yum yum yum delicioso!!

Hawaii.....again!?!! (sweet...)

We made it over to Hawaii again using space A. Nate and Rainey have been extremely generous in allowing us to crash with them and putting up with us. We had some awesome times meeting up with friends and relaxing. We're considering trying to stop there again when we move which will make it 3x in 1 year! A dream come true!

Runway Rehearsal

I shot this video during rehearsal. Cynthia did fine but she really had a lot more confidence during the real thing. She even posed at the end.

Cynthia on the Catwalk

Cynthia had a fashion show this month. It was fabulous of course and she loved it.

My kindergarten and important messages

Yes, my Japanese kindergarten in Karuizawa is still there much the same as it was 25 years ago when I attended......(yikes, did I really admit that?)

And in other news, there are very important messages to be found on local hats..... please understand the special message especially for you!

Karuizawa

Another trip down memory lane.... Karuizawa never fails to deliver. I lived there such a short time but somehow it left a huge footprint in my heart and calls me back. It's very special to me to be able to show dear friends these places and finally share things I've never been able to show before.

Man is it HOT

We tried to play a simple game of putt-putt golf but last weekend was WAY toooooooo hot. Just standing there, hardly moving, we were all sweating buckets....

Relaxing summer days and nights

Ahhh, the local family pool with relaxing river pool is the best! David certainly enjoyed it! All that swimming knocked the kids (and David) out for a while before dinner but they were awake and full of energy for evening fireworks in the park. Oh my goodness, David LOVES his fireworks. (We can easily blow $50 - 75 on them)

Viv delivers

Viv had a leader part in her group for her summer school parent showcase. I was proud of her ability to speak confidently to the crowd and lead her group in the presentation.

Fourth of July Festival

This year we again attended our base festival for the 4th. It was a hot and sunny day right up until 20 or 30 minutes before the fireworks - so for the second year in a row, they were rained out. Oh well. We still had fun with our friends. Viv is driving around with Miku and Cynthia is with Yamato.

Jogashima + town

Jogashima

Jogashima on the Miura Peninsula

Yesterday we drove down to a little island off the tip of the Miura Peninsula (where Yokosuka is located). It's a small island and we walked around the entire thing in a couple of hours. The coast line was jagged and wild, really fun for exploring. There were some spectacular views! We dragged our friends the Hines' family out with us. I don't think they knew what they were in for!

kyoto

Kyoto

Kyoto