Dinner & the game of LIFE

Sunday night we had the privilege of being invited over to our friends, the Katsumoto's, for a home cooked traditional Japanese dinner. It really was a treat! All vegetarian; Sushi rice, delicious Miso soup and the best Tofu Oden. We're going to have to start a Tofu import store when we get home to the US. I can't believe all the varieties and recipes here for tofu!!! Katsu drew me directions to a fresh Tofu shop in our neighborhood - I haven't gone yet, but I will soon, so more on that later.

The afternoon began with a bike ride across town to their home. Once there we drove down to the bay & marina where Rex drooled over sailboats and Shota practiced riding his skateboard. Shota had asked for us to arrive early so that he & Rex could have time to play in the park! Then back to the house, where Shegeko was busy preparing dinner, and the "Shota Show" really began! After many demonstrations and repeated instructions, Shota taught us how to use wooden Japanese toys. One was a top that was amazing. Shota could do lots of tricks with it - and Rex was eventually able to get it to spin! They even had top 'wars'! Then we tried to learn how to use this Stick-Ball-String toy (I have no idea what it's name is!!!) Needless to say, we both need a lot of practice, both Shota and Katsu made it look really easy - believe me, it's not! Yesterday Rex brought one home that was a present from another teacher so I guess we'll be able to practice now. We also played a educational card game the kids play to learn Hiragana.

Shortly after we ate, Maho arrived home from her 2hr English lesson only to be put on the spot for more English practice with Rex & I - strongly encouraged by her father, Katsu. She held her own well, even though she was both hungry and tired. Eventually, I put my hand over Rex's mouth and said 'enough! let her eat!", and she looked very relieved. I think she likes me better than Rex now :)!!

After dinner we played a lively game of LIFE - Nagano style. Yep, it's the same as the English version just in Japanese. It was funny because they we're surprised we knew it. They thought it was a Japanese game only. It's weird to find the things that connect us worldwide. Who'd have thought Milton-Bradley to be International Ambassadors????

It was a freezing bike ride home and we immediately collapsed in bed. It was a fun, but exhausting weekend!