June = Hydrangea

Of all the foliage and flowers in the world, Hydrangea has to be one of my favorites, (wisteria being the close second.) Lacey lavender and sky blues to Magenta and soft baby pink. I love every variety and hue. My wedding bouquet centered around white hydrangea, (a rare find in the middle of February,) and I have plans to cover my future yard with it one day. This love of hydrangea was instilled in me during my youth. My mother has always loved this plant as well and we grew up with both deep violet and cerulean shrubbery in our front, back, and side yards. I just love how full and rich the blooms become and how LONG they last! Just like a sunset they change over time into richer and then more delicate colors as they slowly fade away. I love to watch this cycle every year. Here in Japan hydrangea is popular too. The Japanese people even have viewing seasons and parties for this plant. All over Kamakura in June the Japanese tourists flock and snap pictures. My mother and I followed suit! How lucky that she just "happened" to be here in June for a visit!

My friend Mari recommended some temples in Kita-Kamakura for the ultimate hydrangea viweing experience. My mom and I were not disappointed. Prepare for photo overload!!

My Family Came to Visit!! ....back in May....

My mom and dad and brother came to visit me at the end of May. This was the first time my dad and brother had come to Japan and we all had a blast. They were only able to stay for a little less than two weeks, but we were able to pack a lot of sightseeing into a short amount of time.

I had to show them Kamakura of course and the Big Buddha. We also spent three nights in Tokyo, ate some sushi, visited Yokohama, and played with Lilia!




We went to Tokyo Disney Sea! This is the Tokyo Disney Resort as we passed by on the train.
I would like to stay there, but... it's a little out of our price range.
Disney Sea only exists in Japan. It was an interesting park. Lots of fun!















We went to Sensoji in Asakusa of course. It was great letting my dad carry Lilia around for a change. She loved it, he loved it, and my back got a break.


My mom makes friends wherever she goes.

On one of our last days we went to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama. This is one of my favorite places in Japan. I was really glad I could take my family here.
Mick having altogether way to much fun.
Azalea bonsai contest!
Bamboo!



I am so glad that they were able to come. The only thing that could have made it better would have been to have my sister visit as well.