Before Uta fell into the Hudson River...

He happily skipped between rocks. After... He was not so happy.

Note to self: Not all rocks are rocks. Some rocks are really floating boards, ready and waiting to capsize under a trusting foot. Lesson learned? Only time will tell.

The Little Red Lighthouse

Uta was just three years old when Uncle J gave him the book, "The Little Red Lighthouse", and promised one day to take him to see the real thing. It has always been a favorite story of Uta's, even though he just couldn't imagine it to be true. But this weekend he got to see for himself. Underneath the great grey shadow of the George Washington Bridge, on the Hudson River's edge, the little Red Lighthouse stands tall and proud.

Happy Father's Day!

Poor Pop

Due to a slight oversight, Papa H ended up watching Japan's second World Cup game, in spanish, standing up at the laundromat. Such devotion to a team should guarantee a win. But of course that's just not how it goes.

Japan Wins!

Luckily it only happens every four years, because I'm not sure I could tolerate this level of soccer enthusiasm (insanity?) on a regular basis. But watching Hiroshi go to any and all extremes to watch Japan in the World Cup is kind of endearing. On Monday morning, though he was supposed to be at work, Hiroshi got clearance from his boss to come in two hours late so that he could watch his beloved country battle Cameroon. He happily sat at an Irish sports bar, drinking coffee and watching the game simultaneously broadcasted on four giant flat screen televisions. Kizuki and I decided on a whim to join him for the second half. Hirohi watched the game and we watched him clapping and gasping all by his lonesome. It was very entertaining all around.

Mug shots

Full moon

Smooched

Japan Day Run

Uta placed fourth, in his age division, at the Japan Day Run in Central Park. Not too shabby, considering some very hard core competition. His focus and determination, however, was worthy of first. I think he even surprised himself with his own ability. I was amazed that he was not the least bit disappointed with fourth place, he was proud. Needless to say, it was a very proud moment for me and Pop as well.

Feels like Summer!

Art is boring

But luckily Harry Potter is not.

Today was Bushwick Open studios and Pop and I dragged the kids out to visit a few artists we know. Uta very respectfully, and with genuine interest, looked at all the artwork. But it didn't take long before he plunked himself down on the floor to read.

This is the year Uta got hooked on reading. He had a slow start, but as soon as his reading level matched his book interest there has been no stopping him. He reads when he wakes up and before he goes to sleep, on the train and on the toilet. He even reads while walking down the sidewalk. It is such a relief to me that he loves to read, like insurance for a happy life.

Grandpa T bought Uta the Harry Potter box set. He is about twenty pages away from finishing book one. Luckily there are six more to go. His summer reading is set.