Our First Visitors

We were so happy to have our first visitors, my mom and dad. At the last minute my dad's business trip got cancelled but they decided to come anyway and stay for the whole week. We had such a nice time. Here is some of the fun things we did...

Shurijo Castle- built in the 1300's but redone since it was destroyed in WW2

A walk/bike ride on the sea wall! It was quite a windy afternoon.

 I wish I would have gotten a real picture of Baba and Papa reading stories to the kids, but this will do. They probably read them 100 stories throughout the week. 

This was how we went through the Aquarium

Japanese Underground Navy Headquarters

Peace Prayer Memorial- Papa and I climbed to the top of the hill. It was a beautiful view for such a tragic place. 

Camp Kinser had a museum of artifacts left from the war. Papa really enjoyed looking through them.

The Keramas, Veteran's Day, Parks, Family pics

For Veteran's Day Curtis had a four day weekend. We took the first day and headed out to the Keramas- Zamami island. It was about an hour boat ride out to the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Unfortunately the boat ride there was not so pleasant. I only lost it twice and one of the Japanese workers came and collected my "used motion discomfort bag". Now that is service! 

This picture is obviously before the boat started going because I am smiling

We got there about 10:30 and then just played on the beach until 4 that afternoon. 

I got to take a nap on the beach while Curtis watched the kids- there really isn't anything more relaxing than napping on the beach. 

We went with our friends the Hursts. It was nice to go with someone who knew what they were doing. 

The snorkeling was pretty amazing. My camera doesn't quite capture how amazing it was, but it was fun to swim around with a camera.

On Veteran's Day we toured the Peace Prayer Memorial. The Battle of Okinawa was incredibly gruesome and sad. We were grateful to see this memorial and remember those who fought. 

Some more fun parks!

We finally took some family pictures. You don't wonder why it took us three separate trips to get a good picture. I guess that is the price of using a tripod.

One night we got a whole bunch of Japanese candy to try for Family Night. We decided that Americans still take the cake on good candy.

 Christmas party for Curtis' work

 Brooke has been taking a tap/ballet class for the past 3 months. They had a performance yesterday at the Tinsel Town celebration. I am not sure what got into her, but once she stepped on the stage she decided she was too nervous to do ANYTHING. She stood there right in front just like that the entire song. Grrrrr 

Just love this little guy- out for an evening stroll.