The New Year holiday in Japan always means the same thing: Kohaku, road races, tempura, temple visits and cold weather. I never liked it so much but this year is different!
I actually enjoyed the holiday this year! Probably it had something to do with the fact that I was not in front of the TV for [...]
Happy New Year 2010!
Read more...Anri’s Sixth Birthday
Anri turned six on December 30th, and we had a party for her, with all the food she likes. Lots of family came over to join the party!
And what does Anri like to eat? She called all the shots on the food, so we had fried chicken, potato salad, ikura (salmon eggs — yes, she [...]
Christmas in Nagano 2009
As always, we had a great Christmas here in Nagano, with the house decorated, presents from Santa, and lots of friends and family over for dinner!
Because of a bout with the flu back in November, we decided then to cancel our annual Thanksgiving dinner and saved the turkey for Christmas instead. But here, the 25th [...]
Sara Turns Three (and gets the flu)
Sara turned three years old on Sunday, and we had a nice little birthday party for her marking the event. She had a strawberry cake and presents, but the next day, she caught the flu from her big sister Anri.
Culture Day 2009
It was a very busy day for all of us today! Every year, on November 3rd, Anri’s kindergarten holds their annual Kindergarten Festival and after that, this afternoon Anri went to the local concert hall to do a piano recital.
Halloween in Kamiyamada
Every year in October, there is a great children’s Halloween Party in Kamiyamada Onsen, the hot spring section of town. Though Halloween is still tow weeks away, this years party was on the 18th, and we took all three kids to the party for some pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating and apple bobbing.
Shiga Kogen and Shirane-san in Autumn
On Monday we all got into the van and drove up to Shiga Kogen, a highland area east of Nagano City. There, we went on a couple of short hikes to enjoy the scenery.
Another Sunday, Another Hike
For the second time in as many weeks, I took the kids up to the mountains for some exercise and a nice, rewarding view. This time we went to the Mori Shoguzuka keyhole tomb, a place I have taken the kids many times before.
Visiting the Hales in Nagaoka
This week was the so-called “Silver Week”, a coincidental alignment of a few national holidays resulting in a 5-day weekend. We took the time to visit our friends, the Hales, who live in Nagaoka.
Hiking with the Kids – Kamuriki-yama
With a full Sunday afternoon off and Tomomi at a hula lesson, I took the kids for a little romp in the mountains.
Home > Weblog Top Page
