Youchien Open House and Seven Falls

This Saturday was Kawashimo Youchien's Open House, where parents get to come and watch the kids have a "normal" half day at school.  The parking lot at the school is pretty tiny, so we rode our bikes over (it's only about a mile away, even though it takes 10 minutes to get there by car).

 The kids showed us where they stow all their stuff.  They each have 4 different cubbies; one for shoes by the front door, one for hats, one for backpacks, and one for supplies in their classrooms.  The cubbies (and all their supplies) are labeled with a sticker that is unique to each child.  Vivien's is a cookie and Rafe's is a bunch of grapes.  The teachers have them all memorized.

 Here Rafe is showing you his sticker that tells him which hook he's supposed to hang his hand towel on.

After the kids stowed their backpacks, they had them all line up outside on the playground by class.  They did announcements over a loudspeaker, then they practiced the dances they are learning for the upcoming festival.  Vivi has a meltdown halfway through her first spin of the hokey pokey for some reason which I cannot divine and had a pretty rough time the rest of the day.  I thought it was maybe because she got hit in the eye because she starts rubbing it, but she told me later that it was because we weren't dancing with her and she wanted us to.  Oh 3 year olds!  

After the dancing and singing they all trooped into the school by row to their individual classes.  Once settled in their spot on the floor (again marked by the special sticker) they take roll call.  Each child is supposed to raise their hand and say "Hai!"  Rafe was quite pleased with himself for doing so.  Then they sing their morning song, say a prayer of some sort, read a story, and then do whatever it is they have planned for the day.  Vivien's class was doing a lot of singing (Drew was in there with her at this point.  I stepped out to peek in her class and found her clinging to his leg in the back, so we switched.  I am less fun to cling to than Daddy!)

 Here is Shiho-sensei helping Rafe decorate a birthday cake with stickers.

 Shiho-sensei speaks in Japanase about 85% of the time.  It's only when she gives a specific direction to an American child and they don't respond appropriately that she'll say it in English.

All the tables' legs collapse and have wheels so their classroom can be transformed from a big open area to a craft room in about a minute flat.  The kids are responsible for getting and putting away their own chairs.  Their places at the tables are marked with their stickers.  Here is Vivien continuing to have a hard time at her table with Akito-kun, Yuri-chan, and another girl whose name she would not tell me.  I think it might have been Ai-chan.

 After the kids were all settled they invited the parents to come kneel next to their children (I totally sat and put my legs all the way stretched out under the table; none of the kids' feet touch the floor anyway!) and we decorated telephones together.  I promise Vivien had fun at this part.  She was just concentrating on coloring in her trees.  Akito-kun was super friendly and kept telling me all the things he was drawing on his cup.  His mom seemed like a really sweet lady.  I would have liked very much to have been able to chat with her!

 When Rafe's class was done with the birthday cakes they played with play dough for awhile.  Each child has their own little box of it that they use all year.

 And then it was time to clean up!  In Vivien's class they pack their own backpacks.  Vivi's teacher, Manami-sensei, is the one with the apron kneeling down.  She is super nice.  Who am I kidding?  They're ALL super nice!

 When it was over we walked back to the parking lot where we'd left our bikes and rode back to base.  Vivien showed off her parkour skills.  And the stickers she stole from the craft table . . .

I wanted to stop at this cool pirate park that's on the other side of base on the way home, because it looks fun and we always want to play there when we drive by it but we never have time.  Within 10 minutes of arriving, Rafe bashed his head on a ladder rung and put his tooth through his lip . . .

 . . . and Vivien pooped in her pants.  So, we stopped the bleeding, cleaned up the poop, and called it a day.

Sheeee's a stinker.  

What else happened this week?  Ah!  Our seeds came up!  The first week in May was the flower festival to celebrate Buddha's birthday.  The youchien sent some seeds home with the kids and we planted them for family night to learn about faith.  I was very relieved they came up.  Vivi got strawflowers and Rafe got snapdragons (the Japanese call it "goldfish grass") and the seeds were SO TINY I wasn't really sure if any of them actually got into the dirt.  But voila!  They have sprouted.  

