To Let Her Use the IPad or Not to Let Her Use the IPad....That is the Question???

So I’ve seen it all over parents letting their toddlers use their IPads.  I’ve even heard of some parents specifically buying their children IPads. CRAZY!  Now I have to admit I am the owner of an IPad2.  I am also the owner of a 2 year old.  From time to time they meet, well more often then I’d like them to. 

It all started when we moved to Japan in Sept 2010.  At the time Mills had just turned 1, she was walking and she was very curious.  I was really worried about how she was going to do on the plane ride to Japan.  I really didn’t want to be one of those parents that had a crying kid on a 15 hour flight.  I understood that maybe she would cry from time to time, but I wanted a way that I could ease her and keep her mind off being in a plane.  So I bought an IPod touch.  Well, my plan was to load some stuff on their for Mills to occupy her during the plane ride then when we got to Japan use it as my own.  Plan back fired.  Not the she didn’t like it…. she LOVED it.  She was a pleasure during the whole plane ride.  She was playing games and watched her fave shows.  It being an IPod I didn’t really think it was a big deal, I let her use it a lot.  I used it from time to time, mostly when she was asleep I would sneak it away.  She referred to it as her own and became quite sufficient at using it. 

With my IPod confiscated by my toddler I decided I should upgrade anyways.  So in 2011 when the IPad2 came out, I got one!  It was definitely an upgrade from the Ipod.  I didn’t even miss that thing after I got the IPa2.  Then Mills got her lil fingers on it.  Once again, she LOVED it.  This time I thought I could share it with her, she would mainly use her IPod and from time to time she could BORROW my IPad.  I loaded a few shows and games for her.  I realized how awesome she was at using it and how she was even learning things; like tracing, puzzles, and words.  I started trusting her more and more with it, she did so well with the Ipod.  Then it happened, she cracked the screen!!!!!!!!!!  She was watching something on the IPad and she had her lil headphones on and then she took off her headphones and started banging them on the screen.  I saw what was going on and grabbed her hand, it was too late.  My IPad looked like it had a spider web across it.  I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t know who to be upset with!  Ultimately I was upset with myself.  She is a TODDLER and she doesn’t know what she is doing.  She didn’t realize she would break it.  I just sat there staring at it.  Mills could tell I was upset, she even said “sorry, I didn’t mean to”.  AWWWWW. I couldn’t be mad at her, I was mad at myself.  Luckily I had a friend who has a brother that fixes Apple stuff.  So I sent him my IPad and he was about to fix it, for a fraction of the cost that Apple was wanting to charge. 

 got the IPad back and knew this time I was going to be more careful with it and if Amelia was going to use it, then I was going to watch her.  I even bought this crazy protective case for it this time.  I wasn’t taking any chances.  Well, sure enough a month later, she stepped on the screen and cracked it. OMFG.  Why?  Why? Not my Ipad…again.  This time it was not fixable.  Once again I was upset with myself.  I should have been more careful.

So I’m on my 2^nd Ipad2 now.  I am REALLY careful.  I rarely let her use it and if she does its under strict supervision.  When she refers to it as her own, I take it away from her for a couple days.  At this point she rarely uses.  I’ve spent waaaaaaaaaaay to much money and I’ve been sad about it too much.  I’m hoping this time will be different. J

 On a side note>>>

{Sometimes online shopping isn't that fun.  I miss going to the mall. Shipping takes forever to get out here!}

{I'm too tired to prepare something for dinner.  I guess we're eating out tonight.  Don't know where?}

{People keep telling me how big I'm getting, that is SUPER annoying.  Trust me I know.}

SAHM vs. Working Mom

VS

This morning was tough.  I took Amelia to her new daycare.  She was at a previous Daycare out in town.  To be honest I never really was thrilled about her going there.  I like her teachers, but I wasn’t too fond of the director of the school.  It was a Christian school, but I always felt like the director was out for one thing… MONEY.  Plus the hours didn’t really work for us all the time, and it was super expensive.  So in DEC of last year Morgan and I decided that we were going to get her on base.  

