Happy birthday Kaoru!

Kaoru, one of his class mates from pre school and kindergarten, was having a birthday party. Kids played crazy, moms enjoyed good food and conversation. Happy birthday, Kaoru!

Brunch with Kevin Beck in Roppongi

Tokyo gang got together for brunch as Mr. Beck was in town for business trip. Fun time!

Boy cooking Szechwan Style Bean Curd

Curry Party at Kindergarten

Curry party at my son's kindergarten yesterday, which I was in charge of. Cooked 3 big pots of curry for about 130 people. Everything went smooth, no big troubles, on time, as scheduled, just like magic! Wonderful job, ladies! You helped me immensely as team!!

And one point I was supposed to cut vegetables with Mo, but he was with 2 junior high students (girls) who were there for volunteer, and getting attention, so I just let him be with them...

Photos here.

Day 18 in NY - Cruise on a boat

Our flight was in later afternoon, and we had morning for the last touristy stuff in NY with Chris. We took ride of cruise ferry to go down and up Hudson & East rivers. Kids loved the view of Statue of Liberty.

After the ride, we went to Gotham Market West for lunch. Kids found ramen and they wanted it so bad we had to get a couple for them. Well, I'd rather wait for my flight back to Tokyo for decent ramen...

Photos here.

Looking up Roosevelt Island Tramway from Cheapy's apartment

I definitely prefer looking up rather than looking down from gondola. 

Shmackary's in Hell's Kitchen

Very tempted to go but didn't have chance...!

Day 17 in NY - Intrepid and dinner at Cheapy's

Went to Intrepid with Cheapy and Tai. Kids were very excited to see with Tai again. Mo was thrilled to see real Concorde, and he was all prepared with camouflage T-shirt and pants. Then we walked to 5 Napkin Burger for lunch, then went to Cheapy's apartment in Upper East. Kids loved playing Minecraft altogether on TV, made a huge mess of toys, etc. while Mrs. Cheapy cooked awesome Japanese dinner. Thank you, Shima chan! 

Before heading back to hotel, Cheapy took us to 16 Handles for frozen yogurt, where kids hung out after school.

Great seeing you guys, and will see you again in Tokyo!

Photos here.

A short video of Mo playing a car.

Day 16 in NY - Dinner at Katz's Deli

Went to Katz's Deli for Jewish food dinner. It was packed, chaotic, and, off course, loud. Apparently you had to keep a ticket with you until you pay check and leave.... So, kids had modern American food, and I had my salad, while the other family members were enjoying each of their favorite dish. Kids loved corned beef there.

Photos here.

Two Boots!

Left kids at Emily's, we went to Two Boots in East Village with Christ. Oh we missed you so much!

Draft Latte at La Colombe, NoHo

Always crowded cafe a block away from Emily's. Emily and I went to check out after the Blue Man show. Oh my, this is so good almost addictive! And the latte was poured from a tap, just like beer. Yummy!

Day 16 in NY - Blue Man Show

Blue Man Group on Astor Place, which is 2 blocks from Emily's. Kids had watched Blue Man on TV before so they knew what to expect, but the real show was much more fun! I liked those guys playing music above the stage with fluorescent make ups and costumes. They looked totally regular people after the stage under light.

Photos here.

Day 15 in NY - Gyoza Party

Friends and families get together in NY over Gyoza, the usual party food for Kuroda household. Wonderful meeting up with everybody, introducing everybody, sharing the cooking experience, kids playing together, etc. until late at night. Thank you friends joining us, and Emily & Dolph to let us have party at their place!

Photos here.

Boy having NY pizza

Getting ready for the part later in the evening.

Day 15 in NY - Central Park

Walked to Central Park in the morning, and took horse carriage ride as kids requested. After saying good bye to the horse, went to a tiny amusement park we saw from the carriage called Victorian Garden. Mo was happy climbing up and down the big stones at park. After playing there for a couple hours, we went to the old carousel to finish up our time at the park.

Photos here.

Some videos:
Hydro Racer at Victorian Gardens
Hydro Racer at Victorian Gardens
Ton playing Whack A Mole

Sunrise Mart and Panya shopping

Nostalgic place called Sunrise Mart on Stuyvesant, and Panya on 1F. Melon pan and curry pan just see how these were. Not bad!

White Chocolate & Chocolate Chip Cookies kids baked with Chris

While we were out with Guzofskies for dinner, kids baked cookies with Chris. Hope we can have some left overs for tomorrow...

Day 14 in NY - Dinner with Guzofskies at Ponty

No kids dinner with Guzofskies at Ponty Bistro in Gramercy. Food awesome, had to document them, and totally forgot about taking Lee & Charity's photos...

Photos here.

Day 14 in NY - NY Hall of Science

Went to Hall of Science in Queens with Cheapy and Tai. Kids were super excited to see Tai again and never stopped talking/moving around. It was full of touch and feel kind of museum for kids, and they enjoyed it even though they had no idea...

Photos here.

Videos:
Papa cycling to rotate propeller
Mo's short dance
Speed race
Surfing machine
Ferrofluid test

At Connected Worlds at Great Hall:
Planting seed
Seed didn't grow well...
Mo interacting with virtual creatures

Day 13 in NY - Lion King

Lion King matinée on Broadway with kids. Colorful stage with amazing animals and costumes, kids didn't get board at all! The place was full of kids actually.

After the show, Emily's cousin, Peggy's friend Paul who was a head of orchestra gave us a back stage tour! There we met kids who played young Shimba & Nala, L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, and Fred Berman as Timon! It was very exciting to see the real costumes and tools and how it works, on stage!

Photos here.