Here is Vivi's class at the Buddhist Temple for the flower festival.  They sent some pictures home of the day.

 And Rafe's class.  The white elephant, according to legend (according to Wikipedia), came to Buddha's mother in a dream to tell her that she would become the mother of "the Purest-One" and he would be a great being.

 Vivi with the Baby Buddha statue.

 And Rafe holding the ladle they use to sprinkle the statue with hydrangea tea.

Also, this week, Drew got an OUTSTANDING in their dress whites inspection.  It was unexpected--he did not feel very outstanding in his tight white pants and not-so-crisp shirt, but they obviously thought so.  And we'll take a Special Liberty Day any time!

Also this week, we had a lovely Sunday dinner finally!  We were going to have some of the young single marines over, so I broke out the china and made roast and yorkies . . . and then they got called in to work.  So we ate it all by our beautiful selves.  We had 2 ingredient banana coconut ice cream for dessert.  It might be my new favorite thing!  You just blend up frozen bananas until they're soft-serve consistency, mix in some coconut cream skimmed off the top of the can of coconut milk, and top with chopped chocolate chips.   It's dericious.

 Here's Rafe's new favorite way to watch TV.  I have seen Big Hero Six at least 10 times in the last 2 months.  And another random side note about Rafe; we were eating pickles for snack the other day and the last one had been eaten, but Rafe still wanted more.  I showed him the empty jar, he took it from my hands, and started guzzling down the liquid.  It was . . . disturbing.

And here's what we did on Memorial Day.  I have a sinus infection, so Drew was a good daddy and got everyone ready and packed up to go do some wholesome recreational activities at Seven Falls while I moped on the couch.  We are really lucky to have him.  

Our hike took us up a very steep hill past 5 ludicrously beautiful waterfalls.  The first one we passed (at the bottom of the hill) was Dragon Tail Falls.  

Google translate really wanted this one to be called "Beautiful Eyebrows Waterfall"

Vivien was the leader of our trek and made sure we stayed on track (using the map) and that we didn't miss any waterfalls.  She also kept up a constant stream of encouragement.  "We can do it!  We will make it!  We are almost there!"

 Climbing Dragon Falls

 White Dragon Falls

 Dragon Gate Falls

 And finally, Dragon Head Falls.

 There were many fun bridges to cross.

 And sooooo many stairs.

 They were very steep for little legs in some places, but Vivien was our champion hiker today.  Even in the dumb dollar store flip flops she insisted on wearing.

 At the top of the hill the path split for 2 different loop options.  Each path went down a long tunnel which was very exciting.

 We chose the right when the choice was put before us, but the trail ended up being closed.  So, we turned around and hiked back down the Dragon Falls the way we had come.

 Rafe was excited to see them again.

 At the bottom we let the kids clamber over the rocks, play in the water, and find us treasures.

 We met another giant purple worm.  Hand included for scale!

It started to rain after awhile, so we called it a day and headed home.  I don't know about the kids, but Mom certainly slept the whole way home.  It was a beautiful day!

Important note: Vivien told us midway through the 2 hour drive on the way to the falls that she had to go to the bathroom, so we were able to pull over and have her go on the side of the road.  She is recognizing the signals!  And we didn't have to clean poop out of the carseat!!

Second Chances

We are home!  And it is gorgeous.  The azaleas are out in full force all over the city.  

Rafe always wears his helmet when he rides his bike.  It sounds like "hammock" when he asks for it though, so I am always confused at first.  "Hammock on!"  "Hammock off!"

 The kids are starting to get really good on their balance bikes.  Rafe has a little track he likes to do in the house when I'm cooking.  It has some tight corners that I am impressed he can navigate.  If the seat of the bike gets twisted the tiniest bit during his riding though . . . the world ends!  "Fix it!  FIX IT!"  Vivi can put both feet up and coast on the downhills.  It may be the laziest way ever to teach kids to ride a bike . . . I'll let you know how it goes when we have to add pedaling into it.

