Golden Week. The time of year when most Japanese people take off work to travel because it contains 4 national holidays! Kylee also took advantage of this time to visit her nephew in California.
Even though there were many pictures posted, videos watched, and skype sessions chatted, there is nothing like seeing your first nephew in person. I know it's a very "auntie" thing to say, but Nixon is seriously the best looking baby around. And his mom is stunning as well. Most mothers of a 6 month old baby would look worn out and barely alive. Yet, somehow, Courtney is even more beautiful than ever. It's as if she is fulfilling what she was made to do.
Those three weeks in California were mostly spent bonding with Nixon. Playing, dancing, going to the park, even taking naps together all helped him to get to know his auntie. It was wonderful to see him actually begin to recognize Kylee more with each passing day. Maybe that's why she misses Nixon now more than ever.
Until next time!...
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
From Russia, with Love
Добрый вечер!
(That's "Good Evening" in Russian). Apologies for the long absence from the blog, it's been a busy time here in Japan. Stephen was gearing up for his first deployment, and Kylee was keeping busy with social events, spouses club functions, feeding Stephen, cleaning the house, and working.
However, now Stephen is back from deployment, and we're settling back into a more normal schedule. He returned last Monday, and was full of stories of his first time at sea.
The time at sea was packed full of flying, getting all the qualifications and requirements that a detachment needs. It was also a learning point for Stephen, as he got used to the different lifestyle - working out, sleeping, and eating, all at work, took some time to get familiar with. Luckily, it was with a great group of people, which eased the transition.
It was also a great port visit, as he pulled into Vladivostok, Russia, for his first port call in the Navy. Unfortunately, he came down with a cold the night before pulling into Vlad, resulting in the loss of his voice! It was an interesting time walking around the streets of Russian, unable to speak above a whisper without his voice cracking and squeaking. The Russians must have thought Americans just don't talk at all. . .
However, it was still a great time, full of culture and fun. Going out into town and finding Russian food (surprisingly hard to get; most of the food seemed to be Chinese or pizza! Though we did eat some really tasty borscht), discovering cool little cafes and coffee shops, and browsing the stores for Russian souvenirs. He ended up buying a bottle of Russian vodka and a pipe/tobacco for himself, and a container of Russian tea and chocolate for Kylee.
Although the deployment was a lot of fun, it was long enough. Stephen was ready to return home, and Kylee was looking forward to having him home. He returned home to a Welcome Home sign, and a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!
I apologize for not posting any pictures, but it appears they somehow got deleted from my phone, and didn't save to the computer. :(
(That's "Good Evening" in Russian). Apologies for the long absence from the blog, it's been a busy time here in Japan. Stephen was gearing up for his first deployment, and Kylee was keeping busy with social events, spouses club functions, feeding Stephen, cleaning the house, and working.
However, now Stephen is back from deployment, and we're settling back into a more normal schedule. He returned last Monday, and was full of stories of his first time at sea.
The time at sea was packed full of flying, getting all the qualifications and requirements that a detachment needs. It was also a learning point for Stephen, as he got used to the different lifestyle - working out, sleeping, and eating, all at work, took some time to get familiar with. Luckily, it was with a great group of people, which eased the transition.
It was also a great port visit, as he pulled into Vladivostok, Russia, for his first port call in the Navy. Unfortunately, he came down with a cold the night before pulling into Vlad, resulting in the loss of his voice! It was an interesting time walking around the streets of Russian, unable to speak above a whisper without his voice cracking and squeaking. The Russians must have thought Americans just don't talk at all. . .
However, it was still a great time, full of culture and fun. Going out into town and finding Russian food (surprisingly hard to get; most of the food seemed to be Chinese or pizza! Though we did eat some really tasty borscht), discovering cool little cafes and coffee shops, and browsing the stores for Russian souvenirs. He ended up buying a bottle of Russian vodka and a pipe/tobacco for himself, and a container of Russian tea and chocolate for Kylee.
Although the deployment was a lot of fun, it was long enough. Stephen was ready to return home, and Kylee was looking forward to having him home. He returned home to a Welcome Home sign, and a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!
I apologize for not posting any pictures, but it appears they somehow got deleted from my phone, and didn't save to the computer. :(
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