Keeping up with Us: August 2008

Birthday Alert!

Tony turned 12 the other day, and so we celebrated, naturally, with presents, of course, cake, ice-cream, bowling and sushi! A birthday to remember!

The birthday boy in person!

Janina, on her way somewhere, but we called her back to sing the birthday song!

Presents from someone--Jason I think

All gathered at the bowling alley

Jason scored about 17 the whole game. I think Art won with 95 points! We aren't big bowlers, though we enjoy it when we go.

Janina and the 'peace' sign--a favorite of the Japanese

My nephew and I, the little boogah!

Shuko didn't do half bad, I think she came in second

The hubby and I with our bebe--love the glasses hon!

Jason after scoring another gutter ball, he realizes that maybe bowling isn't his thing

Ahh, bebe loved the ice-cream!

So did Janina, actually, who doesn't??

At least Julia enjoyed herself, even if she scored about 35

The bowlers!

Tony is fun to tease!

We stopped by the game center after bowling for awhile

Then made our way across town to the 100 yen kaiten sushi! At least some prices haven't gone up yet, though I think portions have decreased

Group shot at the tables

Kids wanted their own place

Happy birthday boy!

Julia and her new foto-pose!

Caught-ya lookin' stupid Jason!

Ah, just like his Papa

Daddy and Jordan, best friends

The day ended at our place with a movie together!

Jordan discovered that he LOVES water, he loves it so much, he may teach himself to swim, he seems to have very little fear of sticking his face in the water and sucking it up his nose, it's some sort of game to him--painful, but a game. Weird bebe. We spent about an hour down at the river, just daddy, Jordan and I, while the kids were at their Papa's.

Janina growing up

Well, it's finally happened to me, my daughter and her 'friend'...hmmm, a new stage in motherhood for me, dealing with emotions, boys, dates, going out, birds and bees...

Japan and Tattoes

This is a sign you'll often see at public places like pools, spas, onsens and ofuros (bath houses). To the Japanese, a tatoo signifies involvement with the mafia or being part of some sort of gang or criminal, therefore, they ban persons from entering who have a tatoo.

Fun videos from Nagashima

Were Tony and Emma worried about being shot up into the air then free-falling for a zero-gravity experience?

And how did Emma feel about the upside-down roller coaster?

My little secret

And now for the grand Finale! I managed to film the entire Steel Dragon ride, a roller coaster that once held 4 Guiness records! Three minutes of wild fun. The scariest part actually is going up the first hill...watch and be excited!

Summer Vacation--Nagashima Spa Land!

Our cousin Tony has been visiting us for the month of August, adding a new dimension and personality to the wild mix of our home. For our first big event we took him and our friend Emma to Nagashima Spa Land, about 3 hours from our house. We spent half the time at the Jumbo Pool, which I didn't get any pictures of, and the other half at the amusement park which I did get lots of pictures of. Enjoy!

Outside the entrance