Puzzle Time

Kendall loves puzzles.  She wanted to do all of them in her closet while Taris and were there.  I caught a few moments of them doing puzzles together.

Kendall and the Pink Car

When we arrived safely back in Dallas, Alexis picked us up and we stayed at the Rogers house for a couple of days before heading to Abilene.  Kendall had to get out her pink car and ride it up and down the halls.  She was going so "fast"!  This little "car" is a Disney princess mobile with sound effects.  She LOVES this thing!



Kendall and Daddy reading her souvenier from California...a board book all about
the 49ers football team...her daddy's favorite!



Happy Anniversary! Let's watch some planes refuel!

We spent our 10th anniversary on a plane trying to escape a typhoon that was headed for Okinawa.  The highlight of our flight was getting to see a fighter refuel from our plane.  It was awesome and something I know that I would not normally get to experience.  There was no real fan fare to celebrate our momentous occasion and we didn't even take a picture together.  By the time we landed in Guam (around midnight), the ONLY thing open was the flight kitchen.  So, our anniversary meal was two box lunches.



This is what we just randomly saw out the plane window





Refueling.  They let us lay in the boom pod next to operator...way cool!



American Village Ferris Wheel and the Arcade

Today the Marshall's took us to "American Village" to ride the ferris wheel.  It is huge...and on top of a building.  They do some crazy things in Japan.  Turns out, every Sunday is "couples day" and you buy one ticket, get one free...awesome!!  Anyway, the wheel actually never stops turning, it just goes SO slow that you have plenty of time to climb into the cage and secure the door.  It was a great time and some GREAT views!



Can you believe it...a picture of me?!?!  Getting ready to take off!





The Marshall's neighborhood



So serious!!  Steve and Kathleen battling it out on
Japan's version of Rock Band.



This was just too funny to pass up.  This shirt was for
sale in one of the shops.  They love "American" things.
Can you find the error?



Date Night in Okinawa

Steve and Kathleen had a Change of Command party to go...Steve was in charge...and they hired a babysitter for the boys, so they made us reservations at the Transit Cafe along the sea wall and just down from their house.  So, Taris and I had a night out on the town and tried to stay out late enough for the babysitter.  We had a great time.  It was our first time alone on our month long excursion since we left California!  The food was amazing.  The location did not disappoint.  The drinks were great too.



Our view





Decided to practice my trailing lights and starbursts



Shuri Castle

One of the only castles still standing after the wars on Okinawa is Shuri Castle.  We went out there for the day while Jackson was at school.  The rain was coming down in sheets when we left, but the sky finally cleared out when we got to the castle.  It was beautiful.  Such great history.  I even convinced Taris to become a full fledged tourist and dress in time period costume and get our picture taken!  I won't post all of the photos, just a few highlights.



Entrance to the castle.  This is the original enrty.



View of the castle from the ground



View of the area of Kathleen's house




Very Japanese.  They love the peace sign in pictures.  I guess you could say it is their "cheese"






Taris and I in our fancy outfits



Japanese Parks

Japanese parks are unlike any parks that you would ever find in the states.  They are insane and I must admit, look a little unsafe, but CRAZY fun!

Observation Tower.  It had way too many stairs!

The slide



The slide had this design all the way around




Steve and Jackson







If you didn't slide on cardboard, you would be VERY sorry




Kathleen and Jackson




Jackson had SO much fun!

Contrary to what these pictures show, I did ride down the slide (but not as many times as Jackson).

After the park, the Marshall's took us to Coco Curry House.  All they serve is tons of different meats with curry.  It is super yummy, and looks like a waffle house.  Super fun!

Dr. Fish and Sushi Go round

For lunch we went to Sushi Go round.  It is a very popular American eatery.  I was still a little sick, but Taris enjoyed it. 

After lunch, Kathleen took us to Dr. Fish.  It is a pond that you stick your feet in and these fish come and eat all of the dead skin off of your feet.  To say that it was wild, would be an understatement.  Overall, it was a memorable day.

The Seawall and Cocko's

A visit to Okinawa is not complete without a trip to Cocko's for some pampering!  They specialize in manicures and pedicures....and they are amazing.  Kathleen and I both got pedicures.  These are not quite the same in the states...not a lot of soaking, but they make up for it in the AMAZING art for your feet!  And I do mean amazing!  As you are getting your service you look through these books that have 2,000 designs and then you have to settle on just one!  Let me tell you, it is tough.  All of the designs are hand painted and the detail is just exquisite.  Enough about it, here is the picture:

The Marshall's live just two blocks from the seawall.  It was such a lovely evening to walk to area and just take it all in.  The seawall has graffiti on a large section of, which makes it interesting.



The helicopters were doing some training along the see wall