Fuji Safari Park

Safari Park is located near Mt. Fuji, but it was too overcast to see it this time. There was rain in the forecast so being in our car was pretty ideal.

The boys were so excited to see the animals walking around so close to us!

Who knew kangaroos could be so feisty?! 

After driving through the different animal areas (each was sectioned off kind of like Jurassic Park!), we parked and went to pet some of the animals. The boys were immediately drawn to the kangaroos so we paid about 50 cents or maybe $1 for food to feed them.

Eventually some of the kangaroos started boxing! The boys were so tickled to see it and Justin could not stop laughing.

The rabbit house was also a highlight for Cooper. He loves animals and probably would have been content to stay there for the rest of the day! 

Cooper was so happy to sit nicely and pet the rabbits. Sam wanted to knock things over and run wild. At least they're consistent! 

Thomas Land at Fujikyu (Fuji-Q)

Alice in Wonderland Cafe

We made it to our first "theme restaurant" in Tokyo and it was as strange as we suspected it to be! Stepping out of the elevator, we were immediately greeted by a harajuku-style Alice. The boys weren't sure what to think, but we were all pretty hungry, and we didn't exactly have a plan B for dinner. 

Ginza looked really cool at night. 

This pasta was pretty yummy. I love avocados with pesto.

Entry area

We sat next to the giant tea cup booth!

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