Happy Birthday Josh!

今日も朝からいいお天気。今日はジョシュの３５歳のお誕生日。昨日、一昨日と出かけたので今日はお家でリラックス。ジョシュの好きなチョコチップメロンパンを初めて作りました。杏仁豆腐も作る予定だったけど、作らず。
お誕生日おめでとう、ジョシュ。

What beautiful weather, all day for Josh's 35th Birthday. As we've been traveling around the past 2 days, we thought it would be good to just relax at home today. Takako made some Melonpan although we couldn't find any melon essence in the grocery store. Either way, very good! She also wanted to make annindofu (almond pudding) for him however, she will do that another day. Sakura has also been showing us how high she can push herself up, off of the ground after flipping over. She is growing fast.

Labor Day Weekend continued...

今日は、昨日のお祭りの後に行く予定だった公園に皆で行ってきました。お家から車で３０分の所にある公園でとにかく広かった。その後は、公園の近くにあるサファリパークに行ってきました。あまり動物がいなかったけど。今日も沢山歩いた日でした。

Today, we woke up early once again, then headed for Mahoney State Park to do some hiking/dog walking. The temperature topped out in the low- to mid-80's (~26-29°C). We climbed the 70' (21.3M) metal-frame, Walter Scott Jr. observation tower (Day-bis & Kuro too). As we reached the top, you could feel it sway in the breeze. We went on a 30+ minute walk around some of the campgrounds then headed for the Simmons' Wildlife Safari Park. It was a nice, leisurely drive in our Highlander through different animal exhibits/open plains. By this time, we were exhausted and headed back toward home. Only two more days left to the weekend.

2009 Nebraska State Fair

８月２８日から９月７日までリンカーンで行われているお祭りに今日行ってきました。２年近くネブラスカに住んでてリンカーンに行くのは初めて。ヤギや豚、牛やキリンの赤ちゃん、ラマやカンガールー、そしてダチョウなど見ました。そしてバドワイザーのコマーシャルに使われてるクライズデールっていう馬も見ました。豚レースでは私は応援団として参加しました。
お天気もよくてとてもよい１日を過ごしました。

Today was Veteran's Day at the Nebraska State Fair. I showed my ID & the whole family got in for free. (It was our first time going to Lincoln as we have been here just over 1 year & 9 months.) It was something that we just needed to experience. We saw everything from goats, sheep, pigs, cows to baby giraffes, llamas, alpacas, kangaroos, emus. The Budweiser Clydesdales even made a showing! We also saw pig races from Hedrick's Pig Racing. Takako was a cheerleader for the blue, number 3! We ended our day by watching the high diving show. One of the guys even dove from the 80' (24.3M) platform! We enjoyed our time at the Nebraska State Fair.

Walnut Creek Recreation Area stroll

朝晩だいぶ涼しくなってきて過ごしやすくなりました。週末はベースでエアショーがあったんだけど、去年、お友達夫婦と見に行ったので今年はベースには見にいかず、お家から見ました
土曜日は、近くの湖に皆でお散歩しに思った以上に広くて、湖一周１時間ちょっとかかってしまいました。午前中だったので空気も新鮮で美味しかった。

This weekend was the 'Defenders of Freedom' air show on base. We didn't go because we went last year. I think the only thing that was different was some of the static displays and the Navy Blue Angels were there instead of the Thunderbirds. (I have seen both before.) Yesterday. we went for a 1+hour stroll around a nearby lake. The Walnut Creek Recreation Area is about 10-15 minutes away from our house. Day-bis & Kuro didn't get tired as the day was not very hot. Then headed home as we were tired. Snapped a few pictures of Sakura as she loves to push herself up, off of the floor after flipping over now.

Greek Festival Omaha

金曜日の夕方ダウンタウンで開催されてるギリシャのお祭りに行ってきました。（お祭りは金曜日の夕方から日曜日まで）
サラダやピタ、ギロピタなどを食べました。
本当はもう少し滞在して、ギリシャの踊りなど見たかったけどその日は風が強くて、ギリシャ料理を食べてお家に帰りました。
土、日は、デービスとクロのシャンプー、長距離のお散歩、そしてお家でリラックスといつもと変わらずの週末を過ごしました。

This past week, Takako heard about a Greek festival that was going on in Omaha and she wanted to go. We found out that it was this weekend, downtown near Rick's Boat Yard restaurant. We went Friday night as it was a beautiful day, except for a little windy. We shared some Gyros, Greek Salad with pork Souvlaki & Pita's to dip in Tzatziki Dip. It had traditional music and later (we missed it), dancers came out with traditional costumes. Today we went on a walk (a little over a mile) around the housing area while pushing Sakura in the stroller & walking Day-bis & Kuro. Then relaxed for the rest of the day. It was another relaxing weekend.