 It is nice and warm here, which means we get to do outdoor water things again.  They have some pretty awesome wading pools at Kikko park. 

 And our kids weren't even the only ones in their underwear!

Vivien's long, thin legs . . .

 We got to go on a branch campout last weekend up at Yasaka Dam.  The equipment you can bring is limited only by the size of your car . . . So much stuff.

 We had a beautiful evening roasting dogs and chatting over the fire that one of the young men built, and then it rained all night.  We had brought our rain fly, but had forgotten to tuck the edges of our tarp under it.  Good thing we slept on an air mattress!

The rain made for some beautiful mist in the morning.  Japan!

 The kids played in the river in the morning while Drew packed up the car.  Vivien refused to open eyes for pictures. 

 But the biggest news since we've gotten home is that BOTH kids started youchien!  Rafe made the age cut off by 7 days.

He gets so excited when he sees the bus coming.  He loves to hop on and find his seat and then wave at me as they pull away.  Vivien is usually pretty surly in the morning, but by the time the bus comes home SHE is the one waving at me and running out of the bus to give me a hug.  It's a long day for the little guy, even though after lunch all they do is nap.  I keep waiting for the fatigue of a long day at school to cause him to sleep in after 5:15 when the sun comes up, but it hasn't yet.  Ah well, at least it keeps us productive?  

Here's the two of them walking the path from the bus to the school.  I followed them secretly one morning because I had to take the special Japanese pull-up diapers for Rafe.  

I feel like having both of my kids in school and Drew at work, I have been given a second chance at being a newly wed.  I have the opportunity for the next few months till the baby comes to work on my homemaking skills that have been limping by for the last 6 years and start some good habits that will make things a lot better for our family.  It's going to be awesome!  

The first thing I decided to improve with my new found time is to be a good youchien mom this year.  So, I went to the Daiso and bought bento stuff.  Japanese women are not very expressive of their feelings.  They show their love for their families by taking care of them and making them beautiful bento boxes for lunch.  One of Drew's friends said that if a wife is not very pleased with her husband, it shows up in his lunch.  I have to say, the kids definitely eat their food a lot better when I put in a little effort to make it "cute."  And if I prep the night before it really doesn't take too long.  I picture them taking out their lunches and telling their friends what's inside, like Frances and Albert.  I have to show off my efforts!   

 Kiwis, carrots, and PB&J wraps.

 Quesadilla hearts with sour cream for dipping, black beans, and blueberries on colorful picks.

Rice balls (onigiri) with PB faces, edamame, kiwi, and ham (they were supposed to be flowers, but I was in a hurry!)

 Chicken nuggets and baked french fries with ketchup for dipping and steamed broccoli florets.

 Kiwis, carrots, and PB&J sandwich hearts.

 Meatball caterpillars, edamame, and kiwis on a bed of rice.

 I have been doing a lot more cooking actually, now that I can menu plan and go to the grocery store in the middle of the day sans tiny, volatile helpers.  I made Boba-Fettuccine Alfredo for May the 4th.  It was dang good, because I made it with heavy whipping cream like the recipe actually calls for for the first time ever.  

 I also made some Pavlova for my neighbor who had her baby and is allergic to chocolate and has therefore been unable to eat any of the treats that have been brought to her.  

 Look how cool!  I even remember to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store because I reorganized some stuff in my kitchen and now they are easily accessible!

 I bought some baskets and organized the kids' dresser drawers so they can help learn to fold and put away their own laundry.  It has been working pretty well so far, especially for Vivien.  

 And I am trying to be a better decorator.  This has involved searching out some Japanese things we want to collect.  I went to a kokeshi doll painting activity the clinic put on.  

 She turned out rather well!  I based her kimono pattern on koi scales, because the activity was on Children's Day, and koi are a big part of Children's Day.

So, those are the adventures of Sabrina the Homemaker for now.  I shall continue using my nesting energy to slowly chip away at all the things in my life that need work while I can.  

