Had a nice few days despite the weird weather from the typhoon. Went to TAC for breakie last day to use the free 2 week membership so was nice to scoff with Louise who brought along now 2 month old Sophie and see Sarah who bought along 2 week old Finn. Rieko tanuki had the day off work so came with us too. Of course she was late as expected but C was happy to have her tease her on the train ride to school. All of us are greedy piggies ordering the continental set plus egg dishes. Did feel mightily sick though the morning sickness or should I say ALL DAY SICKNESS is just as bad as it was with C. Jenny who is 5 months along was feeling sick too but didn't stop her eating through the pain barrier!!! It was a nice catch up. In the afternoon was supposed to go to jyugaoka shopping with Emma as we are NEXT members and we get 30% off right now but C would not wake up from her nap I tried to get her up at 2:30 but she rolled over cried and went back to sleep. I think its the new miffy feather quilt I bought her she loves it!!! Monkey didn't wake up till 4pm so I just called Jenny who walked up the hill with Jamie and came to play for a bit. Charlize was being very very bossy though wouldn't get out of the aeroplane Cliff had made out of a box and kept insisting "Do captain voice mommy now!!!" and kept trying to pinch my nose the bugger to make me sound like the captain!!! This went on for far too long until I lost it and said that the captain was tired and had gone to sleep in his hotel which shut her up for 5 mins. My daughter is the most bossy stubborn child I know bit worrying really have my work cut out..
Saturday today and Cliff took the monster to the park and I did some food shopping. Met up at obika the new mozzarella bar for an expensive but ok lunch. The mozzarella surprisoingly enough comes from Frosinone and Ceccano which is where our summer house is!!! C ate all the mozzarella of course she has expensive taste.. and Rieko joined us late as usual arrived as we were finishing! So Cliff took C back for her nap and I followed a bit later.
This afternoon it was the teacher talent show at school followed by charity bazaar. It was lots of fun Adrian has an AMAZING voice and the teachers went all out to put together some really funny skits. The Nepalese restaurant owners whose boy attends school provided lovely free Nepalese food and Emma, Takako and I helped to flog the cakes on the bake stall along with Takakos amazing flower arrangements that were snapped up quick sharp. Snapped up some chocolate brownies and scones and Michelles banana cake as I have tried her cakes before at her coffee morning they are super scrum. Should keep my cake monsters happy for a few days! but the thought of cake for me makes me wanna up chuck which is a good thing!
Had a massage and C got her face and fingernails painted and ran riot in the gym with Ellie and Sumire with dog ballons chasing each other and going generally nuts. cliff bought me a lovely cashmere black and white scarf and C a funky beanie. We didnt leave until around 6pm it was a fun afternoon. Its a long weekend with Monday a holiday so off to think how we will spend the next few days!
2009年10月10日土曜日
2009年10月6日火曜日
Typhoon Season
So far its been a lovely autumn but this week we have had nothing but rain with torrential gusts forecast for wednesday and thursday which sucks for being able to get out of the house. Staying in usually ends up with Charlize demanding to chain watch movies, her tele addict tendencies I am trying to nip in the bud. Today she was in school in the am and had class picture shoot. Whose bright idea was it to make the youngest Caterpillar class have the white Kokomo t shirt as their uniform!!! Went with Emma and Takako over to Michelle's massive house to talk about the charity that she is single handed running!!! Me I was in it to be nosey and have a free piece of cake and freshly prepped coffee!!! Nice watching the dynamics of the other keen mums trying to do stuff but being shot down by Michelle who had already decided the calender for the whole year at least somebody is organised! Good entertainment factor these mum get togethers. Went to book off and bought C some new books as she is bored of all hers we have read them all to death. Went home on subway with Takako in pouring rain and then had a nap while C slept. This afternoon had playdate over at Rachel's so walked there again in the pouring rain with Takako. Note to self-need new rainmac, mine is useless no longer waterproof in the slightest. Made Cliff pick up subway sandwich on his way home for his dinner as could not stomach smell or preparation of food. Got a second hand easyliving mag from book off so going to bed now leaving Cliff to watch Madagascar on the sofa what an excellent movie that is its the penguins "I like to move it move it" scene brilliant! ( Ok this blog is sad sad sad if I am writing about kids movies) need to GET A JOB AND MY LIFE BACK!!!!!
