drew’s news

REI is having their annual “anniversary sale”, so we used our 20%-off coupon to get a backpack carrier for Leo. We tested it out today on some trails in the Marin headlands. Successful test:

We got the Kelty FC 1.0, which seemed like the best option for our needs - well-suited for short hikes. Not as much carrying capacity as some, but a much lighter frame and the weight distribution with Leo on my back felt more comfortable than the other models I tested out at the store. Leo dug it too - he was snug and secure in his little cockpit, babbling the whole time. We had a really nice walk, topped off with a picnic on the beach. Here’s a shot of Uma chasing Daph along the shore:

May 5th was Boy’s Day, so Happy Boy’s Day to all of you with little boys running or crawling around your house. Actually, in Japan it is now officially called “Children’s Day”, and it’s a national holiday celebrating children of both sexes. But there is a separate day for girls (”Girl’s Day”, of course), so May 5th is still celebrated as Boy’s Day. Anyway, this is recent news to my haole self - I tend to think of May 5th as “Cinco de Mayo”, and hence usually celebrate it with Tecate, lime, and salt.

So I was surprised when a huge box arrived at our doorstep last weekend, addressed to Leo. It was very carefully (and beautifully) wrapped; we had no clue what it might contain. So we excavated through a couple layers of bubble wrap and uncovered a glass case containing a miniature samurai helmet! Sweet! But why? Well, I soon learned that it’s Japanese tradition to display a Kabuto (that’s what it’s called) during Boy’s Day each year as a symbol of good health and strength for each boy in the family. So ours is on display in the living room. It’s quite something - a very intricate helmet with gold and red colored plates draped down the back to cover the warrior’s neck, and a winged crest above the forehead, flanked by the hilt of a samurai sword and a bow with arrows, all to scale and tastefully arranged in the case.

Leo isn’t sure what to make of it yet, since he can’t put it in his mouth or crinkle it, but I think after a couple of years he’ll start to look forward to seeing it as the month May rolls around. Thanks for the Boy’s Day wishes Grandma & Grandpa!