Another typhoon, and a big day at the port...

http://www.imageevent.com/tri_pod

We went to the port today to experience some of the other things it has to offer. We toured the Antarctica Explorer ship, the Fuji. It was really interesting, and I kept thinking how our dads and nephews would have loved it. They had some taxidermied penguins and some mannequins to show what certain rooms and areas were for. I have to add that because the girls, Izzy especially, kept asking if the people used to be real, too. I'm trying to keep from laughing, as she still isn't buying the concept of the people being made of plastic, and asks me if the people are "stuffed." They really don't want to stay on the ship - I think mainly because of the "stuffed" people - LOL :) They loved the navigation room and "drove" that ship all over the place. They also made a few important phone calls (pics on imageevent) :)


You will notice in the pictures that their hair was all over the place. Typhoon Usagi is not going to directly impact us, but because Japan is so small, and it's a pretty powerful typhoon, we are going to get some wind and rain from it. We are planning on seeing Ratatouille tomorrow since it is supposed to be windy and stormy. Ai was helping me find out the times for it, and wanted to go with us. She dropped by the room tonight to bring the girls some MORE candy :) Everyone here is spoiling my girls rotten!! Last night I took them to the liquor store with me, and the guys working there gave them each a cute little yellow apron. It had "Smirnoff Ice" on it, but hey, they can't read yet, and they had a great time playing "store" before bedtime.


We went to the People's Park and Italio Villagio, which is a replica of Italy (also in the port). They actually have little canals and gondolas throughout. It's funny because most of the people working in "Little Italy" were Japanese :) They do have an opera, which appeared to have caucasian-type performers. Sam and I have learned to not stereotype people as "American." We now say "Western" or "Caucasian."

The girls loved the petting zoo! They had the usual goats, pigs, rabbits, more guinea pigs, and DOGS. The girls miss Bandit so much, so they loved getting to pet and love on all these different breeds of dogs. Of course, me being the animal lover, I was a little concerned about the welfare of these puppies, until I saw them chowing down on ice cubes. They seemed very fat and happy. There are some strays here, but for the most part, it is very expensive, from what I've been told, to try and buy an animal like a dog or cat. There was one shop I saw selling Venecian glass - very pretty! I may have to go back. There was also a Ferrari store, selling lots of racing stuff - again, I thought of my nephews!


We also visited the Observatory. I teased the girls about being able to see Granny and Pa Pa's house from there :) It was a spectacular view of everything, and we could even see "Ku" performing at the aquarium. Ku is Japan's Shamu :)


Sounds like a big day, huh?? Well, Gracie is actually asleep and it's ONLY 9:30! We topped off the day at The Hard Rock Cafe. Two girls (20-something) wanted their picture with the girls. The girls are so good about being "celebrities" and went over to the big stuffed bear and posed for SEVERAL pictures. They are even getting good about flashing the "peace sign," which is big in Japan. Most of the younger Japanese make the peace sign when getting their picture taken. Anyway, when the girls brought our girls back, I told them "Mitsugo," which means triplets (no, I'm not at all proud). They thanked us over and over - so sweet, but Sam and I were thankful for 2 minutes of peace :) I just laughed and asked Sam if he could imagine the "attention" that our adorable nephews and nieces would get?!?

I guess that's about it. We just have to add that we are so thankful to God for so many miraculous prayers answered: Malorrie feeling well enough to go out and live-it-up with friends, Lorrie and the "guys" doing better, Phil, Kristy, and the boys getting to be together again and free of house woes, and my parents, Chris, and the kids gaining some peace. I hope you join me in thanking God for all his blessings, guidance, and wisdom. We are truly thankful and blessed!

Shall I leave you with a laugh (I told a few of you already)?.....We were coming back from breakfast yesterday, and I told the girls they needed to go in and pick up their room before the cleaning staff showed up. I got the usual, "Why do we have to do all the hard work (their new saying)?!? I replied with my scripted, "Who goes to work and misses spending time with you EVERY DAY, so that you have food, toys, (and don't have to walk three miles in the snow without shoes)!?! Of course, I get the remorseful, "DADDY." And then I ask, "And WHO cooks for you, does the dishes, your laundry, and cleans up after you?" They pause, and reply, "THEY do." "They" being the wonderful hotel staff - LOL :) It's time to get into a house so my children appreciate me again :)

Love and Hugs to you all!
~Michelle