2009年10月4日日曜日
Relaxing Weekend
For me it was a relaxing weekend as Cliff both Saturday and Sunday took the monster out in the morning. Saturday they had a nice trip to the Shinagawa Aquarium although reported 2 weewee accidents but probably because of the excitement of seeing nemo and all those dolphins. Instead of putting feet up did a Nissen mega shop so I hope I don't have to go again for at least another 5 days the way cliff eats thru the fridge! Saturday afternoon Steph Ryohei and Roman popped over its been ages since we saw them as Steph has gone back to work at Waseda but she teaches 10 weeks intensively then has 3 months off so not too bad and gets day care for Roman. Roman and C played really nicely together and Cliff took them onto the balcony to "set nemo free" the balloon that I bought her this week and which we had promised to let fly back to his mama and dada in the ocean at the weekend. It was a big ceremony! Steph and Ryohei left around 5pm and then we took a cab to the Tokyo American club to meet Emma Stew and Ellie for dinner. I felt really sick though which is the norm pretty much the whole day these days just like with Charlize. Still looking on the bright side might help to keep the pork to a minimum! The good thing aout TAC is there is a play room right in front of the tables in the garden cafe restaurant so we can eat in peace while they play. Also they are mega kid friendly with highchairs an extensive kids menu and Thomas tank cups! We got back late around 7:45pm and c went straight to bed and so did Cliff and I!!! It was about 8:30pm and we slept until 7am the next day!!!!
Today Cliff gave me another morning off and took munster to Ueno Zoo. They came back at 12:45 charlize sporting a case full of penguins which she is now obsessed with. They give you the run down on what each penguin is its a whole tribe in a little plastic carry case and she took them to the bath tonight and made Cliff and I die. She had a wet flannel on one side of the bath for their bed where she would take each one and do the snoring noise and then suddenly she would go right up close to them and shout WAKE UP WAKE UP followed by MOVE IT!!!! No idea where she got the move it bit from but it was very funny to watch!
I cooked loads of food while they were out but couldn't bring myself to eat a bite of it so once they were back and fed and sleeping I wondered down to the Azabu square to the Japanese place on the corner for some fish, pickles white rice and miso. Rieko came and met up and we went for a green tea after but still felt sick so took a walk to Roppongi Hills by which time Cliff was up with monster and we met and walked to Hiroo park. Cliff wanted to have cake so went to the deli and Rieko departed for her personal training session as she has lost 4 kilos and is determined to loose a bit more. Picked up some lobster and bisque soup with whole grain rice from soup stock kitchen for C s dinner and headed home. When we got home gave a small present to C of a doctors set with stethoscope and all the bits which she insisted cliff and I be her test patients as she diligently took our temperature, listened to chest, examined stomach, minky (with some cream on it) gave multiple injections and then issued us prescriptions. We have been to the docs 5 times in 2 weeks so she really understand what its all about now!!
The roast lamb with rosemary is almost gone, made some nice roasty potatoes haven't had for long time. Its 9:15 so time for beddie byes.
Today Cliff gave me another morning off and took munster to Ueno Zoo. They came back at 12:45 charlize sporting a case full of penguins which she is now obsessed with. They give you the run down on what each penguin is its a whole tribe in a little plastic carry case and she took them to the bath tonight and made Cliff and I die. She had a wet flannel on one side of the bath for their bed where she would take each one and do the snoring noise and then suddenly she would go right up close to them and shout WAKE UP WAKE UP followed by MOVE IT!!!! No idea where she got the move it bit from but it was very funny to watch!
I cooked loads of food while they were out but couldn't bring myself to eat a bite of it so once they were back and fed and sleeping I wondered down to the Azabu square to the Japanese place on the corner for some fish, pickles white rice and miso. Rieko came and met up and we went for a green tea after but still felt sick so took a walk to Roppongi Hills by which time Cliff was up with monster and we met and walked to Hiroo park. Cliff wanted to have cake so went to the deli and Rieko departed for her personal training session as she has lost 4 kilos and is determined to loose a bit more. Picked up some lobster and bisque soup with whole grain rice from soup stock kitchen for C s dinner and headed home. When we got home gave a small present to C of a doctors set with stethoscope and all the bits which she insisted cliff and I be her test patients as she diligently took our temperature, listened to chest, examined stomach, minky (with some cream on it) gave multiple injections and then issued us prescriptions. We have been to the docs 5 times in 2 weeks so she really understand what its all about now!!
The roast lamb with rosemary is almost gone, made some nice roasty potatoes haven't had for long time. Its 9:15 so time for beddie byes.
