Although Elvie and Shin-ya have been a part of our family for a few years, we hadn’t yet had the chance to meet them face-to-face and spend quality time together. But that all changed when Elvie and Shin-ya spent a few weeks here, getting away from the unrest in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami.

We spent much of the day with them on the first full day they were here. And how do you think Chris tried to connect with his new 12-year-old nephew?

With video games, of course! Chris let Shin-ya use an old XBox system while he stayed here. The first game was basketball, with Butler (Chris) defeating Florida (Shin-ya). Luckily, the real game that night had the same outcome!

Avery had to get in on the action, too.

Only about two hours after meeting him, Avery curled up with Shin-ya to watch a movie on his laptop. I knew right then that these two were going to be best buds!
 
Before long, Avery had Shin-ya playing all sorts of “girlie” games, like having a tea party, playing with dolls and putting pink barrettes in his hair.
 
I’m glad Shin-ya was a good sport and put up with playing some not-so-boyish games with his new shadow. It’s a good thing he likes her because she hardly left his side the whole time he was here!
The first days with new family