Here are a few more Matsuri pictures. These were taken at the temple which is not the one across from our house but still only a 2-3 minute walk away. There were several stands with food and games and toys. Taka is enjoying a chocolate dipped bananna.....I had a really hard time convincing him to let me have a few bites.


This funny little dog kept popping his head out of the can.

More Matsuri (festival pictures)

THe children pulled the drum through the city for a few blocks. Every once in awhile they'd stop[ and rest while someone passed out goodies for them to put in the bags they were carrying. They passed out bunches of bananas, cans of apple juice, popcicles and candy.

O Matsuri

Taka and Grandpa are hitting the Daiko drum


















Taka is helping to pull the Daiko drum along by ropes along with other boys and girls.



Some children who are a little bit older are carrying Omukashi (a portable shrine)

Lunch with Emi

Today Emi came over and made lunch for us. Taka enjoyed helping Emi in the kitchen. He liked putting the mushrooms in the soup and helping putting the sandwhiches together.


The kabocha with sesame seeds and raisens was especially yummy!
We also had toast topped with fresh avocado and shrimp. Mmmmmm

Visit to the barber

Taka has been getting a little tired of his stroller these days but in Tokyo with it's busy crowded streets it would be too nerve wracking to let him walk on his own.

So we have the Monkey Back Pack as another option.
He is also carrying his new kid's froggy umbrella to block the sun.



























I'll have to get Ron to send me the after pictures. They did a really great job here and charged only 10 bucks. What a bargain!

Public Library

I found the public library the other day. The children's books are upstairs. They have lots of great books and small tables to read at. They also have this reading rug you need to take your shoes off to use. There is also a shelf full of stuffed animals that are characters from various books.

The have a selection of English books too, about 40 or so.

They have a bi-monthly story time that I plan to take Taka too.
As for getting library cards...I'll have to ask Ron for help. I don't know if I have enough Japanese yet to do that. Or at least it will take some looking in the dictionary for awhile.

Mr. Donut in Japan mmm....

Ron brought me these one day as a little treat. The green one is a matcha falvored donut w/ a match creme icing.....I don't know if late pregnancy has anything to do with this but I have to say it was the best donut I have ever eaten!! The other one was also very tasty. They are not as sweet as donuts in the US but I'll have to say they are artfully crafted! MMmmmmm

Check out the cute graphics on the box!

Dinner!

Taka's happy to eat hamburg steak w/rice and sauce, broccoli and tomato w/ avocado slices.

An American Day

Saturday we went to the annual embassy picnic/party and met Darlene and her two kids there. Taka had a great time playing with his 2 new friends!

We also went to Costco which was eerily similiar to the one in the states.We ate pizza and mango smoothies in the food court.






Taka is testing out the beds at Ikea.....and the toys.