Dragon Boat Races 2009

In the 6 (7) years that we have been on island we have never been to the dragon boat races in the capital city of Naha. They are held once a year during a very important holiday known as Golden Week. The Dragon Boat Races, called haarii (a Chinese word for "dragon"), are held the beginning of May each year in Naha port (located in southern Okinawa on the west coast). This popular event began way back in the 14th century and first began to honor the god of the sea. Back then, villages competed against each other in boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. It was so neat to finally see them! Even though it wasn't the professionals, we still got the idea of it all.

Jason got a energy drink from one of the promotion booths. Who knew what was in the thing...but it tasted like cough syup. Yuck!
Jackson got to pick one "game" to play and he decided to drive this car. He drove it for about 15 minutes and loved every minute of it!
Grace kept on waving to him as he drove by. I thought this Japanese girl was so cute!Ah, yes...the typical food vendor signs...they sell things like corn dogs, takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), fried rice and more interesting foods.
These girls are wearing their yakatas or summer kimonos.


They were having a childrens sumo wrestling tournament. Although we never got to see them compete, it was interesting to watch them practice.
The sumo ring.
The kid was born to be a sumo wrestler! ;)
On our cab ride back to the car his visor was a television...only in Japan...
It's pretty neat, don't you think!?!

Spending time with our Emma...

Since we moving during the summer months we had to send Emma back early before it get's too hot for her to fly. Luckily a friend of ours was flying to Chicago so we got Emma on her flight and she took her along for the ride. Jason's parents picked her up at the airport in Chicago. I really appreciate them driving 5 hours each way to get our baby girl. She has been gone 4 days now and it is so strange not having her at the house. We really miss her and can't wait to see her when we get to Michigan the middle of July!!


Jackson holding a sea cucumber or sea slug...
Good ol' boy Foster (the Grubbs dog)...Emma's bud
Kent and the kids came to meet us for a afternoon at the beach.

Emma never got tired of chasing the ball up and down the beach.
Jackson and Soph playing in the sand.
Such buds!!

I just thought this was cute...
Now at the rollerslide park one last time.
This is a great roller slide! It goes from the middle of the building for a long ride down.
Gracie giving the chuck it a try. ;)

Grace's First Birthday

Wow! Grace is 1! Where did the months go?
We had a party with our closest friends over to celebrate her special day. The weather was beautiful so it gave the kids a chance to play in the backyard.
Grace did great during the party, except for a cry when we were about to sing Happy Birthday to her. She made a quick turnaround once she tasted the cake and was happy playing and making a mess of it.
We are so blessed to of had such a wonderful first year with her. I pray that the coming months/years continue to be this good...
Naptime before the guests arrive.

Only in Japan will you have all the shoes by the door. ;)