Yesterday we started the day with popsicles and a bicycle ride. We took the train to Kyoto and our first stop was Toys R Us. We had no plans for the day, and I told Gabriela she could do whatever she wanted. We walked around Toys R Us for almost two hours looking and playing with toys! The next couple stops were stores with displays to play with. It was so much fun not rushing and just letting Gabriela play. I love living a slow paced life here. When we get back to The States we will have to make a few changes and not be on the go all the time! I cherish these days and memories!

Aquarium

We took Gabriela to the aquarium in Osaka. When we woke up that morning I told her we had a surprise. We gave her clues and kept asking if she knew where we were going. After a lot of clues and seeing pictures of fish she said "were going to the aquarium." Her favorite thing she saw was the sharks. My favorite thing she said was "look its colossal squid!" She learned it from watching Wild Kratts. Now I can feel less guilty for letting her watch t.v.

Japan's Earthquake

March 11 was the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake Japan had last year. Nichy had a game and during the game they stopped for a moment of silence. Gabriela, Jenny, and I went to the Japanese Gardens and Temples in Otsu. There were a lot of people out paying respects to loved ones they lost.
Gabriela loved running around outside. They had two monkeys in a cage and one got really made at Gabriela. Not sure what happened, but it was the first time I saw a monkey growl and show his teeth. We were glad they were caged up. Below is a picture of Gabriela trying to drink the purity water.

The flowers in the background are trees that are over 100 years old!

This is Jenny and I at The Gardens. We have become great friends,  and I cherish our friendship. She is the coaches wife, and they are from Australia. Alan her husband coached for the same team for 26 years and this is their first time out of the country. I couldn't imagine beginning this lifestyle after being with the same team for that long. She is so sweet to Gabriela and I. We are so lucky to have her. and I dread the day I have to say bye.

Valentines Day

Daddy came home from practice with gifts for his girls! He had flowers, bath products, and chocolates. Gabriela was so excited. We spent the day baking Valentine cookies in our fish oven. They turned out good considering we didn't have a real oven. I let Gabriela take them to a few people that live in our apartment complex. We only had one left and it was for Nichy's teammate Josh. Gabriela discovered it was the last one and decided she didn't want to give him one! I reminded her she had already eaten hers and wouldn't be able to eat another one. Later in the day she had a change of heart and gave Josh a cookie!