Still at the zoo

Was impressed with these trees. Colors were unique and so were the hanging roots.
They do have real elephants but this was cuter.
Dad, Ka-chan and Nami getting ready for lunch.

Honolulu Zoo

This sign shows how far we are from all the famous world zoos. Honolulu Zoo is quite small but very children friendly. My son bought a family year pass and they enjoy going here a lot.

On this day, we met up with other wives of residents who enjoy these outings with their kids too.

During the rain we took refuge under a roof with milk cans and a ceramic cow.
There is a sign on the cow and it wasn't until after we took these photos that I read the sign, "Do not climb or sit on this cow!"

In Hawii

With Nami in Honolulu Zoo

Did you ever watch turtles doing it? Well here is a pair and too bad you can't hear the noise they make! I never though turtles could say anything but they were really drawing attention to themselves.
One of the highlights of Nami's day is when Daddy comes home and takes her for a bike ride.
My first day in Hawaii, I had a delightful lunch with friends from the AFWJ club. Some live in Hawaii and others were just visiting...but all of us have Japanese husbands.

One month off

There will be a silent month coming up as I'm heading off for Honolulu to take care of Nami this month with a bit over a week being spent flying up to Idaho to be with my 90 year old father.

I'll return in October to let you all in on my adventure.

Eating out with Ema

Chikuwan is my favorite restaurant in Kamakura. They specialize in SOba and GObo tempura. Here Ema is chewing on a gobo after we took off the fried batter.
believe me she will eat anything. I even gave her a taste of the lemon slice. She made a face but held out her hand so I gave it to her. SHe didn't taste it again, but tried to get her mom to try it.

Golf at Hayama

Andy took us to Hayama Kokusai Golf Club on Jack's birthday. It has to be one of my favorite golf sites. It is built in a place where almost nothing else could be so good for the eco system.
Courses are narrow and many up and down and on top of peaks.

We were taken by escalator and on a track in this 4 person cart around the course. Andy had a remote control to move the cart when no one was in it. It was impossible to get off the track and onto the fairways, so we did get in a lot of walking too.

Nami & Ema's Birthday presents

I finally finished embroidering and piecing together the sea theme jean quilts for my 2 granddaughter's birthdays. Here is Nami's. She will be 2 in September.

Ema will be 1 in October, but I will be over with Nami in Hawaii in September so had to finish Ema's early.

Fireworks

I always love to watch fireworks.

Sodegaura Obon festival cont.

Jack and I took chairs to enjoy the fireworks and the festival doings.
Above are some of our churches kids who were there too.
The Fukuodai groups dancers. My tennis friend and student from years ago.
Below was the large group of bonodori dancers that were traditional style.

Obon, cont.

The festival at German village consisted of a dancing circle of different groups dancing around to the music. 30 years ago when I last visited a festival, 100% of the dances were bonodori or Japanese traditional dances in yukatas or in the jimbei style wear. However there was only 2 groups of traditional dancers. Above you can see the large group of Hawaiian dancers and below are the energetic jazz dancers followed by the young girls in kind of a pep rally, cheer leader fashion.

Of course no festival would be complete without the mayor and vp speeches! Behind them are Chiba kun in Red and another animation that I forgot who he is!
Here are the airobic dancers again. It was so hot and they were so fast moving. Next post will show the Japanese traditional dancers, who were in the minority.

Obon /Yukata

Jack and I went to the Sodegaura Summer Festival at German Village. I wore a yukata that my mother-in-law made for me.
Posing by the sunflowers on the walk into the village
MIL putting on the obi. I bought a pink one I like better than this yellow, but haven't worn it yet.
Lots of stuff to put on underneath and just too hot to wear it all!

Mei (May)

This darling baby came to visit us with her parents. Her father is my son's cousin and same age.
This baby named Mei, is PIL 4th granddaughter. Their 5th will be born in October! The generation above her was almost all boys.
Another pose of sweet little Mei
Below she is being help by her great grandmother.