On base offers child care at their “Child Development Centers” (CDC).  There are several throughout the island.  I chose one that was on my way to work.  Unfortunately it’s nowhere near Morgan’s work, so I’ll have to take her and pick her up everyday.  But your tuition is based on income and it is open extended hours to meet the needs of the military.  So it’s more affordable for us and has extended hours, I thought it was a good fit.

Anyway today she had her first day.  When I walked her in she seemed so curious about everything.  Over the weekend I kept talking to her about moving to a new school, but I don’t think she knew what was going on.  I met one of her teachers and there were already some kids in her class there.  Amelia is always really shy at first, so she was clinging to me like a lil monkey.  I was explained to her teacher that she was potty trained but I put her in pull ups today because she was in a new environment.   I told them that she tells me when she has to go, but I don’t know if she will inform them since she doesn’t know them.  I’m worried how her potty training will go.  At her last daycare she didn’t wear pull ups, only at nap time.  I just hope she doesn’t take a step back in her potty training she is sooo good at it now.  But I fear it might happen.  Ohh back to my morning, so I finished up with the teacher and I was about to leave, Amelia knew it too.  When I started for the door her grip grew tighter and she started to cry.  It really broke my heart. She was crying and saying “mommy no”.  I was really on the verge of tears.  I hugged her and kissed her and told her I would be back to pick her up in no time.  I could see her through the window crying as her teacher hugged her and tried to calm her. 

On my way to work all I could think about is how Amelia is going to do today.  How is she going to interact with the kids, how is she going to interact with the teachers, how is she going to feel during nap time?  I am a worry bug I can’t help it.  Then I started to think about not working at all.  I really don’t think I am going to work after I have this baby.  It doesn’t really make sense.  With what I get paid and the time I’ll be away from both babies, I don’t want to do that.  Originally I started working because Amelia was getting older and she needed to interact more with kids her age.  I need to have some adult time and earn a lil cash on the side.  Now I really don’t care for my job.  I just took it to get my foot into the door with this company, I was originally planning to be here a year and then apply for a more lucrative and challenging position.  But my plans got sidetracked when I got knocked up.  Which is fine, I’m super happy about being prego.  I like that our kids will be close in age, but not too close.

Well it all brings me back to the question at hand, when do I want to start being a SAHM??  Oh another wrench into the mix, Morgan is going to be gone for a good chunk of time.  He is going to come back before the baby is due (hopefully he doesn’t come early), but he is leaving pretty soon.  I know tons of Military wives do it and have been in my position before and have done everything without skpping a beat.  But me being the worry bug that I am, I of course am freaked out!  We have so much to do before the baby comes. We haven’t even started on anything.  I was thinking of having things done at least a month before baby is due, but I might have to start things ASAP.  So with Morgan gone during my 3^rd trimester, me working, Amelia in daycare, I don’t know if I can do it all???  I also want to spend some time with Amelia before I have the lil guy.  For 2 and half years she has been our one and only.  I know that having the new baby I wont be able to spend as much time with her at first, so I want to get my time in now.  So I don’t really know when I want to waive the white flag and quit.  Ideally I would like to plan my departure and not just have “enough” one day and turn in my resignation.  I’ve got some time to think about it.  But I just need to put some real thought and talk to Morgan about it.  I know a lot of women struggle with this decision and I’m not different.  I just gotta figure things out…

On a side note>>>

{Watched Twilight: Breaking Dawn part 1, NOT impressed.  I don't get how people get so obsessed with these movies.}

{Watched J. Edgar Hoover, pretty interesting.  Started off really reallly slow.}

{I really have a need to shop, but being that i'm a whale I don't think anything looks good on me.}

