john and hiroe

Santa visit 12/2012

2012-01-19T23:22:00.009-06:00

So.... an update!

Thanks to those who patiently kept checking in on this blog despite months of no updates. Perhaps things are calming down enough (we only have one house now!!!!) to post more frequently.

I'll start with the traditional visit to Santa last month, and update from there.

Our first visit to Santa was just John and I. Hiroe and Nicole were sick.

Junior was sceptical...

A few days later we headed to the mall to take a kids photo with Santa. This included just trying to get John and Nicole to pose nicely for a photo.

Yes I have nice camera equipment and a computer with photoshop, but all of my camera skills cannot make up for my inability to get two kids together for a photo.

Eh. I gave up. So we went for a walk.

Glad to see it's not just me.

Pumpkin Patch 10/22/2011

2011-10-23T13:29:00.003-05:00

Found a pumpkin patch yesterday...

University of Minnesota Landscale Arboretum 10/16/2011

2011-10-23T13:19:00.004-05:00

While trying to find a pumpkin patch last weekend, we ended up at the U of M landscape arboretum.

I now have great respect for child photographers. It's not easy to keep the kids focused for a picture.

So you just have to be happy when you get kind of close to an ok photo.

Our serious little girl.

And not-so-serious little boy.

Leaves and fun 10-2011

2011-10-23T13:17:00.000-05:00

O.K., maybe not fun for all...

John in the Backyard 08-24-2011

2011-10-23T12:43:00.002-05:00

Misc photos 10/11

2011-10-21T22:52:00.002-05:00

Since we just moved I haven't been able to find the memory card reader to get the photos off my camera. So, it's time to post the photos from earlier this summer that were on my computer.

Junior and Nicole in the kitchen of our old house...

And in the backyard. Lots 'o bubbles!

At the Farmer's Market...

Also at the Farmer's Market.

No idea what John was looking at...

New house 9/2011

2011-10-02T21:42:00.002-05:00

About two weeks ago, we moved into our new house. :-)

Japan 7/2011

2011-09-03T07:23:00.002-05:00

OK, the last part of the trip... at the airport. Junior consulted with the shop attendant on some last minute souvenirs.

Tanabata 7/7/2011

2011-08-20T09:02:00.008-05:00

Before we left Japan we went to Tanabata, which is based on a chinese lady that made fabric, a very hard worker. There was also a man who had cows. He was also a very hard worker. God noticed how hard they were working and decided they should meet. Well they met and fell in love. So much in love that they stopped working. I guess this was a bad thing, because they were then told they could only see each other once a year. That day is July 7th. But only if it's a sunny day and if the Milky Way is visible. No Milky Way, no meet. It's celebrated in Japan via festivals, parades, and food. We went to eat the food.

Even more Takasaki 7/2011

2011-08-07T10:56:00.005-05:00

Back at Hiroe's parents house, Nikki decided that she REALLY likes Hiroe's old rocking horse. We would have taken it back to Minnesota, but weren't sure how.

Junior continued to play with his cousins.

And Nikki just hung out trying to look cool.

Writing out wishes for the tree. I really didn't have a wish to write, as I have what I need. After some encouragement I wrote that I'd like a new camera. By coincidence, that wish was hung on the tree by the front door such that it's the first one you see. Great, now everyone knows that the materialistic American wants more stuff.

It's really hard to catch a good picture of just Junior and Nikki. This is close.

On the morning before we left we walked with Kaho and Tiger Joe to school.

More Takasaki 7/2011

2011-08-07T10:42:00.004-05:00

Back at the house, Saiichi pushed the kids around on an old cart.

Then Kaho pushed.

Then Junior pushed.

Then everyone but Junior became bored with the cart.

Later in the week we went to a friend of Hiroe's house where there were lots of kids. Ironically all of her friends have boys.

Still later in the week we went out for a Soba noodle lunch. Yummy.

Back at the house Junior watched fish.

And Nikki collected pacifiers.

We also went to a local department store where Junior pushed more buttons for about an hour.

The birthdays - Takasaki 7/2/2011

2011-08-07T10:24:00.006-05:00

The evening after the funeral we celebrated Junior and Nikki's birthdays. Of course, the cousins continued to play together.

