More of London

Our weekend was busy with activity. Saturday we visited the London Zoo. While we didn't make our way to many of the animal exhibits, Roo and Lucy had fun playing in the bouncy house and the park with a grassy hill and hanging ropes to climb. Roo tested his upper body strength by trying over and over to make his way up the rope. A bit of success and he was completely ecstatic. Saturday night my cousin Christina arrived from Scotland. Sunday we made a second trip to Hamley's, followed by lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. After, we attended the show "Thriller Live". Seated for most of the show, it wasn't until near the end that Roo had a chance to show off his groovy dance skills to "Beat It". Monday we took it easy, only venturing out to meet friends visiting from Connecticut that used to live in Japan. We haven't decided our plan for tomorrow (other than my birthday celebration!) but we'll likely do something fun since our time in London is nearly finished.

Hamley's & Legoland

We've had two days of excitement in a row. Wednesday we visited Hamley's seven floor toy store which has thrilled children for 250 years. Roo left with two Star Wars transforming ships and two Royal Air Force guys (think Barbie dolls for boys).

Thursday we rode a bus for 65+ minutes to Windsor to visit Legoland. Thanks to a tip from a local friend, I saved 50% off the inflated ticket price by ordering our tickets online the evening prior from the website lastminute.com. While Legoland was heaven for Roo, I must mention that I'm happy I didn't pay the full ticket price. The Lego displays were amazing, the shopping fun because of the large selection, but the queues too long and the rides too short. British schools end tomorrow for summer holiday, so I can only surmise how horrific it must be when it's busy. Nonetheless, Roo could barely contain his happiness when we walked through the gates and were surrounded by all things Lego.

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Willow's Farm

Tuesday we spent a wonderful day outside of London visiting friends from Tokyo. Their home is a convenient 40 minute train ride from St. Pancras station. Initially, my train navigation skills were tested as "all trains are delayed" and "don't go by what's on the board" were uttered by frantic transit employees in the crowded station. It somewhat reminded me of my rookie days in Tokyo, the difference being in Tokyo I couldn't read the signs, and here I couldn't rely on the signs. Nonetheless, we escaped the hecticness, were greeted happily by our friends and the grandparents, and drove to Willow's farm for fun amongst the greenery. Roo and his buddy Callum had much conversation and play, finishing the day with a stop at the pub and a round of wrestling in the bouncy castle. With the boys occupied by bouncing, Sonia and I had a chance to catch up over a pint. And, my first fish and chips were delish!


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London Weekend

Roo and I arrived in London Thursday evening after a fairly comfortable ANA flight on which my suspicions that Roo has inherited my tendency to become air sick were confirmed. Luckily I travel with a supply of Dramamine, having learned my lesson prior as to what it's like to run out on an international flight. One of his first comments upon arriving to our room: "Uuuggghhh! Why is the toilet seat so cold? ".

We've already visited the Diana park in Kensington twice and had a lovely afternoon at Hamstead Heath on Saturday. The kids (Roo & his friend Lucy) enjoyed an old time favorite, rolling down a grassy hill. Much to their delight, they occupied the front upper deck seats on a London bus for the ride home.

Sunday we walked across the Tower Bridge to the Design Museum which was hosting special activities as part of the Children's Art Day program. As a devout Lego builder, Roo often refers to himself as a "designer". He learned that "everything made in the world around us is designed". Quickly he was drawn to a architectural model of an Eco community designed for the desert near the city of Dubai. More specifically, he liked the futuristic looking underground transport pods. He drew a picture in his notebook so he can create a replica with his Legos when he's back home. After the museum we got our exercise by walking (or rather running in the case of Lucy & Roo) along the Thames with the crowd out enjoying Mr. Sunshine and his companion Breezy. Adamant during the ride home in a black cab that he wasn't sleepy, Roo fell asleep sitting up in bed with a book in hand.

