Milking Cows!

Recently at my small school, Aoki Elementary School we had a special day called Mo~ Mo~ School. The local daily group brought some holstein cows for the kids to see. It was a fun day and we all had the chance to see the whole process where our dairy products come from and how they are made. We all got the chance to make our own butter, pet calfs, and milk a cow. It was a first for me to milk a cow so I thought it was cool. Enjoy the pics of me milking and making butter (butter is a little hard to see).

Pt. 4 Ohisama Hoikuen Aki Matsuri

By the time we had gone to the local shrine and taken drink break Noah was getting tired so Naoko and I took turns carrying him as we made our way back. The reason I have a yellow festival coat (happi) on is that I am part of the PTA and thus have to help.

Pt. 3 Ohisama Hoikuen Aki Matsuri

Another part of the festival is what I can best describe as a horse drawn cart minus the horse (in the horse's place is a guy). On this cart are a bunch of taiko drums that the kids play as the procession winds its way around the neighborhood. Noah was enjoying his turn at playing the drums until one of his classmates accidentaly hit him in the head with her stick. It was the cutest thing to see Noah try not to cry. He did a good job thanks to the help of his classmate.

Pt. 2 Ohisama Hoikuen Aki Matsuri

During this festival the kids in Noah's preschool and the parents made a procession which included an Omikoshi. An Omikoshi is basically a shrine that is carried. Although for Noah's preschool it is really just a theme picture from the sports day festival (held the day before I left to the states). Here is Noah in front of it.

Ohisama Hoikuen Autumn Festival

A little while ago Noah had a festival at his preschool/daycare. He seemed to enjoy it and even though he is the youngest he was able to keep up with the big boys and have a good time. Here are a few pics of the proceedings.

sorry it's been so long

Well I am back with another blog for anyone interested. I had a wonderful time going back to the states and seeing my neice for the first time. She is adorable eventhough she doesn't look like a Pair which is a nice change of pace. Next time I go home I will definatly bring the whole family. It was the longest we have been apart and I would prefer to not repeat that. Naoko and Noah survied my absence and Noah only ask about for the first week. While I was gone they went to a few festivals and Noah was a really good boy (according to Naoko). I guess I am the one who is a bad influence on him. I am glad to be back in Japan or should I say I am glad to be back with my family. I miss all the convience that there was back in the states though. I am glad to see that not much is changed in respect to my family, friends and relatives. One thing I really appreciate about America is the lack of a gift giving culture. It will be nice to not have to deal with that once we move back. However on the other hand I think my parents can appreciate the gift giving culture of Japan as they enjoy thier new heated toliet seat. I am happy that I will be able to bring one back for myself when I move back. They are so nice. Well I have so more to write about so I will leave you all with a pic of the heated toilet seat for your enjoyment.