I can’t believe how quickly the week passed with the Cummings visiting. We packed every day full of adventures. I truly hope they enjoyed their visit as much as Dave and I did.

They were originally supposed to catch an AMC flight out on 3/23/17. The flight was delayed several times and eventually postponed until Friday. Sara was running low on data and I finally received a message from her at 1600 on Friday- 3/24/17, letting me know they were on the plane and about to take off.

I saved a few candid pictures of their visit. They really make me smile!

The Sara photobomb! Dave and I have tried for almost 8 months to get “a good picture at the big Buddha.” Guess we will continue waiting.

JJ blending in and avoiding the pollen.

James working hard not to blow away with the parasol.

“What do you mean you don’t buy organic miso at Costco in the U.S.?”

The boys fanning Sushi rice.

Tour guide Julia.


Poor Delaney and the awful sea urchin pretzels!

Naps, we had a few.

Bubble boy!

Oh, Delaney!!

“James, take a selfie with me.” “What’s a selfie?”

Train rides can be long and monotonous. Facebook filters make the train ride “funner.”

Sara napping on her Cup Noodle pillow.

Delaney making friends on the train!

All that was left was one of James’ socks.


I found it doing laundry. It made me smile. My mom always says if you leave something behind, it is a sign you will visit again… I can’t wait!

My heart is full after spending time with our friends. It was just what my American heart needed living so far away. I hate to see them go. But, it is never sayōnara. It is always, jā matane. See you later!