Swimming lessons in Japan are like everything else here -- taken one very tiny step at a time, with each level requiring a test. Thus, while Calvin and Brian have been taking lessons for almost a year now and have been progressing normally, they are not quite 'swimming' yet. Still, both kids enjoy the lessons.
Brian, like Calvin, thoroughly enjoys playing with his 'miniyonku' (4-wheel drive) race cars.
This is a part of what is supposed to be the longest -- or the tallest -- 'miniyonku' race course in Japan. I have no idea what B is going on about, but he is clearly impressed with something. (Isn't that the international semaphore signal for "It was THIS big, but it got away!"?) More pictures of 'miniyonku' can be found on Calvin's page.
Another day in Harborland, dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Brian has apparently added another item to his Tomas collection. Looks to be Scruffy.   B is flashing a very commonly seen finger gesture. Those of us who grew up in the '60's in America might think that it is the 'peace' sign, but no, in Japan, it is the "I'm getting my picture taken" pose, and everyone, from the age of 1 on up, does this.
Some serious talk, here. Probably ordering the entire Thomas collection.