RUGRATS II (Just when you thought it was safe to switch on your computer....) Late October - Early November

Here's Katie, past the six month mark and demonstrating her progress - no doubt resentful that her dad refers to her in English as "protoplasm," and in Japanese as "small animal number two."

AND THEN THERE'S HALLOWEEN.

Below, Kaori and I carve pumpkins, with (miminal) encouragement from the carpet rodents.

And here's small animal number one, in full regalia, with cohorts and without.

Here are shots from Lauren and Kaori's event at the local home for the aged.

Lauren and friends enjoy post-performance spoils, while innocent by-sitters await developments.

And, yes, Katie gets to do the costume thing, too.

Here's the big boss - pretty tired, but having fun.

And a couple of additional Halloween pics:

With October behind us, we move on to the Japanese ritual of "Shichi-go-san" or "7-5-3," where children of the specified ages (7 and 3 for girls, and 5 for boys) dress in traditional garb and head for the local shrine for blessings.  The official date is November 15 (mnemonic: 7 plus 5 plus 3 equals 15), but we found it easier to go for an open slot on November 4.  Below is the star of the show, looking slightly pensive.

And a couple of shots with members of the supporting cast....

Post blessing refreshment...

...and a final shot of small animal number two, just in case you had a craving.

Update - December 10

Rugrats - indoors and out.  Need we say more?

And an action shot - yes, she still needs to be pushed.

Our future demagogue practices her body language....

....but in truth is more interested in her induction into the cult of ice cream.