2009年10月1日木曜日
TAC and Playdates
yesterday we had a mums coffee morning at School so they took Charlize for a couple of hours. First time to meet the other mums mostly Japanese with foreign husbands. Typically it was Emma and I doing most of the talking. Good that they are going to take C to the toilet with the Chrysalis group so that she is not held back with the potty training. Also asked for an afternoon ballet class as opposed to the one they run now from 12:30 to 1:30 right during nap time. Also its been a nightmare with the menu at school as the Japanese mums want Japanese food and the western mums more western and nobody can agree what should be served. I dont care, the food is actually really really good, very healthy no sugar and well balanced. If C doesnt eat it thats because she doesnt feel like it not because she doesnt like it. The kids are not even 2 yet so there will be days when they simply dont want it I think the mums are making a load of fuss over nothing. Still the school as its so expensive has to show it listens and acts on the feedback. So glad to have delegated the class leader role to Emma and Takako!!! They are moaning about it now though!!!
Emily and Alison popped over in the afternoon and C was grumpy I think she was still ill from the ear infection but after a poo (maybe constipation) she was soon playing dolls house with Emily again. They liked the box that Cliff had made in the morning into a pretend aeroplane!
Today C was in school again and I took Takako, Emma and her sister who is visiting from Korea to the American club where we had a lesuirely breakfast it was really nice. Shame its only gonna last 2 weeks until the trial is up as we cant rustle together 20,000 for the joining fee and another 800 a month ontop of that!!! It apparently has 10,000 members (has to all be corporate) as who the hell can afford that? The Japanese mums at my school probably who all own companies!!!
This afternoon had a playdate over at Silvia and Diegos in Azabu so just across the road. Silvia is expecting a boy in Februay and feeling really sick this time with the preganancy. Donna was there with baby Marianne so it was a mellow afternoon as the kids played ok Charlize is really play acting with toys and animals now so its a bit less intense although she ate all the cake and insisted she NEEDED more cake. When we got home she said she NEEDED cake for dinner too. I am afraid after Italy she is developing her dads sweet tooth. Still her fav foods are still brocolli carrots cheese and pineapple so I not too worries but think we need to have a break from the cake. C is in school again tommorow so off to the flower marlet with Sumire in the car as she has some students to teach over the weekend and I have never been so might be worth a nose around.
Caz sent a mail to say that baby Roman Bruce Townsend was born today but have not as yet had a pic. Also Sarah Maxs mum had Finnegan yesterday weighing in at a whopping 4998!!!
Feel a bit sick tonight probably overate a bit today. Need to watch diet carefully really dont want to gain too much pork. Right exhausted my new bed time these days is 9pm!!!
Emily and Alison popped over in the afternoon and C was grumpy I think she was still ill from the ear infection but after a poo (maybe constipation) she was soon playing dolls house with Emily again. They liked the box that Cliff had made in the morning into a pretend aeroplane!
Today C was in school again and I took Takako, Emma and her sister who is visiting from Korea to the American club where we had a lesuirely breakfast it was really nice. Shame its only gonna last 2 weeks until the trial is up as we cant rustle together 20,000 for the joining fee and another 800 a month ontop of that!!! It apparently has 10,000 members (has to all be corporate) as who the hell can afford that? The Japanese mums at my school probably who all own companies!!!
This afternoon had a playdate over at Silvia and Diegos in Azabu so just across the road. Silvia is expecting a boy in Februay and feeling really sick this time with the preganancy. Donna was there with baby Marianne so it was a mellow afternoon as the kids played ok Charlize is really play acting with toys and animals now so its a bit less intense although she ate all the cake and insisted she NEEDED more cake. When we got home she said she NEEDED cake for dinner too. I am afraid after Italy she is developing her dads sweet tooth. Still her fav foods are still brocolli carrots cheese and pineapple so I not too worries but think we need to have a break from the cake. C is in school again tommorow so off to the flower marlet with Sumire in the car as she has some students to teach over the weekend and I have never been so might be worth a nose around.
Caz sent a mail to say that baby Roman Bruce Townsend was born today but have not as yet had a pic. Also Sarah Maxs mum had Finnegan yesterday weighing in at a whopping 4998!!!
Feel a bit sick tonight probably overate a bit today. Need to watch diet carefully really dont want to gain too much pork. Right exhausted my new bed time these days is 9pm!!!
