Millie - 3 months old

3 months old and she's turning in to a happy little soul- she smiles a lot and sometimes even sleeps 10hours. Probably the biggist issue is her snoring big brother who often joins us in the night! She often has a runny nose and often is blowing bubbles.

Weight :6.7Kg
Height: 63cm

Red Brick Trip

Whilst Chris may look like an attention avoiding popstar in this photo he really isn't. We all got the train from Tsunashima and went into Yokohama city center and hung around near the Akarenga building- apparently an old grain warehouse. There's a bit of space so the kids could run around, throw balls and try to climb the trees. Aiko had a look around inside and found a few things to buy- which always makes her happy!!

Afterwards we went to TGI's for a completely filling meal and then it was the long tired journey home...with tired children!

















Mmm chips and pasta!

















The gang of 3- l to r : Archie, Nat-chan and Dan-chan






















Nat-chan and Archie waiting for the train

Puzzle

Just about the first intelligent thing we have got him to do- a jigsaw. But only because it is the Anpanman puzzle. Still, it's amazing to watch a brain so young work it all out- there is no history to guide him so he truly relies on raw knowledge..or lack of it!

AJ in a blue glasses

Who can it be?...
Maybe Archie?...
Yes it's him trying to entertain Millie in his own little way!!!!

Having English Breakfast

Can't real find English(unhealthy) sausages but this was a good attempt!

Christmas is coming

Christmas is coming and as you can see Green Surround City is getting into the festive spirit. Commentary and general explanation by Archie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i4gxSU7JWc

Miyagaseko Trip

It may be well into November and certainly getting colder but the weather was great so we decided to get in the car and head out into the country. Sadly so did a lot of other people so the jounrneys there and back again were longer than our stay.

We headed for windy road that took us close to the top of a hill - with a view of summitting but the road was closed for repairs so we decided to head for a nearby lake- Lake Miyagase.















Millie was all dressed up her highly fashionable outift but sadly then stuck into the baby carrier and covered with a rain protector to keep her warm.

The lake had a lot of shops, restaurants and seller of snacky stuff so it didn't take us long to find something we wanted to eat!

Archie scoffed his food down and then used some of that extras energy runnging around, climbing, ringing bells and chasing trains- sadly the last train of the day! He also had enough time to catch up with his old friend Anpanman!










































Three stages in the life of a fish..swimming in a bowl, speared with a stick and cooked over an open fire!!

We are brother and sister

Wonder if their relationship will always be this quiet and calm... I don't think so!!

Hiroshima Trip - Hakushima Gang gathering

During the week we were back there were lots of chances to meet up with the friends from Hakushima . It's certainly interesting to see how the children are all growing up- the girls are more interesting doing girly things these days so often Archie has to find other things to do- luckily Shochie is certainly up for a bit of boyish stuff like going down slides.

We gathered at Harumi-chans flat for Marumen Okonomiyaki and for the woman to have a good chat while the kids played. At times it was very busy....

Hiroshima Trip- Omiyamairi (visiting shrine)

This was actually one of the bigger reasons we went back to Hiroshima. Omiyamairi is when you introduce a new child to the shrine/Gods. I Suppose it's close to a Christening but perhaps not such a deeply religious way- no Godparents or anyone else taking part really. Just a priest who moans in a monotone voice for about 10 minutes interspersed with the odd Millie Henington.

As you can see we all generally dress up- Aiko even wore her mum's Kimono- after a lot of effort and having to ask an elderly neighbour.

After all this we then drove to the nearby shopping mall (Diamond City) and had our photos taken as well- By the end of this process we were we all pretty done- it had been a long day and it was only about 2pm!!!

Hiroshima Trip - Hiroshima Peace Marathon

Despite being in really bad shape and not ready to run 10km John entering into the Peace Marathon (only 10km) seemed like a good idea- as we would combine it with the trip to the Shrine and all the catching up with friends.

The weather was the same as last year- clear dry and hot for a November day so John trundled round in 52'15"- This was 8 minutes slower than last year but at least this time was a bit more enjoyable.













I'm the one in lime green by the way- this was just at the end and I was winding up the pace and preparing for a sprint to the line. Well that's what it felt like in my world anyway. The camera never lies though and yes my legs are really that short- it's hereditary....

















It's quite normal for people (who must be completely mad) to run in costume- which increases their chances of winning a price and having photos taken. I'm sure this guy or girl was regretting this decision. Archie keeps his distance....

We also took Millie along as well but she wasn't too impressed by the whole thing..

Hiroshima Trip- Friends and Family

We decided to take a trip back to Hiroshima- as you will see later the main reason was for Millie's first visit to the shrine- and Archie's too!

It was quite a journey......

10 minute walk to the station- no mean feat considering suitcase,rucksack and 2 children,

Train to Yokohama station,

Bus to Haneda Airport,

Plane to Hiroshima (only 2 seats for 4 of us)

Bus from airport to Hiroshima Bus center

Bus to Aiko's Parents.

All in the journey took about 5 hours but actually wasn't as bad as it looks.












With 2 children nothing is ever in control so here are some photos from our whole stay- we saw many people, had great times but sadly didn't get too many photos....

Bien,
We got together with quite a few friends at Bien but spent most of the time trying to control Archie. Still at least he was able to spend some times with Rin-chan!!

Aiko's Gran,
A trip back to Hiroshima is never the same without eating until you get ill at Aiko's Gran (84) John , sadly, had to work so he missed the feast. Then again it does often involve a lot of cows stomach but the rest is great- beer as well!

At The Hirds,
Alina Hird with Millie

At The Yamanojos,
Kiyoshi looks scared after he was given Millie!!! It's amazing that Kiyoshi is 45years old!!!...just joking he's not that old but doesn't he look the young and sporty one! Caught him just before he went to play football! Eiko-san got out of her sickbed to hold Millie.

With The Fujiwaras,
A night out at 'their' local Okonomiyaki restaurant - a place where many of the regulars were taxi drivers.
We left here really full as we were spoiled with Okonomiyaki related products!!...and beer!
(Okonomiyaki is one of Hiroshima's famous dishes- cabbage, noodle, pork, egg......)











Yamaguchi Trip,
As you can see Rie is heavily pregnant with her second son. Doesn't slow her down much though and Aiko had a great time picking up DIY/craft ideas- The suitcase was a lot fuller on the way home!!
Rie-chan 11gatsu 27nichi ganbatte ne!!























Babies - Saho chan , May chan, Honoka chan
Everyone has been at it and there are babies everywhere- here's a selection of the new arrivals recently in Hiroshima