And we had a great meal.

And a cake for Junior and Nikki.

Junior took care of the candles.

And tasting it first to make sure it's acceptable for the rest of us.

Then we went outside to play and light some fireworks.

I think Nikki enjoyed her birthday.

Takasaki Lunch, 7/2/2011

2011-08-07T10:14:00.003-05:00

After the funeral we took a bus to lunch - since there were many family members in attendance.

Junior, Kaho, and Tiger-Joe continue to play.

Takasaki funeral 7/2/11

2011-08-07T09:47:00.006-05:00

The next day in Takasaki was the funeral for Hiroe's father.
Junior got dressed up for the occasion.

The boys relaxing before the funeral.

The service occurred at the house. I only caught the end because I was helping Nikki take a nap.

At the family grave. Hiroe's mom is holding the ashes.

Preparing to put the ashes in the family grave site.

Now Hiroe's sister (who died just after birth) and Hiroe's father are inside.

Heading back.

Japan - Toyko and Takasaki, 6/2011

2011-08-07T09:28:00.003-05:00

On our last evening in Tokyo we met Hiroe's friends for Monja. It's a really delicious and fun dish you make at the table. On one of our last trips we went to a Monja restaurant that Brad Pit went to. This one is a bit more fancy than that one.

The next day we went to Takasaki. Here's Junior next to the memorial for his grandfather.

Nikki is clearly ecstatic about playing with blocks.

OK, she really did enjoy it.

And Junior learned that his cousins really like to play.

Junior and Tiger-Joe chillin'.

Japan, 6/2011

2011-08-07T09:14:00.002-05:00

The next day we went to Lindt's Chocolate Bar. Lots of chocolatey goodness.

Junior definitely enjoyed his chocolate sundae.

Then we headed off to find another toy store.

Of course, stopping along the way to push the buttons on the vending machine.

And then push more buttons at the toy store.

Afterward, we found a Shakey's pizza place. It was remarkably similar to the ones we went to as kids. Except they didn't have my favorite - canadian bacon.

Japan trip, continued. 6/2011

2011-07-30T07:18:00.031-05:00

I had all of the remaining pictures from our trip in one blog post, but it was too big to work with. I think I was slowing down the entire google company with that post. Change of direction... break it up into tiny posts.

Here's where we left off.

After Junior had the camera for less than one day, the lens now looks like this. Notice the angle of the opening in the lens.

And every photo is now out of focus. I guess it's his camera now.
But when you're two, going on three, there is no reason to let a broken camera get you down.

Found these little cake-on-a-stick desserts and immediately thought of the state fair.

It's even automated!

This is from an aquarium near our hotel.

Junior actually sat down to watch the show.

And paused for a moment to watch the sea life.

... but not for long.

We also went to Ueno Zoo. It was pretty hot, so I didn't take many pictures. Not a good excuse, I know. The have a panda at the zoo that they apparently pay China $1,000,000 per year for.

Nikki was impressed.

That night we went to dinner with a friend of Hiroe's at the crayon house. It's a children's bookstore with a restaurant in the basement.

Junior got bored sitting with us and went off to socialize with some women having dinner together. At one point he had both of their cell phones and they were taking his picture.

He even brought them over to introduce them to us.

Japan 6/28/2011

2011-06-27T06:57:00.008-05:00

Arrived fine in Tokyo on Friday, and made it safely to our hotel. Everyone was pretty tired, but of course jet lag had us up early. So on Saturday morning we headed out to a place called Sunshine City... a good place for kids (Junior) to burn some energy. Great food as always (dumplings and beer).

And let the button pushing commence...

Great desserts as well.

That night we went to Kana and Nagai-san's wedding dinner. It was a course meal with lots of good seafood dishes.

Anton and Mako-san helped Junior back to the hotel.

The next day we went to Yokohama to Anton and Mako-san's new condo. There is a park nearby... another great place for a 2 year old to burn some more energy. I don't know where he gets it.

I wanted a picture of both kids, but getting Junior to sit for a picture is simply not possible...

... because wouldn't you rather be chasing a turtle?

... and riding on motorbikes?

On Sunday we went to another park with great places to run. Sensing a theme yet?