2009年9月29日火曜日
Back from our LOOOONG vacation
So we are heaing into the end of September and we have been back fr0om Italy and Thailand about a month now.This year we had a FANTASTIC holiday as more or less had people every week and Dad stayed pretty much the whole time. I had to get on his case alot about not baking in the sun and we avoided marys bar and cakes more than last year and infact I did loose miraculously 3 kilos only to discover last week that I am up the duff again hence at least explains why none of my clothes fit ALREADY!!! I really dont want to pork too much this pregnancy as had hard time getting weight off after Charlize. Some mums snap back after 2 months ( I was never one of the snapper backers..)
Cant get an appointment until 22nd October with Sakamoto the one and only doc that offers epidurals if you want it and delivers all the forgein mums babies. Thinking I may go with a just a Japanese speaking gyno this time at least I can get an appointment.
Cliff is reckoning he is "2 shot Trotta" . Guess thats his job done for the year then!!!
Since getting back it seems that everyone we know is sporting baby number 2 bumps. This time feel totally blase about it all just hope I can cope with madams demands when I am the size of a house.
Caz sent a really nice thank you letter for the stay in Italy. It was really nice having her there with Greg this year I cant belive they drove all the way from England and then she climbed up a mountain in her buffalos when she was so preggers!!! Typical Caz. She FB to say waters broke on friday but still no action and its monday. I know she wanted a home birth so watching for news. Next year should be like a creche in ceccano!!! Thea will have a blast with all those little dollies to take care of. Charlize misses her like crazy they played so lovely together this year and both their swimmimg came on in leaps and bounds. Charlize is NEMO her element being Scorpio is water and she can swim like a fish under and ontop of it with no fear at all it really is amazing.
Another milestone was Cs transition in early July after arriving in Italy into big girl pants. She is toliet trained now although I still put a nappy on her at night time although she does wake up dry. We had only one accident on the plane from Thailand to Tokyo when she had a nap and did a little wee.
She has been sick with ear infections, cold and candida as a result of being so run down so we have had 4 trips to docs this week ( medical bills are killing us).
Cliff had some major disappointment at work this week, promises were not kept, which has kind of overshadowed all the good news but I think after the year left to run on our time here in Japan is done we need to head for a different place more permanently and that if I can help it wont be the US. I really want my children to have a good education and good health care and hence I think Europe is a better bet for us. Dont know how this is all going to work out but cliff is now in apply and get out mode which really its probably about time.
C is back at school but missed this week mostly because of illness. I was thinking to move her up as she is toliet trained and the other kids in her class are not, but I am not wanting to split her from her friends Ellie and Sumire. Will probably move her up in December then.
Got a 2 week trial pass to Tokyo American Club this week so we can enjoy the heated pool until novemeber. Karl also called me and we need to now plan Xmas vacation. I am thinking Disney land as when new born comes we wont be able to do that so easily.
Thailand was great again this year we had the IATA conference for 1 week so had the same 2 bedroom suite on executive floor room 2020 at the Amari it was really relaxing.
Feel pooped so off to bed now. Uploading a selection of pics from Italy and Thailand
Cant get an appointment until 22nd October with Sakamoto the one and only doc that offers epidurals if you want it and delivers all the forgein mums babies. Thinking I may go with a just a Japanese speaking gyno this time at least I can get an appointment.
Cliff is reckoning he is "2 shot Trotta" . Guess thats his job done for the year then!!!
Since getting back it seems that everyone we know is sporting baby number 2 bumps. This time feel totally blase about it all just hope I can cope with madams demands when I am the size of a house.
Caz sent a really nice thank you letter for the stay in Italy. It was really nice having her there with Greg this year I cant belive they drove all the way from England and then she climbed up a mountain in her buffalos when she was so preggers!!! Typical Caz. She FB to say waters broke on friday but still no action and its monday. I know she wanted a home birth so watching for news. Next year should be like a creche in ceccano!!! Thea will have a blast with all those little dollies to take care of. Charlize misses her like crazy they played so lovely together this year and both their swimmimg came on in leaps and bounds. Charlize is NEMO her element being Scorpio is water and she can swim like a fish under and ontop of it with no fear at all it really is amazing.
Another milestone was Cs transition in early July after arriving in Italy into big girl pants. She is toliet trained now although I still put a nappy on her at night time although she does wake up dry. We had only one accident on the plane from Thailand to Tokyo when she had a nap and did a little wee.
She has been sick with ear infections, cold and candida as a result of being so run down so we have had 4 trips to docs this week ( medical bills are killing us).