This morning started off on a crazy note.  I woke up to fire truck sirens, a loud voice speaking Japanese on an PA system, and Amelia jumping on our bed looking out the window.  THANK GOD it was not our building!  It was the first thing I thought of when I heard all the commotion.  Because neither me or Morgan speak Japanese I didn’t know what they were saying.   Being half asleep I jump out and look out the window with Amelia, I of course could not see anything because I didn’t have my contacts or glasses on. (Ugh I wish I could get Lasik).  I grabbed my glasses and saw what all the crazyness was about, it was the house right across the street.  Amelia was yelling “fire trucks”, she loves fire trucks.  She was also yelling  “fire works” because of the fire.  It was crazy to see all the people out in the pjs watching this house on fire.  I admit, I watched for a few minutes, but I wasn’t posted up.  Either way it was really sad to watch and it was a scary way to wake up.  I’m hoping all their family and pets got out safe and sound.  Later in the afternoon I checked on the house, it seems like the fire was contained and I heard that no one was hurt.  As for the rest of my day, it was pretty mellow, just running errands and doing laundry.   

Doc Appointment Update

Saw the Doc yesterday.  Everything seems to be going well.  So far I’ve gained 12 pounds. I’m measuring at 27cm but I’m only 24 weeks.  Apparently your belly is supposed to measure the same weeks you are, Ex) 24 weeks 24 cm.  So I’m a little big, but the doc said nothing to worry about.  So I’m happy.  Heard the baby’s heart beat, strong and fast. Haha  

I go back again in another 4 weeks for my 28^th week appointment and the glucose testing. On a sad note, for my 28^th week appointment I have to change docs.  Currently I see a midwife at the Naval Hospital, she is so great and sweet.  But since I’m having another c-section I have to see another doc.  She recommended someone other docs, and reassured me that the OBGYN department at this hospital is great.  I understand how military hospitals work, it’s not guaranteed that you see your same doc through your pregnancy, so I am not too sad.  I’ll meet my new doc and hopefully they will be able to schedule my surgery.

I’m nervous about the glucose test.  With Amelia I didn’t really care for sweets too much, not with this boy.  All I want is sweets.  Every time we go eat I have to get a dessert.  I try to curb my cravings by eating fruits.  I’ve been going to the market weekly to pick up fruits.  I find myself picking through Amelia’s Valentine treat leftovers.  It’s just getting nuts.  I heard the old wives-tale that if you are having a girl you crave sweets and if you are having a boy you crave savory.  Total opposite for me, when I had Amelia it was all about savory snacks and with this little boy I can’t help but want chocolate.  Either way I need to pass this glucose test, so I have to start looking elsewhere for my cravings.  I had a friend that had gestational diabetes and she didn’t speak to highly of her first pregnancy.  That kind of scared me.  Maybe I’ll buy sugar free alternatives, I need to get creative in my thinking. Haha

At work after my appointment

On a side note>>>

{TGIF, I swear the short weeks always take the longest}

{My back is killing me, I’m guessing its from the bowling ball I’m carrying under my shirt}

{This weekend I wanted to go to the Flea Market and get rid of stuff, but it’s supposed to rain.  Praying for sunshine!}

Ashes to Ashes....

Today is Ash Wednesday.  I have to admit I haven’t been the best Catholic, I don’t really know if I’m a “good” one.  Being a catholic has been a roller coaster for me.  It has really been a struggle.   There have been many times where I questioned my faith.  To be honest I don’t totally agree with all the practices and view points of the church, but it's all I know. For some background. I grew up in a Catholic house, the only thing my mom was strict about was going to church every Sunday.  To this day, she asks me if I went to church on Sunday.  Growing up I was baptized, went to CCD, and Confirmation.  Morgan and I got married in a Catholic church and we went to the Catholic Couples’ Retreat.   We had Amelia baptized in the same church we got married, by the same priest.  On the occasion that I do make it to church she comes with me. 

