The Traffic Park

Saturday, April 12, 2008



Last weekend the weather was beautiful and we didn't have anything schedule on the calendar. So we decided to call up Faviola and her daughter Kimi and see if they wanted to meet us at the Traffic park. Favi had Japanese class that morning, but she said they could meet up with us around lunch time. Mitch told her we would bring lunch for everyone, so we would see they at the playground.





RJ didn't waste anytime getting to work/play. He decided all on his own to climb this.

He started to get a bit nervous around this time, but he never cried.
I was so proud of him for making it all the way all on his own. I think he was happy too!




We love the roller slides here in Japan. Mitch likes to let the kids go first and wait. When they are almost at the end. he goes and "catches" them. They love it!

My turn to "catch" the kids!

A 3 person ride...it rocks back and forth.
RJ really wanted to go check out the other part of the park. He could see that there were rides. We told him we could go look, but no riding until Kimi got there. But of course we parents are easily persuaded with a simple smile and pretty please... RJ got to drive while Sara rode shotgun.

Mr. RJ policeman....

When we were walking around, we found this race car. This one's for you, Chance. Hope you like it!
Back to the playground (once they figured they could only ride one ride before Kimi came, they wanted to go back and play). Sara climbed this rope ladder all by herself...she and RJ really are 2 different kids.

This is the entire playground area (right side)
left side

As soon as Kimi arrived, RJ was ready to go to the rides....
RJ and Kimi started on the trampoline. That is some pretty good height.


Next was this robot....

now go back and look again for RJ riding inside.

Favi and Kimi on the Space Shuttle

Sara waiting patiently for Kimi and Favi to be done on the Space Shuttle
RJ and Mitch on the Space Shuttle

Sara on her very first solo amusement ride. She was so excited, but daddy was so nervous. She loved it and stayed seated for the entire ride. Can you see her cute pink hat...

Then of course there was time for ice cream.

We went back to the amusement park side and I gave Kimi a 100yen and told her to take RJ for a ride. She picked the bus. She started driving, but shortly after told RJ he could drive because he was a better driver.

Then RJ got 100 yen to pick a ride. Sara got to go this time.

They had so much fun on this merry-go-round. They were laughing so hard the whole time. I never did figure out what they were laughing about.

Sara picked this ride.
Apparently they have Fire cars not fire trucks in Japan.

More laughing was had by all!

Sara picked the train!

Mitch had a lot of fun too. We think that they call this the traffic park because there are roads and traffic lights in the middle of the amusement part. You can rent different bikes to ride on the roads and then follow the traffic signs. Mitch tried out a few. I hope you enjoy...

This bike, you have to move your feet in and out to make the bike go.

On this bike you go up and down on the platform as the wheels go around.

Even though this go-cart was a bit small, Mitch still figured out how to go in reverse.

This is the bento that Mitch and I packed for the day. Since we invited Faviola and Kimi to join us, we packed more than enough food.

This is the bento box all packed up. I was so excited to find this box because it has a handle that holds all the levels together. There is also a handle to just hold 2 boxes.

I found this bag at a different store, but it held the bento box nicely. It is even insulated on the inside and it has some pockets on the outside. And yes, I will be finding a way to bring this home with me!!!

We had a great time with Kimi and Faviola! I hope we can spend more great times like this with them before we have to head home. Maybe they will even come to Arizona...hint hint.