Cliff had some major disappointment at work this week, promises were not kept, which has kind of overshadowed all the good news but I think after the year left to run on our time here in Japan is done we need to head for a different place more permanently and that if I can help it wont be the US. I really want my children to have a good education and good health care and hence I think Europe is a better bet for us. Dont know how this is all going to work out but cliff is now in apply and get out mode which really its probably about time.
C is back at school but missed this week mostly because of illness. I was thinking to move her up as she is toliet trained and the other kids in her class are not, but I am not wanting to split her from her friends Ellie and Sumire. Will probably move her up in December then.
Got a 2 week trial pass to Tokyo American Club this week so we can enjoy the heated pool until novemeber. Karl also called me and we need to now plan Xmas vacation. I am thinking Disney land as when new born comes we wont be able to do that so easily.
Thailand was great again this year we had the IATA conference for 1 week so had the same 2 bedroom suite on executive floor room 2020 at the Amari it was really relaxing.
Feel pooped so off to bed now. Uploading a selection of pics from Italy and Thailand
2009年7月3日金曜日
Playdates and end of Term
This week cliff has been away again in ORD so I tried to keep the monster out and about as much as possible so we could avoid the 5pm melt down!!! Loads of playdates this week (Melanie/Carter/Emi/Emma/Ellie on tursday afternoon. Takako and Sumire ( our neighbours downstairs) at Appi and the park this week, Emi Naomi, Melanie Emma on wednesday. Thursday with Diego Syliva, Takako/Sumire Emma and Ellie for Rhythmic gym class in Japanese at Nandemo jidokan. Theme was twinkle twinkle little star and Charlize was in the mood to speak Japanese so lota of kochi kochi and achi achi!!! This afternoon after school we met Alison and Emily in teh park and then did Appi. C made a lovely Tanabata display hanging lots of scribbled stars off some bamboo which we put in the entrance hall for daddy to see when he is home from Chicago tonight.
Rieko came over last night ( she had been sick for a week with stomach flu) and C was happy to see her again and drove her mad with the Mickey Mouse alarm clock that goes konnichi wa in very annoying girly Japanese voice!!
Only managed curves once this week and drank way too much coffee.. Did start to lay ironed clothes and water toys out on the spare bed but need to get ontop of packing as only a week till the off to Italy.
Today was last day of term at school and Sumire and Takako went along this morning for a trial and I think they will sign up for the summer school. The kids went in fancy dress with C wearing her lovely tutu and Ellie as superman!!! Just a note that C no longer even wimpers at drop off she is too excited to get in and start playing!! We went in early to pick the kids up around 11:25 so we could give the teachers their presents. Emma and I went halves on body shop gifts for Fuyuko and HMV voucher for Hadar ( he is performing at Fuji Rock this year!!). When we picked them up they were all sitting around the table eating out of a giant scooped out watermelon and C was very happy to see me but wouldn't let me out of her sight as Emma and I I were the last mums in as the door downstairs was locked and nobody around to let us in!!!!
So tomorrow off to Toyasu LALAPORT with Emma and Ellie and Rieko tanuki if she wakes up in time.
Cliff came home tonight bearing Barney DVD gifts and a little pony set with book also one called Goodnight Gorilla which we had to read approx 10 times...
Cliff down now and I am about to hit the sack too its been a long week!!!
Rieko came over last night ( she had been sick for a week with stomach flu) and C was happy to see her again and drove her mad with the Mickey Mouse alarm clock that goes konnichi wa in very annoying girly Japanese voice!!
Only managed curves once this week and drank way too much coffee.. Did start to lay ironed clothes and water toys out on the spare bed but need to get ontop of packing as only a week till the off to Italy.
Today was last day of term at school and Sumire and Takako went along this morning for a trial and I think they will sign up for the summer school. The kids went in fancy dress with C wearing her lovely tutu and Ellie as superman!!! Just a note that C no longer even wimpers at drop off she is too excited to get in and start playing!! We went in early to pick the kids up around 11:25 so we could give the teachers their presents. Emma and I went halves on body shop gifts for Fuyuko and HMV voucher for Hadar ( he is performing at Fuji Rock this year!!). When we picked them up they were all sitting around the table eating out of a giant scooped out watermelon and C was very happy to see me but wouldn't let me out of her sight as Emma and I I were the last mums in as the door downstairs was locked and nobody around to let us in!!!!
