Saturday, February 17, 2007

Fujiten Snow Park

Winter weather in Tokyo has been wonderful. It's quite opposite from the recent snowfall and sub-zero temperatures of our hometowns of Windsor and Columbus. Many residents say this is not typical weather in Tokyo for the month of February. It's usually known to be the coldest month of the year. Last week our temps rose to approx 13 degrees Celsius (mid-50's Fahrenheit). I guess it's global warming in effect.

Last Sunday, we took a drive out to Fujiten Snow Park to have some fun on the slopes. It was mainly for Markus' benefit to have the opportunity to see and play in the snow. As planned, we left our apartment at 7:30am. What was supposed to be a two-hour drive ended up being nearly four hours! Traffic in Japan can be a total nightmare! It seemed like the whole city was flocking to Fujiten that day! We debated many times while sitting in traffic if we should turn around and head elsewhere, but since we had drove all that way, we decided to grin and bear it. When finally arriving to the site, we were told there was no parking available....so we waited some more.






We probably took about 30 photos of Mt. Fuji alone enroute to the snow park. The sky was vividly blue and clear. Here is one photo we thought offered one of the best angles. It's simply an incredible site.












Here's Markus having loads of fun in the snow. Looks to me like some familiar yoga moves.












It was a blast dodging people on our way down the hill.














The red gadget in Markus' hand is a snowball maker. It's a neat tool that scoops and packs the snow all in one simple tong motion.

Though it was busy, it was definitely a nice afternoon retreat outside of the city. Having the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji amidst the horizon made the day all the better.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Happy 2nd Birthday Markus!

The last two years have definitely flown by. Looking back at Markus' very infant photos, I can't help but tear up as I remember our sweet baby memories.






A flashback of baby Markus just 4 days old. He weighed a teeny weeny 5 lbs, 15 oz (2.33 kgs) at birth.





Markus' first birthday in Windsor


Now, at 2 years old he weighs 26 lbs (11.8 kgs)

We spent the morning of his birthday (Thursday, February 1) at his regularly scheduled Jidokan class. He enjoyed a day of colouring, singing, dancing and riding the tricycle.









On Saturday, February 3rd, we celebrated his big day at our condo with some close friends.











Markus woke up just in time from his nap to welcome our first guests, Kota and Sayaka.

Party time!




Chihiro doodling on the new colour magna-doodle as Markus observes




Addy, Markus and Kota having "balls" of fun!












Junki with Markus being rowdy boys in the shinkansen (bullet train) tent











As you can see, it started to get a little crazy inside the shinkansen.









Break time!

With the help of Sayaka's delicious cookie treats, we managed to lure all four tots to sit together for some photo ops. Smiling and saying "cheese" simultaneously was asking for too much.


I'm sure Markus thought it was a happy birthday indeed while opening his gifts! All his little friends were eager to help.


Markus received a train set from us. We felt it was well deserved! I've noticed that most young boys in Japan love trains. Thomas The Tank Engine is a big hit here! Along with trains and cars, Markus is really into all kinds of animals, including fish and dinosaurs. And of course, he still loves his books. His favourite book at the moment is called The Emperor of Absurdia. It was a gift given to him from his cousin Maddox for Christmas. He'll have me read it at least twice a day.



I baked Markus a vanilla birthday cake and topped it with fresh strawberries and blueberries. I thought it was pretty yummy! Mihoko was so kind to lend me her wonderful oven at her apartment...much more convenient than our microwave's oven setting.






Make a wish!

(Mommy also makes a secret wish hoping that the "terrible two's" won't be so terrible!!)
Happy 2nd Birthday Markus!
Otanjoubi Omedeto !
May you have many, many, many more wonderful birthdays to come!


Monday, February 05, 2007

My sweet Lola

How fortunate I was to have you in my life,
A blessing sent from above,
You my sweet Lola, I will always remember,
Your beautiful smile and unconditional love.


Asuncion Salazar

November 21, 1918 - February 2, 2007

Thank you for everying, Lola. I will miss you and will hold you close to my heart forever.