We had an amazing long weekend, two weeks ago with my parents at Nojiri Lake. Nojiri is in Nagano prefecture and is a place that we have gone most summers since I grew up. It was so refreshing to escape the heat of Chiba and get to go to the mountains. The lake is nestled in the middle of several mountains and the views of God’s creation are always breathtaking. Here are some of the things we did:
The girls had a ton of time with their grandparents and loved it. Here is Noa with “Gii-Gii”
We loved it too, since we could put the girls down and go for walks or hikes or a swim. Thanks Mom and Dad! Here we are in front of the cabin before we left 
My parents’ cabin is at the top of one of the big hills, so to get to the water we really have to hike. Noa was usually able to make it down part of the way like this:
but usually, she traveled like this 
There are tons of activities up there, including swimming lessons, sports, dances, dramas, sailing, etc., all open to everyone who comes. Noa and I were able to go to an “Aqua-tots” swim class together one morning. It was great fun and we both learned a lot.
We had a lot of fun in the water almost every day. Even Martha got in a few times. It was great to have so many loving Aunties and Uncles to help with the girls. 
One day, we took a hike partially up a mountain to this waterfall, a favorite family picnic spot from when I was younger
The mountain water was FREEZING, I could barely stick my toes in. Eric, on the other hand, decided to go for a swim. BRRRRRRRR!
It was a great hike and a fabulous time to be together.
Me with Amby, my sweet friend and practically my sister (visiting from Australia with Esther and Joel). 
At the beginning and end of our hike, we went through this beautiful field with so many butterflies.
It was amazing to see so many. They were each so unique and beautiful!
Of course, I had to get the signature family photos out on the dock.
Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our time. It truly was a blessing and refreshment for us. It was also so special for me to share with Eric and the girls a place that is so close to my heart and holds so many wonderful memories. It’s great to have some memories in Nojiri with them now, and I pray we will have many more in the years to come. 
I love your family photo ya’ll are so cute.
Looks like an awesome time!
That family pic is really cute, glad you all got to escape from the heat for awhile, I know how wonderful that can be…looking forward to seeing you all in Septmeber!