A long layover in Narita

Lots of turtles at the shrine

Well, it might be the shortest visit on record, but Uncle Ian came to visit us!!! We didn't want to go too far away from the airport so we ended up exploring in Narita. 

Ian got to order food like we do--Pointing at fake food!!! 

This buddhist ceremony fascinated Coop...or maybe it was because there was fire involved! 

Back to Enoshima Aquarium and Beach

We took a trip out to Enoshima Aquarium which is a favorite of Cooper's and relatively close by.

Sam stood still for a split second

Jellyfish!!

Yes, Cooper touched the sharks...not sure what kind though

After the aquarium we decided to walk the beach right next to it on the water.   The weather was great and Cooper somehow ended up completely soaked.

The sun was setting on the drive home and I got a quick shot of Mt. Fuji silhouetted on the skyline

Mt. Fuji from Zushi Beach

Woolly Mammoth in Yokohama!

There was a traveling display of a 39,000 year old frozen, intact Woolly Mammoth showing at the convention center in Yokohama.  It sounded pretty interesting, so we piled into the car and carefully navigated our way to the CC in Yokohama.  Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed of the baby mammoth....but we took some before and after the main exhibit.

Affectionately named Yuka (fragrant, friendly blossom)

A hut made from elephant (mammoth?) parts

Could have been the highlight for Sam

Not to be outdone by Sam....

Seika Swim Week!

Cooper's school had a week of pool fun and I was lucky enough to have the day off to volunteer and be poolside.  It was so much fun seeing Coop interact with his peers and teachers in such a carefree environment. My responsibilities included, but not limited too: pre pool rinsing (kids), post pool rinsing and taking pictures.

Cooper and his friend Ian doing some serious splashing

They have a pretty awesome slide!

He loved watering the pool

Joren Waterfall

Justin planned a day trip for us to drive to Joren waterfall in Izu. Since it's at least a 2 hour ride, we packed lots of snacks for the minis and headed out early (Early = about 10 AM because we're slow!). After a few missed exits and an unnamed navigator being relieved of their duties, we made it!

Although the steps down to the waterfall seemed to go on forever, the trees provided a welcome shade to the sun. There is a little shop about halfway down where you can rent fishing poles and nets, but we were just there to sightsee. There was also a wasabi farm (?) at the bottom which might explain why you could get wasabi flavored soft serve at all of the shops. Justin tried it (and liked it!), but the rest of us passed on that experience.

"Yummy fish"

C is always looking out for S! 

Justin and Coop crossing over the water to explore more.

Quick stop at a noodle shop for an early dinner before heading home.

Odaiba- Round 1 and Gundam

Jordan and Binks really wanted us all to go to Round 1 with them before they left. It's like an arcade that also has bowling, batting cages, basketball and a lot of other activities. The little boys were in heaven and even Justin felt young again while hitting balls in the batting cages. Cooper's favorite game was Street Fighter, but he quickly forgot about Round 1 when we walked over to the Gundam Exhibit. He LOVES robots so you can imagine how excited he was to see so many displayed. It was a fun day for everyone! 

Street Fighter Addicts

Breaking the rules with Binky

He got to ride for a few seconds before getting kicked off!

A very happy robot fan

In front of the giant Gundam

Mabori Kaigan Bon Odori 2013

This is always such a fun event for the kiddos, but this year they chose to actually go to bed super early (which NEVER happens), so Jordan and Binks checked it out without us. I'm not sure why Binks is wearing warm clothes because it was a hot and humid evening!!! 

Observation Day 2013

Coop wasn't sure about Sam running around his classroom! 

However, Sam was VERY excited to be at school with Coop! 

Drawing Daddy first...

The crew

Showing his teacher his work :)