Oct. 20, 2006: The Beginning of our New Life

Before this blog turns completely Canadian, I just wanted to show one final memory of a life that has, like this picture, already begun to fade into the background of my mind. But no matter what I remember, or don't, I will always know that these two years of my life brought me ever-lasting happiness. Arigato.

Almost there...

I can't believe it! I actually changed a poopy diaper in a 2.5 x 2.5 foot airplane toilet! That HAS to be the defining moment of my fatherhood thusfar. The Family Pike did a great job in close quarters on this flight. Max slept through take off and some of the landing, and managed to charm almost every flight attendant on board. Atta boy :-)

Max and Dad at Narita

Grateful to finally board the plane, but still a little reluctant to leave their previous home, Max andDad pose for a final shot in Japan.

Killing Time

We were exhausted after our three days in Tokyo, but we still found time to goof around.

Forgetting Something?

Right... Got my keys, wallet, cell phone.... what am I missing?

Tokyo Max

Note to Self: Travelling through Tokyo by yourself and travelling through Tokyo with a baby are TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS.

Goodbye Tokyo

I have never been a true fan of any Big City, yet I must admit that in our 2.5 years together, Tokyo won our hearts. This is from our hotel in Ryogoku (Sumo Mecca).

Let's go to Canada!!!

Kotomi is super-genki to go. Max thinks its lunchtime.

Thank You Mikiko...

When she isn't trying to run a household or keep wild bears from eating her crops, I hope Maxwell's Grandma Mikiko can find time to check out this blog. Thank you for everything, Mikiko. I promise to bring your Grandson back to you someday, and I promise your reunion will be in Japanese.

Everybody was Kung Fu Fightin'

Wow! That was a wild first half of October!! Kotomi and I busted our humps trying to get everything bought, booked and packed for our big trip home. We had a few hurdles along the way, but we eventually made it all the way to Tokyo, then Canada. This pic was take after I mistakenly tried to pack my son into the suitcase. Enjoy the next batch of pictures chronicling "The Immigration"!

Coming Home

Just a few quick things... First, I felt compelled to change the title of Blog... as my many entries would attest to, the extraordinary amount of good fortune I have recieved over the last few years leaves me feeling anything but "Lost". "Life in Translation" also serves well as a title for our transition from life in Japan to life in Canada. By the way, we have an exact day of that transition for you. October 20th. Now if you will excuse me, Max is begging me to take him for a stroll...