The Peterson Life: February 2026

What an amazing month! My good friend we met tin Washington is the coolest family and adventures all over the world. They are living in Japan right now and she invited me to come visit. I found good prices on tickets and did it! I was so scared to travel on my own and so far, BUT it was amazing.

Mt Fuji on the distances showing off when I got there.

We walked everywhere and got as much in as we could. Kiersten is seriously the best and alwasy up for fun and adventures.

Exploring temples

Trying treats.

Mt Fuji was closed to hike for the season and it was going to be too cloudy so we decided to take a long drive to Nagano and explore that town.

My first Onsen experience.

Night in a hotel that cost like 60$ but had everything we need plus more - the provided pajamas!

Beautiful hike to see the snow monkeys

They were not many of them but we got a few.

On our way back to her home we were spontaneous and went to a zip line place for like 10$ - they didn't require helmets and we landed into bark dust so maybe not the safest but sure was fun!

This day was probably my favorite day and just goes to show who Kiersten is. A typhoon had come in BUT we had plans. So we got on the trains and went. We went the Tokyo temple and even got to do some work inside. When we got there we were drenched and the temple workers were so sweet to go get us towels to clean up.

And spent the rest of the day exploring more temples and beauty.

TOKOYO!!!

I loved exploring but I loved seeing her cute family again and getting lots of hugs.

Such an amazing trip. One I will never forget, and one that I would never have thought I would get to do. So blessed to have amazing people in my life, to have these amazing opportunities, and to be able to take advantage of them.

McKay wanted to challenge herself and do the incline. NOT only did she do it, but she did it with a good attitude and never gave up. This was a good day for her. Physically pushing herself is hard and she often gives up. I love that she got that feeling of I can do hard things!

So of course ice cream to celebrate.

The weather has been so amazing and we are soaking up time outside while we can.

Dinner over the fire.

Still making sure we get our date nights in. O for Paint night

Q for dinner at Qdoba and a shopping quest game.

Then I got to sneak away again, but this time back to Washington. The Whites son Dallin was getting married and I wanted to be there to support them. I adore the Whites and they feel like family to me.

So glad I could third wheel at the wedding with the Kim's. Love them!

While I was in Washington I got to stay with my father in law. I had to take him out to breakfast to thank him for letting me stay.

Also got a few hours with some of my favorite ladies. SO thankful they made time for me to get a quick visit. So lucky to have amazing ladies like this in my life. When can pick right up where we left off.

Oh man I love Washington, it will always feel like coming home. The fresh air, the green, the mountains, and ocean, everything about it makes me happy.