This weekend was the local city festival, and we went to as much of it as we could. There were amazing, intricate floats ... Drumming and bamboo flute playing... Traditional dances and performances of various types, including absolutely gorgeous traditional costumes... and multiple parades over a few days. Pictured here are some of the ...

So....what's been going on in my life? Well, somebody had a birthday, (Like the cake? It's my 'interpretation of this one here.) We went to some super cool festivals... Awesome. And, we also made some visits to places we'll never get to go again. Max and Charlie just love aquariums. Also, I made butter! (I used a ...

There's a saying in Japan: the carp that swims upstream becomes a dragon. The meaning, I presume, of this cryptic fortune-cookie sound byte is that persistence and hard work in the face of adversity will make you strong. I've felt a little like a carp myself lately. We are working ...