Last week, Nils invited us to play at the river near the end of the train line that runs by his house, so Anthony and I scootered up there. It would be the first time for us to see Greg in ages...

Sorry about the focus on the shot of Greg, but four-year-old boys pretend to not understand “hold still so I can focus.” The shot reminds me of this hunky picture of Anthony when he was three and a half.

Anyway, I think the last time we saw Greg was in the fall, when the kids went chasing around tiered rice paddies, and before that, a year ago checking out some big mushrooms.

For today's play, I didn't really know what to expect. I guess I had previous water play scenarios in mind (such as at Gen's house, or impromptu river play with Akiko-chan, or river play with Gen), and I ended up bringing all the wrong stuff. It was shaded, so I didn't need the sunscreen and hats I did bring, but it was really inviting, so I wish I would have brought along my own bathing suit.

It seems that's a common effect, because people walking by would often pause, think for a bit, then throw caution to the wind and kick their shoes....

This gentleman, who beamed “kindliness”, opted to watch from dry land...

Anyway, Nils did come prepared, and so Anthony could enjoy his time much more....

There were actually little fish in there, so that made for fun as well.

The little water float was a big hit. Anthony loved being led around in it by Greg, who loved leading Anthony around in it.

The river area was well sculpted to create all kinds of different play zones, with the “rapids” being at the bottom of a short but steep chute at one side of the river.

Upstream just a bit is a footbridge that leads to Hiezan Cable Car that goes up to the top of Mt. Hiezan. It makes for somewhat of a picturesque scene...

At one point the sun came out and positively lit up some grass on the opposite bank, leading to some wonderful reflections...

Of course, before we left, stones had to be thrown...