Leaving Los Angeles

Our trip back to LA was one of the first times in my life that I've taken a vacation "back home" and it was wonderful. Shelley said that normally vacation means leaving your friends, and that this was the first vacation where she went to see her friends.

Our visit to LA was filled with tons of family time. While I feel like I'm quite used to moving around - and the emotions surrounding leaving loved ones, Anthon had a harder time. Once he realized what it meant to leave for the airport for Tokyo, he broke down and cried because he wanted to stay with his Nana and Papa (my parents). Indeed Anthon had probably the best time of us all here in the States. He and his cousin Peter are just best buds. It makes Shelley and I sad to think that he'll be without that for a year.

But during our trip we accomplished a lot. As is the case with expats who come home for the summer, we loaded up on stuff to take back home with us that we can't get in Tokyo - I mean a lot of stuff...enough to take back 9 huge bags with us to Tokyo. Clothes, shoes, books, food, you name it.

It was great to see my 91 year old Grandma Ella take to our 3 months old baby Ella. It's also very sad to think that few family members will see her in person until next year - when she will be so much bigger. Thank goodness for video iChat.

Other than that, we gorged ourselves on Mexican food (taco truck, La Cabanita and La Serenata) went to Dodger games, Hollywood Bowl, and even a few movies.

By the end we both felt like it was time to head back to Tokyo. Despite being away from family and many friends, our life is really there. I certainly was relieved to hear that from Shelley because when we first arrived in LA she was so happy that I didn't know if she would join me on the flight back!

Click on any of the pictures to see more of our trip.

Family Trip to Florida, 2008

We recently got back from a Daetwyler family vacation to Florida. This is an annual event in the Daetwyler home. Much to our delight, at the last minute every eligible member of the family was able to make it. I say eligible, because Elder Mike, the missionary in Spain, could not make it...for obvious reasons.

Anthon recently had a scary experience with water, so he was reluctant to get anywhere near the pool or the ocean. He was so anti-beach and anti-pool that Shelley and I really began to question our future beach/resort vacations possibilities. I mean, he hated the beach. Hated the sand, hated the waves, hated the pool, hated everything. He only wanted to be inside. Over time, and thanks to a huge blow up Shamu toy given to him by his Aunt Diana and Uncle Danny, Anthon ventured into the pool and ventured into the ocean and eventually had a lot of fun - diving and swimming and braving the waves. It saved our vacation...and perhaps future ones as well.

Click on the picture below to see a number of photos taken by me, Shelley or Shelley's father, Ed.



Or...click on the picture below to see a short video of Anthon dumping sea water on my head, jumping into the pool, swimming and driving a boat...all in one family vacation.

Another Sunburn

A quick trivia question for you all - can you tell which parts of my back came into contact with suntan lotion and which parts didn't? Let me tell you, that's the last time I use spray-on suntan lotion.


I have a knack for getting sunburn on the very first day of becah vacations. I don't set this as a goal, it just happens. The night after I got burned, as we were saying our family prayers, I could have sworn Shelley said, "and please bless that Tony's sunburn won't hinder us from having a good time in Florida." Shelley contends, however that she said me instead of us! For the record, I didn't let the sunburn hinder my having a good time, except I did fry my scalp a few days later.

So, I was rolling on the beaches of Florida sporting a t-shirt and hat towards the end of the week. Nothing says 'advanced age' and 'uncool' like some dude hanging out on the beach or wading in the water with a t-shirt and hat...but that was me. I really feel bad that Shelley has to be married to someone like that!