Mom Haggerty's visit - part 3

Sunday, May 27th we took Mom to worship with us. Since it was Pentecost, we had a special joint Japanese/English-speaking service. The children sat together during the service. At the end of the service they spread miniature roses and rose petals throughout the church. This tradition is an Italian one that recalls the miracle of the fiery tongues (Acts 2:1-21) and the Holy Spirit coming to the apostles. I was a little nervous letting Addy sit with the other children. I didn't know if she'd be loud or stay near them, but she did great! Addy's favorite church friend, Emi, was there and took good care of Addy.

Addison and Emi

Walking to the altar to pick-up the rose baskets.

The recessional

One last picture.







After the service we headed to Shinjuku for a yummy curry lunch. And then it was off to the sights! First stop, Meiji Shrine where we saw two Shinto wedding parties. Sundays are popular for weddings since many men work six days a week. We saw a third wedding party near the Meiji Treasure House. We were all taken with the beauty of their kimono.



Wedding processional - the bride and groom are under the large red umbrella.














What visit to the Meiji Shrine/Harajuku/Yoyogi Area would be complete without watching the Tokyo Rockabilly Club for a little bit? Here they are performing Grease Lightening. Mom said that Ian and I should join them and show them how it's done. We might be a little out of practice. The last time we did that was at our wedding reception!

Early the next morning we left Tokyo for Nikko. It had only been a month since our last visit, but we were eager to get back and see the seasonal changes. We were not disappointed and Mom felt like she had found a little piece of home in those mountains. The water was flowing harder and faster at all of the falls. The trees were full of leaves and the azaleas, which had already finished blooming in Tokyo, were showing their colors.

Three generations at Yudaki Falls.

Doing some exploring

My favorite falls, Ryuzu Falls.


Kegon Falls
We stayed overnight in Nikko at the Prince Hotel. We had a delicious dinner in the hotel dining room. It also happened to be the only place open after 5 p.m.! Before bedtime Addison found the slipper closet. She repeatedly opened the door, took slippers out, put them on, took out the giant shoe horn, walked around, then returned it all to the slipper closet. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Too cute!