1st birthday party

1st B-day's are extra special

so why not create a happy atmosphere with "1st Birthday" party goods.

①coordinate with balloon design

②big banners and a 1 shaped balloon

③"1st birthday" paperware, tablecloth, and even mints.

④B-day hat

⑤Melon and Watermelon b-day cake

⑥candle w/ balloon design


kaito's stuff was sent from a friend in the States

but you can get similar stuff on this website:

http://www.mm-party.com/

Enoshima Aquarium

It was kaito's first time to the aquarium and he seemed to love it!

We saw the dolphin and seal show but he was more into the toys at the shop.

kaito also experienced his first waves at the beach nearby
which made mommy wanna surf(LOL)

Enoshima is a great cooling spot where you can enjoy the beach and aquarium.
Mos Burger Ocean Cafe Enoshima is also recommended.
They have special curry dishes and Loco Moco
and lots of toys for kids to play with.

Best way to get to Enoshima is by train cause there's always so much traffic.

Enoshima Aquarium
Entrance fee for adults is 2,000 yen
Free for kids under age 3
Yearly passport is 4,000 yen

Goodbye, rainy season!

Ever since the rain has stopped, Sota's been pool hopping.

Kids probably just wanna play in the water so it really doesn't matter what the pool looks like but here's a few for the backyard or spacy balcony...

Sota's is from Akachan Honpo (about 4,500 Yen)...


Today's was 2,000 Yen from a hardware store...


We haven't filled it with water yet but Kaito has a pirates ship pool...

which was bought for half the original price at:
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/glitters/10000045/

BTW, if you're planning to get an inflatable pool this size, an electric air pump is recommended.

Sorajiro's weather news

NTV's evening news weather section lets any kid (up to elementary) stand behind the newscaster and the mascot - Sorajiro. It's only a 5 min. section but it's a chance to create a fun memory and be in the spotlight for a few seconds.

All you have to do is go to Nittele Tower's open space on the 1st floor around 6:30pm when the rehearsal starts. The section is On Air at 6:50 so you'll have to wait a little.

And most of the kids have posters with their names or props to stand out more.

If you click on July 9th, you can probably find where Sota is.

http://www.dai2ntv.jp/news/sora/

If you go too early and need to kill time, Nittele Tower has a few cafes and shops.

http://www.ntv.co.jp/shiodome/access/

Haircut

Sota went to get his 1st haircut.

Since it was the first time and Sota loves Anpanman, we decided to take him to the Anpanman Hair Salon.

Except for the fact that Sota didn't want to sit in the Anpanman chair (he sat on my lap), the staff were great with Sota so everything went smoothly.

Cut and Shampoo is 4,200 Yen. Just a haircut is 3,700 Yen.

A little pricey but for the first time I'd say it was a good deal.

If you go, I'd recommend going on a weekday in the late afternoon.

That way you get to see the show that takes place in the mall at 5:30pm everyday.

http://www.yokohama-anpanman.jp/mall/hair.html
(Japanese site only)

Shaved Ice

Summers in Japan = shaved ice!

Just one bowl and it cools you down & it's fun to make with your kids!

Not to mention...very cheap!

You can get a shaved ice machine for about 800 Yen and the syrup, condensed milk for cheap too.

So far Sota and I have been eating it everyday!

We bought ours at the neighborhood supermarket but there were a few sites that sold them with free shipping.

If you're a family with a kid, a shaved ice machine is a must have!

Make your own photo album

kaito is almost 1 so I made a photo album for him

There are so many sites that create photobooks
but Photoback has good taste and is really simple

There are 3 types starting from 1890 Yen
This one is BUNKO - 72pages
Many different layouts and you can write words too

It was so hard to chose photos to use from the 1000's we take
but it will become a great keepsake

One is so we can enjoy looking at it and touch it all we want

and the other (still in it's plastic)
is a present for when kaito turns 20

Yippee!!!!

Congratulations Japan!!!!
for qualifying into the last 16 in the WORLD CUP!!!

What an exciting match!


↓future soccer player?? (LOL)↓

Todoroki Ryokuchi

Todoroki Ryokuchi is a park in Kawasaki near Tamagawa River.

The park has several sports facitlies like the athletic staduim, a pond for fishing, a museum, tennis courts, pool and etc.!!There's also alot of nature which makes it a great place to play for kids!

kaito, who can now walk, was loving the parks obstacle course. It a place the whole family can enjoy, with slides that little kids can enjoy and slides that even adult would get a thrill out of.



During the summer, it might get a little too hot so you can rest at the museum. (Free entry)
The museum has a nursing room so you can even bring the little one.

The best way to get there would be by car but if you go by train, you'll need to take a bus from Musashi Kosugi St. or it'll take 10 mins. by foot.

http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/30/30kokan/home/todoryo.htm
(Japanese site only)