Why am I Always the Horse?

Ever since I supposedly became an adult, I've been the one who eventually finds himself on the ground, grass, sand, or floor being pummeled by little hands, elbows, and knees.  I don't know why, but I'm that adult kids tend to identify with and consistently pull from grown-up conversations to sit in a cushion fort or explore the backyard.  This selection invariably results, I'm happy to say, in a lot of fun for me.  The only drawback is the day ends with fresh bruises up and down my body.  And this weekend was no exception. 

Sumie's youngest brother, Genta, was visiting this weekend, so all four Iwasaki siblings were in town for the first time in what seemed years.  Parties, on both Saturday and Sunday, were called for.  Mimi, upon hearing she'd get to spend the entire weekend with her cousins, was excited.  Some might say too excited. 

Saturday found us at Shu and Kayo's place in Palo Alto.  As part of student housing, their apartment backs up to an amazing courtyard crammed with neighbors, all of whom seem to have children.  It was like traveling back to the 50s - gangs of children running through the playground, and in and out of each others homes, with minimal supervision and maximum enjoyment.   Our evening ended with all 6 cousins camped out on the couch.  Mimi, being the only cousin without a sibling, is still a bit protective of her property, as you can see from the picture below.  I hope she'll soon get to the point where 6 month old babies are no longer threatening. 

Genta came back to stay at our place Saturday night.  Early the next morning (well, early for us) we packed into the car and headed for Twin Peaks to show Gen the lay of the land.  San Francisco may be much smaller than NYC, but it sure is a beautiful city. 

By 2:00pm, everyone was back together, this time at our place.  Kae and Eddie brought some fantastic dim sum and kids and parents alike gathered round the coffee and kid's tables in the living room for the feast. 

With everyone completely stuffed, and the weather unseasonably warm and sunny, we all headed outside.   Having a usable backyard in a city is a fantastic luxury, especially when you have kids.  Where else can you water the children without making a mess? 

By the time we came back inside the kids were ready to rough-house.  Quite tired from my adventures outside, I made the fatal mistake of lying down on the living room floor.  By the time I got up, there were four children perched atop my back. 

 Here's a bit of video of the carnage:

Despite a slipped disc or two, I was still in working order by the end of the party.  Our last guest left around 9:00.  That was 7 hours in our little house with 6 kids.  I, for one, was exhausted, but very thankful that Mimi got to spend the weekend with her cousins and that the four Iwasaki children had some time together again.

I really don't think these moments could've happened if we hadn't left New York.  At least not nearly so often.  Despite missing NYC from time to time, knowing Mimi is growing closer to her cousins, aunts, and uncles day by day makes it all worthwhile.  Now we just need to get all the grandparents together!