Tuesdays

This past school year, Roo had a play date every Tuesday with his good friends Lucy and Callum. Alternating hosts, the three of them spent much time together in each others homes. When not together, Roo often talks about them and a frequent response is "yes, it's true because Callum telled me", or "yes, because Lucy said so". We recently had their photos taken while on a play date at Arisugawa Park in Hiroo by their former school teacher turned full time photographer for his business Tokyo Kids. Here are some of the results, made especially cute by Callum's very loose front tooth.

Last Day of Kindergarten

Today was Roo's last day of Kindergarten, or as it's called at his school, "Super Bugs". It was also his last day at the school of which he's been attending since we moved to Japan three years ago. Expressed with tears, the finality of it dawned on him as we were departing this afternoon and he understood that it's not for certain if and when he'll see his teachers again. He's become quite attached to his teacher Kevin this past year and talks about him often. Luckily with technology, maybe he can stay somewhat connected. I can't find words adequate to describe what a wonderful experience we've had at Kspace International Kindergarten. It's an amazing school and I feel fortunate that our family has been a part of it's lovely community.

Roo with his teachers Kevin and Leah.

Roo showing off his last project from Kspace, a pillow he sewed on a REAL sewing machine with help from a teacher. He also cut out all the pieces of fabric.

Writing from School

We've been given Roo's folder of work completed at school. Here are a few that I find enduring:

"Once upon a time there was a dog called resincr [racing car].

He lived in a lovely soprsonic jet [supersonic jet].

He liked to eat lots of bons [bones].

But he was very sad, he never saw enewun [saw anyone].

He had a big FedR [feather] stuck in his throat.

Then one day he met a dinosaur.

He was so funny that he started to laf [laugh].

He lafd [laughed] so much that the FedR [feather] came out.

He was so happy he jump the dinosaur."

Here's one I'm sure his grandparents will enjoy:

"My favorite thing about summer is gowin two my granpa and grama."

And naturally, this one is my favorite:

" I like my mother because I like hugs."

Karaoke Ryan

Last Saturday we went to Andy's Izakaya for dinner with friends from Minnesota (living in Japan). After some delicious grub, we made out way to Big Echo to claim a room for an evening of Karaoke. My familiarity with Karaoke prior to coming to Japan included a country bar, a crowd with a critical eye and a STAGE. Since I was little my sister always teased that I was "tone deaf", so needless to say, I don't usually sing around anyone but Roo, let alone get up on a stage! Here, Karaoke is different, much less stressful. You get a private room, in fact you could go by yourself if you wanted. You control the volume, and you don't have to stand on a stage. Before Karaoke, I'm not sure I'd ever heard Ryan sing. I've learned he can sing "Ring of Fire" or CCR with the proper low tone.

I've also learned he has a penchant for ballads, more specifically, Faith Hill or Tim McGraw, or the two together. Here's the proof:

"Cry", his given choice for any evening of karaoke.

Coins

Last night Roo's little friend Lucy was over for a sleepover. This morning they were going through his money box sorting coins. They both know Japanese yen money, but when they found a penny and a dime they asked "is this Hawaiian money or American money?". I explained that the money in Hawaii is American, but still, I understand the confusion since Hawaii is most often referred to by the state name.

Kindergarten Graduation

Finally, I'm getting around to doing a post. It's not that nothing has been happening, on the contrary, we've been busy winding up the school year. Friday's graduation was the culmination of Roo's kindergarten year curriculum. He has more days left, but as he's explained "they won't be learning anything". Certainly they'll still be learning, but the teacher's are calling it "party week", so mostly fun and games and a sewing project that was missed earlier because of time constraints.

A proud daddy, a proud boy.

Since this year for Roo is the top class level at Roo's kindergarten, next he will transition to a different school. We've all loved every minute of his school experience and it's sure to be one of our best memories of our time in Japan.

As you can see in the below video, Roo is enthusiastically singing the selected class favorites.

Bye-bye Kspace.