Morgan doesn't go to church with us.  Morgan is not catholic and wasn’t raised catholic.  I used to really put the pressure on him to go with me.  I was thinking some religion was better then no religion.  Only in recent years have I let up on him and realized that I should let him be.  I really appreciate how much he has done for me and my religion.  I was asking a lot before, and I couldnt' be more grateful to him.  For awhile we were thinking of trying out other religions.  We just haven’t got around to it. 

  Anyways with the Lent season upon us, it got me thinking.  What do I want to give up for Lent and what will help me grow spiritually??  I want to give religion another chance and make more of a commitment, what better way to start then with Lent.  So I’m fasting on soda, fast food, one day a week of TV to read Bible stories with Mills.  I also plan on going to church every Sunday and also on days of obligation.  Not too far reaching.  I think all these are attainable.  We will see, I am hoping to stay committed and hoping for some spiritual enlightenment. 

Got our ashes

Sunday Fun Day

For our Sunday Fun Day this weekend, we took a trip down to the southern part of Okinawa with the B fam and went to Thai in the Sky.  It’s a Thai restaurant.  I’m not really one for Thai food, but 1) I’m pregnant and hungry 2) I heard this place was to die for.  I don’t eat spicy foods either, regardless of Thai food being known for their spiciness. I stay away with no chili and I’m just fine.  I this place was a bit of a trek, it was well worth the trip and we will be coming back again. 

We got there, the place was packed.  We were told a 30 min wait.  Since we drove like 45 min to an hour to get there, we waited.  The wait wasn’t even as long as expected, it was really about 15 min.  The restaurant takes reservations, which most people had that came in, maybe next time we’ll do that before we leave so we can be seated right away.  The place was very English friendly, ( a lot of the places in OKI have a separate menu for English and usually it doesn’t have all the items they offer) everything was translated with pictures.

 As soon as we ordered, our food came out immediately.  I don’t know how they did it???  The B family ordered about 5 things and we ordered about 5 things, literally within minutes food started coming out.  I was expecting to wait and I was already starving.  So I was definitely happy with our quick service.  The food was so delish.  I couldn’t help but pick at everything, except for the curry the guys got I was afraid it might have been spicy for me.  Everything else was fair game.  The plates of our dishes took up almost our whole table.  We ate till our hearts content and then some.  After our feast Mills and I even shared some dessert. Nowadays I get dessert everywhere, I have quite the sweet-tooth.

After we came up for air and rested for a lil bit, we paid for our food and enjoyed the scenery.  The restaurant looked right over the water.  There were benches, chairs, and swings placed all over the back for everyone to admire the view.  It was really pretty.  The Dads took the girls exploring while me and the other prego (Len) hung around.  We weren’t up for all the exploring.  We could hear the girls laughing and having a good time. They were all probably walking off all the food they just consumed.  We took some pics of the girls playing and pics of the view.  That day was totally a fun day, especially for our tummies’!

On a side note>>>

{I have a doc app this Thursday, going to check up on how the baby is doing.}

{Played the baby Bob Marley, he kicked a lot!  Don't know if that means he likes Bob or not.} 

{Found an aweseome farmer's market this weekend.  Wish I knew about it sooner.}

{It's Fat Tuesday, don't know what to give up for lent??}

A Bowling Afternoon...

Gotta love bowling shoes!
Since Amelia is a lot older we keep trying to think of fun new activities for us to do as a fam.  Bowling was Morgan’s idea.  We made a plan to meet up with our good friends the B Fam (formally known as the Basoco’s).  We had gone bowling before with Amelia but she was a lot younger and uninterested.  Not the case this time.  She was all over bowling.  We of course had to help her out a bit, but she still loved it.  She was so excited and cheered for everyone after their turns.  I think she gave over 100 high 5’s that afternoon.  It’s pretty awesome seeing your child do something new for the first time.  She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Now I’m not a bowler by any means, I think my score that day was like 50 something (I know terrible) but we will definitely take Mills again.  Bowling is a good rainy afternoon activity and that is just what Okinawa had for us.  

