Catch Up From the Last Few Weeks

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. We have been busy, I have been sick for two weeks and I also had my first Japanese test. Last weekend, Savannah had a dance happyokai and Denny also had a school Happyou kai. After Denny's performance, we made gyoza with the Mitani family. Unfortunately, this was the night before my test... Savannah also had a school performance during the week that I was not able to go to. Anyway, you can see it all below...



Savannah waiting for her performance to start. They had a curry lunch for the girls. We also ate for 100 yen each ($1). Elin thought the whole family had to wait, but there were only girls and mom's. Well, at least I had lunch. Denny and I bailed out since they still had 2 hours to wait.


Kirakira festa 2010 is what the sign says. Not sure what kira kira is.












This is the stage at the Takanezawa community center.








This is the bottom corner of the main curtain. It says Kirin Beer for those that cannot read Japanese. We had a Kirin plant in town, but it recently closed. They must have donated to the community center. I thought it was funny...

Denny and Mama waiting on the show.

Another kira kira festa sign.

One of the percussion groups.

Another percussion group. There were several percussion and dance routines that were presented.

Savannah and her friend Yumi chan.

Me trying to get a serious picture of Denny... Difficult as usual.

Savannah and Yumi after their performance. There are videos below.

Another picture of all of the performers from the show. We were at the community center from 11:00 until about 5:30 - except for when Denny and I escaped. It was a long day and Savannah did a great job. She's been hip-hoppin' around for about 3 months waiting on this day.

Denny also had a performance at his school. We dressed him in his full school gear because we never know what to bring him in when we have these activities. Most of the kids wore their normal casual clothes. We blew it again!

The family at the stop sign near our house. They have To-ma-re painted on the road at most stop signs. We thought it would be neat to get a picture of it so we remember after we return home.

Denny dressed up... as a chicken... we think. We are not really sure. Again, movie below.

Another shot of Denny in action.

Toshi Mitani san helping us learn to make gyoza. I was able to use some of the ground pork that I bought at Japan Meat. One pound down, five to go.

Elin and her first gyoza.

All of the gyoza that we made... and the extra meat that we had when we finished. I think we overshot by about a pound or so.

The kids took great pleasure in attacking me - repeatedly.

Savannah's school performance. I had to work so I didn't get to see this.

Savannah's class had to make Christmas wreaths.

This is Savannah's. We have it hanging above the doorway to the living room.

Savannah and her classmates.

Finishing up the performance.

Practicing before the big dance.

One of the percussion groups.





Savannah's dance group.




More of the big dance.



... And one more. I tried to capture as much as possible on the camera. Our video camera is acting up so we might have to get a new one.



Another hip hop group.




Another percussion group.

Denny at his school performance.




Savannah at her school performance.




One more of Savannah.