In Tokyo.

Junior outside the hotel with his new favorite drink. Liquid yogurt.

On Monday hight we went to a local shopping mall for dinner. It is there I found the most useless toy I had ever seen. A hand operated lollipop spinner. Complete with a crank. It lets you turn the lollipop while you lick it. Huh? Well, some negotiations later and Junior was the proud owner of a red one.

Junior found the camera.

And began on his photo quest.

Orange County 05/28/2011

2011-06-05T09:22:00.017-05:00

Last week (Memorial Day weekend) I had a training class at my work's corporate headquarters in LA. It was a great chance for the whole family to come along. John likes traveling and has become very helpful.

It was Nikki's first flight. For us it was kind of a test trip for our upcoming Japan trip, i.e. how do you travel with kids.

Of course, John is used to it. Here he is, looking cool in the rental car.

When in LA, why not stop by Disneyland!

It still may be too soon for the kids to really appreciate this place. John enjoyed playing with the trash can.

But he also enjoyed the rides...

On the boat into "It's a small world" ride.

Nikki was serious as usual.

Then she loosened up a little.

Apparently John was surprised to learn of a few countries he'd never heard of.

We got to see a Disney parade.

This was on a safari ride.

And here is John spending significant time turning a crank in this big treehouse.

The next day we went to the beaches, starting at Newport beach.

Hiroe and John on the ferris wheel.

John enjoying following the pigeons.

It was pretty windy, and there were some massive waves at the beaches. We decided to find an inland beach instead... a bit more calm. This was near Seal beach.

This is on the Seal beach pier.

Great views of the surfers from the pier.

4/16/2011

2011-04-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

Tired of winter? 02/04/2011

2011-02-05T23:49:00.002-06:00

The lazy days of summer aren't too far off. This is from last summer...

Christmassy Events 12/25/2010

2010-12-26T14:54:00.002-06:00

Nikki's Christmas present.

Nikki's first Christmas church service.

Nikki and her cousin (who is 1 month older).

A few Christmas pictures... 12/25/2010

2010-12-25T22:05:00.003-06:00

Seeing Santa at the mall...

Nikki on Christmas Eve.

Fireman John on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning.

More snow 12/11/2010

2010-12-12T13:21:00.005-06:00

Last night Hiroe decided to take the garbage out. There was a bit of snow to navigate. Quickly she ended up like this:

I think she enjoys this.

Pretty sure she enjoys this.

Yep, no question.

Snow! 12/10/2010

2010-12-11T16:07:00.002-06:00

Well, it'll be a white Christmas. This was the view from our front window earlier today. That's John's tree on the right.

It's getting deeper...

...but John is preparing for spring so he can mow the lawn.

Getting the tree 12/4/2010

2010-12-04T15:30:00.002-06:00

Went and picked up our tree today and Santa was there. Nicole didn't mind being held by him. She normally terrified of strangers. John was ready to head out to get the tree.

We're letting the tree thaw out now, so we'll see how our selection turns out.

Nicole 11/2010

2010-11-16T21:41:00.001-06:00

Sister and brother! 10/2010

2010-11-06T17:37:00.002-05:00

So can you tell which one is Junior and which one is Nicole? Yes, you could just cheat and look at the last post.

Halloween 10/2010

2010-11-06T07:30:00.005-05:00

It's time for a halloween post, which starts at the local garden shop and their pumpkin patch. Here's Nikki trying to blend in with her surroundings.

Doing a better job with Mom.

And Junior with his vehicle-of-the-day.

Back home that night.

Taking a break from the festivities.

And after trick-or-treating, counting the take.

State Fair 8/2010

2010-10-24T08:52:00.007-05:00

OK, so the state was almost two months ago, but there's no reason I can't post the photos now...

This was pretty awesome as a team of 6 horses went right in front of us.

Something new...

Corndog pizza. I didn't try it, so I have no idea how it was. Doesn't sounds very good...

I think the name if this was monster dog, or jumbo dog, or mega dog, or something like that...

Lantern Festival 8/2010

2010-10-24T08:49:00.001-05:00

Here's some photos from this summer, this is the lantern festival at Como park...

