheers to round two of overseas Navy living as we embark on 2015!