The End of an Era

I have closed a chapter in my life, all three of my children have been baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Pants was baptized in our Misawa Military Ward on April 14th.  We were grateful for the support of our ward who truly are family in our remote location.  We are also grateful that my mother was here with us to see Pants take this important step.

Pants with Grandma Gayle

The ending of an era:

Pant's Baptism- Misawa Military Ward, Japan, April 2019

Bub's Baptism- Misawa Military Ward, Japan, July 2016

Bear's baptism- Hobble Creek 1st Ward, Springille, Utah, April 2014

Fun things to do in the snow in Misawa

We are one of the few families that do not ski in Misawa.  People say that if you don't ski, the winter is long and isolating.  I have not found this to be true.  It is quite sunny in the winter here during the day and even though the days are short, if you are a planner like me, you can enjoy the outside activities.  We love all the winter festivals around Misawa.  Many towns within a two hour radius have them and they are all in month of February.  This year we traveled to the Sapporo Ice Festival (see previous post) and the Towada Winter Story Festival.

Sledding around the snow sculptures

Local entertainment on the snow carved stage

We don't always know the Japanese characters but they are fun to pose in front of.  This festival came alive at night

A little love for me and Josh

I am sure this says Towada Snow Story 2019!

Other winter fun events:

Josh kicked off BSC week by paiting the initials in the snow on base

Bear tries out skiing with the Young Women and Young Men of Misawa Military Ward

We celebrated Girls Day, March 3rd, Hinamatsuri.  It is a celebration of peach blossoms and all things girly in Japan

One of the last winter events in this area of Northern Japan is the Mount Hakkoda Snow Walk.  Last year, Josh took Bub and Pants on the walk while Bear and I were at the Sapporo Temple.  This year Bear, Pants and I made the trek.  All winter long the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line has been closed for snow.  The last weekend of March, the road is plowed, and people can walk the 5-mile road for a two-day limited time.  Then the road is open for cars again.  The snow walls surrounded us as we walked, some standing 9 meters high.  It was beautiful to see the mountain range still covered in snow.