So tomorrow off to Toyasu LALAPORT with Emma and Ellie and Rieko tanuki if she wakes up in time.
Cliff came home tonight bearing Barney DVD gifts and a little pony set with book also one called Goodnight Gorilla which we had to read approx 10 times...
Cliff down now and I am about to hit the sack too its been a long week!!!
2009年6月29日月曜日
Rinkai Koen and Disney with the masses
What a weekend! Cliff knowing that I generally do all the planning and organising for our weekends (and after the disastrous last weekend trip with Rieko to the supposedly Kimono Museum that was not to be-say no more..), he looked in my "Tokyo with Kids book" and decided on plan number 23. Ok and um by the way Julia could you please call the hotel, check price make reservation, work out how to get there and pack eveything including what I will need!!!!!
Anyway I of course lavished praise and admiration on his thoughtful selection and then set about planning, booking and packing.
We headed to the Kaisai Rinkai park which is one stop from Disneyland ( not that Cliff knew this at time of booking!) but you can see the magic Kingdom tower and 1000 resort hotels from the beach.
We had to schlep the baby bed because didn't have any, but I did call the hotel like a million times in the hope I could bond with the front staff so they would ( let us check in early, and give us a bigger and nicer room) this tactic usually works and of course it did this time too!
It was a blistering day on Saturday and with the jogger stroller packed to the hilt we set off on our adventure. The park is right as you exit the train station with Massive Ferris Wheel and, Aquarium, Bird Park, Beach with rock pools and mud flats, chuchu train running around and the Edogawa Seaside hotel ( where we stayed). Very nice and green and lovely. Hotel also highly recommend over anything Disney resort like. All massive rooms by Japan standard 50sqm all with balcony and a big ofuro in room and on 2nd floor. Very quiet and clean. Food in restaurant overpriced though as only place to eat is at the hotel or else trog to the one and only McDs at the station ( there is nothing else at all in the evening after 5pm all places in park close down). They gave us Room 317 which was an end of corner room which was probably about 60sqm with a passageway to the bathroom where we could put the munchkins travel cot so dark and separate from us in main room and noise.
Went to the hotel and they said we could check in early so she could have her afternoon nap in the room in the travel cot. We dumped off our stuff and headed to first stop the aquarium.
It was a very good aquarium all with the animals in natural like habitat conditions ( penguin tidal pool very good). She just went nuts again for the fish and really liked the big Tunas which even I was impressed by. Could touch lots of stuff including starfish, rays etc etc. The amount of aquariums we have been too cliff reckons she is gonna be a Marine Biologist!
After aquarium we fed her the kids meal in the restaurant which she ate every bit of and we decided to grab something later as it was too early to eat!
Checked in at 12!!! and she napped in the travel cot for about hour and half and we crashed too. Then afternoon we made our way out onto the mud flats on the wind swept beach which was alive with families and crazy kids catching fish, crabbing, swimming and generally going mad. She loved it, found a dead eel to poke and some bits of stick to bash crabs and anything that moved. she enjoyed being totally buried in mud ( but mommy for the record Cliff didn't)
After about 3 hours of play there decided enough was enough as tide came in quick and despite the 31degree heat the wind started to get cold!!! She had a tantrum about leaving but finally managed to strap her back in pushchair with cheese dip sticks! Headed to the train which took us on a 25 min ride thru the bird park. She was knackered though. At around 6pm we went to the hotel and she had another kids meal ( at least Jap style is good and healthy) and we all went to the big bath. She love loves Japanese onsen these days she thinks its a giant swimming pool!!! This time no poo thank god and only 2 old grannies from Shiga Kogen to contend with so we reminisced about Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics!!!
Once she was down at 7:30 we waited and then sneaked down ( leaving monitor on) for a Chinese course dinner. Not really very good they made one course using soba noodles in tomato sauce with seafood on it ( yuk!). Still it was that or Mcds at station. Thinking the MDs might have been better and cost so much less!!!!
We discussed the next day over our weird course menu and realising that we were a stones throw from Disney and she had never been and was maybe at an age to appreciate, we decided to bite the bullet and go. The forecast for next day was cloudy so better than the intense heat.
Got up early and headed off after a Japanese type Wetern breakfast buffet affair which she mostly smooshed. As soon as we entered the Park she caught sight of Winnie the Poo and went legging it as fast as her little legs could carry her after poo calling out his name!!! iT was so cute wish I could have got that on video!!!! Same for minne and mickey and all the other characters she could see and she was NOT frigthend off! However to have a picture with them you had to wait for about 25 minutes in a line!!!! We and close to 200,000 people must have been there that day.
