Girls Day

It's common for families of girls in Japan to have a set of hina dolls wearing ancient kimono which is displayed at homes beginning sometime after Risshun (the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar) through March 3rd. The Empress doll (ohina-sama) and the Emperor doll (odairi-sama) are set on the top shelf. Then, sannin-kanjo dolls (three court women), gonin bayashi dolls (five court musicians), and more dolls. Hina-arare (rice crackers) and hishi-mochi (diamond shaped rice cakes) are placed by the hina doll display. Different types of hina dolls have been created around Japan. In some regions, hina dolls are hung from the ceiling called tsurushi-bina.

Many families of girls in Japan celebrate hina matsuri with special food, such as chirashi-zushi (colorful sushi), clam soup, sakura mochi (sweet rice cakes), and more. Although Japanese Girl's Festival isn't a national holiday, it's an important tradition for wishing girls happiness and good health.








Here is Amber and Kayleigh dressed up for Girls Day.

My 29th Birthday

For my 29th birthday we headed to Shidax, it is a karaoke place where you get your own room and you can order food and drinks and have a great time. I had the best time with the best of friends, I usually don't let loose, but it was my birthday so Party on right.

Lamp Shade making

Today we headed out to Ureshino to make lamp shades and attend their festival we had a great time as always. We even got to make our own little pizza.

Making our lampshades they turned out pretty neat.

Kayleigh making her art piece

Apple picking

Today we went Apple picking in Imari was nice and chilly out but we enjoyed the day.

Lunch we ate Yukikinu style.

Tea Cup Onsen

In Ureshino you can take part in the tea cup onsen, you can chose to soak in Sake, Green tea, Soy Milk, or water. I chose soy milk and it made my skin feel really soft. I soaked in here for an hour and it was so nice and peaceful.

Valentine's Day

Kayleigh had a Valentine's lunch with her friends Ben and Andrew this morning she was very excited about going. Below she is running to go with the bags of stuff she had picked out for them. Kayleigh with the things Ben got her.

With the things Andrew got her.

Kayleigh and her friend Ben

Kujukushima Aquarium

Yesterday I took Kayleigh to the Aquarium it is close by and only 990 yen to get in about $12.00, she had great time it is pretty small and we got through it in an hour that includes stopping to watch the dolphin show which was her favorite part. Kayleigh is like her Mommy loves the turtles.

Kayleigh loved the big fish and it swam very slowly she said. Feeding the fish.

We paid 100 yen to feed the fish.

This was Kayleigh's hot spot she loved sitting here and so did I.

Kayleigh would of stayed here all day she loved watching the dolphins swim around and hear them talking was just as cute for her.

It is Valentine's, yes they celebrate here too but the woman only give to friends and boys they like. The guys then return the favor in March or May can't remember which month for sure.

She picked up a star fish, when we first got here she wouldn't even try it but she has really grown into her own these past 2 years.