10 (or so) Rules for Little Boys

(Fabulous photo by Jen Lee Photography)

You may recall around two years ago, when I was just starting to adjust to life as the mother of three boys.  I made myself a few rules to make me more accepting and effective at my job.  

Well, I think I've been doing alright...

• I hardly even flinch at three little bodies storming in the back door covered with mud.  
  
• I actually purchased Nerf guns for the boys and I don't swear (out loud) when a dart hits me in the head at point blank range!  (Doug!!!)
  
• I've ceded the fight to (most) potty words and just let them fly on by unacknowledged.
  
• I haven't purchased any girl stuff since...well...since Target last month.  But the amount has GREATLY DECREASED!  GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

With that said, though, I think it's time I made a few more rules.  Rules the BOYS need to follow if they want a sane, functioning mom still coherent enough at the end of the day to read a bed time story.  

I'm going to limit this list to ten because, lets face it, most people can't even hack all ten of the Ten Commandments.  I don't want to push my luck.

Rules For Little Boys Who Want Sane Mothers

I'll start with the most important.

#1.  No letting stinkers while sitting on, or near, Mom.  I don't even care if you call them farts.  Just don't let them in my immediate vicinity.   Especially when I'm holding you lovingly on my lap and you let one rip that rattles my bones.  (Sorry to use such coarse language, but the subject matter demands it.)

#2.  I know you are going to get dirty playing outside in the large mud pit you dug with the neighbor boys.   I know you are going to track some (a lot) of that dirt inside.  But please, please stop dragging your pitch-black hands along every.single.white.surface. in the house on your way from the back door to the bathtub.      

FOR THE LOVE OF HUMANITY!

#3.  I'm glad you have friends.  I'm grateful for all the cute little neighbor kids you have to play with.  But please don't offer all 50 of them them water and granola bars and then send them into the house--separately--at two minute intervals.

#4.  Could we please try to keep the visits to the Vice Principle at a minimum?  This type of thing tends to ware on a mother's parenting self-esteem.

#5.  Please quit telling everyone about my parenting indiscretions.  Or I'll tell everyone that YOU pick your nose!

#6  There will be no more licensed "Lightning McQueen/Cars" clothing after the age of five, Sammy.  I have my limits.  Start getting used to the idea.

#7.  There will be no more help with wiping your bum after the age of five, Sammy.  I have my limits.  Start getting used to the idea.  

#7a.  And while we're on the subject, ALL BOYS MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE LEAVING THE BATHROOM!!!  I don't care if you didn't get pee-pees on them.  JUST DO IT!!!

#8  Must you let your personality deteriorate so severely after being weened from the binky?  I mean, first Sam, now Gabe!   It's only a binky!  It's not Prozac!  You can still be happy without it!!!  

(sorry.  That wasn't really a rule.)

real #8  No fighting in the car.  We will pull over and make you walk.  We've done it before, we'll do it again.

#9  No complaining about gifts or I'll take them back and I WONT feel the slightest bit guilty!

#10  I am allowed to listen to something other than the HSM sound track and Scripture Scouts in your presence.  Yes, I am.            YES I AM!!!

Okay, two more "bonus rules".  But really, more like helpful hints!  I can't help myself.  (I'll bet Moses got a few too, he just forgot to write them down.)

#11.  If you bite me, I'll bite you back.  I just decided that right this second.  Don't test me.  I'll do it.

#12.  Don't repeat yourself more than ten times.  If I haven't answered or acknowledged you by number ten, you can be assured I've tuned you out and I'm not listening.  Got it?  (HEY!  Did you hear that?  LISTEN TO ME WHEN I TALK TO YOU!!!)

Well, that should do it.  I'm confident now that these rules have been established things will start running a lot more smoothly around here!

I've just got to get this list engraved in stone--or maybe cross stitched into a Sampler--for display on the wall.  

Wish me luck!

Moderate THIS!

***  

I turned "comment moderation" on for comments made on posts that are over 10 days old.  Just so I'll know when someone comments on an old post so I can read it.  (I don't routinely check for comments on old posts and don't want to enable the feature that has all comments e-mailed to me.)  

