Halloween in Tokyo

Japanese people have an awareness of Halloween, and you can often see Halloween-related items in Japanese stores. This is mostly because Japanese people like events and love to celebrate holidays, though they do it in their own special way. Unfortunately, trick-or-treating is still not a well-known or accepted activity. Still, grandma and grandpa sent a poodle costume for Rhianna to wear, and she had it on and ready for me when I got home from work today. She loves her costume, and didnt want to take it off for dinner!

We've been extremely busy recently, with me going on business trips all over Japan, to China, Minneapolis (Medtronic's headquarters), and even to Colorado for two days in between to see grandma, grandpa, and Frodo the dog. We're planning a Christmas visit home at the end of December, but we'll be busy clear through that time, with Shinako's business being extremely busy, and me with lots of business trips, including to Singapore in late November.

Recently we've been taking Rhianna to the park near our home quite often, and she realy enjoys the slide. At first, she was too scared to ride on it, but now she loves the slide, and wants to ride it over and over! Rhianna is doing well as usual, and loves to wave furiously at everyone and yell "bye-bye!!!!" at them, even when they arent going anywhere. She also loves to play peek-a-boo, though her peeking is mostly through her hands to see what the other person is doing.

We also purchased a condo in downtown Tokyo, just a few blocks from where we currently live. The Japanese government is offering tremendous incentives to purchase homes and condominiums (with even more announced just yesterday), and we are looking forward to moving into our much bigger place in 2009.

More news soon!!!



Dad and Poodle

Poodle

Poodle

Hanging out

At home

Out with Dad and Mom

Playing outside

Getting ready to slide

Getting closer

Almost!

Yay!!!!!