Summer time in Japan means neighborhood festivals - Matsuri

Last summer we didn't know what to expect.  We went to the park a little nervous about what would happen.

This year .... this year my kids have been asking, "When is the matsuri?" 
In a few weeks we will go to the city wide matsuri.  It is much bigger and ends the night with fireworks.  Rachal will wear a yukata.  We will eat chocolate dipped bananas and roasted corn on the cob.  I can hardly wait!!

Here are the pictures from our neighborhood matsuri.

Eli in his yukata

Noah, Rachal and Eli with snow cones

 

 

 

Eli the ramine contest.
Drink Japanese soda as fast as you can.  Winner gets a prize.

Noah's turn

 

 

Jonah could not make it to the matsuri this year.  He was not feeling up to it.  But, because our apartment is across the street from the park we were able to bring him food and win prizes for him.  Everyone had fun!!

While tucking Eli into bed he said, "Mom, I am going to miss the matsuri next year.  I will be back in America." 

"Oh, Eli, we will go to the State Fair of Texas.  It's almost the same thing!" 

Because Sam came 6000 miles to visit!!

This summer we had the chance to have our first* visitor from America.  We were all so excited for Sam to come visit.  It was supposed to be a surprise for my kids but I couldn't keep a secret.  Plus, Noah kept spending his money on stuff.  I kept saying, "You should really save your money.  You never know when we might want to go sightseeing or shopping." {in my best happy mom, sing song voice}  So finally I had to say, "Dude, save your money!  Sam is coming next month!!"  


If you don't follow me on face book or didn't see all the pictures, here is a run down of what we did! Enjoy!

Sam is right behind the sliding doors.

wonderful things from TEXAS!!  Notice the nice bath towels!!

At the river . . . .

A class of Jr. High girls and their teachers showed up to swim in the river.
They were very happy to see the "Cool American Boys"

 

This is a float for the Hakata Goin Yamakasa
The float is at least 1 ton and men in traditional dress (hinny alert)
carry the floats through downtown in a race.
We were able to see the practice run.

The starting point for the race - A Shinto Shrine

A fancy float - they don't race with this size.

Here they come . . ..

There are no wheels so the men must push or pull the float along the road.
People cheer them on and throw water on the street. 
The water helps to cool the men who are working so hard.

The man sitting on the float is yelling and encouraging the men.

We went back to the river a second time.  I just love it here.  So beautiful.

Noah and Sam found a stick. They put the stick in the rope swing.
Sam says, "I think it will hold.  Noah try it out."
Noah says, "Sounds like fun!"

Sam and Noah being silly!

Waiting for Sam's flight . . .

Come back and see us again Sam!! 
We sure had fun!!

And that was 10 days cut down to 50 pictures!!

*Our first REAL visitors were Dan and Jan.  They came for a visit for a few days but didn't  stay with us.   Sam was our first visitor that we had to house and feed and entertain and take care of.  We were blessed to have both first visitors!!