There is no comment censorship enforced.  (Unless--say--you're a potty mouth.  Because we all know that I'm the only one authorized to swear around here--and only in foreign languages!  Bugger and Bloody=foreign)  

Oh, or if you post my super secret last name.  Then I'll change it to Dub and re-post your comment.

But usually, I just let you comment freely!

Because I'm confident in the knowledge that if you're reading it's because you love me and you'll mostly only leave REALLY NICE COMMENTS telling me what adorable children I have and how great my hair looks in its natural dish-water-colored un-coifed state!!!  

Does that answer your question 'mCcarthy lives in 2009'?  (And when you say you're one of my 'bigger' fans, is that by weight or volume?)

***

And now I'll ask again:

Any comments?

***

Swimming in Japan

Cam's Swimming birthday party was a few weeks ago and the boys were invited so Mom and Dad came too.  (Actually, in hindsight, maybe only Max was invited.  Hmmm...)

Where?  Misawa City Pool

Swim caps are required.  As are pre-swim showers.  Much cleaner and more hygienic than American pools.  Plus, isn't Gabe the cutest little pin head ever?

The boys ponder the awesome water slide in anticipation!

We know that even though he had to be carried up the stairs kicking, screaming and flailing wildly--and then forced to ride down with Daddy--that deep down Sam thought the water slide was really fun.

Ice cream is available for a buck twenty.  I tried the Sweet Potato--because of peer pressure.  It didn't suck.  But I wont be getting it again...

Happy Birthday Caml!!!  Thanks for letting us crash your party!!!

Quick Favor

Hi!  Could either one or six of you please sign up to "follow" this blog?  It would really help my OCD if I could have even little rows of five-each down there on my sidebar.

I'd really appreciate it!  Thanks!!!

(If eleven more of you want to follow, that's fine too!)

Sincerely,

Emily-Has-Issues Dub

Dear You

Dear "yournoseyneighbor", who are you?

Dear Lacey, I need your e-mail address so I can answer your PCS questions!

Dear First Time Commentors,  Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!  I LOVE COMMENTS!!!  And I've probably already stopped by and browsed your blog even if I haven't commented yet.

Dear Loyal Commentors,  I love you.  A lot.  (You don't have to be too concerned...I am all the way in Japan, after all.)  

Dear Everyone Else,  Any comments?

Spending Freeze = Brr Cold

It started with an article in Reader's Digest.  (One of the perks of military life=free Reader's Digest)  It describes one family's "No-Buy Experiment":  A quest to live one whole month without spending any money.  It was a great article and I mentioned to Doug maybe we should try it sometime.  (Him="YIPEE!")   Later, I read that my friends did something similar.  I was definitely intrigued, but still not quite motivated.

And then we went to Hawaii.  ($$$)

And I went to Costco AND Target.  (And thoroughly enjoyed both trips:  $$$$$.)

And now I'm motivated.

So we're trying it.

One whole month without spending money.  

Except not really.

We're not doing it quite the same.  We didn't plan ahead so we're still going to have to get groceries and diapers.  But the goal is, nothing extra!!!

• No on-line shopping at Amazon.
  
• No unnecessary BX purchases.
  
• No eating out.
  
• No on-line shopping at Target.
  
• No 100 Yen store. (No 100 Yen Store???!!??)
  
• And finally,
  
• No on-line shopping.  Period.  (!!!!)
  

Flashback to Monday; the first day of the month.  Doug had the day off.  We went to the BX to cancel Max's school lunch account.  (He was buying hot lunch just to get the dessert.  Even on days he had a sack lunch.)

On the way in, we walked past Cinnabon.  All of the sudden, I have an overwhelmingly desperate desire for some warm gooey goodness.  Never before had a carton full of saturated fat and high fructose corn syrup seemed so tempting.  The smell almost overwhelmed me.  But alas...I had to walk right on by.  (Fortunately Doug was there to keep me strong.)  

We walked into the main store.  (It's sort of like a Mervyn's...not quite as nice as, say, Kohl's, and nowhere even in the same galaxy as Target.  And yet they sell Coach bags.  So bizarre.) 

Doug headed to Customer Service to take care of the school lunch account.  I took Gabey back to look at the toys.  Soon it was time to go.  And I was empty handed.  It felt very strange.  Very uncomfortable.  I didn't like it at all.  It's not even a place I love to shop, but to leave without buying something felt all wrong!  Doug grabbed my arm and pulled.  It was painful on so many levels.