Wes & Vicky's 40th Wedding Anniversary

ジョシュのご両親が結婚４０周年で（結婚記念日は８月９日）、パーティをするとということで週末は実家のミネソタに行ってきました。パーティが始まる前は曇り空だったけど、始まる頃には太陽も出てきていい天気でした。
オープンハウス形式のパーティで１４時から１７時の間だったらいつきてもいつ帰っても良いという形式だったんだけど、とにかく人が沢山で、さくらも私も途中疲れてしまったけど、とても有意義な時間を家族の皆と一緒に過ごせました。ジョシュのご両親が出会って結婚しなければ私達もこうして出会う事もなく、またさくらも産まれる事もなく、、、とにかく４０周年おめでとうございます。

This past weekend, we drove up to MN to celebrate my parent's 40th Wedding Anniversary (Ruby). The 4-J's had been planning it for quite a while. Their actual anniversary was August 9th, but we celebrated it one week later. The weather forecast called for rain at first, then it changed to mostly cloudy but by the time the party started, it was a beautiful sunny day. Everything came together as the party was designed to be an open house style where the guests could come & go as they pleased. Overall, it was great to spend time with family & friends and ultimately celebrating the 40 beautiful years of Wes & Vicky's marriage. (Jen, Jared, Jill & myself wouldn't be here if it weren't for them.) We need to include the line from Brad Paisley, "All because two people fell in love." Once again, Happy 40th Anniversary and here's to another 40 more!

100 days for Sakura

５日水曜日はさくらのお食い初めの日でした。さくらはアメリカ人と日本人のハーフなのでマクドナルドのハッピーセットでまずはお食い初め、歯固めはハッピーセットに着いていたおもちゃで。
後は、お赤飯とお魚（鯛じゃなかったけど）と梅干し、煮物、みそ汁（汁じゃないけど）などで（和食の写真が逆から撮ったので変だけど）
正式な形のお食い初めではなかったけど無事に１００日をむかえられました。

This past Wednesday, as is the custom in Japan, Okui-Zome is the celebration of 100 or 120 days old for children. It marks the time that babies can 'begin' eating food by themselves. As Sakura is half Japanese & American we thought to have her pose by both 'children meals'. I always think of McD's Happy Meals when I think of an American meal for kids and Takako prepared the customary meal for the Japanese meal. We ended up eating the food for her as we haven't started her on rice or anything other than Mom's milk yet.

3-day Weekend & Our Summer Cleanup

先週の金曜日は家の庭でデービスとクロのシャンプー。土曜日と日曜日の朝は、皆でお散歩、朝のお散歩は気持ちがいいね。
日曜日は、車庫、網戸、家の周りの掃除をしました。とても疲れたけど。
最近、さくらは寝返りをしたいみたいなんだけどいつも写真の体勢で寝ちゃうんだよね。

Friday, we gave Day-bis & Kuro a hose shower in the front yard. Saturday, we went on a very long walk around the housing area we live in, then relaxed with Sakura & the boys. Today, we went for another long walk, only a different course. By the time we got back, Takako suggested we sweep out the garage. We then thought, why stop there? Lets hose down the garage floor, then hose down the screens on the windows, then wash the windows, then wash the car, then...you should get the point by now. We kept adding on until we were tired. It was a nice day to clean the house. We even had time to snap a few photos. We love these 3-day weekends & relaxing at home! (Have we mentioned yet that Sakura loves to try and flip herself over from her back while laying down?)

Sakura is three months!

