September

The girls were really excited to help Ryan move boards around. He is going to turn these beauties into bunk beds. 

 We were first introduced to the "station wagon of Japan" years ago when we first visited Tokyo. I have to admit I've wanted one ever since. It took Ryan going to Mongolia and watching a Japanese show all about the merits of Mamachari bicycles for him to jump on the wagon (wha, ha ha). Carl especially loves it and waves to everyone on our path.

 When we were in Bali in May I might have had a lapse in judgement and ordered a buffet. In my defense furniture in Japan is a. very expensive and b. odd. It made it just fine across the old seafaring routes to Akita port. The overland transport was a veritable nightmare as the officials in Akita don't speak English and our 10 Japanese phrases don't include customs, inport tax, transportation or any other number of things. Ryan was so surprised/relieved when it finally got here. I think the phrase "it will be a miracle if it gets here" passed his lips any number of times. Note protective eye wear and gloves (we tip our hat to Norm Abram).

 Have you ever seen such a fancy diaper and book holder?

 Here is a closeup of the banana trees and tropical bird.

 Now if you were to ask the kids, they would say that the crate is way better than the buffet. Our neighbor took it off the curb and converted it into the best clubhouse ever!

 Homework is so much more fun when you're doing it in a clubhouse. 

Poor Carl has been missing his dad's loving protection from the ministrations of his sisters. Although he loves the feel of the green tulle in his mouth as much as the next baby, so relaxing.