And then we got in the car.  We had time to kill before Sam got out of school.  It would have been the perfect time to drive off-base for some Ramen and Gyoza with only ONE kid in tow.  But alas.  We were destined for PB&J's at home.  The rest of the day passed in a blur of self-deprivation and self-pity.  

Pathetic, I know, but I never claimed to be a saint!  (Genius, yes! Hard-core Athlete with lightning reflexes?  Of course.  Saint?  No.)

It is now day 4 and I'm staying strong.  I've found it helps to stay in the house but away from the computer.  The trampoline has been a safe-haven, for example.  (Ahh, the trampoline.  One of the best investments we ever made!!!)

I'm a little afraid of going to the grocery store--I don't want to go overboard--but eventually I'm going to have to test my resolve and see if it's possible for me to just buy the necessities.  (i.e. no stock piles of food storage Nutella.)

I'll let you know how it goes.

In the mean time though, I think I'm going to go make Cinnamon Rolls.

Like I said...

I'm no saint.

To cheer me up, tell me some of your tips and tricks for saving money.  I need all the help I can get!!!

To My Dearly Beloved:

How could I forget to mention you!!!

You were (practically) the HIGH POINT of my trip.  (But strangely, the low point for Doug.)

My two hour (too short) shopping spree amongst your beloved familiar isles, Target,will never be forgotten.  We didn't get to visit you until our last day in town, but I feel I made the most of our limited time together.

Doug believes I spent way too much money.  I believe the months of separation made it necessary.  Some of the treasures you provided:

Two really cute new tops and a jacket for me

An automatic pencil sharpener (needed for the kitchen)

Sharpies (which they probably sell at the BX but which I wanted to buy from YOU)

Some baby clothes for gifts (cute and on clearance!!!)

Clothes, socks and undies for the boys

3 bottles of Clean and Clear facial moisturizer

2 Nerf guns for Max and Sam

and much MUCH more!

I really miss you, Target!!!  Please PLEASE come to Northern Japan!  We NEED you here.

With MUCH Love,

Emily

(but not Doug)

The Rest of the Trip

I've never been one to reinvent the wheel or duplicate effort.  (Read: I'm lazy.)  So now I'd like to refer you to my friend Diane's blog for details on the rest of the trip.  Just pretend I'm a gorgeous brunette who works out everyday and is all toned and healthy and stuff, oh and plus I keep my house clean 'cause I'm actually not lazy.  (You see, we're practically the same person.)

The only minor differences are these:  Doug and I didn't stay at the Hilton.  We stayed at the military owned Hale Koa next door.  (It was actually quite nice!)  We didn't paddle board.  (I'm pretty sure Doug was at the conference which means I was probably taking a nap.)  We didn't pose as statues.  (But I wish we did.)

The rest of the info from her last two posts is (practically) EXACTLY THE SAME!

Now to mention something of extreme importance:  My sunburn has turned into a surprisingly dark tan!!!  Unfortunately, due to the previously mentioned shoddy sunscreen application, I only got sunburned in random places, ie, a large spot in the middle of my chest, two slivers near my armpits, the top of my forehead, and two vertical stripes down my shins.  The rest of me is just a darker shade of pasty.  It sorta looks like I have issues with skin pigmentation.  

Oh well.  I'll take what I can get.  I'm lazy that way.

Definitely Day 4 - Last Day on North Shore - Oh, and I'm home now.

It's hard being as attractive as we all are. It's really a burden. Here we are visiting some (un-impressive) ancient sacred ruins. You can tell we were over-awed.

Next stop, the aptly named turtle beach. Where I really did say the following: "Where's the turtle?" Oh, THERE it is!!!  (Leave me alone.  I was looking in the water not two feet away from me on the sand.)

My awesome collection of sea glass and shells.  (And maybe a few pieces of sea plastic and sea garbage.)

A really sexy couple who enjoy long walks on the beach.

(Actually, after this long walk on the beach, I'm going to remove "Likes long walks on the beach" from my on-line dating profile since I found it rather exhausting.)  (The sand was really squishy and our feet were sinking in like two feet with each step!)  (No, I don't really have an on-line dating profile, so nobody panic and call my bishop!)

A few bonus pictures to make you extra jealous.

