Summer Fun!

Yuto is actually standing on my knees that's why you can see part of me behind him. In case you were wondering whose hand that was. It's nice to have a pool close by especially when it's so hot. 

Hanabi 2010

There was about 250,000 people there to watch the firecrackers. We were fortunate to find a nice spot to see the firecrackers. Joe loved watching it the whole time. It was a little too loud for Ken and Yuto, but they enjoyed it too. "Thanks Oba-chan and Oji-chan for coming with us, it was great fun". 

Water Play With Cousins

This was great fun. There's nothing like a nice splash on a hot summer's day, we all had a great time. Thanks again Ivan and Kari for having us over, it was nice to see you all once again.

Playing outdoors!

Putting twigs, rocks, and leaves together to make their own little fireplace.


One of the rides at the nearby Kotsukoen.

A fun family outing!

Today we woke up at: 7:30 to make it to this festival. We took a train there, which was only a few stops away from our place. We woke up this early to line up to go on the U.S. Navy battleships. The kids had heaps of fun. They also rode on ponies, bounce around in a big Thomas balloon, put on the firemen costumes. I'd say it was worth waking up that early.










You can see in the photo below that Joe's uniform was a bit big on him. His head is hiding beneath the helmet. Was so funny I had to post this one.





Joe was the only brave one to take photos with the dolls.



This is a photo of one of the big guns that they use on the battleship. Awesome huh.
Can you see the black submarine behind them.
The boys were so tired; they were fast asleep by 8:00.