今日でさくらは３ヶ月。出産前から女の子だったら早い時期にピアスをあけようと思っていて、早速今日行ってきました。
私も既にピアスあいているんだけど、記念にもうひとつピアスを開けました。一瞬だけど、痛かったわ。さくらはというと、大泣きでした。

It is hard to believe that Sakura is already three months! While Takako was pregnant, we were thinking that if we had a baby girl, we would get her ears pierced as a baby. We brought her into Claire's at Shadow Lake Towne Center and Takako even got her ears pierced a second time. They both did a great job but as you may be able to see in the pictures above, Sakura's hurt a little bit more. We also bought a 'read-to-me' book at Borders, that Josh will read to both of them tonight, "The Giving Tree".

Baby Shower, our walk, & Dog Show 2009

先週の土曜日はお友達のベビーシャワーでした。皆でお祝いしました。来月出産だそうです、元気な赤ちゃんを産んでくださいませ。
ベビーシャワーの後は、風があって涼しかったので、家の周りをお散歩、でもお散歩した途端、風は止まり日差しが強くなっちゃって、デービスもクロもヘトヘトになってました。
日曜日は、オマハでドッグショーがあったので、ボランティアに行ってきました。３時間のボランティアだったけど、楽しい時間を過ごせました。

This past Saturday there was a baby shower that the Japanese wives group held for 156-chan. Everyone had a great time. The new baby will be welcomed into the world next month. After the baby shower, Takako returned home as it was a nice cool day. "Let's go on a walk with the boys!" As we started on the walk, not even 5 minutes into it, the sun came out and warmed us very quickly. We ended up cutting out a lot of the walk because of the heat. (Takako was holding Sakura this time.) Today, we woke up early, headed to the Qwest Center for the Nebraska Kennel Club's 2009 Dog Show to volunteer at the Pug Partners of Nebraska's booth. We had a great time chatting with anyone that wanted to know more about the rescue organization.

We are all tired

昨日、デービスとクロを庭園に連れて行けなかったので、今日、家の周りをいつもより長めにお散歩をしました。
でもとにかく暑くて、途中、デービスもクロも散歩放棄。「家に帰ったらシャーベットあげるよ」って言って何とか歩かせたけど。
家に帰ったら、デービスもクロもクールマットの上でグッタリ。
私もグッタリしちゃって、気がついたらさくらとお昼寝してました。

My what a weekend. We couldn't bring Day-bis & Kuro to the gardens yesterday, so we thought we would make it up to them by taking a long walk around the housing area. The temperature was close to 90°F (32°C) although we went for the walk anyways. We also got a chance to try out the Chicco UltraSoft Infant Carrier for Sakura. By the end of the 30-40 minute walk, Day-bis & Kuro's legs couldn't take anymore. They ended up just laying down on the sidewalk at times, but then after a brief rest and the promise of sherbet dog snacks when we get home, they continued on. By the time we got home, we all took a nap. Day-bis & Kuro were sprawled out on their cool mats.

The 4th of July Weekend

先週木曜日の夜はベースレイクで花火があったので、皆で行ってきました。でも、花火が始まる前にさくらが泣き始めて、結局、花火をみずに帰宅。でも車中から、少しだけ花火みれたけどね。
７月４日はアメリカの独立記念日って事で、自宅でバーベキューをしました。天気もあまりよくなくて涼しかった。
５日は天気がよかったので、オマハにある庭園に行ってきました。２時間ぐらい園内を歩いたんだけど、とにかく暑くて、後半は疲れちゃった。でもいい運動になりました。お花も綺麗だったよ。デービスとクロも連れて行きたかったけど、そこの庭園はペットは駄目なんだって、残念。

Just this past Thursday, the 2nd of July, a fireworks show was scheduled at the base lake. As Josh, Day-bis & Kuro attended last years show, we thought adding Takako & Sakura this year would be great! We arrived at the lake about 9:30 PM and waited about 15-20 minutes. Sakura then did not want to stay as she started crying as it was past her bedtime already. We hopped in the car, headed home as the first fireworks started to pop in the rear-view mirror. Oh well, maybe she doesn't like fireworks. On the 4th, we had a BBQ in our backyard. The day was very much overcast. Life goes on. Then...today we set out for Lauritzen Gardens. It was a perfect day as the temperature was in the 80's, blue sky and minimal clouds. We spent about 2 hours walking through the gardens, snapping photos, enjoying the family time. If only we could've brought Day-bis & Kuro. What a great weekend!