Saturday morning 2010/10/09

2010-10-09T08:47:00.005-05:00

Long time, no post... This is Junior (excuse me, he prefers "John") and me this morning.

Junior's 2nd birthday 08/08/10

2010-08-24T22:09:00.004-05:00

Trying to sort through the pictures... and here's some of the highlights from Junior's 2nd birthday party.

Nicole and her cousing Augustina. Nicole (on the right) is about three weeks younger than her cousin.

Junior enjoying his birthday hotdog.

Carola, Augustina, Hiroe and Nicole...

The family...

The family in the pool...

A new talent 8/5/10

2010-08-05T22:09:00.002-05:00

Practicing for the circus 8/3/10

2010-08-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

Lake Harriet 7/25/10

2010-07-26T22:02:00.003-05:00

At a beach on Lake Harriet on Sunday night.

Aquatennial 7/24/10

2010-07-26T21:59:00.003-05:00

On Saturday night we went down to the aquatennial festival pre-fireworks party. Got to try out the two-up stroller. Worked pretty well.

Junior and Hiroe enjoyed the music...

Junior's greeting 7/13/10

2010-07-26T21:57:00.003-05:00

We tried to teach Junior how to kiss Nicole on the head. He prefers to rub foreheads instead.

Nicole is 3 weeks old today 7/23/10

2010-07-23T22:11:00.001-05:00

And she was awake for the celebration!

Side by side 7/10

2010-07-22T23:12:00.003-05:00

I guess the brother/sister relation is obvious. We'll see if this stands true when they're 18.

Pop quiz - which one is Junior and which one is Nicole?

Junior and the trash can 7/10

2010-07-22T06:13:00.002-05:00

It takes a lot of concentration and patience to do this...

Junior in Sign Language Class 7/10

2010-07-17T19:10:00.002-05:00

oh my! 7/13/10

2010-07-13T22:52:00.001-05:00

Sunday 7/11/10

2010-07-13T21:47:00.003-05:00

On Sunday we went to the main farmers market. Junior really enjoys going here.

Really, really enjoys it.

He's taken to checking on his sister a lot. I think he's a great big brother.

From there we went to the mall. Junior wanted to practice riding the escalator. I think we went up and down at least 30 times. He's getting pretty good.

Downtown 7/10/10

2010-07-13T21:39:00.002-05:00

Went downtown with Junior on Saturday. He's getting pretty independent and usually not too concerned if I'm following him. Hmmmmm.

Video on Nicole's first day 7/6/10

2010-07-06T22:18:00.003-05:00

An old (o.k. it was only 4 days ago) video of Nicole. This was taken the day she was born. :-)

Awake 7/5/10

2010-07-05T16:57:00.003-05:00

Nicole 7/4/10

2010-07-04T13:52:00.003-05:00

Getting ready to come home...

Junior meets his sister 7/3/10

2010-07-03T21:42:00.005-05:00

Junior met his little sister today. He was gentle and amazed, pointing and proclaiming "Baby!" His touch was loving. As the nurse drew some blood from Nicole for tests, causing her to cry, Junior wanted to be held up so he could watch and make sure his little sister was O.K.

It's a girl!!! 7/2/10

2010-07-03T07:43:00.004-05:00

Meet baby Nicole. Mom and baby are doing great. :-)

Quick Update 6/26/10

2010-06-26T22:18:00.007-05:00

One month gone by (too long, I know)... and time for an update. While looking through a few photos from this past spring I found this one. It's from the May Day Parade in Minneapolis. Junior practicing for his new slide.

I don't know for sure if Junior understands what is going on with the baby coming just days from now, but he definitely treats Hiroe's tummy well. I kinda think he knows he has a sister...

Boy's day celebrated...

And here's a photos from last weekend's trip to Back to the 50's. It's an old car celebration at the State Fair grounds. Thousands of people show up and there is a constant parade of cars. Our real objective was to get a few corn dogs and sweet martha's cookies.

Lastly a family photo, just days away from becoming a family of four.

New slide! 5/20/10

2010-05-22T22:36:00.002-05:00

Junior on the slide...

