Leaving Japan

We had a noon flight out of Tokyo and we decided to take the bus to Narita Airport. We considered taking the Narita Express, which is a train to the airport, but that would have meant taking a taxi to the subway, taking the subway to Tokyo Station, and then catching the Narita Express from there. With 2 large suitcases, a stroller and two boys, we punted and decided to take the bus, even though it would take longer.

Turns out the bus was a great choice and it didn't take longer to get to the airport. Maybe we just got lucky but it only took 1 1/2 hours to get to the airport and it was painless getting there. Alex and Christine got up early to help us with our luggage (they had a later flight, leaving at 4pm, mom and dad were leaving around the same time.)

It was sad to leave Japan after such an incredible trip but it was time to go. I feel so lucky that we had a nearly flawless trip, the boys had a great time, MJ didn't have a single meltdown, nobody got sick, the weather was nearly perfect, and we visited all the sights we wanted to visit.

Flying business class on the way back was really nice. MJ struggled to nap but he finally fell asleep. We arrived home before lunchtime and that gave us enough time to unpack, relax, take showers and go to the grocery store.

For good measure, I gave the entire family some melatonin before bedtime and it really helped. MJ and CJ were asleep within minutes around 8pm. Maki and I were asleep not long after. We kept taking melatonin for a few more nights and I'm convinced it helped us get over the time difference. It usually takes Maki a couple of weeks to get adjusted to the time but this time around, he was back on the schedule within a couple of days. CJ went to school on Wednesday morning and his teachers said he was just fine. Sunshine and melatonin work great together to reset your body's clock!

 Here's sleeping MJ. I got him up at the very last minute.

Saying good-bye to Alex and Christine.

Look at the different kinds of KitKat bars. We bought every kind!

Checking in at Narita. Flying ANA is really great;
they even gave us a loaner stroller!

It was nice having so much legroom. Thank you, Amex miles!

One of the meals on the flight.

CJ wanted noodles so he got a steaming bowl of udon!

Here's a cute photo of the boys, asleep on CJ's bed, our first night back.