Cherry Blossoms

A week after out last outing, we realized that though we had been too early the weekend before, we were now too late.  Cherry blossoms, sheesh!  Such a short time to see them at their best.  Near our apartment, strong winds and persistent rain showers had conspired to knock down most of the flowers without a chance for us to go and see them.  So, we decided to head north.  At the northern edge of Okayama Prefecture is Tsuyama City, with a beautiful castle park famous for their cherry blossoms.  Being a bit north, the cherry blossoms there were still in full bloom, and we had a lot of fun walking around and enjoying the day at Kakuzan Park, Tsuyama.

Huzzah!  Cherry blossoms!

Petals and juice make a happy boy...

The only part of the castle that has been reconstructed.

Hiding with Papa!

A very old, twisty little tree...

They sure are pretty, Mama!

And as we drove out of town, a little kappa was waiting to see us off!

The weather was wonderful!  A great way to take a last look at the cherry blossoms...at least until next year! April 12, 2014

Too Early

As spring got closer and closer, our little family was really looking forward to having outings to the park, walks in the sunshine, and general silliness that comes with warmer weather and a long winter stuck inside.  Spring in Japan brings with it many beautiful flowers and comfortable temperatures before the brutal humidity of summer.  So, even though it was a little early, Hubby and I decided to take Tigger to see the cherry blossoms... though, perhaps it wasn't really time yet.  So, off to Miyama Park in Tamano City, Okayama we went!

There were ducks!

And a swan...

And more ducks.

Even a wild boar came out to play!  Wow!

Mom!!!  What's that??

Peek-a-boo!  I'm a boar!

There were a few cherry blossoms... we were about a week early.

It'll be beautiful then with the little shops making delicious smells!

But too early doesn't mean we can't still play!

So back home we went, looking forward to the next weekend for a view of the cherry blossoms! 
March 30, 2014.

Last Leaves of Fall

As winter drew closer, Hubby and I decided to try one last outing with Tigger to see the beautiful leaves.  We decided to take him to a beautiful little park in Ashimori, where Hubby and I first went to watch the cherry blossoms together several years ago.  Sadly, just like at Kofuku Temple, we missed the light by just a little... the photos didn't turn out as well as we had hoped, but at least we have the memories!

Memorial stone and leaves!

In front of Nene's school in Ashimori.

Pretty!  Can I touch?

The last leaves of fall.

Playing in the fallen leaves!

And then, after a little sit in the leaves, the light faded, and it was time to go home!  November 23, 2013.

Fall Leaves

Japan is famous for it's changing fall leaves.  The foliage is truly beautiful in the middle of November, and one of my family's favorite yearly outing is to see the beautiful leaves.  Often we go to Hofuku-ji temple in Soja City, not too far from where we live.  We managed to arrive on a good day when many of the leaves had changed into vivid color, but unfortunately the day was pretty cloudy, and the lighting wasn't very good.  Tigger didn't seem to mind, and enjoyed his first "momiji gari."

Hofuku-ji Temple and the lake in front of it.

Leaves and moss take a rest on a Jizo statue.

Mommy, can I touch them?

Smile for the camera, Tigger!

Beautiful fall leaves!

And with that, we lost all the light and had to head on home!  It was a chilly yet beautiful day, November 17, 2013!