At home 5/10/10

2010-05-10T22:12:00.002-05:00

OK, so I just really like this photo.

junior slippers 5/10

2010-05-09T08:39:00.001-05:00

junior shoes 5/10

2010-05-09T00:11:00.001-05:00

Building a Playset 5/10

2010-05-08T23:33:00.003-05:00

One of our spring projects was to assemble a playset. I'll have to get a picture of it completed...

Scar 5/10

2010-05-08T23:28:00.003-05:00

On the way back from swim class, junior tried unsuccessfully to carry the gym bag. It took a while for that to heal...

Madison 4/10

2010-05-08T23:21:00.004-05:00

In mid-April Hiroe had a seminar in Madison, so we decided to make it a family event. While Hiroe was in the seminar, Junior and I played on State Street and the UW campus.

Junior watched these guys for a long time. Three guys playing the bongos, and one guy dancing.

On the terrace.

By the lake.

And following the State Street Brats mascot.

Florida vacation 4/2010

2010-04-13T21:10:00.005-05:00

Welcome to our Florida vacation. Well, actually the first two photos are at the airport in Minneapolis.

O.K. now it's Florida. This is at Downtown Disney on Thursday night. There are lots of shops and restaurants. And Junior's favorite... street performers.

On Friday we went to SeaWorld. Home of Shamu the Killer Whale

Then it was on to the walrus show. Yes, they got the walrus to pilot the pirate ship. And I can't even get our dogs to come when I call.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed the (kiddie) pool at the hotel.

In the afternoon we headed to Tampa to check out the coast. This is in St. Petersburg. I really liked that beach and town and would like to plan a few day vacation to go back.

Initially, Junior wasn't so sure about the ocean water.

Getting used to it.

Couldn't get him to come out after he was used to it.

Some guy's hobby.

Stopping for ice cream after a great mexican dinner.

On Sunday we went to Disney Epcot.

And Japan too.

Junior sleeping in Italy.

Sleeping in Germany as well.

Awake again in Mexico.

Pondering life.

Preferring to keep some distance.

Junior loves sorting cheerios, dry pasta, rocks, etc...

Junior's first ride EVER. The Finding Nemo ride.

One hand in the cheerio cup.

On Monday we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Waiting for our Safari tour truck to arrive.

On the tour.

Back on land again.

To me this photo looks like one of those 'celebrity spotted with their son' photos from gossip magazines. Less the celebrity.

It was really eerie the way this ape was staring at us.

Wanna leaf?

A Mickey parade.

And then we came home...

Junior takes a stroll through the Minneapolis skyway 2/10

2010-04-13T21:08:00.000-05:00

Junior at MOA 01/2010

2010-02-24T21:55:00.001-06:00

Junior loves exploring at MOA...

Junior Blocks 01/2010

2010-02-24T21:00:00.004-06:00

Junior found a short cut...

Playing with sand 2/14/10

2010-02-21T21:52:00.002-06:00

Went to mall of america on Valentines day. Not very romantic, but we did have a nice romantic family dinner at home later. At any rate, Junior LOVES walking around at Mall of America. Well, he loves walking just about anywhere now...

Friends return 1/24/10

2010-01-31T12:00:00.002-06:00

Hiroe's friends returned from living in Argentina, and we decided to have a little welcome back afternoon lunch. It's good to have friends return!

Sledding 1/17/10

2010-01-31T11:56:00.004-06:00

On January 17th we went sledding at the local hill. I'm not sure if Junior enjoyed it. He and I rode together down the hill and snow was sprayed in his face on a few occasions. This caused him to bury his face in my jacket on the way down the hill. Maybe we'll try again next year.

Landscape Show 1/09/10

2010-01-31T11:48:00.002-06:00

On January 9th we went to the Landscape show in the Metrodome. It wasn't really focused on landscape, but more of a mix of random home things including cooking pots and pans. The show was a bit under-attended, with maybe 100 people at the show at any one time. We spent most of our time here (see below), at the rainbow play systems display.

Junior was very focused on getting the most out of the play set.

Of course, we ended up the proud new owners of a rainbow play system of our own. Now if the snow would just melt.

Junior on the phone January 2010

2010-01-11T22:13:00.002-06:00

We've decided Junior is the most talkative one in our house.