Now it's time to catch up on the rest of the trip.

(And I was doing so well at first...)

"Whachoo talkin' bout Willis?!"

Day 3? It's all a blur...

Based on the pictures, we did lots of stuff this day...

But this is really all I remember:

Hawaii Day 2

"Oh silly me! I got knocked down by a wave!" *giggle giggle*"Hey wait! Now I'm being dragged out to sea! Doug...? Anyone...?? A little help here...! Gahhh...!!"

----------

Turns out, SPF 4, shoddily applied, is not adequate for a pasty white goddess such as myself.

Doug claims this has been proven numerous times in the past.

I say "bah".

One of these days, Hawaiian Tropic will come through for me and I WILL get a natural dark tan of the Islands.

One day, Baby...one day.
----------

Getting Out of the Usual and/or Time Travelling to Hawaii.

Yesterday was Sunday.
We got up and went to church as usual.
We came home and had lunch as usual.
Then Doug and I did something UNusual.
We hugged and kissed our kids good bye,
left them with friends,
and went to the airport.

And flew to Tokyo.

And then flew to Hawaii.

Where we arrived at 9 a.m....Sunday morning.
(No. We did not go to church again.)

And now it's Sunday night late here in Hawaii. But it's Monday evening in Japan.
And we're all confused and out of sync.

But still happy to be here because, duh...it's Hawaii.
And not only is it Hawaii, but it's America.

And that means that when Doug roared out of Alamo's parking lot behind the wheel of our sporty red Mustang Convertible, (thank you for the great deal Priceline!) I had no problem cranking the rock station full blast, sticking my feet on the dash, and singing loudly to the music with my hand hanging out the window surfing the air currents.

Something I would never, ever do in Japan...
where I try my best to be civilized and quiet and polite and give a good impression of Americans.

And although we really do love Japan and we love the adventures we're having there...
I also really love America.
I didn't realize just how much I missed it until I got here!
---
If we had to turn around and go right back I'd be happy because at least I
1) Have eaten some DEEEEEEEE-Licious Sweet Bread French Toast with Mangos, whipped cream and Macadamia nuts on top.

2) Listened to some excellent radio at top volume.
3) Shared a Virgin Pina Colada with Doug
4) Seen and laughed with 3 other awesome couples, all from Doug's residency in Rhode Island. (And with whom we're now sharing a beach house.)
Sometimes unusual is really, really good.

(case in point --->)

Gabey Turned TWO!!!

Two weeks ago...

Poor poor poor third child. Due to the fact that he had a horrible head cold, as did his brothers, his original party got cancelled and postponed.

But that doesn't explain why I'm just getting around to blogging about it. 

That would be because of the CAKE. 

On Maxwell's second birthday, he got an awesome Santa cake.

On Sam's second birthday, he got an awesome puppy cake.

But Gabe, Gabe got a box cake in a 9x13. With store bought frosting. It was so pathetic Doug didn't even take a picture of it.  *sigh*

I'll make it up to him next year. I swear on this blog I'll make it up to him next year.

But the poor kid still deserves some recognition, so once again, this stinkin' blog post will have to do:

Some of Gabey's Favorites

Color: The only color he can say is "PoPo" (purple) but still, I'm going to guess red.  Or green.  GREEN!  Final answer.

Food: Bananas. Hands down. He'll eat 5 a day if I let him. In fact, he usually has two with his breakfast.

Parent: "MommyMommyMommyMommyMommyMommyMommyMommyMommy". I judge that shearly by the fact that he says my name more than any other word. All day, every day.

Sibling: I'm going to have to go with "Ahss" (Max) since he still refuses to try saying the name "Sam".

Animal: "GahGee" (Doggy.) What do you suppose the odds are of this kid having a few speech mis-articulations like his big brothers?

Items: Binky and Blanket aka DeeDee and Dee (Dee, by-the-way, is also Drink.)

Book: "Things That Go" by Usbourne

Activities: Jumping on the trampoline with his brothers, wrestling and reading with Daddy, playing at the sink with the water running, tubby time, standing at my feet whining to be picked up.

We sure love you Gabey Baby!

Thanks for being such an adorable kid!

P.S. I'll really really really really miss you while I'm in Hawaii...

A LOT!!!

Yesterday...

