a visit to New Jersey...

Sorry for this late entry -- the time has flown by and I'm barely caught up with it, back in Japan and in the swing of life once more.

After we left Philly we crossed the boarder and headed up to Bayonne to visit the Madea family and introduce Cora. We were there to celebrate Aunt El's birthday and otherwise we spent a lot of time relaxing and chatting. We spent an afternoon at Liberty State Park where we had great weather and were able to see NYC, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Cora and (5th) cousin Joey (he's 6 months younger)

4 generations of Madeas

outside Grandma and Aunt El's house

triple slide at Liberty Park

well worth the 2 year wait for a Sabrett and yoohoo!

wayy behind Lady Liberty

Cora found Grandma's glove drawer and had a ball trying them on!

Skyping with China and meeting the newest member of the Madea family --

welcome Caitlin Mei!

meanwhile around Philadelphia...

We've spent a few extra days around town as Becky and Jim "honeymoon." This gave Cora a chance to be the only apple of Obaa and Sofu's eyes! The weather wasn't too cooperative, so we spent most time indoors.

Philadelphia "Please Touch" children's museum in Fairmont Park

creating tunes

playing with baby in Children's Hospital Nursery exhibit

Grocery shopping at the fish counter

Painting roses in Alice's Wonderland

first carousel ride with Obaa

little Liberache'

We're heading to visit Aunt Lynn and Uncle Bob today and tomorrow over to NJ to introduce Cora to the rest of the Madea bunch!

Cora shows off her laptop to Mitchie

AND helps him escape --- they became great buddies!

Happy wedding, Becky & Jim!

We've made it to the USA and have just had a ball at Becky and Jim's wedding weekend in Philly! The flight here was *Less than wonderful* and a jet-lagged toddler is *Less than FUN* but it was all worth it. Cora's gotten a chance to meet most of her family on Meghan's side and will be meeting most of Greg's family later this week.

Becky and Jim were married on Friday 1 October at the classical Washington House in Sellersville. They had a pig roast reception at their house the following day. The weather was beautiful and everyone had fun!

the bride and groom

4 generations...

Foster dressed his best

and sat upon a chair, even

Becky and Jim's side yard

Cutting the yummy cake

the pig (he was stuffed with sauerkraut, what!?!)

the Callihan clan

the Syring clan

Happy Autumn!

Cora and I got a chance to visit the "scarecrow festival" in local town Hasami. It was a gorgeous fall day, breezy and mid-70s and truly lovely. The town hosting the event appeared to include all residents in the festivities, from helping people park to serving "country soup" made from local farm ingredients. We skipped picking edemame because the logistics were too hard, but since it's Cora's favorite veggie, I kind of regret that decision. This is rice harvesting season, so we enjoyed walking about the terraced paddies, as well.

women, tea and onigiri (rice triangles - one of C's favorite meals)

"praying to porcelin throne" (notice giant sake bottle next to slippers)

make-shift onsen (hot spring)

rice sprouts

meanwhile, back in Sasebo...

The end of Nana and Duke's visit was spent in good ol' Sasebo. Greg and Meg both returned to work and the grandparents got to baby-sit miss Cora and spoil her rotten. They even took her a couple of nights which allowed for some dates! We re-visited favorite restaurants and shops, as well. Greg took them to meet the many animals of Bio Park, as well.

at BioPark

Duke loved the squirrel monkeys (and they loved him!)

"catch me!"

Mary Poppins rehearsal

posing in her new cowboy boots from Nana

giving big sis Bonny a kiss

giggling at Harbor View Club

Cora and Duke water the flowers (or sidewalk)

dinner with the Ogawas

watching sunset and dogs in front of Pinnochios

good night ya'll