Junior in the movies January 2010

2010-01-11T22:06:00.004-06:00

So Hiroe has taught Junior some movie moments...

December 2009

2010-01-01T22:21:00.005-06:00

Seems like a good time to make a new years resolution to update the blog more frequently. In the mean time, here's a few of the latest events in our family.

In mid December, Junior got to sit with Santa for the second time. Last year the pictures were taken by a photographer who did a great job of taking photos that were primarily yellow (i.e. they looked odd). This year, I took the photos but Santa looked a little tired. Maybe next year the stars will align on a Christmas photo shoot.

Junior got a cool table and chair for his room. He loves it, and quickly learned that he could use the chair to reach higher shelves in his bookcase. Smart, but not so smart.

He're Junior at Mall of America, our home away from home in these cold winter months.

And at Christmas at my parents house.

We received a fair amount of snow last weekend. Junior got to try out his boots, snowpants, and sled. I think he liked it. Maybe we'll try a sledding down a small hill next.

Junior walks (a little) 11/18/09

2009-11-19T20:01:00.002-06:00

Junior's first steps! Actually, this was his second set of steps. It's not like we have the video camera on him all of the time. Most of the time, but not all of the time!

Junior in the leaves 11/1/09

2009-11-15T21:59:00.004-06:00

Part of living in Minneapolis (recently referred to as a small town in the woods by a few people) is that the woods eventually drop all of their leaves. Junior seemed to enjoy it.

Halloween 2009-10-31

2009-11-15T21:54:00.003-06:00

Junior "chose" a bumble bee costume for Halloween this year. Of course, initially he was a bit shy to show off his costume.

Then the distraction of the toys was too much and he was on the move.

Getting used to having two faces.

A bee on a bicycle... not something you see everyday.

And heading out trick-or-treating. He got a nice amount of candy, which mom and dad enjoyed immensely. Hopefully, he won't remember losing all his candy to his parents when he's older.

Boo 10/27/09

2009-10-27T22:06:00.002-05:00

Junior is taller than Boo!

Cabin 10/03/09

2009-10-18T07:14:00.003-05:00

We went to the cabin a few weeks ago. No, he didn't go for a ride. Maybe next year...

Cheap toys 10/17/09

2009-10-17T22:22:00.002-05:00

So today Junior slept with his new favorite toy, a measuring cup.

Junior at bedtime 10/16/09

2009-10-17T22:12:00.003-05:00

Shot with my iphone. Junior was being a bit silly before bedtime last night.

Renaissance Festival 9/26/09

2009-10-17T21:36:00.004-05:00

I'm catching up... ahem... with the blog posts again. And it's an old post at that. It's on our visit to the Renaissance Festival about a month ago. Here are Hiroe and Junior watching a high school choir singing just inside the entrance.

The general scenery. Old world charm, with beer.

No that's not beer.

Two guys spewing riddles. Some I figured out, others I didn't.

Franko the Hypnotist. Kind of a fun show. A bit dirty though. Glad Junior hasn't mastered English yet.

The clucking chicken guy. He was drinking beer. Makes sense now.

Junior's favorite ride... the big rocking horse. He didn't rise it though. Maybe next year.

Junior did find a friend. And she spoke a little Japanese too.

And it is here that Junior discovered hay. He really enjoyed it. Maybe we'll have to get some for the backyard.

Nori delight 9/23/09

2009-09-23T23:03:00.004-05:00

Junior's eating just about anything now. As sort of a between meal (dinner and dessert) snack, he enjoys some Japanese nori.

Birthday presents 9/12/09

2009-09-23T22:58:00.003-05:00

Junior got to have his birthday all over again with the arrival of a birthday gift from his aunt Mary. It was a musical card that he enjoyed opening and closing over and over again. I have that tune permanently in my head.

Still enjoying the card.

Cool! Clothes to fit his growing body. He seems to outgrow things on a daily basis. Thanks Mary!

Junior grooving to some tunes 9/12/09

2009-09-12T22:32:00.002-05:00

Found this video on the camera. Seems junior is a 'police' fan.

Junior helping with the chores 9/12/09

2009-09-12T22:18:00.002-05:00

So today Junior thought he'd help out by doing a little house cleaning...

