Geisha Picnic

Some girls have all the fun.

Matsuri

It's neighborhood festival time (matsuri), and like a good citizen, Nia was there to tow her bit of the line. If you look closely at the group shots (the first four pics), you'll see Nia at center stage. The final shot speaks for itself. Nice outfit, Nia!

The big guy behind Nia in the first photo is Ma-chan, the husband of Hiromi's friend Sayo, who appears elsewhere in this site (see below). Ma-chan is an expert carpenter and is helping us maintain the Kyoto house. Arigato, Ma-chan!!

The Family Who Pedals Together

Watch out, Lance Armstrong.

Way Too Much Fun

Doing what they do best.

Gang's All Here

A recent visit from Hiromi's friends Manabu (striped shirt), Kazu (tank top), and Kengo (glasses). Manabu and Kazu form the band KS1, with Manabu on 6-string and Kazu on bass (guitar, not fish). Rock on, gentlemen.

Alysa (Again)

Here is Alysa again (see below). Accompanied by her brother and pooch.

Eeeeeek...a Mouse!

Nia is very excited about returning to Florida next week.

School Friends Revisited

These children are all from Nia's summer school. They had a big play day at someone's house last week. And a bit of a farewell for Nia. She and Hiromi will be back in Florida next week.

A Day With Alysa-San

This is Hiromi's close friend Alysa (and Alysa's mom in the last image). Alysa is currently living in France and is home for a visit. Hiromi and Nia spent the day with her recently.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is the northwest corner of Kyoto. Beautiful. Popular tourist (mostly Japanese!) tourists. This is where the Katsura River exits Hozu Gorge and cuts through Kyoto. Hiking up Hozu Gorger from Arashiyama is excellent. Japanese monkeys live back in there. The nice lady holding Nia in the last shot is our friend Saya Deme, featued elsewhere in this site.

Octopus's Garden

While in Tokyo recently, Hiromi and Nia visited a seaquarium. A good time was had by all.

Kicking Back in Kyoto

Relaxing after another hard day of eating and playing.

Safe and Secure

Don't you wish Mom's hand were always there to grab when things get spooky?

Shovel It In

You never know when the next meal is coming. Get it while the getting is good.

Japan's Most Wanted

The two most successful sushi thieves in history. Menacing looking, no?

Our Nia

I know I've said it before, but if she weren't mine I'd be jealous.

Showing Off

Another pic from the last day of school. Looking sharp.

Wanna See My Blister?

Too much rich Japanese food.

More New Friends

A school friend. Where will they be in fifty years?

Bop Bop Sleep

This gets her every time.

And Now for My Next Trick

Clowning around after bath.

One Skinny Rabbit

Looks like beddy-boo time for somebody. Nice pajamas.

No Relation

No, not extended family this time. The baby's name is Manoa--the child of one of Hiormi's friends. And great grandfather (if I have it correct) supervising.

In Good Company

Conferring with the gods.

Doh!

It must've been a good one.