Especially when we got to do it with these guys:
We went to Ginkaku-Ji Temple first (also known as the “Silver Pavillion”)
Every corner we turned was filled with such beauty.
Japan is so different from China in that everything is ultra-orderly.
They believe in “the line” like nobody’s business. Everything is pristinely clean. There were people keeping things beautifully swept and perfect everywhere we went.
…and I guess Fall in Kyoto brings out all the traditional kimonos becasue man alive these guys were everywhere you looked:
Lucy was in Heaven pushing her little cousin around.
Love the rock gardens where you can sit and reflect on life in general.
The view from the top pagoda:
Trying-to-be-serious:
…an added number six:
…added parents:
After all that breathtaking gorgeous-ness, we walked around the Gion District to see if we could see any geishas and find some pre-dinner snack.
But everyone was so dang tired by then that we we decided to head for the piece de resistance:
Curry for dinner.
Japanese curry is probably their very favorite meal and this one in actual Japan did not disappoint.
We talked about gratitude in the midst of trying to feed a toddler and Lu’s book reading (she can’t stop on Harry Potter these days):
And stopped on the way back to our hotel for popsicles at a Japanese convenience store for our big Thanksgiving dessert.
Yes, it was certainly a day we won’t soon forget.
So grateful for this family of mine and this adventure we are on together.
More on why we chose Japan for this chapter of the adventure tomorrow.
15 comments
Oh you brought me memories of our trip to Japan two years ago! We went to Kyoto for New Year's and it was crowded! loved the temples, they're so magnificient!
Japan is breathtakingly beautiful. I enjoyed this post very much. Not only on gratitude, but also the vibrant colours of fall in Japan. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I don't ask to be a rude snot, but does Grace have valgus (knock-knees)? My cousin has it and it looks very similar. Grace is lovely nonetheless, of course!
I would love to see some of your adventures from your children's point of view. Would they be willing to do that? It looks like you're having a blast!
Thank you for blogging and sharing your life with us!! I absolutely love your parent's books!! These are great pics and memories. I loved your timeline that you had with all of your pics and was trying to show my blog designer what I loved. Is there anyway you have a pic of that? I like the new look also!! Thanks again for showing us how to be great parents!!!
those colors…brilliant!
WOW! Those colors are breathtaking!
Are you kidding me with all that beautiful color! Miss you guys
Those colors are unbelievable! Truly breathtaking! On a smaller scale that has got to rival New England. Fabulous! It's so great to see you all together! Japan is such an organized, civilized, orderly country. We love it….and the beautiful gracious people who live there!
So beautiful! This post has sparked a new desire to visit Japan! Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful photos with such beautiful colors. I think I'd like Japan.
Breathtaking beauty – thanks for capturing it and sharing it!
I just LOVE Kyoto! It's even more beautiful in the fall!
How happy you got to visit and to meet up with Eli & Julie & Zara!
WOW these photos are incredible!! What a beautiful time to visit!
When I make it to Japan someday, I think I need to go in the fall. GORGEOUS!