Summer Festival

Ella-chan's school hosted a summer festival this weekend for family and close friends. Two great things happened. Ella got to wear her first Jinbeh, a summer style kimono (altered into a tiny person size) AND my co-workers son won a giant (real) live beetle. Gross. I felt so bad, but he seemed pretty happy about it. Most Japanese boys seem very happy about beetles and bugs in general. The older kids did tiny people versions of ceremonial traditions and then everyone played games and won toys, lots of fun toys!

This is Ella's favorite teacher!

Zushi Beach

Remember how I stated: I promise to get out and discover more of Yokosuka? Well, I ventured out to Zuzshi Beach one day. Bags packed and ready for a fun, relaxing day at the beach. It didn't occur to me that it was the worst day to head to the beach with no plan. Marine Day. I love that Japan pays homage to the mother mother nature that surrounds it! Too bad I didn't get there in the morning...


...as far as the eye could see.

In Our Kitchen: Mango Salsa

There were no decent avocados at the market one day, so I switched it up a bit. Delicious!

In case you are curious:

(2) Mango's: diced

(1/4) Onion: diced

(1) tomato: cored/diced

(2) cloves garlic: minced

(1) tbl sp olive oil

(2) jalapeno: diced

Salt, Pepper & cilantro to taste

*we added a table spoon of Meyer's Rum-it was awesome.

...and here is my best flower arrangement from July!

3 Decades

We had a fun, at home celebration for Brando's 30th birthday. I surprised him with grilled bacon burgers, corn, and tomato's - and of course chocolate cake. Ella and I gave him a classic, acoustic guitar and he was shocked! Even though we didn't have a huge party it was a great time. Willett Style.

Ella Update

Holy 9 months! Where has the time gone. Long gone is the time of daily updates, even weekly updates for that matter. My apologies dear friends. What I can always promise is the sharing of amazing new things as we discover even more about Japan!

Ella is 9 months old today. A Tuesday, she was born on a Tuesday. 6:32 p.m.