Fun first days in Kumamoto

One of our first stops the day after we arrived was the electronics store, so Michiyo could score a grand massage on one of the demo chairs. The clerk did not mind at all, as long as she got to hold our fun little guy. I caught her making quite a jolly face.

Unfortunately, there is not widespread trick-or-treating on Halloween in Japan. The best thing we could find is a cake shop that gives free candy to kids who come dressed up. We went with our friend Yuka and her boy Kenshin, whose Elmo outfit was hilarious.

That night, we caught up with some more friends; Maki and Jason Wians had their first daughter together, Randhima Ryou, in August.

Hiro is at that point that he fusses if he cannot be in Mommy Michiyo`s arms, especially if he happens to be tired, hungry, or in just about any mood at any time of the day. And NO WAY is he falling asleep in anyone`s arms (besides Grandma Julie Fingerhut on occasion) but Michiyo`s. Well, it turns out he can fooled; the one person in the world who could pass for Michiyo does a great job of filling in when we need it most: her sister, Masae.