And now I think it's time for some Funny Things the Kids Do and Say.

I caught Vivi singing the clean up song the other day with these words: "Clean up! Clean up! Everybody else!"

Vivi taking selfies with my phone

Sometimes when I thank Vivien for doing something, she'll say "My pleasure, Mom."

This is Vivi's friend Norah.  She lives on the floor above us and our balconies face each other.  Vivi and Norah will often invite themselves over to each other's houses without me or Erica (Norah's mom) knowing.  But, they play really well together, so it's actually a really convenient practice.  

 While we were Space A-ing, Vivien kept wanting to play a role reversal game.  She wanted to be the mom.  At one point I said, "Oh, does that mean you will carry the bags and take care of Rafe and make sure we have enough food to eat and water to drink?"  She said, "No.  You will just call me 'Mom' and I will call you 'sweetheart' and you will do what I say."  

Norah and Vivien playing dress-up.  Rafe chose my high heels, a sword, and a fireman's hat to play along.  

 Also while we were traveling, I kept trying to teach Vivien about the importance of following posted directions.  "We can't stand on these seats because that sign right there says 'please do not put feet on seats.'"  Things like that.  Well, now when she wants my attention and is having a hard time getting it, she says "Mom, you have to keep looking.  There's a sign on the wall that says 'keep looking,' so you have to."

Vivien likes to "make a living room" in the corner of her bedroom with a lamp, a clock, and a fan.  She will invite people to come sit there with her.  

Whenever Rafe completes a task (putting a toy in the toy box, pulling a grape off the stem, clearing his place), he yells, "I DID it!"

 Rafe came home from youchien one day with this huge bandage on his head.  

I took it off and this was what was underneath.  Vivien said "Rafe has a huge egg boost on his head!"  Egg Boost = Goose Egg.

We watched Song of the Sea probably a million times in our travels.  It's about a selkie, and at one point the selkie gives her son an "ancient shell" that plays him the Song of the Sea if he puts his ear to it.  Vivien often asks to go to the Ancient Shell Shop so we can buy one for her. 

On Saturday nights the kids get to watch an episode of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" with Daddy. They love it, and the characters show up in their play all week.  "Oh no!  Appa is missing!  Hurry we have to go find Appa and save him!"  This is Appa:

Rafe wears his rain boots everywhere he goes.  We have a book about a gosling named Gossie who wears her boots every day, everywhere.  He loves it.  He also really likes Where is the Green Sheep?

Rafe is really into biting right now.  He'll get you really bad when he's mad (I keep finding bite marks on Vivien . . .), but when he's just playing, he'll come up and rest his teeth against your skin and growl.  It is highly disconcerting.  He also has a really funny face he makes when he's getting ready to do it, but I can't get a picture of it because as soon as I take out the camera he stops.  I'll keep trying.  

Dimply hands at church.

Vivien likes to have her hair braided, but she is very particular about how it is done.  She either asks for a crown, Anna braids, or one braid with varying degrees of hair left out (like half of her hair braided and the other half down).  I try to follow her wishes as much as possible without making her look absolutely ridiculous. She had it in two braids for church today and actually left them in quite awhile, for her.  She was pretty thrilled with her waves when she took them out after church.  It was completely straight by the next day.  

 One more.  I am trying very hard to teach the kids to clean up after themselves.  I am having them pick up their toys throughout the day and put their dirty clothes in the hamper and wipe marker off the wall when they color where they're not supposed to.  The big one for the last 2 weeks has been clearing their places after they're done eating.  Usually I can talk them into it with the right degree of enthusiasm, but some days Vivi's just not feeling it.  She'll pretend she can't hold the weight of the plastic plate for awhile, pushing it around with limp hands pathetically, then she'll finally pick it up gingerly and stumble, whimpering, to the sink, like she hasn't eaten in days and just barely has the strength to breathe . . . I really need to get a video.  It's QUITE a performance!  

From Mother's Day.  I am her Primary teacher.  Thank you, Pinterest.

And lastly, a baby bump picture.  27 weeks and counting!