No big Setsubun party this year, but we still made the usual sushi rolls. Melina had another homemade devil mask for the bean throwing.

Our yearly trip to Chiba for tangerine picking and final camping trip of the year.

Spartan Race #3 was another 5km Sprint race. After most of the races were canceled for the last two years I was finally able to complete another race. This time I also convinced a bunch of my housemates to run the race with me. It was great fun, although a bit hot and I think everyone got a little sun burnt.

This year we were not able to do anything special for Suzuna’s birthday. Instead, we had a nice quiet cake time celebration at home.

On a nice day we took the car down to the bottom of the Miura peninsula to Joga island. It was nice to see and smell the fresh ocean air and walk around the rocks looking at the tide pools. It reminded my of the last time I was there, and made me wonder about why we had not been back since but more about how time really does fly.

Despite everything else going on this year, it was deemed safe enough [especially being in Japan] to hold the annual Sports Day events at my daughters school with a lot of added precautions. I am also really glad they didnt cancel it, as Sports Day is one of those events that as a parent we can see just how much our child is growing and maturing. Looking back at last year and the year before, it is really great to see that Melina has changed so much in her three years in preschool. This year she ran and danced, played and smiled, fought her best in the events, and was a big part of her class team. I am so proud of her and also excited to see what she can do in the coming years.

Getting ready for the big event. Tire tug of war!

It is an all out battle to see what class can get the most tires to their side.

Lining up for the relay race.

Almost there.