Gift #149- Skating with a Pro

Pro skate-boarders Corey Duffel and JT Aultz came to our skate park today to do a demonstration.  They did some radical fakies and a few other super fat tricks before they shredded it up with the kids.  I have no idea what I just said, but it sounded cool.  Right?  Jack and Josh got their skateboards, helmets and scooters signed.  They were stoked! (that means excited).  :0)

Gift # 148- A Neighborhood Lemonade Stand

Sam, Macy, and a few neighborhood friends set up a lemonade stand.  They sold the lemonade for 25 cents per cup (30 cents if you wanted ice).  :0)  They had such a great time.  Sam came home with a profit of $5!  He said he was "wich" now!  

Gift #147- A Day with the Japanese Navy

Joy and I had the opportunity to tour the Japanese Navy side of the air station.  We were able to get up close to the aircraft and had a chance to talk with the pilots.   The above airplane is a US-1A flying boat.  It is a search and rescue plane that is noted for it's ability to land on high seas.  We were able to get up close to this massive airplane and learn all about it.  There are only 3 US-1's currently in operation.  They are being replaced by a more modern US-2.  This was a very unique and enjoyable opportunity and we were so thankful to be included.  

Gift #146- A Roller Slide

Yesterday, we visited a park called Hachigamine.  This park is noted for its long roller slide through the treetops.  If you are the first one down the slide, then the ride is quite slow and leisurely.  You get the bars rolling for the person behind you so they can fly down!  It is generally best to let the heaviest person go first otherwise you all end up running into each other on the way down (as in the picture above).  :0)  We had a great time exploring this very unusual Japanese park.  Baker kids, you have a brave momma!  She went down the slide twice!

Gift #145- A Relaxing Pedicure

After two full days of walking and sight-seeing, there is nothing better than a relaxing pedicure to soothe and rejuvenate your tired little tootsies.  This pedicure was most definitely rejuvenating, but I wouldn't say that it was soothing.   We laughed and giggled and squirmed and squealed and laughed a little more.  

These little fish are called Garra Rufu and are nicknamed nibble fish.  They feed on dead skin and leave your feet soft and smooth-  well,  they probably would if you could stop squirming and sit still long enough.  :0) 

Gift #144- Andersen's Bakery

Joy and I took the train to Hiroshima today to visit the Peace Park.  We found a beautiful bakery called Andersens and couldn't resist trying some of the delicious pastries and cakes.  We bought a small slice of carrot cake and an apple shaped pastry with a cream filling.  Joy had the patience to snap a picture of it before we devoured it.  I did not.  :0)  We sat in a window seat and watched the people outside.  It was so interesting to just sit and observe the passer-bys.  We sat for half an hour and solved the problems of the world over carrot cake.  It was wonderful.  We eventually made it over to the Peace Park, but not until we stopped and had lunch of course.  It is all about the food!