Mills' victory dance...so cute!

On a side note>>>

{I LOVE 3 day weekends, its President's day weekend!  Trying to get Amelia to say  Obama's name.}

{Registering for baby stuff isn't as fun online, I miss the gun.}

{To be a stay at home mom vs. working mom???}

{I booked myself a prenatal massage, I can't wait.  Unfortunately I have to until March 4th ugh!}

Well Hello There Friday..... We Meet Again!

Friday is definitely a good day, it’s the end of the work week and the beginning of the weekend, what’s not to love?  Friday was always a love of mine and became even better when a girlfriend and I decided to spend Friday nights together with our girls (we both have girls that are only 2 months apart). 

It all started with my husband’s love for basketball.  As long as I’ve known him he’s played ball recreationally.  Since moving to Okinawa he got more serious about his passion and joined a league.  His team practices 2 times a week and when the league starts he has games every Saturday.  Well when we first got here, let’s just say that Friday nights weren’t the best.  Generally after work he would come home for about an hour and head off to practice for 2-3 hours.  I would be stuck at home because I didn’t really have any friends.  I think Morgan began to notice the toll it was taking on me,  I was lonely and in need of adult conversation.  So he got together with his teammate who has a wife around my age and a daughter around Mills’ (Mills is Amelia’s nickname) age, they got us together and the rest is history.

One of the first times we had the Basco's over for our Friday night get togethers

Every Friday ever since November 2010 we have spent together.  We trade off houses every other week and host.  The hostess would prepare dinner and the guest would generally bring adult beverages.  (Hostess and Guest sound so fancy).  It’s always a good time!  We sip on our dranks and chit-chat, the girls get to play, our husbands get to practice and everyone is happy.  Since we are pregnant (Yes, her and I are both pregnant her more recently) we have cut out the adult beverages and added in desserts! It’s a time that I look forward to every week.  It is so comforting to be able to talk to someone who is riding the same rollercoaster.  She is a Navy wife, has a toddler daughter, and moved to Okinawa around the same time.  Through the dinners we have become great friends, well more like family.  We’ve vacationed together, spent holidays together, celebrated birthday; being in the military your good friends become your family.  The military really is a tight knit community, even more so being overseas.  I’ve never really been too involved, she is actually my first military wife friend.  I just realized that.  Wow, after all these years Morgan has been in the Navy.  Anyways, all in all, it’s a good time!  Good food, good drinks, and good times. 

A pic of the girls now :)

On a side note>>>

{I’m 23 weeks prego and feeling big! I really need to start getting stuff ready for baby.  Morgan and I still trying to narrow down boy names.}

{I made a Filipino dish my mom makes, and it was pretty good!  I was pretty proud of myself.  Made me really miss my mommy.}

{Wondering if I should take maternity photos???? I never took any with Amelia and this might be my last pregnancy.  I need to figure that out, soon!}

A day in the Life of a Working Mommy...

Going back to work has been a bit of an adjustment.  I enjoy getting out of the house, adult conversation, and mental stimulation.  I miss waking up when it’s not dark out, teaching my daughter things, and mother daughter bonding.  I know that the life of a mommy is give and take, weather I stay at home or I’m off to work.

5:15 am I am up with the darkness.   Well I actually set my alarm for 5:05 am, but I hit the snooze button once before really getting up.   If I wasn’t pregnant I would usually start some coffee, but since I am no caffeine for me.  I generally take awhile to get ready, I’m sort of slow and I don’t like to be rushed, so I wake up at an ungodly hour. During this time, I’m getting myself ready and picking out Amelia’s clothes and ironing our outfits for the day.