The lines were stupid insane even for dumbo 1 and half hours!!! So we did Its a Small World which was amazingly only 25 min wait. She absolutely LOVE LOVED it. We walked toon town but she was so tired from all the excitement that by 11am she was snoring in the buggy. We found a quite place to sit near the palace and all took an hours rest. When she woke up though she was so hot and sweaty she didn't sleep very well but was excited to be there. The afternoon we managed just one more ride on the Western Canyon railway ( had some scary dark dinosaur bits) which she liked!!! and then the HEAVENS opened. We headed for some cover while Cliff headed for the rain jackets. Go her a beautiful Minnnie Mouse rain poncho with ears and we had plastic pacamac jobs but the madam would only keep it on for 20 mins and then its was OFF OFF OFF. So by that time with everything soaked and us exhausted we decided to call it quits and head home.
At home she went straight to bed and while she slept we cooked up some lovely pasta which she scarfed down around 5pm. She was out like a light at 7:30pm and so were we!!!
Today its monday and cliff is off to Chicago for a week AGAIN.. His mum is unfortunatley in hospital has 3 hernias under her disk.. We may have to leave for Italy earlier than planned but will see.
Emma and Ellie came round for lunch was was nice as C was pleased to see her little friend and I got a ctach up with Emma. Then this afternoon popped over to Ionahs to see her new pad ( its plush) 38th floor of Atago Green Hills Forest Tower., MASSIVE polished wooden floors probably 200sqm with great views although we sat out on the balcony but was feeling a tad dizzy and wouldnt let C out there with us!!! She had a lovely time hero worshipping Khaya and playing in her wigwam. Ionah gave me a Missoni hand towel to take home along with some more clothes from Khaya. I passed off my read books!!! Somehow I dont feel it was a fair swap!!!
On the way into the building bumped into my secnd floor neighbour Lesley with her 4 month old Vivienne and her lovely dog Bella with another nice Irish lady and her really really lovely dog Sugar. Charlize loved getting wet dog kisses from the dogs and had a nice cuddle with the baby!!! I had stopped by Lush on teh way home they have one in Roppongi and as no daddy for bath tonight bought her some bath bubble bombs so we took an hour long bath with all the toys..
Little Rabbit fufu and Fifi and the Flower top books later and she was out like a light. Still bit rattly in the chest though may have to get that checked,
Need to so some filling and get an early night. Hope Cliff can get back by friday but probably wont be till the weekend I guess..
Anyway I of course lavished praise and admiration on his thoughtful selection and then set about planning, booking and packing.
We headed to the Kaisai Rinkai park which is one stop from Disneyland ( not that Cliff knew this at time of booking!) but you can see the magic Kingdom tower and 1000 resort hotels from the beach.
We had to schlep the baby bed because didn't have any, but I did call the hotel like a million times in the hope I could bond with the front staff so they would ( let us check in early, and give us a bigger and nicer room) this tactic usually works and of course it did this time too!
It was a blistering day on Saturday and with the jogger stroller packed to the hilt we set off on our adventure. The park is right as you exit the train station with Massive Ferris Wheel and, Aquarium, Bird Park, Beach with rock pools and mud flats, chuchu train running around and the Edogawa Seaside hotel ( where we stayed). Very nice and green and lovely. Hotel also highly recommend over anything Disney resort like. All massive rooms by Japan standard 50sqm all with balcony and a big ofuro in room and on 2nd floor. Very quiet and clean. Food in restaurant overpriced though as only place to eat is at the hotel or else trog to the one and only McDs at the station ( there is nothing else at all in the evening after 5pm all places in park close down). They gave us Room 317 which was an end of corner room which was probably about 60sqm with a passageway to the bathroom where we could put the munchkins travel cot so dark and separate from us in main room and noise.
Went to the hotel and they said we could check in early so she could have her afternoon nap in the room in the travel cot. We dumped off our stuff and headed to first stop the aquarium.
It was a very good aquarium all with the animals in natural like habitat conditions ( penguin tidal pool very good). She just went nuts again for the fish and really liked the big Tunas which even I was impressed by. Could touch lots of stuff including starfish, rays etc etc. The amount of aquariums we have been too cliff reckons she is gonna be a Marine Biologist!
