Day 3 with Grammy and GrandDad in Japan

On Monday we showed Grammy and GrandDad around our neighborhood. We enjoyed a pleasant walk down to the fish pond and we were so lucky to see that the cherry blossomed had bloomed.

Playing chase in the open field. Since we don't have a yard, this open field near our house it the closest thing we have to a backyard.

After all that running we worked up an appetite. We took Grammy and GrandDad to the girls' favorite restaurant, Bikuri Donkey (Surprise Donkey). And no they don't serve donkey meat, it's a delicious hamburg place. Not hamburger, but hamburg. Hamburg is a popular Japanese dish. It's basically just a hamburger patty with sauce on top. It is very much like meat loaf. The girls LOVE it!

Avery is a pro at chopsticks. She often prefers using them over a fork and spoon. Here she's eating salad with chopsticks. I think she's in for some culture shock when we move back to the states and she realizes McDonald's doesn't give you chopsticks with your meal.

One of the many "must try" on Grammy list was tako-yaki. Tako-yaki is octopus balls. She was happy to try them at Bikuri Donkey and I think she actually liked them! Grammy also tried mochi (mashed rice ball) for dessert. It was quite the cultural meal for Grammy.

Day 2 of Grammy and GrandDad's visit to Japan

I've heard many times that it's the second day that the jet lag hits the worst. So we decided to have a more low key day with less sight seeing.

Sunday morning I took Grammy to my favorite shop in Japan, Daiso. Daiso is a 100yen ($1.00) store that is truly amazing. It's huge and you buy just about anything there for a dollar. I love a good deal!

After shopping we meet Mioko and her husband Nao at lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant, Tajmahal.

Mioko and Rylee enjoying Tajmahal delicious nan!

We spent the afternoon relaxing at home.

In the evening our good friend Annie offered to watch Rylee and Avery so we could take Grammy and GrandDad out for dinner. We took them to a shabu shabu restaurant. Shabu shabu is an interactive meal where you are given several plates of uncooked meat and a large assortment of delicious vegetables. Then you dip your meat and veggies into a simmering broth that sits in the center of the table on a cook top/hot plate. The meat is sliced so thin that within a few seconds it is cooked and ready to eat. You then dip your meat and veggies into a yummy sauce and eat it over rice.......oishi!!

Grammy and GrandDad Day 1 in Japan

Grammy and GrandDad arrived safely in Japan on Friday, March 26.

The girls were super excited to show them their play room. And GrandDad was more than happy to play with all their toys!


The girls were quick to teach GrandDad the ever popular Japanese custom of the "peace sign". It's a must when the camera comes out.

On day one of Grammy and GrandDad Japan adventure we took them to the Nikko mountains. This is one of our favorite and most beautiful sights near Utsunomiya.

We took the rope way to view Chuzinji lake and waterfall from above.

After the rope way ride we grabbed a snack, yaki-niku on a stick and green tea.....oishi!

We then took a tour of the Chuzinji Temple.

One of the many "must try" experiences on GrandDad's list was fish on a stick. He was brave! It's actually pretty good and he had no trouble eating the whole thing, minus the head with it's eye balls and small teeth.

Lunch break at my favorite hole in the wall Japanese restaurant. There's nothing like a good coke in a glass bottle! Rylee was quick to give Grammy and GrandDad some pointers on chopstick use. They did really well and I'm sure they will be pros by the end of their Japan visit!

Nikko Shines

Nikko Sake Barrels

5 Story Pagoda

We toured the Kanaya Hotel. The Kanaya Hotel is historic because it is the first western style hotel in Japan.

Traditional Japanese Lunch - March 2010

Once again, thanks to Mioko, the girls and I were able to experience an authentic Japanese meal that was very interesting and so delicious.

Mioko not only teaches Japanese to us Americans, she also teaches English to Japanese families that are preparing to move to America. Mioko was so kind to set up this lovely lunch so that Becky and I could meet two of her students that will move to America this April. My hope is to be able to help these ladies when we return in May. Plus, I am eager to continue relationships with Japanese families. I feel so blessed by this experience, it will be hard to let it go.

Above from left: Asami-san and her daughter Kyoka-chan, Fumiyo-san, and Becky

In back: Avery, Mioko, and Rylee

This restaurant was so beautiful on the inside. This lovely hallway was lined with small sliding doors that led to private tatami eating rooms. Rylee and Avery loved the small door openings, they were just their size!

Our meals were presented it these neat cases. Rylee and Avery's meals were served in a small dresser drawer set and the adult meals were served in stacked jars. Love the presentation in Japan!

Yummy Dessert!!