Comprehensive Park

I was almost deterred with the rain this morning, but we went to the park anyway! I thought, this is Okinawa, even if it rains it's warm right…….but what about my camera?!?

Well we faced the little bit of rain that was falling on the way there, but gladly it had stopped by the time we had gotten there. So I pulled out the three bikes packed in the back of my van and hit the trails. I decided this time instead of running with the kids I would rent a bike for myself.

Now I know you are thinking, how was I able to contain all my awesomeness while riding this bike?

Well it wasn't easy, but cruising at Jack's super fast speed with his training wheels, kept my coolness at bay. But I promise had I been able to break 3 mph, there would have been some serious amazement!!!

Comprehensive park has so much to offer, our next adventure there will include the water park!! I am so looking forward to that!

Even with the clouds it was hot!! The kids were really troopers!!

Poor Jack has to work so hard to keep his bike moving!! Training wheels are going soon, then we'll really be able to cruise around the park!

Really he was just mad because I made him stop so I could take his picture!!

I took this one while running to the car, it was just starting to sprinkle, but I was afraid it was going to start pouring! But we made it just in time before it really let loose, though I had to tuck the camera under my shirt!

Over all it was a great summer day, and the kids and I both really had a good time!!

2011 Sakura

February in any other place is snowy and cold right now, and while it might be cold to those who are used to Okinawa's heat, this is my favorite time of year. (other than summer!)

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a wonder here in Okinawa! Its gray and gloomy this time of year, yet you can look almost anywhere on island right now and you'll be sure to see some glint of pink somewhere!!

They are really beautiful, and it seems that no matter how many years I take pictures of them, they are still just as amazing as the first time I shot them!

Love them!

And like snowflakes, no two are the same!

This one (above) is my all time favorite picture. I will have this one blown up, one more thing off my list of things to get from Okinawa!!

I have a hard time comprehending sometimes the splendor of the place we live, and I wish I could just breath it all in. Every time I see the ocean, I am reminded of God's creation, and the cherry blossoms are no different! I love seeing the beauty of His creation!

Okinawa and one thing I will miss.....

This is a common sight here in Okinawa, and its one thing I love about the culture here.

This game is called Gate Ball, and according to the book "Takako and the Great Typhoon" the elderly people playing the game are called Obaasans and Ojiisans.

On our way out of the park they had taken a break for lunch, or maybe a snack, it was only 10AM. So I snapped a few shots of their clubs and what not.

I had gone to the park to shoot Sakura, or cherry blossoms, but it was hard to resist the chance to photograph this little group!!


And really it was not a little group there were quite a few people playing on this day!

I suppose this is to the Okinawan people what shuffle board is to Americans.

Each group had one little old man with a clipboard over his shoulder. He seemed to be trying to play the game a little quicker than anyone else so he could keep every one's score.


They were quite a group to watch, when one would have a good shot the others would "Oooohh" together. When a ball was hit with a little to much umph, the ladies would all holler together, and then the little old man would try to up his pace to take care of the wild ball.

They seemed to be having a grand ol' time playing together.

Okinawa is such a peaceful place to live, and much to my shame, I have not learned as much about the people and culture as I should.

Note taken, I should learn more about this amazing place I live!! Its not every day you get the opportunity to live in a foreign country.

Butterfly Park

Silliness seems to be every where in our lives, here is no exception!!

Even Grandma was a fairy!
Like mother like daughter!

Even Grandpa!!!

Jack was enthralled with the butterflies!

It was truly a wonderful experience to hold and see them so close up.

I just Love him!!

Red was definitely their choice color!

My Love and I!!!

Grandma and Grandpa, I love this pic of them!!

Deep Sea Fishing

JPaul and Grandpa Jack were able to get in a deep sea fishing trip while they were here. It was a treasured time for Grandpa! Grandpa was also able to get a fish print made with the Tuna that he caught.

Like I said he was pretty happy, even with not so great weather, it was a successful trip!


Genna got to hold the Mahi-mahi they caught.

And Jack was just happy to hold the fishy!

About Time.

I have been avoiding posting on here, thinking somehow it would magically do itself.....haha, yeah reality check! As with many things in my life, if I don't get up and do it, it does not get done!! So here I go documenting my mom and Jack's trip to Okinawa!!

First lunch off base, Okonomi-yaki,

This was a stop that I had made with some Japanese High School students, when I was part of Friends Abroad, JPaul had never been either, so I thought I would share!

What a Wonderful day in Okinawa!!

YUMMMM!!!! Grandpa, JPaul and I shared this and Jack had some soba noodles, yummy!! I want to go back!