This was the first obon since jiji passed, and we all headed to Japan. I only had about 5 days this time, but all three ladies are staying another week. It was great being able to mostly relax without any where we needed to run to. We visited some friends and went to the Koriyama matsuri, also welcomed in one of Qumi’s friends with a new baby girl! Had some kaiten sushi, blew up a ton of fireworks, and generally had a great time. I will miss them while I head back to Singapore in an hour, but the business class upgrade certainly helped 🙂
On the shinkansen to Fukushima, green car!False advertising, its a juice vending machineKatie is so excited to get ready for the matsuriKristie initially fought getting dressed, but baba was able to convince herFree stuff!All 3 girls dressed for the summer festival in KoriyamaKatie looks like an angel in this picture
Kristie was ready for ice cream and had enough of the parade by this pointBiggest taiko drum everGotta love Japan, fireworks sold everywhereOur haul for the girls first hanabiIt’s nice to get a break and watch some baseball while the girls play with puzzlesSpecial request for dinner one night from KristieShe absolutely loves themSomehow Katie wound up with all the shells though
right before the summer break, the Japanese kindergarten holds a summer festival for the kids. This year I volunteered to play the taiko drums for everyone to dance to. I rocked that kindergarten!