Family!

We all fit in the elevator!

The den...aka the girls' bedroom.

More family arrives to take advantage of free accommodations in Tokyo (and maybe to see us, too)!  We get to test the limits of our single shower, since we now have seven people in our apartment.  It works out fine, and we don't even have to send Matt and Steve down to the gym to shower.  (I do joke about turning off the hot water if showers last too long, because I can control the hot water from the kitchen.  Maybe that helped...)


We start off with our normal first day activities.  Early in the morning is the Tsukiji Fish Market, where once again, people forget to take photos (at least of something other than fish).  It's raining, and we're able to scrounge up enough umbrellas for everyone.  We're disappointed that their first day is starting off so poorly with regards to the weather, but they actually like it.  They're from southern California, so seeing rain is something of a treat.

Christmas card worthy pic!

Later that morning the rain stops and we're able to go to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden.  Both places involve walking around and being outside, in the (hazy) sun.  I think it helps our visitors adjust to the time change quicker.

Lots of green, even in December!

We explore some of the scenic sights in the garden. I've now visited in every season and it's always beautiful.  

There's almost enough light to see the "full moon" created by the bridge and its reflection.

It's winter, but flowers are blooming.

This could be a model photo shoot!

Interesting viewpoint

Sophie is the photographer of the family, and she takes advantage of the varied landscapes to find her pictures.  I follow her line of sight once, and discover a new view of the vermilion bridge. 

Photographer at work!

Another Christmas card picture contender?

Yes, we visit the garden, too!

Steve and I realize we have been to some of our "old places" in Tokyo many times now, but we haven't been taking pictures of ourselves.  So here's our bridge selfie!

Everything (and everyone) fully dressed!

The next day we visit the Bonsai Museum, but we're not as lucky with the picturesque sights.  I have it in my head that it will look the same as our visit a few months ago...but I forgot a lot of them are deciduous, so it was a little bit of a let down.  Luckily the pines ones still have their needles.

Naked bonsai.

In case you're curious, here's what they look like, naked (the trees, not the people - what were you thinking?!).

Words of wisdom from Uncle Steve!

We finish up the day at our favorite yakitori restaurant.  This is the first time we have to "pre-order" our food.  When reservations are made for a group of seven, they obviously want to make sure they have enough meat and vegetables available.  Steve shows Matt how to drink masu sake, and we all enjoy our dinner.  Steve relishes some quality conversation with our nieces - I think the exchange starts with them asking him what he does at work.  Maybe I should have listened to the answer!  When I'm asked my usual answer is, "He talks on the phone and types on the computer."