Salmon catch festival

So every year in November there are several salmon festivals here in northern Japan. Fish is literally a way of life for the Japanese, and there was one particular festival on our bucket list we really wanted to make sure we attended. The Oriase Salmon fish festival is a gathering where individuals who sign up can try their luck at catching a live salmon in a sectioned off area in the lake...with their bare hands! That's right, no nets, no fishing poles, nothing but the two hands you were given with at birth. Of course Kyle really wanted to give it a go. Me on the other hand, well it was super cold and I am not that big of a fish person so I decided to sit this one out with the kids and be a sideline cheerleader instead. 

Kyle got all geared up in his waders, sweat shirt, and jacket, and joined the crowd of all those seeking to catch a fish. They blew a horn and from that moment everyone jumped into the shallow water scrambling to catch a fish in the 5 mins that were allotted to them. It was CRAZY! There were people everywhere and according to Kyle the fish were swimming all over the place, weaving all around people's feet. The fish were slippery as well so it was funny to watch as people were attempting to catch a fish only to have it swim away out of their grasp. 

We saw the moment Kyle caught his fish. He caroled a couple fish up into the corner of the enclosed area, got down on his knees (Thank goodness he was in a waterproof suit from his feet up to his chest) and pounced on them. He had to wrestle a little bit, but came out victorious with a fish in hand! He then came over to show off his prized possession to us and the kids loved it.

Afterwards we decided to get the kids some suckers and walk around to check out all the food venders, but ultimately decided to go to the near by mall to get some food and warm up a bit. Winter has definitely hit norther Japan, buuurrrrr! We ate Pepper Lunch, which is a popular restaurant in Japan that serves fried rice, meat, and vegetables all on a sizzling plate that you self cook and is delicious, oishi! And then of course we hit up the mall arcade to let the kids go on a ride and let Kyle try to beat his basketball shooting score (he holds the highest score at the shooting hoops game in the mall!) 

Lately both Kyle and I have been trying to "treasure" our kids and enjoy time with them one on one. They really are such good kids and just love being with us all the time. I can't even get them to play in their little toy room cause they want to bring out their toys and play near us which to be honest kind of drives me crazy cause it make the house a mess, but is also kind of sweet. Lately in primary at church Abby has been learning about how to be like Jesus. As I was going over some examples with her such as being nice to your brothers, listening to mommy and daddy, telling the truth, etc. It was almost as if I was struck by lightning with a very clear impression. Here my daughter was trying to learn about how she could be more like Jesus, while a strong impression came to my mind that I need to try to be more like Abby, like a child. Christ truly loves all the children, and we must be childlike in the fact that they easily forgive, have faith, are innocent, and innately good. There is a light and sparkle in all children's eyes, a light that comes from Christ and exudes purity.

Here a learning moment I originally thought was intended for my daughter turned into a learning moment for me. I need to be like my Savior and love my children. They mean well, they have good hearts, and they are so perfect! I need to be more like my kids with their strong faith and love. They each are different and unique with their interests and strengths. Connor likes to snuggle and watch sports with Kyle, while Abby enjoys painting her nails with me or getting a pedicure. Brayden likes to be chased around the house, and gives the best heart melting hugs. Each of them are unique, but there is one thing that they all have and that is pure joy, pure love, and pure innocence. I love my kids and look forward to spending more time with them all together as well as one on one to foster our relationships, and for me to learn and grow from their examples.