Japan 19

 

Grandpa told us about Nakagusuku Castle Ruins.  I LOVED them.  I have a romantic side with ruins and I much prefer them over castles.  My head goes to the fanciful books like Susan Cooper, Robin McKinley, etc... Jer had the idea to rent kimonos and take pictures as well.  I loved that idea and so did the girls.  The boys were non plussed so they went to a bakery while the girls and I dressed up.  Ada picked out our hair accessories and we had a blast.  They are the summer kimonos so at least we didn't sweat to death.  There are three layers... plus my extra layer that I always wear. 

Sam took this one

Our kimono rental came with tickets to visit this cute historic house.  It was basically one building and a courtyard, so it didn't take long at all.

When they were doing Ada's hair, they accidentally did her bun around her mask... We just tore her mask after we left the shop to keep her hairstyle.

Ada made fun of me for being short the entire trip.  I joked that in Japan I fit in.  Then I put on the kimono without knowing that they start with them extra long.  That was funny.

7 eleven twinners

While Jer and Jim were running, I took the kids swimming.  Jer came and joined us after that.

I think this photo credit goes to Grandpa

These ones were taken by Jer

Sam was demonstrating an instructional video that we watched where a samurai would come and use a fan to tell people not to touch certain things or to take pictures in certain places. 

Favorite lunch spot.  Photo by Grandpa

Watching Grave of the Fireflies while "doing" homework.

The kids water and earth bending to destroy Seth's castle defenses.

We went swimming in the evening the night before this as well.  My kids are like me.... if they see a beach, they're on the beach.

Jer took these ones.

I took these ones with my phone.

Every time we passed anyone that looked older that 50, they would smile and tell us how beautiful.  Especially because Evelyn is going through a shy phase... She would look away and they would say she was so cute.

I took this one

Jer took these