I stood in the front yard sprinkling grass seed on all the bare spots in the lawn and it occured to me:

I'm trying to grow grass in Northern Japan.

I paused and thought about it again.

I'm in Northern Japan and I'm planting grass.

Because I live here...in Northern Japan.

And I'll be here long enough to watch grass grow.

Ten years ago, I had different plans for my life. Plans that did not involve the Military or Japan. 

Then, my plans had only recently started to include a hot blond BYU pre-dental student . But still...I never dreamed my life would turn out this way. In fact, I would have bet heavily against it.

But here I am!  And I'm happy to be here with my three little boys and hot, not-so-blond anymore, Ped. Dentist husband in Northern Japan. With newly planted grass in the front yard.

(And a huge veggie garden in the side yard planted by afore mentioned hot husband!)

So now please satiate my morbid curiosity...

Are you in a different spot than you imagined ten years ago?

Discuss!

More on Mother's Day

Never, never, ever ever in my entire life time full of Sunday's have I ever gotten so many compliments during a single church visit.  Men, women, and children all noticed and complimented my Mother's Day gift from Maxwell!  

(See if you can spot it in the picture below.  Hint:  I'm wearing it around my neck.)He made me a necklace!!!

He found the shell at the beach and then came up with the idea to make it into a necklace--for me--all by himself.   (Doug drilled a small hole in it and hung it from a small copper wire loop.  Then they hung it from string.)Pretty stylin', right?  And definitely a show stopper!  Man, I love that kid! 

Speaking of Mother's Day gifts, Doug got me the book (at my request) "In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms" by Dr. Laura.  I'm only a few pages in, but reading those first few pages last night and this morning, made me feel an additional surge of gratitude for my Mother who was not only a SAHM, but a HOMEMAKER who made our home a nice place to be.  

***Pardon me as I get a little introspective here for a moment:***

It made me want to reevaluate my feelings about homemaking and think of it as more of a blessing than a curse.  I've always been happy that I'm able to be home with my kids.  It's the job I've always wanted.    

But I've never been thrilled with the rest of my job description:  i.e., housekeeping.  Let's face it:  I'm not good at it.  I skip from task to task in my usual easily- distracted way leaving the detritus of half-done chores in my wake.  And cooking tends to give me a back ache so it's not my favorite either.  (Plus, I'm really bad at thinking of WHAT to make for dinner every night.  That's half the battle right there.)  Oh, and did I mention how much I loathe laundry.  I do.  I loathe it.

BUT!  This is the life I've chosen so I need to get my attitude in line.  (And maybe start using my pottery money to hire a Mamasan to help me clean...?)

I remember my mom saying once that it always made her a little sad when her kids were potty trained.  (Me:  "HUH?")  Because she enjoyed being able to ensure that they were always nice and clean and cared for.  Talk about a paradigm shift!  I'd never looked at diaper changing in such a positive light!   But it's true!  Not only is diaper changing time the perfect time to give zerbets, but I can also be sure that my little angel/demon's bottom is in pristine kissable condition when I'm finished.  (Even if it sometimes means wrestling him to the ground, enduring shrill screams, and the use of 58 wipes.) 

Anyway, those are my early morning ponderances (<----possibly a made-up word) for what they're worth.  (Do I hear 25 cents anyone?  A dime?  A nickle?)

So to all you mom's out there, you deserve a Bon-Bon.  And the rest of you, you all have mom's so you may as well have a Bon-Bon too.

Good game. 

Now it's time for me to get back to work.  I have laundry to do.

Hey Fae! Whaddaya Say? HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I would like to publicly announce that my mom is in fact 

better than your mom!  

Sorry, but it's true.  

Deal with it.

Here are some things I've learned from The Faezerator over the years:

• The importance of Christ-like service and kindness.  She gives both freely and abundantly.  
• How to be thrifty, shop for bargains, and clip coupons.
  
• "You're skinny enough!  You don't need to exercise!"  (Reiterated throughout high school and college on the rare occasions I tried to start working out regularly.  Although she hasn't mentioned it lately...!)
• "It takes two to fight."  (Told repeatedly to my sister Jenny and I if we ever tried to tattle on the other person.)
• How to be a great Hostess--(you over-feed your guests, in case you were wondering...!) even if it was a role she didn't always relish.  (She did all the work while the rest of the family enjoyed the company.)
  
