Oishii oishii

The past couple of weeks Ramona has been exposed to a large dose of Japanese banter with a couple of visits from my parents who stopped by on their way to and from Utah this month. It was enjoyable to hear her mix Japanese phrases like "oishii oishii (yummy)" "oshimai (all done)" or "sugoi sugoi! (wow!)" into her own speech.

Although there isn't much to "do" in Cedar Rapids, we did manage to get out of the house a few times while we had our visitors. For example, we went to a pancake breakfast fundraiser for a local scout troop (mainly because Forest was helping out):
We also made it to Bever Park to see the farm animals:
(and riding animals)
(and farm equipment)


We went for a walk or two and played in the yard when it was pleasant
And we tried to find some flowers at Noelridge, although it may have been too early to see most varieties of blooms.

For our last meal together, Baachan made some fried rice placed on plates in little mounds and Jii created a little Japanese flag to stick in Ramona's rice mound, as is traditionally done in many kids' meals or "okosama lunches" in Japan.
I know Ramona's exposure to Japanese culture is nothing like mine was growing up, but we still try to give her a taste here and there. Hopefully she appreciates these doses and finds them for the most part "oishii."

Thanks for visiting, Jii and Baachan!