40

So I turned 40 the other day. And it wasn't so bad. Who can complain about a day that starts with a friend delivering a "40 Sucks" birthday cake (40 cake balls that look like lollipops, hence the 40 sucks - get it?) just in time for your morning coffee? Thanks, Julie!

...or about a day that continues with a lovely gift from your husband that has not only pictures of your two very favorite boys inside, but also the words to your very favorite Fleetwood Mac song (and wedding song) engraved inside? Who knew he was so romantic?!

...or about a day that ends with a Kobe beef dinner, during which your friends humiliate themselves by singing Celia-esque song lyrics to you in front of perfect strangers and restaurant staff before you even get to the karaoke place? (Sorry, I've sworn to never post photos or footage of this part of the evening!)

So, 40 isn't so bad. Thanks for all the good wishes, everyone!

Shichi-Go-San

This past weekend Denis participated in a Shichi-Go-San ceremony at the Ikuta Shrine in Sannomiya. This is a special festival for kids who are 7, 5, and 3 years old, and is a rite of passage of sorts. Odd numbers are thought to be lucky in Japan, and it certainly felt like a lucky day. The weather was perfect, Denis was oh-so-handsome in his kimono, and the day was genki!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

I don't really know what to say about this one...! Is it his outfit or his dancing that I'm still laughing at?!