  
• How to make homemade whole wheat bread, cook a turkey, and make Taco Soup Stuff.
  
• If you insult someone you have to say three nice things to them to repair the damage to their psyche.
• Popularity isn't worth it.  (Not worth tears, and definitely not worth the price of Gerbaud Jeans or an Espirit Book Bag.)
• Doug is a great man, you're lucky to have him, quit picking on him, he's always right!  (She always takes the side of the in-laws, darn her!)  (Of course, I DID know the first part.)
  
  
• To love reading.  Starting in first grade, after being diagnosed with "borderline ADD", I climbed in bed with her every evening to read.  First she read to me, then gradually, I started reading to her.  I went from being a slow reader, to one of the best in the class that year.  Being a good reader is the only thing that made school bearable for ADD-me.
  
• To love good music.  I remember many dates to see Symphonies and Operas with her as a kid.  She was also the one who drove Jenny and I to weekly violin lessons, orchestra practices, and recitals.  (Plus, she listened to a LOT of church music which is why I know all the words to every Janice Kapp Perry song ever written--and who sings them.)
  
  
• To love children and find joy in motherhood.  You'll never find someone who loves or nurtures her grand-babies more.  And I know she was the same with me and my siblings.
• Laughter is the best medicine. 
• I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!  
• There's always hope.  (Even after getting breast cancer twice, losing a home, and being divorced.)
• How to be a great mom!  (I just try to follow her example.)

You're the best Mommy!   I love you lots and lots!!!

"Man Plans, God Laughs!"

Ever heard that expression?  

Well, it's very fitting in this situation.

My mom and her new husband John just got their mission call.

They REALLY wanted to go to Argentina.  (Where he served his mission many many MANY years ago.)

They made contact with the Mission President down there who put in a request for them.

They campaigned for Argentina.

They prayed for Argentina.

They PLANNED for Argentina.

And then God laughed...

and He's sending them to...

the Dominican Republic.  

Who says Heavenly Father doesn't have a sense of humor?!?!?!?!?!  (I've always known it...)

They leave in July and will be gone for 18 months working on collecting records for Family History.  (er somethin'.)

(And Doug is going to send me home for their farewell!!!!!!!!!!!!!  To the U.S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's a keeper, that Doug...)

If you want to see the (second) opening of "The Call", visit the Dahl's at the Call's.

Click HERE!

(http://fox-call.blogspot.com/2009/05/dahls-got-their-mission-call.html)

Congrats MOMMY!!!!  (And John:)

P.S.  Did you watch my movie yet (in the post below) and comment saying how awesome it is???  Huh???

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

I've been trying to write about our day trip to Hirosaki for a few days now, but when you have approximately 20,326,483 pictures of an event, it's a little daunting to blog about it.  

Enter; my mad video making skillz.  Yeah.  That's right.  I'm so awesome at making videos on my Mac, (which makes it insanely easy) that I spell "skills" with a Z! 

As usual, I've tried to choose rocking music to accompany my movie to make it worth your additional click. 

So enjoy.

(That's an order.)

This movie is dedicated to our good friends "The Effs" who plan awesome trips and then let us tag along!!!

Want more technical information?  Rather than tell you in my own words all about Hirosaki Castle and the surrounding area, I'm going to copy and paste from japan-guide.com.

Here you go:

"Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. A three-story castle tower, fortified moats, castle gates and some corner turrets (yagura) survive or were reconstructed. The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, a spacious public park of about 0.6 square kilometers.  The castle's original five-story keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning. Rebuilt in 1810, the present three-story keep is the only one in the Tohoku region that was not rebuilt in the modern era, amongst only a handful in all of Japan.

Gokoku Shrine

Botanical Garden

Hirosaki Park is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots with several thousand cherry trees. Over a million people visit the park during the sakura matsuri(cherry blossom festival) from April 23 to May 5, when the blossoms are usually in bloom. This coincides with the Golden Week holidays.

Inside Hirosaki Park there are a few other attractions of interest, including the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden in the park's southeast corner and Gokoku Shrine, the Aomori branch of Yasukuni Shrine in the north end of of the park. Most of the city's other tourist attractions are also located within walking distance of the park."