First day

Today marked the first day of work and summer school for us. We were fortunate to have all last week to acclimate ourselves and start to settle into a routine. 

Angela made up the bento boxes for the kids - American style. PB&J, small snacks, some rice, etc.. Of course, in the rush of the morning we didn't take any pictures! Tomorrow, perhaps. 

Getting all three kids downstairs with backpacks, water bottles, lunches, and helmets is another feat. Loading them onto two bicycles is yet another. Luckily, the school they attend (and we work at) is just under a mile away. So a 10-15 min walk for little legs becomes a 4-5 min bike ride. A friend on Facebook asked what we'll do when it rains... The Japanese often ride bikes while holding umbrellas - we'll see! Otherwise we'll just walk it with rain gear. 

Noah was unprepared for our first bicycle selfie:

Angela leaving me in the dust with Sydney in her handlebar seat, and Seth in the rear child seat:

I managed a trip to the local department store Aeon for these two metal wire shelves. I am definitely setting myself up for being labeled as a crazy gaijin (foreigner), and got some looks as I pedaled home from the mall:

 

After school we stopped by our local park/playground, as we have each day. Here's Ms. Sydney dropping some leaves into the gutter: 

All in all it was a good, busy day. But don't be lead to believe that I am writing about a perfect life - I actually had to bring Sydney home early from school because she only wanted her teacher (Angela) to hold her so she could suck her thumb and be shy, rather than partake in learning and games. She threw a fit every time Angela set her down. So after a few hours she was "sent home"  by her teacher. That girl is a sass. Off to bed now...