Family Picnic Day with Zenrin Yochien

I can't believe it but last week, it was time for the yearly family picnic day with Quinn's yochien.  Every year families meet up at Showa Kinen Park for a day of games and food and fun.  It was a hot and sunny day.

Joining another train after losing Rock,Paper, Scissors

Ganbatte!

Finally their turn.

Lost the Ball.

Waiting for the games to begin.

Ayumi Class

Being Silly Scarlett

Waiting for their turn.

Trying to avoid the crowds.

Memorial Day Week-end

Looks like a hostage.

 We had big plans (planned well in advance) that Typhoon Songda squashed on us.  The Coopers and Martyniaks were going to head to Hardy Barracks and spend the day in Tokyo. Then we were going to wake up the next day and head to Disney for the day.   So we did head to Tokyo early on Sunday in the pouring rain and walked around in the pouring rain.  On the upside, we did go to a great dinosaur exhibit at the Tokyo Tower.   Then we headed off to a good meal with good friends at the OutBack restaurant (which happens to be the same restaurant that Justin Bieber ate at when he was here last week.   We know this because Neal's co-worker was there with his daughter.)  I guess Disney will wait for another day.

Quinn's hungry & done.

Watching the world go by while riding the train

Waiting for our train & happy to be out of the rain.

Big beers & happy to be out of the rain.

Scarlett's favorite part of the day: brownie sundae

Comme Ca Modeling Job

These ads are currently hanging in the stores here in Japan and on their website.  

Japanese Anime Hair-do

Scarlett's Sensei(s) do her hair everyday.  And everyday it is something different and creative.  I just love to pick her up and see what they have created.  She proudly states which Sensei has done her hair each day and gently touches it.   The photo is of one hairdo that reminded me of something you would see on a Japanese animation character here in Japan.  

I only wish Scarlett would sit still for me to try to do her hair.

Next one may have to be Princess Leia style

Rummaging through Daddy's Work Bag

The kids decided to dig through Daddy's bag and discovered his work headsets.  How perfect that their were 2 sets for them.  The saluting part is all Quinn's idea.  I have no idea where he could have learned to do that.  HA!

Another Fashion Forward Look ....

Racing McQueen vs. Mader

What's that saying about crossing your arms?

Beginnings of Our Garden

This year we are planting our traditional tomatoes and cucumbers but adding the twist of red peppers this year.  Scarlett is definitely interested in the planting and watering aspects of gardening so far.

I think they are saluting but I don't know why.

1st T-Ball Game

Quinn's team name is the Dodgers.  He had his first game on May 7th against the Yankees.  There are only 4 teams (many people are still evacuated from the earthquake) so we tend to see the same kids over.  It is so funny to watch the games.  My favorite moments during this game were when Quinn was on the bases and didn't seem to feel it necessary to run to the next base when the ball was hit... until everyone screamed "run, run".  Another good one was when 5 players on the same team ran to the outfield to retrieve a hit ball.   All the parents tend to leave the games with sore sides from laughing so hard.

My Little Ferdinand The Bull

Quinn loves to pick flowers and smell them and collect them and on and on.   Here's a few photos of his  "Ferdinand The Bull"  moments.

Dandelions in my bench.

Sometimes he recruits the neighbors, Nathan and Marshal

And his sister...