checking in...

Cora trying to salute but is TOO tired!

We're HERE!

That's in Groton, CT. Sorry we haven't posted in awhile, a LOT has been going on. We finished up a grand visit with the Michigan family and flew to northern New Jersey to spend some time with the Madea family. We got to meet cousin Caitlin for the first time and toast in 2011! Thankfully, we arrived AFTER the blizzard, so we were able to enjoy the white stuff without hurting our backs shoveling (sorry, folks!)

Cora seemed to remember Nana and Duke and GG and Aunt Eleanor. We're so excited to be living in the same time zone so she can see a lot more of everyone!

We took a bunch of pictures (including some professional ones) and will share a few of them here:

the Statile family reunion

meeting Libby

Cora and Caitlin figuring out a new toy

Caitlin leads Duke as Cora enjoys her horsey ride

Cora's first "Judicke's" donut

the 3 cousins playing (Joey is 13 months and on the left)

Sadly Cora decided to play "Stalin" for the entire photo shoot...

the BEST shot of the day (Cora was in meltdown mode, clearly...)

... we miss our doggies a lot -- They are staying with Gma and Gpa in Michigan while we househunt, we are so grateful for this "special kenneling" and hope they are behaving! Our search for homes has begun, it's a daunting task but it's the first time we've been able to do it together, which is nice. Super happy we have GPS in our rental car so we can merely insert addresses and be guided to the next stop! Stay tuned for more details.....

Merry Christmas to all!

The jetlag is slowly leaving and we're beginning to feel a bit human. Our Christmas was wonderful and pretty laid-back, thankfully! We enjoyed a seafood Christmas Eve dinner followed by candlelight church service where Cora behaved very well (until the candles were actually lit), she loved the music most! Christmas morning, we opened presents and enjoyed the company of great-grandma Callihan. We had a yummy meal and talked to lots of family on the phone and Skype.

family shot on Christmas Eve

Finn and Bonny guarding the tree. Alas, eventually they fell asleep and Santa got through (Finn is rather depressed, but we told him better luck next time).

Cora helped hand out gifts on Christmas morning

Cora getting loving from her favorite Bonny

Cora's matching doll set to her own stroller!

Cora showing off her new dollhouse to Great Grandma

Cora showing off her chugging skills with Eggnog

Eggnog mustache

yummy, yummy, yummy it's SO good in my tummy

jet-lagged in snowy Michigan

We've arrived back in the USA and are currently spending time in Michigan with Meg's folks. We've learned that both toddlers AND dogs get jet-lagged. It's been dreadful trying to adjust. Thankfully, we haven't had many commitments and have been able to take it easy as we try to relax and acclimate to this different time zone.

Cora and mom pre-flight enjoying our orange juice in champagne glasses as daddy had some of the real bubbly!

A view outside of Oba and Sofu's dining room at the pretty morning snow

Cora opening her first Christmas gifts from her cousins at the Callihan family Christmas

Bonny on "squirrel patrol" -- it's a bit of an obsession. The squirrels here in Michigan look more like groundhogs they are so obese!

Cora helping to decorate the Christmas tree

Finn tracking the squirrels in the back yard (doesn't really mind the snow that much...)

Cora spent hours playing with some nesting Santa dolls

Cora rocking like a big girl as Finn and Bonny snuggle near the heat trying to catch up on some sleep... which is a necessity after waking up at 3 am and pacing on hardwood floors until Cora wakes up...

Cora's FABULOUS visit with Santa

Family picture at the old Emily Frank House in Trenton (where we saw Santa)

Cora playing with her "little people" Nativity set. Her favorite thing to do is make the angel sing "away in a manger" when Cora dances back n forth.

tick tock, tick tock

We've had our last Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and now Wednesday in Japan. Today was Meg's last day of work for who knows how long and Cora's last day of school. We were treated to a LOVELY farewell dinner by Meg's colleagues and given some priceless treasures from Cora's school to send us off!

cora gets balloon poodles reminiscent of her dog cousin and aunt!

look at her darling "horns!"

Meg's Torii Gate with the clinic seal

Mamenoki's gift

Some of Cora's "art"

Fall trees

meanwhile, back at the Lodge...

We're moved in and as settled as we can be. It's a bit of relief to have our car sold and house inspected. Now it's 7 more days of hotel living until we leave Japan...

skyping with Nana and Duke as she enjoys her blueberry waffles

the funniest position in which to fall asleep

well our bags are packed...

Kinda! Surprise, we're leaving Japan... We were trying to think of a fun way to announce this, but I guess this is as good as any. I'm sitting at home as the movers are packing our "express shipment" and looking at the 7 bags of luggage that remain. And thinking of all the cleaning to do before our house gets the final inspection from the landlord.

We're moving into the Navy Lodge on base for the next 2 weeks before flying out. We no longer have our Vonage number working as it's packed up. BUT thankfully we still have internet (whatever did we do before it?!?!)

The dogs are off at "summer camp" until we leave as they are NOT welcome at the Lodge. Cora is at school today not knowing that she is not coming home to the only home she knows tonight...

It's pretty sad to wrap up this adventure. Japan has been wonderful and we've managed to visit some spectacular places, eat wonderful food and learn a lot about a very unique culture. So we leave with a bit of heaviness in our hearts.

BUT, we ARE very excited for what lies ahead. We are going to be gypsies for the next month, making our way to our next destination.... Groton, Connecticut! Moving in the winter to the Northeast will be... interesting... but we're ready for the challenge.

We'll keep updates on the blog with any new contact information, etc.

Hope everyone is doing great!