6:15 am I start my attempts at waking Amelia up.  She is not a morning person, she definitely gets that from me.  I don’t like to jar her so early in the morning so I just keep walking in her room and calling her, until 6:30 am when I actually get her out of bed and sit her on her potty.

By 6:50 am we are out of the door, dressed and ready for the day.  My husband and I usually take turns taking her to daycare, but I take her on most days since he works farther and has to come in earlier.



She tried to go to school with all that!



7:30 am work starts.  Almost always my boss is late so in the morning I take my time, read the news, read my emails, and eat breakfast.

My job is pretty much the same thing everyday.  I’m an office manager at a gym, not too much going on here.  My day consists of; filling, setting up schedules, answering phones, editing my bosses work, making spreadsheets, setting up meetings, taking notes, etc…

"working"

12 pm is my lunch hour.  I don’t like to run errands after work so I try to do all my errands during my lunch. Since I’ve become pregnant I’ve actually slowed down and spent many lunch hours taking a nap in the back of my car.  I’m just so tired these days.  Hey, I’m going to get sleep when I can.

More work after lunch….

4:30 pm is quitting time for me.  On my way home I pick up Amelia everyday.  I like to talk to her teacher and see how her day went and if she had any notable mentions.  As soon as we get home I set Amelia up with something to play with, some coloring material, or a dvd. 

5:15 pm I start dinner.  That is also around the time Morgan gets home. He always plays with her as soon as he gets home. 

6pm is dinner time. After dinner dishes are done.  Every other day I clean the floors.

Pregnancy Craving for Nachos!

7pm is bath time.  Amelia loves bath time.  She just loves her bubbles.  During this time either I am cleaning up or my husband, whoever is not giving Amelia a bath.  After her bath, she has play time.

8:30 pm it’s night night time.

9pm is me and hubby time.  We usually spend this time watching TV, talking, catching up on some reading in bed.  Just some chill time to end the day.

10pm Bed time zzZZZzz

L is for they way you look at me......

Love is definitely in the air. Valentine’s day just passed here.  It was the first time Amelia had a class to share it with.  I was really excited; it’s one of my favorite holidays.  What’s not to love about a day that celebrates LOVE?  Since it was Amelia’s first time handing out Valentine treats I wanted to do better than a simple card.  I hit up the store bought several different bags of chocolates and candy and I went to the 100 Yen store for some goodie bags.  I picked out Mickey & Minnie since she loves them. 

I put the bags together the night before.  Amelia tried to help, but she was more interested in what was going into the bags then putting them together.  I thought they were adorable and I’m pretty sure her classmates enjoyed the treats!

Amelia's Valentines Day Face xoxxo

As for the rest of the day it was pretty low key.  Since the day fell on a weeknight and we had just got back from vacation it was nice to spend it at home.  Morgan made dinner and cleaned up the kitchen after.  We watched our favorite Tuesday night shows and exchanged cards and gifts. Spending Valentines as a family can be really sweet!

Snow, Beer and Fun....

Well we just got back from vacation.  It was our first trip off island to another island in Japan.  We went for 4 days up to the island of Hokkaido.  More notably we went to Sapporo, known for their beer, chocolate, and snow and ice festival.  A few months back I was looking into taking a family vacation.  We hadn’t really been on one since we lived in WA.  Sure we went to visit my parents, went to visit his parents but that’s not really a vacation for me.  We looked at a few places we wanted to go to, but decided on Sapporo because of the snow and ice festival.  This festival is no joke, the pictures we saw online did no justice to these sculptures, they were amazing!  We had an incredible time, so glad we choose to go.  Love making memories with my family!!

