Eleven Origami Creations

Nolan with a collection of 11 origami creations - dogs, flowers, cranes, houses, lanterns, fishes, cups and pianos. 

Nolan is growing into a wonderful young man. He's wonderful with Stacia and younger boys we know.....they love to see Nolan. I'm sure Dad will love to see him too - in 11 days? 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Twelve Travel Aids

These are often seen at the entrances to department stores. You put in Y200 and get out a small car, doll, puzzle or toy of some sort. I've heard this helps noisy young travelers. 

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Thirteen!

At an age where many girls are ill at ease and self-conscious....Arielle has blossomed! She's worked hard in the past year to overcome her shyness. She's allowing the Holy Spirit reign to shape her into a godly woman. She's a joy to mother.  Thirteen DAYS!!!!!!

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Fourteen Taste Treats

Every grocery store has a really cool bakery in this part of Japan. Yummy breads and such. Most things are way less sugary than in the states...cakes without frostings etc....but this bakery obviously gets a lot of American traffic. It's on the "right start tours" and so new Americans are toured through it.....

This cracked me up in the middle of all the delicacies....

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Takko Town Beef & Garlic Festival

Did you know that Takko Town is Japan's Garlic capitol?  Last night at the football game, the DJ family invited us to follow them out to Takko for a beef and garlic festival. I'll be belching garlic for a week. ::snort:: 


We knew we were getting close when we began to see Garlic people. 

The drive was beautiful. The weather was perfect. The memories are sweet. Takko beef is famous. These cows are pampered - spring water, massages etc. A big feature of this festival is the raw beef that you can purchase before hand and grill yakiniku style on grills. We didn't buy advance tickets....but this COW was slowly roasted over a spit....and we bought six containers worth for lunch. 

Jared was happy to run into several friends. Here he is with two other football players. ::snort:: 

The youngers made a new friend. 

New Taste Adventures - fried Oreos

Arielle wasn't so sure, but Nolan loved them. 

Cultural Dance Exchange

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Fifteen Jets

Fifteen jets of what? Water? Pesticide? The farmer in the field on the other side of our fence.

Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Vending Machines

One quickly notices that there are an awful lot of vending machines in Japan. We discovered on our first "adventure"  that lit up vending machines at night do a fair job at replacing street lights.  

At most public spots, you buy your entrance ticket from a vending machine before you reach the cashier. 

Zoos

Onsens

Museums

You can find desserts in the machines

Drinks at parks (stores, neighborhoods, hiking trails etc)

Even soups, hot dogs, noodles and fries

and...Farm Fresh EGGS. 

Sometimes they are simply out in the middle of  fields.....so kids walking home from school, or farm workers can grab refreshment. 

We've come to love the vending machines. 

Choosing Joy!

©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...