Family reunion & Sakura's 1st trip

１８日から２２日までジョシュの実家のミネソタに遊びに行ってました。去年から計画されていた「家族大集合」のイベントというか集まりがあったので。親戚も集まったので、全部で８０人ぐらいいたのかな。
これから毎年一回、こうしてミネソタで集まる機会を設けるみたい。
さくらにとっては初めての旅行でした。車で片道６時間の道のり、途中休憩しながらだったけど、特に問題なく行きも帰りも大丈夫でした。

Just last week, we headed to Minnesota for a family reunion. (Only about a 6 hour drive with Sakura feedings intermixed in.) It was the Hanson reunion (Josh's great grandparents both of whom have passed). The reunion was on the 20th where about 76 people attended. Prior to the reunion, my immediate family had a photo shoot with Karen Thompson Photography at my parents house. We used to have reunions around Christmas time, although many families became more & more busy with life, we put them on hold for a while. They will try to have once a year from now on. It was a first for at least three of the newest members to the family. Sakura Jasmine (our daughter), Shepard Riley (my brother Jared & his wife Mary Grace's baby boy) & Noah Kenneth Drange (my cousin Paul & wife Stephanie's baby boy that happens to have the same B-Day as Sakura). We also introduced Sakura to the rest of the immediate family that hasn't met her in person until now. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip! See you again soon!

A walk around Heartland of America park

今日は天気が良かったので、皆でオマハの公園に散歩しに行ってきました。ちょっと暑かったけど、気持ちが良かった。
お家に帰ってからは、リラックス。
今週木曜日からジョシュの実家のミネソタに遊びに行きます。

Today, we (the whole family) went for a stroll around Heartland of America Park, just east of downtown Omaha. It was a beautiful 78°F (25°C) as we walked the boys around the park while pushing Sakura in the stroller. We then headed for home, had baked salmon for dinner and relaxed together. This week we will be heading up to Minnesota for a family reunion. It will be Sakura's first road trip. It is only 5½ hour drive to see the family. We will also be introducing Sakura to the rest of the family that hasn't seen her in person yet. It should be a great time!

Our third anniversary

今日は結婚３周年でした。プレゼントに結婚式の時に持ったブーケのお花を買ってきてくれました。
ジョシュは午後は半休だったので、お家で映画をみたりとリラックスして過ごしました。あっというまの３年だね。これからも宜しくね、ジョシュア君。。。

This past Sunday, we brought Sakura & the boys on base to walk around the parade grounds. I was able to leave work early today as it was our third anniversary. I gave Takako a bouquet of Oriental Lilies. Quite romantic as she carried white lilies down the aisle, three years ago today. We relaxed at home and just enjoyed each other's company, with Sakura & the boys. Takako even made banana cake & fruit salad with annin dofu. Earlier this morning, Takako recorded a video asking Sakura, "Who wants to drink milk?" (See the embedded video for the Japanese way of saying it.)

The Farmer's Market, relaxing at home & almost our 3rd Anniversary

この時期になるとファーマーズマーケットがオマハのダウンタウンで開催されるので、先週の土曜日に行ってきました。
さくらにとっては初めてのダウンタウン。野菜を購入した後、アップストリームで朝食を食べて帰宅。その後はお家でリラックス。
ジョシュはデービスとクロと裏庭にある公園で遊んでました。
先週の月曜日からはジョシュは仕事に復帰しました。
先日は、桜花という日本食レストランに行ってきました。実は来週、結婚３周年という事で外食。
美味しかったけど、日本食は家でも作れるし、家で作った方が節約になるから、、ジョシュ的にはもう日本食レストランには行かない、、らしい。。

It has been a busy week. Last Saturday, we travelled to the farmers market in the Old Market area of downtown Omaha. We brought the stroller as this was Sakura's first time downtown. We bought just some vegetables and then had breakfast at the Upstream Brewing Company. We then headed home to relax the rest of the weekend. We took some photos of a bird outside the back door, Takako took a pic of Day-bis, Kuro & I near the swings in the park behind us. Then Josh went back to work on Monday. It was his first day back since Sakura was born. (I very much enjoyed the one month away, spending quality time with family.) Then, just yesterday, Takako & I headed for Sakura Bana Japanese Restaurant. We thought that we can celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary just a little early. Plus we were able to bring Sakura to Sakura Bana as they share the same name meaning 'cherry blossom'. It was pretty good, but we can make Japanese dishes just as good, if not better at home for less $.