To get to Sapporo, there was some major traveling involved.  Well it wasn’t so bad, but when you are 5 months pregnant and have a toddler in tow it wasn’t the easiest.  We took two planes, one about 2 hours and the second an hour, then an hour and a half shuttle to our hotel.  Surprisingly Amelia did very well, couldn’t be happier with her.  I know it was a long day for her.  Once we get there it was in the afternoon, it was COLD.  I knew it was going to be cold, but I wasn’t really prepared for it.  When we got there we just decided to walk around and see the city.  Our hotel was in the shopping and restaurant district.  This was the first time we went on a trip without Amelia’s stroller and she did really well walking.  Morgan had to carry her every once in awhile, but for the most part she did fab.  The streets were so busy.  There were a ton of people all over the place, probably there for the same reason we were. I read that about 2 million people go a year to this thing.  It was really crazy to see some of the local women!  It was 9 degrees out and they would be wearing shorts or skirts with boots and tights.  Can you believe it?  There was also snow and ice all over and they would walk around in their 5 inch boots.  I was in awe…more props to them.  Anyway we decided to just take in the sites and grab a bite and rest up for the night.  With the long day of travel and full bellies we were spent.  We wanted to be all rested for the day after.

The second day we had a lot to do.  We planned to go to the Tsudome Dome.  It was probably 20 min cab ride from our hotel.  They closed off the parking lot for all sorts of snow activities.  There were snow mobile rides, slides made of snow and ice, snow sculptures, snow land for the kids and inside had games and food.  We had such a blast.  I was a little sad that we hadn’t prepared better clothes for Amelia.  I didn’t know this place existed.  I just thought we were going to look at sculptures, we ended up finding out about this place down in our hotel lobby.  Well all the other kids and adults were dressed to play in the snow, we were not.  Thankfully Amelia had fleece lined pants, but they weren’t water proof.  That really didn’t stop her, the only thing that held her back was me taking her inside the dome every so often so she could warm back up.  The whole time we were there she was sliding, riding behind the snow mobile, or playing in the snow.  I was freezing but warmed up quickly when I saw the gigantic smile on her face.  Thankfully Morgan did most of the dirty work, he loves being able to be a kid.  Needless to say, we all had a great time and by the time we headed back Amelia passed out on my lap.

After a good nap we went to go to see the snow sculptures and grab some dinner at the festival.  We decided to go at night, because we heard that the lighting made them look so much more incredible.  They were so awesome.  They were huge.  They were magnificent.  They really were all pieces of art.  There were about 12 huge sculptures and a bunch of smaller ones.  We walked the festival for a couple hours and drank hot chocolate and bought treats from local vendors.  I would have to say my fave was the Mickey Mouse sculpture, I think I’m being bias because of Amelia.  I know she liked that one too.  We got to see all of them, even though it was freezing and towards the end Amelia and I were complaining.  For the last 20 mins the snow really started coming down and it was hard to see and walk.  Definitely a fun night activity.

On our last full day there we decided to go to the notorious Sapporo Beer Factory Museum.  This place looked like something Sheppard Ferry drew up.  It was a very cool looking building.  The Sapporo Beer factory was Japan’s first beer factory ever.  The museum showed a bunch of old ads, old beers, old pictures and of course they had beer tasting.  All of the information was in Kanji so we couldn’t read any of it, but there were tour guides all over the place and they were helpful.  A lot of the stuff was cool enough just to look at.   At the end of the museum Morgan did some beer tasting.  He tasted 4 in all, one was actually made of oyster broth, he didn’t like that one.  He enjoyed the others, but Orion remains his favorite Japanese beer.  I bought some gifts for our friends and some souvenirs for us, so we can always remember the beer factory.  That night we actually went back to eat at their restaurant.  I read on a lot of blogs that it was delish, they were all right.  We ordered a variety of food.  Morgan’s favorite item was the pickled herring.  I enjoyed the crab fried rice.  We ate to our hearts content and we didn’t even finish it all!  It was good while it lasted.

That really concluded our trip to Sapporo.  The rest of the night we packed and in the morning we left. We had a great time and memories for a lifetime.  I don’t know if we will ever be back, but we definitely have recommended to our friends and family if they ever get the chance to go visit.