Communication Blackout

And I have a really good excuse this time! Living in Japan is wonderful and we absolutely adore it here. As much as I'd love to see more of this country, we've decided to take advantage of living on this side of the world...

So in a couple of weeks look for pictures of us riding elephants in Thailand, scoping out the Singapore Zoo (we were there in Aug 2004 too), admiring the view from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, walking through history in the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam and lots more.

I've still got catching up to do, and here's a preview of that...

Setsubun...and the people are taking pictures of Keanna and Sydney.


















Mochi Pounding Festival


















Stay tuned! If I am able to get internet during our trip I'll upload pictures!

Sydney's 3 Years Old

This kid celebrated her first and second birthdays in Hawaii and now her third in Japan. I almost feel bad that she was born in Connecticut! Keanna on the other hand was born in Hawaii, lucky duck! For the rest of her life she'll be writing her place of birth as "Honolulu, Hawaii." Poor Sydney will be writing "New London, Connecticut." Not that it's a bad place by any means, Bob and I were both born in New Britain, Connecticut, but when comparing it to where she's lived, it just sounds kind of blah!

Sydney wanted to make her own cake and of course it had to be pink. I supervised, Keanna helped and even cracked the eggs. They worked well together and took turns licking the frosting. She picked what she wanted for dinner that night, Club Takemiya, and we had cake when we got home. A few days ago we had a get together with some friends and the kids had a good time painting on their paper plates on the floor. Keanna and Sydney love that, and it keeps them entertained for an hour or more sometimes!

Best Vending Machine....Ever

Drove by this about two weeks ago on my way to Hayama...a small town about 20 minutes from where we live. Julie and I went to scope out the scenery and since she has jogged by this before she made sure I got to see it! She pulled over and I snapped this from inside the car.

In June I wrote about vending machines here...click here if you want to check it out.

I Know, I Know

No excuses, I'm a firm believer, but I swear my computer's not working and I can't access my photos from the first half of January! My hard drive is fine and in tact so that's a good thing. The cooling fan crapped out and Bob took my laptop apart to replace it. After putting it all back together he missed a small cord that makes the monitor turn on. I could plug it into the TV to get it going, but the cord is so short that it's too annoying to deal with.

I've got lots of pictures to share...from a "Liquor Shop" vending machine, Sydney's 3rd birthday, Setsubun, Mt. Fuji from Hayama and lots more! Stay tuned...I've got a lot of catching up to do and I'd like to get it done within the next six days!!!