State Fair 9/7/09

2009-09-11T22:37:00.005-05:00

On 9/7, the last day of the fair, we had officially gone 6 times. It's nice in that you can sample a lot of the food and see a lot of the sights without trying to do everything in one day.

We learned Junior enjoyed the fair much more if he got "me time" to crawl around an explore. Being held and sitting in a comfy stroller only goes so far.

Unless you're taking a nap. Then he doesn't mind sitting in the stroller. And it's a good time to enjoy ice cream.

Once home, Junior worked on connecting with the Humting side of the family. We love our remotes.

State Fair 9/4/09

2009-09-11T22:33:00.004-05:00

On 9/4 we went to the fair with Hiroe's friend Hiedi and her son Aiden. Yes these posts are out of order. Sorry about that. I also forgot my camera, so this shot is from Hiroe's camera. Seems on 9/4 I was a bit disorganized.

State Fair 9/6/09

2009-09-11T22:28:00.006-05:00

We hit heritage square during the next visit to the fair.

And the sales booths in the grandstand. Sushi anyone?

And the horticulture building. Hiroe and Junior loved the flowers.

Junior and the Bees. Sounds like the name of a swing band.

Once home, and with Junior in bed, Hiroe reconnected with the puppies. They missed us.

State Fair 9/5/09

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Carol came along for the next trip to the state fair. Yes we went to the fair on several different days. We didn't just change clothes to make it look that way.

We visited the birthing barn. Junior and Hiroe really really likes the baby lambs. Hiroe said this was the best part of the fair this year.

Junior loves to point now. Handy.

Junior got a fancy set of pig ears.

State Fair 8/30/09

2009-09-11T22:09:00.003-05:00

During our second trip to the state fair, we visited the bazaar.

And Junior got his first state fair meal. We stayed longer than anticipated so we didn't have any food for him, so he got a hot dog. Well, mostly just the bun.

Playing around outside the fine arts building.

This was a free concert by a group dedicated to homeless kids. Cool drum songs.

Junior got a bit thirsty.

State Fair 8/28/09

2009-09-11T22:03:00.005-05:00

Late August marks the start of the Minnesota State Fair. Hiroe's favorite event. This was actually Junior's second year at the fair. Last year he was about 3 weeks old. It think he slept through it last year. This year was different. Hiroe and Junior are on the right...

Junior wondering why, exactly, you would deep fry a candy bar.

His favorite place was the rainbow play house sales booth.

He could have spent hours here.

Emily's wedding 8/25/09

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Later in August we attended my cousin's wedding. Stopping for a family photo...

Junior enjoyed it!

Well, enjoyed it most of the time. Sorry Jim...

It left him a bit tired.

Another pic from Hiroe's camera 8/09

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During August there were a few days I had to work late. Hiroe and Junior came up to my work for dinner. Junior prefers to eat food with papa. Nice. Everything else, though, he prefers to do with mama.

Japanese Lantern Festival 8/16/09

2009-09-11T21:09:00.003-05:00

Every year we go to the japanese lantern festival in Como park. This is kind of a collection point for those interested in japanese culture. There is japanese food, games, art, etc. Hiroe too this opportunity to enjoy a bag of mini-donuts.

The freaks. Japanese freaks, that is.

Continued...

Some of our friends who also came to the event.

Random Image from Hiroe's camera #1

2009-09-09T22:28:00.002-05:00

As I get into updating the blog, I'll be throwing in some random photos from Hiroe's camera (as you probably got from the title of this post). Here's junior enjoying his favorite summertime treat: watermellon. No matter how big the piece, he tries to put the entire thing in his mouth. It doesn't always go so well.

Junior's second birthday 08/09/09

2009-09-09T22:15:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since the last post, I know. I've been compiling pictures from the last month and will be updating the blog as I can squeeze in time to do so...

We last left our hero as he celebrated his birthday. 08/08/09 to be exact. On the 9th we joined the family on a mississippi riverboat to celebrate both Junior's birthday and my brother Jim's birthday.
Dad had his best friend back...

And we celebrated with cupcakes.

Junior got two birthdays this year. And he's only one!

After the boat cruise we went to the local community pool. Junior's a big fan of water. Lucky for me... I love it too!