Woody Earth Garden Cafe in Okutama

Last week-end, we went geocaching in Okutama. We skipped a few cache spots due to overgrown grass and fear of snakes. It wasn't our best caching day but we did eat at a yummy restaurant, The Woody Earth Garden Cafe. They are best known for their Wasabi Soba Set. The soba and tempura were oiishi... but the "mountain potato" was a bit like eating snots (not good). We sat outside on their deck with a pretty view of the mountains and river.

Then on the ride home we stumbled on a small festival at a shrine. Quinn wanted one of everything at the festival but in the end bought himself a blue Ultraman mask. All in all a nice day out in Japan.

Krispy Kreme

On Labor Day, Neal, Scarlett, and I headed to Tachikawa to one of our favorite stores Bic Camera. It has a little something for everyone ...electronics, craft/fabric, toys, bikes, etc. We got there too early and had to stop in the Krispy Kreme to pass the time. The counter clerk gave Scarlett her own hat. She wasn't impressed.

First Soccer Game for Team GrassHoppers

On Saturday, Quinn had his first organized team soccer game. His team name is the Grasshoppers. Quinn's interest in the game waxed and waned throughout. He kicked the ball a couple times but also spent some time kicking the dirt, watching the other soccer game in the other field and trying to swing from the goal net frame (while playing goalie). It sure was fun to watch.

Mount Fuji in Chocolate

Summer vacation is over and Quinn has returned to yochien. Many children bring in little treats to their classmates from places that they visited over the summer. Quinn's favorite this year was a chocolate that was in the shape of a snow capped Mount Fuji...Oishi!!

Kodaira Primary Officer English Students

I teach English on a Japanese military base. My students are getting ready to graduate from the English training school. Several of the teachers got together and had a big party for all the students. It was lots of fun. My students spent a lot of time playing with Quinn and Scarlett. They would be great babysitters.

Thank You Team Davis

Q and S love the gifts! Quinn is relaxing with Ramses listening to his new cool MP3 player and well, Scarlett is cool in her new shades.

Soccer Camp and Soccer Practice

Quinn participated in a week long soccer camp in August. It was brutually hot and humid all week. The kids were drenched in sweat (I included a picture of Scarlett at camp trying to keep cool with her clothe). At the same time, he started his soccer practice for a team that starts playing in September. He loved it all. Our neighbor is on the team as well as other friends. The soccer practices have been very funny to watch... it's a free for all. No one passes the ball and the kids knock each other over to get it. I can't wait for the games.