Saturday, May 30, 2009

Goodbye 2-7-14 Takahara Okinawa City

We have officially moved out of our house and will be living in the hotel here on base for the next 16 days. Yesterday was the big day where they packed out our entire house. I have been preparing for this packout/move for weeks! It seems that just about everyday I have been cleaning or organizing something. It's amazing how much stuff is accumulated after 5 years and two kids in a house. I got rid of so much stuff! From selling stuff at the flea market to posting items on Okinawa yard sales to throwing the rest away, it's nice knowing we are going to be settling into our house in Germany with the "basics."
The movers arrived at about 8 am on Friday and had our house completely in boxes by 4 that same day. It was amazing to see them pack and arrange all the boxes on the crates that were to be shipped to the other side of the world. They certainly have system to it.
Thankfully some good friends of ours kept Jackson for the day and night so he didn't have to be there during the whole process. After the movers were gone, Jason and I walked through the house one last time and I couldn't help but cry. As I walked from room to room all of the memories and emotions of the last 5 years of living there came flooding back to me. I could just see the kids playing and running from room to room, running on the upstairs balcony, coming down the stairs and so many more. As we were walking around, Grace kept on putting her hands up as to say, "Where did everything go?" It was so cute! I did take a video of our house so one day I will be able to show the kids what their house looked like when they lived in Japan. I know I will always have the memories, but it's just crazy that a simple place with walls can become your home and have such a sentimental part in your heart. I will forever treasure that house and what it means to me.
So...for the next two weeks we are living in a somewhat small hotel/suite room. We have some great facilities around us which I am thankful for. I will be sure to keep myself busy with the kids during our last two weeks here on the island. They are both doing great and adjusting to all these changes so well. As long as Jason and I stay upbeat and positive during all these changes I really feel it shows in our children's attitudes.
I have taken many photos and will be sure to post them as soon as we can get our laptop working in the room. So keep checking back! ;-D

Monday, May 18, 2009

Okuma Weekend

We went up to the beach resort in North Okinawa over the weekend for Jason's end of school year get together. We had so much fun! Out of all the times we have been up there (probably 10) we had the best weather yet. It was perfect beach weather! Most of our good friends were up there as well which made it so much fun. The kids had a great time playing in the sand and swimming in the water. Being our last time up there we soaked in every minute of the beautiful scenery. I wish I would of taken more group shots of everyone, but I never took the initiative to get everyone together. Anyway...enjoy the pictures! This is the view from our room. PERFECT! Jackson testing out the area when we first arrived. ...Grace trying to keep up with him.



Now...use your imagination in this one. Can you figure out what this looks like?
The answer will be at the bottom. ;0)
Jackson and his best bud, Molly. I don't know what they are going to do without each other!
It's beach time!! Grace with her cheesy smile.

So sweet!
My what big feet you have!Now Jackson's turn...
Grace sat there forever playing with the shells and coral. Such a trooper!


Isn't this picture perfect!?!



Jackson being, "King of the restaurant!"

My early riser was up at 5 am...yes, 5 am!!! So, I thought I would take it as it comes and get a picture of the sunrise our last morning there. It was a beautiful one!




Seeing the sunrise just reminds me of how blessed I am! I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful, healthy children...what a life!

**The picture looks like a stone fish kissing a rock. Do you see it?**

Monday, May 4, 2009

How big are you?

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. ;)