Meiji Mura Museum

On Sunday, we took a train from Nagoya to Inuyama to the Meiji Mura Museum. It's an open air museum with buildings brought in from all over Japan and some from the U.S. that were built during the Meiji era, when Japan had just opened back up to international trade. Aside from the heat, it was a great time.

Chris at the guard house.

Adam is ready for school.

Chris and Adam enjoy some grape shave ice that we bought at the sake brewery.

The Catholic cathedral that once stood in Kyoto.

The Tokyo Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Adam ran around under a sprinkler to cool off before we left. He was soaked, but much cooler!

Tokoname

Waiting at the station. Adam found a great billboard that was filled with lots of doggies. Best billboard ever!

We took a quick weekend trip to Tokoname to see their summer festival. A few vendors were selling fish for the kids.

More typical Japanese festival fare.

Adam trying to keep cool.

Tokoname is known for its pottery. Their municipal hall was filled with vendors from every potter in town (or so it seemed). We bought a few cool pieces, then walked a bit on the pottery path before heading back to Nagoya for the night.

Swim Lessons

Adam hanging out with Calum and Jesse before their last swim class. Adam liked the water, but hated submursions. He can flip back and forth with only a little help, and does some kicking when he's floating around.

Unpacking

The movers brought the rest of our stuff. Adam is enjoying the boxes that we have unpacked. We still have many more to unpack, but Adam's room, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are all done.

Baby in a Box

Sometimes a baby just needs to hang out in a box to play and watch Sesame Street.

Cutting Board

Sometimes I like to take kitchen things and cuddle them in the living room. Sweet cutting board.

Play Time

Play time with Daddy - my favorite place, on his tummy!

Couch

Lucky Adam got a new baby couch that folds out for some baby sleepovers. It's great fun to sit and read all his books.

Helper

Nani is helping by napping on the freshly folded laundry. Such a helper.

Starting Early

Adam and Calum digging into the tub of beer at our Hail and Farewell. Adam eventually went headfirst into the tub.

Kamakura

On the train to Kamakura.

Info about the Daibutsu.

Guard statue at the gate of the shrine.

Everyone in front of the Big Buddha.

Adam contemplates.

Adam also found some very cool rocks (with lots of mud underneath).

View from the Kannon Temple (god/goddess of mercy).

Statues representing children who've passed.

Adam and Grandma looking at fish at the temple.

Going through the cave. Adam was the only one who didn't have to duck!

Pretty gardens at the Kannon Temple.

Adam sleeping on the train after a long day!

Visit from Grandparents & Aunty Karen

Just finishing up some delicious ice cream after lunch.

Playing with Grandpa.

Getting fanned by Aunty Karen.

Grandma showed me how to use the camera. Here are some pictures I took (with a little help).

I showed Mommy my new present (Veggie Tales!) from my grandparents.

Going to see my second movie - Surf's Up!

Me with Grandma and Grandpa.
We had a great visit!

Daddy's Little Puppet

Adam's New Baby Friends

Here's Calum (23 months).

Here's Jesse (22 months).

Bon Odori Festival

Carrying the shrine down the street.

Adam spends time with Grandma.

Adam enjoying the bon dancing.

Adam learns taiko drumming.

Callicotts in front of the tower.

Adam figuring out his first fireworks show. It was scary for a minute, then pretty exciting, especially when Daddy brought him a blueberry and cream crepe.