Anchors Aweigh!

Today, the Oldest Classes at Seika performed at the local shopping mall.  These kindergartners have the most incredible non-marching, marching band.  Ever.

They have base drums, snares, tolio (tri-toms), cymbals, portable pianos, choreographed flags - topped off with plumed hats!

As the kids came out on the stage, they were all smiling, waving, and then there was... Dougie... he looked a bit like a cat straight out of the bath...

They performed twice on the Daiei stage for all the parents and patrons.  Parents were uber-proud and on-lookers were impressed.  Dougie wore his hat waaaaaaay back during his first performance (see above...) in spite of encouraging him to push it forward.  I had speculated that he did not like his hair being pushed forward.  And then...

My suspicions were confirmed

And corrected.

These kids not only performed beautifully, they all marched out there, hoisted up their drums/pianos and waited for the drum major.  Who is also a kindergartener.

Dougie really got into the role, making faces like he was hoisting a baby grand onto his shoulders...

I think making faces is part of the performance - the little girl next to Dougie is just as cute as can BE!  And check out the concentration on this boys face...

Dougie prayed tonight that he would get to "pre-form" again and that he was grateful that he got to "pre-form" today.  Eric and I are in full agreement.  It would be fun to compare his kindergarten performance to his future High School marching band...  You be the judge!  They "pre-formed":

I've Been Working on the Railroad

And

Anchors Aweigh

Taura Ume no Sato: Part IV - Homecoming

The final installment of our Ume blossom trip.  On the way home, we bade farewell to the Ume...

Stefan helped "carry the load" by pushing Emi.  He even gave her race car rides.  He gave me some more gray hairs in the process..

Um, WOW!  I hope they got that paint on sale...

I have to admit - you could never lose your home painted this way.  And sometimes a Japanese neighborhood can become crowded...

What a"suburban" Japanese neighborhood can oft look like: blooming trees, pruned to look huge, but be in a tiny space, a driveway that is a ramp over a river, a river that runs through the neighborhood, like a gianormous runoff ditch, only concrete and bricks, power lines and mirrors so you can see what/who is around the corner on the two-way, single-car-sized-road-with-some-guy-walking-with-a-kid-strapped-to-his-back.  So, who is ready to come to Japan!?!

Two different entrances.  Above are some really pretty rock landscaped stairs with ornamental trees.  Below is a typical Japanese garden.  It was/is beautiful.  I met the lady of the house - she is a delightful, older lady that not only has great gardening skills, but has amazing English skills as well!  I thank her for allowing me the photo ops!

An entrance gate made to look like the traditional gates at a temple or a "checkpoint".  Would love to replicate this at home...

Between the JR Yokosuka Station and Daiei Mall (just outside base) is Verney Park.  It is a waterfront park designed to be a French Garden, complete with huge rose gardens!  I look forward to their blooming!

The boys did me the honor of letting me take their picture.  And they all had the courtesy to smile - at the same time!  Thank you, Anthony boys!

The Starbuck's at Daiei has a kids area.  A.W.E.S.O.M.E!

And they have a beautiful (and tasty) Orange Fromage Cake and a Sakura Chiffon Cake.  I love the Sakura blossom time (Cherry).  You can find Everything in Sakura flavor: Chu-hi's, soba noodles, pastries, mochi, coffee...  It does not taste like cherry flavor.  It tastes like... sakura!

That is a really Sakura blossom adorning the top of the cake.  It is slightly pickled - very salty!

Does anyone remember the Steve Martin movie, "Parenthood"?  One of his kids ran around with the bucket on his head, running into walls...  well... that would be Ian.  He entertained the place by putting the toy bucket on his head, pulling it up and busting out a great big, "HI!!!" 

Then we got home and he bared all...

Anything for a cookie, Mom!