Marugame Castle with Grandma

Here it is the 1st of Feb. and I still haven't had a chance to post some photos of the Shima's trip to visit us over Christmas & New Year's. So, I'll start with photos from Marugame. We wanted to give the Shima a real japanese experience so we decided to ride the Mama Chari's around town and to the Castle. It's one of our favorite places to ride. This is one of the bridges by the castle and a favorite of Hos & Holden's to ride over!


The Castle sits on top of a hill and the climb up is pretty steep. This is Julie, Hos, and me on our way back down. I love the old walls!


This is the main Don Jon and it still has the original wooden truces. Julie, Hos, and the Shima stopped for a quick photo before we went inside.


Here is a view looking to the North (I think) from the castle hill. The day was REALLY COLD & WINDY, but it made for excellent views. Julie, Hos and I could see right to the main island! Off to the right you can see the Seto-Ohashi, the bridge connecting our island with the main island of Honshu. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world! (Just a random tid bit of info. for those of you who like random tid bits of info)


Here Julie, Hos, and the Shima stopped in front of the main gate to smile! Julie and I love to ride our bikes and Hos loves to just enjoy the ride! I think we convinced the Shima that it is one of the best ways to get around in Japan!

Christmas

WE had a wonderful Christmas.  We did not think that Santa would find us since we packed and ran off to Japan so quickly.  Hos was worried.  But find us he did.  Hos received a beanbag.  Something that he had been asking for since we got here.  When you don't have couch the next best thing is a beanbag.  

Grandma Shima came with a suitcase full of things from America.  Toothpaste....yes toothpaste Colgate with flouride.  WE love it!!!!  Glide dental floss.  The simple things that we take for granted.  :)  

We have enjoyed having Grandma here with us.  She has enjoyed everything but the lack of central heating.  Shhhhh don't tell her we miss that too. She is now addicted to the Japanese bathhouses.    She wants to go every night.  

We hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season.  We miss you all and pray for your safety and success this coming year.