As I mentioned in the previous post, we spent two nights at a traditional ryokan. Ryokan prices are generally quoted per person, not per room, because food is such a major part of the stay. In the two dinners and two breakfasts we had there, we feasted like kings.

In the picture below, the lady who ended up serving all our meals is describing something about our first evening's dinner to Fumie, as Anthony dances in his yukata. He was very tired and a bit punchy, but it was his first time to wear a robe or yukata, and he [...]

We're back from our mini trip to near Ise, in Mie prefecture, about three to four hours away by car. It was a wonderful little trip.

We stayed at a large but traditional ryokan at the water's edge (map). The picture above is Anthony, wearing a yukata, sitting on the tatami floor of our room, looking at a book.

Sometimes I can't get over how cute he is. Hmmm, perhaps I'm biased....

The pure, wide-eyed, innocent joy of an excited child. It's something all children have, and all adults wish they still had.

In the case of this adult, it's also something I wish I could capture.... with my camera. These were the best I could do on Christmas morning...

Sometimes, the excitement is just a little too much for him. Opening one present (a bubble-maker from Grandma and Grandpa, thanks!), he exclaimed "Yeah! This is just what I need!" This alone is funny enough, coming from a four-year-old, but it was soon followed by "What's this?"

I have it [...]