Sakura is one-month!

さくらが生後一ヶ月たったので、写真を撮りに行ってきました。日本だとお宮参りにあたるんだけど、お宮参りに行けないので何か記念にと言う事で写真にしました（お宮参りの洋服は日本にいる母親が送ってくれました）まだまだ日中も寝てる事が多くて写真を撮る時に起きててくれるか心配でしたが、何とか無事に撮り終えました。

Ahh...Sakura's one-month photos. What a beautiful day to head to Oak View Mall, a photo studio named, The Picture People. At the beginning, she was not cooperating but what else can you expect from her at her age. We ended up giving her 3 oz. of milk, then everything was good. She did a great job from then on. We only chose two different outfits, one from Grandma Hideko (typical clothes worn at the Miyamairi) and a pink/light blue, 2 piece jumpsuit. The pictures turned out very good. We ended up purchasing 4 framed picture collections and some 5x7's. After all, there is only one, one-month photo shoot.

Grandma & Grandpa meet Sakura

先週の木曜日からジョシュのご両親がさくらに会いに遊びに来ました。数日でしたが、さくらの面倒をみてくれて助かりました。
ジョシュのお父さんの事を大好きなデービスはずっとお父さんの後を付いて歩いていたっけ。

Grandma & Grandpa just left about an hour ago. They had been down in Branson, MO for a small getaway then on the way back to MN, stopped to visit us and meet Sakura. During the visit, we went down to Plattsmouth for lunch & they were able to get some antiques in a small shop. We also just relaxed at home, as they wanted to get to know their new granddaughter, Sakura. It was an enjoyable visit, and we will see them again, along with the entire family, next month for the family reunion. We are looking forward to it!

(Another video of Day-bis, he doesn't like goodbyes.)

Jen's visit

木曜日からジョシュのお姉ちゃんが遊びに来ました。さくらの世話をしてくれたりお風呂にいれてくれたり、数日でしたが、色々面倒をみてくれました。数日だったけど本当に助かりました。ありがとうございます。お姉ちゃんの所は４人子供がいてそのうち３人が女の子。使わなくなった洋服を沢山、持ってきてくれたんだけど、どれも新品みたいだったっけ。

This past Thursday, Josh's older sister, Jen came down to visit us in Omaha. She is the first family member able to see Sakura Jasmine in person. Jen & hubby Dean have 4 kids of their own, Elizabeth, Heidi, Soren & Annika. While Jen was down here visiting, Dean had to take care of the kids, some of whom were a little under the weather. We were able to video chat while she was here. We also had Jen show us a little bit on how to bathe Sakura the 'professional' way. She also brought about 5 laundry loads worth of baby girl clothes. Thank you again, Jen, for coming to visit, spend some time with us & once again, thank you for the clothes. We will see your family very soon.

Day-bis & Kuro → Meeting Sakura + Day-bis is 3!

５月３日はデービスの３歳のお誕生日。お家でお誕生日会。お誕生日プレゼントは、大きなピーナッツバター味のお菓子。クロにも小さめのお菓子を用意しました。
そして、今日初めてデービスとクロにさくらを紹介しました。病院から帰ってきてからデービスとクロに正式にさくらを紹介してなくて。
デービスもクロもさくらの近くにいって匂いを嗅いだり、舐めたりしたかったみたいだけど、ジョシュが必死にデービスとクロを押さえてたっけ。それはまだできないものね。
今日の夜は、ジョシュの家族や、私の家族、そしてお友達とビデオチャットしてさくらを紹介しました。

Day-bis turned 3 today. We were thinking of what to get for him as a birthday gift. We decided on a peanut butter flavored, organic bone treat. We couldn't leave Kuro empty though so we got him one too. (Just a little smaller.) Also tonight, was the first introduction of Sakura to her big brothers. They really wanted to get close to smell/lick her, however we needed to hold them back. (She was sleeping at the time and we didn't want to shock her with a Pug-lick.) All went well, we were also able to get a quick family picture out of the night. We even got in a couple of video chats with family & friends. Another day down, many more to go with our growing family. Endless memories to create!