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Great Read!! This is very true and I felt like sharing, especially since Ian will be gone so much next year...

http://www.merelymothers.com/2014/11/25/ten-things-military-wives-probably-dont-want-know/

Tokyo

We had the best Thanksgiving ! Ian had to be gone for 2 weeks for work which made for long days, but when he came back, we were able to take a vacation to mainland. It was perfect. The boys did fine on the plane ride, even though David kicked the seat in front of us a few too many times! The first day we went to the narita temple and walking around the city. At night we hired a babysitter and had a date night at the Park Hyatt (lost in translation!) the next day we meet up with my friend Yuri and her family at Disneyland and the boys had the best time. This Disneyland had a lot of little kid rides so it was fun for our entire family. The next day we went back to Disneyland for more rides and fun. Then the babysitter watched the boys so we could walk the city of Toyko at night. Smartphones and apps of Toyko made it easy to navigate and check off lots of place all before 10pm :) I fell in love with the city and hope to go back before we leave. The last day the babysitter showed us around (it was nice not having to plan anything) and we saw the most beautiful fall leaves. We ended up missing the ball for this trip but it was well worth it. 

Zoo

We went to the zoo on Saturday with Walt and Wendell. The cages were too small for a lot of the animals, so that part was sad. But the zoo had lots of hills and the boys ran and got energy out. They were able to feed elephants and pet chickens. Going with friends was nice for an extra set of hands. I love all the kid friendly things you can do all year long, but I am really love being outside this time of year since it isn't humid! 

Vending machine for food to feed the animals.

Okinawa women's club

I went to a Okinawa international women's club last week. I went hoping to meet Okinawans and learn more about their culture. It was a lunch at the Hilton hotel and it had a great view. I went with a couple of girls from the apartment building that offered a ride. When we got there, we had to sit by location of where we lived. So I sat by everyone in kinser towers and the table next to me was all the wives in Ian's squadron that live on Lester. Hard to meet new people or really talk with the Okinawans when you have to do small talk with everyone you already know. I want to go again. I'm just hoping next time I can sit at a table with more Okinawans :) here are some pictures of the event that were posted on fb. 

Soba

Fall soba is here! Okay, so I am starting to come around to okinawa/Japanese food. I am finding other options then raw fish and I think I just picked some bad dinners when we first got here. Here is a picture of my lunch yesterday and my lunch last week :) 

Public bathrooms

This is a typical women public bathroom in here! No wonder Japanese women have great legs. Lots of squats!! 

Dinner last night

My friend Yuri recommended which Japanese rice to use, sauces for stir fry, and how to make miso soup. Last night I gave it a try and it turned out great! So simple to make. I finally found a banana stand that sells local fruits and veggies much cheaper than the local grocery stores or base, but it wasn't close by. Hopefully I can find one closer to where we live because it was fantastic. I got some good stuff for $18. The veggies I used for my stir fry was from the banana stand. The fruits and veggies on base are old, have mold or no selection. Every thing at the base grocery store was contracted out to someone in the states, they freeze either thing and ship it over and it is all about to expire. I try to avoid shopping there at all costs!! 

Another park morning

The parks here are amazing and we spend hours at them when we go. This morning we went to a park that was empty for the first hour and then a school bus came from the local elementary school and all the Okinawa  girls surrounded Ben and David saying things like "awww". Ben and David would hide or run away, but they just followed! This might not be good for their egos :) 

David was trying to hide from the girls in the red tube :)

Nails

I treated myself to a pedicure today. They bring nail art to a whole new level. For $40, I got a ten minute massage on each leg, then the choice of incredible designs. This is what I picked... So impressed that I had to share! 

David

In other news, I took David's paci away. Day 4 of no pacifier. Pretty big deal, since he loves his pacifier. I no longer have a baby! Now off to ben's soccer practice! 

Mainland

Ian is currently on mainland. I haven't had a chance to talk to him, but he has been able to text message me. Here are the pictures he sent me. He actually had a free day yesterday and they were able to be tourists. Never would have happen on the east coast! They ate dinner the first night on base instead of in town. But they got to eat out last night, so Ian was happy. The locals came to watch them fly  and everyone has been really nice and welcoming. 

I can't wait to go to mainland for thanksgiving! Okinawa is wonderful, but you sometimes forget that you are in Asia. The only people we have talked to this weekend are American, I got the boys haircuts by paying with dollars and English is everywhere! But we are happy here. It's Sunday, so tonight we will have dinner at our friend's house that is off base with two boys. It's become our Sunday tradition. I am so happy we have made this place a home. 

Beach morning

First time to the Araha beach! Such a beautiful day to go and play by the clear water. Everyone here is pretending it is fall; wearing boots and long sleeves. Kind of crazy since it is still in the 80s, but it means the beach is pretty empty! There was a pirate ship park next to the beach, so the boys were sooo happy playing all morning. We will go back soon! Next time I'll bring real beach toys. Just nice to get out and enjoy this "fall" weather. 

Feet in water! So clear!

We survived

We survived our first typhoon! Actually, it was a pretty weak storm. I was all prepared with groceries bought and flash lights. We were on lockdown and couldn't leave our apartment, but I wasn't going anywhere.  I was mainly worried about losing electricity for a few days, because that is what happened during the last big typhoon. We lucked out! 

Ian has today and tomorrow off because of Columbus Day. So what else to do but visit his work! :) 

Their daddy is pretty cool! 

I'm a soccer mom!

I signed Ben up for 3 year old soccer on every Monday of this month. The soccer team is called the little strickers. It went as well as you would think with 3 years old. Not the best listening, some crying, and some kids falling down. Ben kept using hands. :p It was hilarious to watch, and I am glad I found an activity for him. Poor david was really upset that he couldn't play. Hard being the baby brother :)