Picnics by the River, Sunbathing on the Balcony, and Gyoza Dinner parties

I just realized it is the end of May. Where does the time go? Seriously, I have no idea. It seems like the days are so long (especially when it is 8PM and I want the children to sleep) but the weeks and years are so fast! It is already humid here in Tokyo which means a very long summer is in store. But thankfully the windows are still open! We have been enjoying our family. One day the kids decided to sunbathe on the balcony (pictures follow). It was very cute. We also ventured out with a friend of Miyako's and her family to a neighborhood grilled meat restaurant. It was delicious and within walking distance. We have been going on lots of picnics before it gets too hot. We love to picnic along the river by our home. Living near the water is such a blessing. I love to run along it early in the morning where it is quiet and you have a bit of serenity within a city of 35 million people. The kids love to picnic along the river and watch boats and throw rocks into the water. We also enjoyed a gyoza dinner party with good friends this past weekend. The kids watched Frozen while we dined over homemade gyoza. They have a fabulous view overlooking the Tokyo Bay and I could not get enough of just sitting on their balcony and relaxing, again with the water nearby. I think our summer is off to a good start.