Winter Days Out

Last night we bundled up, stuffed Sam in the baby backpack, hopped on the train with some friends and went to Nara to see them set the hill on fire and set off a great firework display:

It was a good 2-hour trip on a few trains, but a lot of fun. The freedom to get out and about here is great. Today Hesty kicked us out of the house so she could get ready for her friend's visit, and Anya, Sam and I went of to Borneland, a really cool indoor play area.

Even though it's cold, the weather is pretty decent. Hesty and kids are able to get around easily on the bike:

Sunday Sam Snaps Weeks 35 & 36

This last fortnight has been busy beyond belief. But... reports and budget done, masters assignment draft submitted (still got to write the essay!) and back to normal.

Here are the Sam Snaps:

Week 35 - Making Faces in the Crib

Week 46 - Little Builder

He's developed such a funny personality and really loves his big sister. He has a few clear words - Mama, Daddy, Anya, D-gi (doggy), mamam (makan - eat), lagi (more) and more.

Some more photos!

Look what I found!

Sunday Sam Snap Week 44

Trying to stand up by himself!

Week 44

Skype on the Big Screen!

Nana and Grandad in 40 inches.

Peppa Pig: Santa's Visit

Here's a fun episode of Peppa Pig we found on YouTube:

Sunday Sam Snap Week 43

Back on Rokko Island!

He's been making us work hard the last couple of nights adjusting to the jetlag and a nasty cough. However, yesterday we all got out of the house and went to Borneland with Sim and Ashley to keep us awake and burn off some energy. Here's the boy in the baby area...

Week 43 - back in Japan! (not pictured - Daddy playing on the bouncy toys)

 And to try to keep them up a bit longer, we went to the playpark on the way home:

The Snotfactory rides a koala. Still trying to shift a cough.

By all accounts, it has not rained since we have been on holiday, with some nice sunny days but cold temperatures. A different story to two or more weeks of rain and wind (and being indoors and getting fat) in the UK! It was a lovely break though, and perfect to have baby's first Christmas with Mum and Dad - despite the illness.

I'm typing this while taking a 'break' from trying to catch up on piles of work in time for school tomorrow. It's freezing in here, so it's slow going with stiff fingers. This heater is doing little to help!

The house is freezing too, though and we have had to move Sam's bed into our room until we get a decent heater/AC unit for his room. Anya's on the other side of the house and is pretty cozy. The Christmas tree is down and the unpacking has begun.

OK, back to work.

Some Holiday Pictures

Here are some of the best photos from various cameras to round off the trip. We're all tired now after a great couple of weeks at home. Soon it's back to Japan for a very busy start to 2012 (and Hesty's 30th in February!).

At the moment we are in the middle of a huge storm, with big winds in Scotland and our area. Let's hope it passes before our flights on Thursday...

Nana and Grandad with Anya and Sam

Team Taylor

The Taylors

Offroad wheelbarrow

Sam with his new train from Gina and Bill

Penguins at the Hayes Garden World Christmas display

Sam smiling at his dinosaur

With Great-Great Aunt Maggie on the first day

Smiling again

With Auntie Desy and Uncle Carl at Christian's Bench

With Uncle Andrew and Auntie Lindsay at Christian's Bench

More photos in our albums here:

Sunday Sam Snap Week 42 - All Better Now!

Week 42 - Better in time for New Year!