Still February

Well, February 29th didn't disappointment the kids. March stayed away for another day and the snowman came to visit, reminding us winter ain't over yet. So, thinking of my good friend Kate who certainly wouldn't deny her kids a chance to play in the snow, even at 8 in the morning, we bundled up and headed out. Snoopy even joined in the snowball fight and took a few snowballs to the face.

I finally went to the doctor and got an all-is-well report with one little exception. This time my body decided to add in a little fun by creating it's very own antibody, "the big E," not to be confused with "the little e." So monthly blood tests will keep track of it and hopefully come September we will consider ourselves blessed with another non-eventful pregnancy! The ultra-sound was really exciting to watch. There is definitely a mov'in and groov'in little guy in there. Oh, and Gabe has informed us he would like a boy like him, hence the "him," "he," and "little guy," when referring to our dancing peanut.

We found an awesome kid play-place in the mall, Kid-o-kid. It is fantastic, a bit pricey, but for a special occasion completely worth it. The only way I got the kids to leave peacefully was finding treasures in the vending machine as we left . . . . thank you strawberry milk (for Gabe) and banana milk (for Genna). Last week our good friend Yuko volunteered her skills in the kitchen. She taught me how to make gyoza from scratch, with the added bonus of teaching me how to make miso soup. I made the soup for lunch the next day and for the first time it actually tasted right! I love it when that happens!

This Friday we are going to a shabu-shabu restaurant. I hope it tastes as good as I remember. I will be sure to be the annoying person with a camera and take lots of pictures! Warning to Walter . . . .

Hugs to everyone,

Megan

Maiden Voyage to Tokyo

So, our little family has been here less than a month. Walter and I had been discussing taking a trip into Tokyo, so when a friend mentioned a group from work was going to Shinjuku and Shibuya, so we decided to tag along, figuring the best way to re-familiarize ourselves was to use others' expertise rather than stress ourselves trying to figure out everything - all the while watching/entertaining the kids. When we used to walk around Tokyo and explore, the unknown was part of the fun. With two little people in toe, however, they tend to get a little bored and well, that's not exactly the fun part. Our decision proved a good one. The group (all with kids in similar age groups), had chosen a restaurant where you catch your own dinner, followed by a children's discovery center. The hour train trip into Tokyo went rather well. It was standing room only but thanks to conversation moved along pretty well. Then miles of underground sidewalk, people dodging, and trying to convince Genna that a piggy back ride is the they way to travel while we got our gang to the restaurant, which was in the Washington Hotel. Much to my pleasure, I remembered walking through this hotel frequently on our way back to the subway all those years ago. Otherwise, not too much felt familiar except names on the subway map. The English translator is extremely clear on the subways and trains now as well, even telling you which side of the train the doors open . . . and on a very crowded train, that is helpful information! Overall, the kids had a great time. Gabe and Genna had an awesome time, he talks about his fish all the time and how tasty it was. And yes - he ate his fish! That was most exciting to me! Genna had fun trying to get soy beans out of their pods, she tried the fish but passed it along, apparently not her thing. On a side note, she loves washing her hands and using the little hand dryers. She never passes up the chance to wash and dry her hands. Well, hope you enjoy the photos. I'm going to attempt uploading a video too so hopefully that works as well. Love you all!