After aquarium we fed her the kids meal in the restaurant which she ate every bit of and we decided to grab something later as it was too early to eat!
Checked in at 12!!! and she napped in the travel cot for about hour and half and we crashed too. Then afternoon we made our way out onto the mud flats on the wind swept beach which was alive with families and crazy kids catching fish, crabbing, swimming and generally going mad. She loved it, found a dead eel to poke and some bits of stick to bash crabs and anything that moved. she enjoyed being totally buried in mud ( but mommy for the record Cliff didn't)
After about 3 hours of play there decided enough was enough as tide came in quick and despite the 31degree heat the wind started to get cold!!! She had a tantrum about leaving but finally managed to strap her back in pushchair with cheese dip sticks! Headed to the train which took us on a 25 min ride thru the bird park. She was knackered though. At around 6pm we went to the hotel and she had another kids meal ( at least Jap style is good and healthy) and we all went to the big bath. She love loves Japanese onsen these days she thinks its a giant swimming pool!!! This time no poo thank god and only 2 old grannies from Shiga Kogen to contend with so we reminisced about Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics!!!
Once she was down at 7:30 we waited and then sneaked down ( leaving monitor on) for a Chinese course dinner. Not really very good they made one course using soba noodles in tomato sauce with seafood on it ( yuk!). Still it was that or Mcds at station. Thinking the MDs might have been better and cost so much less!!!!
We discussed the next day over our weird course menu and realising that we were a stones throw from Disney and she had never been and was maybe at an age to appreciate, we decided to bite the bullet and go. The forecast for next day was cloudy so better than the intense heat.
Got up early and headed off after a Japanese type Wetern breakfast buffet affair which she mostly smooshed. As soon as we entered the Park she caught sight of Winnie the Poo and went legging it as fast as her little legs could carry her after poo calling out his name!!! iT was so cute wish I could have got that on video!!!! Same for minne and mickey and all the other characters she could see and she was NOT frigthend off! However to have a picture with them you had to wait for about 25 minutes in a line!!!! We and close to 200,000 people must have been there that day.
The lines were stupid insane even for dumbo 1 and half hours!!! So we did Its a Small World which was amazingly only 25 min wait. She absolutely LOVE LOVED it. We walked toon town but she was so tired from all the excitement that by 11am she was snoring in the buggy. We found a quite place to sit near the palace and all took an hours rest. When she woke up though she was so hot and sweaty she didn't sleep very well but was excited to be there. The afternoon we managed just one more ride on the Western Canyon railway ( had some scary dark dinosaur bits) which she liked!!! and then the HEAVENS opened. We headed for some cover while Cliff headed for the rain jackets. Go her a beautiful Minnnie Mouse rain poncho with ears and we had plastic pacamac jobs but the madam would only keep it on for 20 mins and then its was OFF OFF OFF. So by that time with everything soaked and us exhausted we decided to call it quits and head home.
At home she went straight to bed and while she slept we cooked up some lovely pasta which she scarfed down around 5pm. She was out like a light at 7:30pm and so were we!!!
Today its monday and cliff is off to Chicago for a week AGAIN.. His mum is unfortunatley in hospital has 3 hernias under her disk.. We may have to leave for Italy earlier than planned but will see.
Emma and Ellie came round for lunch was was nice as C was pleased to see her little friend and I got a ctach up with Emma. Then this afternoon popped over to Ionahs to see her new pad ( its plush) 38th floor of Atago Green Hills Forest Tower., MASSIVE polished wooden floors probably 200sqm with great views although we sat out on the balcony but was feeling a tad dizzy and wouldnt let C out there with us!!! She had a lovely time hero worshipping Khaya and playing in her wigwam. Ionah gave me a Missoni hand towel to take home along with some more clothes from Khaya. I passed off my read books!!! Somehow I dont feel it was a fair swap!!!
On the way into the building bumped into my secnd floor neighbour Lesley with her 4 month old Vivienne and her lovely dog Bella with another nice Irish lady and her really really lovely dog Sugar. Charlize loved getting wet dog kisses from the dogs and had a nice cuddle with the baby!!! I had stopped by Lush on teh way home they have one in Roppongi and as no daddy for bath tonight bought her some bath bubble bombs so we took an hour long bath with all the toys..
Little Rabbit fufu and Fifi and the Flower top books later and she was out like a light. Still bit rattly in the chest though may have to get that checked,
Need to so some filling and get an early night. Hope Cliff can get back by friday but probably wont be till the weekend I guess..
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