We also hit Izu in September and the weather was perfect!  There was white sand beach just like back home and the water was warm.  We were at a beach called Tadadohama, which is right next to Shirahama Beach. 

Shirahama, where we took the picture below, resembled Waimea Bay, with the exception that there are not the same gigantic waves like Hawaii during the winter time when the waves are up. 

We let Joa freely play in the sand as you can see, which he took full advantage of, getting it into his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth of course.  

We took him on the surfboard as well but will save him the embarrassment...maybe later??? 

Sendai in September...

We were in Sendai, in Miyagi prefecture this past September.  Sendai is about 300 km, or close to 200 miles away from Tokyo.  The water was very warm and the place where we were at was right next to Shichigahama, which is the sister city to Plymouth, where the Puritans fled to from England back in 1620. Both locations are resort towns, with similar geography and size. 

May Babies in the House!

In August, we got together with some other families whose kids were all born in the same month of May!  One of the boys, Souma-kun, even used to live on the same floor as us until we moved.  Pretty coincidental. 

Family Photos

We took some family photos for our 3rd anniversary at a studio in Kokubunji.  Joa had a blast wearing out the photographers. 

Proud Parents!

Joa turned 1 on the 9th of May

He was quite ecstatic as you can see!

Joa on Children's Day, May 5, 2010

In Japan, there is a tradition called, Tango no Sekku, aka Boys' Day (also known as Feast of Banners) while Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) was celebrated on March 3. In 1948, the government decreed this day to be a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of all children and to express gratitude toward mothers. It was renamed Kodomo no Hi..

Before this day, families raise the carp-shaped koinobori flags (carp because of the Chinese legend that a carp that swims upstream becomes a dragon, and the way the flags blow in the wind looks like they are swimming), one for each boy (or child), display a Kintarō doll usually riding on a large carp, and the traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto. Kintarō and the kabuto are symbols of a strong and healthy boy.

Kintarō is the childhood name of Sakata no Kintoki who was a hero in the Heian period, a subordinate samurai of Minamoto no Raikou, having been famous for his strength when he was a child. It is said that Kintarō rode a bear, instead of a horse, and played with animals in the mountains when he was a young boy.

Mochirice cakes wrapped in kashiwa (oak) leaves — kashiwa-mochi (just like regular mochi, but is also filled with red beans jam) and chimaki (a kind of "sweet rice paste," wrapped in an iris or bamboo leaf) — are traditionally served on this day.

The traditional Japanese military helmet, kabuto.

The Japanese sword「katana」

The bow and arrow「yumiya」

My Redeemer Lives

One of my favorite video clips and a story that always challenges me to be a better father

Cherry Blossoms at Hikarigaoka Park

Joa is enjoying the cherry blossoms with some friends from Church

Joa is already 9 months old now

Joa is almost twice the size of the stuffed animal now, which we have named Katie.  He was about the same size as Katie when he was born...

Mmmm....that yogurt was Ono!

We just need to teach Joa how to get more of the food in his mouth and not around it.

Joa at 8 months on January 9, 2010

Joa was finally able to turn over on his own just before he turned 8 months. Not walking yet but we're pretty sure he will be in no time :) ...then once he starts walking, we'll want him to sit still...funny how things work.

Can't beat the weather in Hawaii

Having fun on Dad's shoulder

Joa in his shades at Lanikai.

Joa in Paradise with Mom

This photo was taken right outside the Ilikai in Waikiki. As you can tell, Joa is enjoying the lagoon water.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

THE WILL OF GOD

The will of God will never take you, Where the grace of God cannot keep you,

Where the arms of God cannot support you,

Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you, Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,

Where the army of God cannot protect you, Where the hands of God cannot mould you.

The will of God will never take you, Where the love of God cannot enfold you,

Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you, Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

Where the Word of God cannot feed you,

Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now,

but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best. - Author Unknown.