Alex's 22nd Birthday !

Alex's Birthday is not until Tues. July 26th... but we had his party tonight.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX !!!

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Okinawa World

For our day out today Lonnie and I went to Okinawa World. The last time we were there was back in 2000 during our first tour here. We started out in the Caves area, it was just how I remembered it. In the picture below, we had gotten out picture taken in the same spot back in 2000, but with the kids. (They were at work, so they didn't go with us) then we went out and saw the snake. I don't think it was the same snake as before, but it was the same color. So, we got our picture taken with it again. Had some lunch and went on to the Habu Museum where we saw a habu show. It was a very fun day and I'm glad that we got to go again.

Lonnie's Sleeve ~ Part 1

For years Lonnie has wanted a sleeve on his arm, but it has always been to $$$. This year for Father's Day I went and paid for him to get one. We have a friend Ryan Schipper who does Tattoos and is very good ! ! (He has done one on Kayleigh and Nick wants one from him also.) So this last Tues he went in after his class and got it started. I looks so good but I know some of it hurt. I'm sure there will be many "Parts" to this blog and I will post when he gets more done. Here is the start of it.

Hiji Falls

So, One of the things that I have wanted to do since we got here is hike up Hiji Falls.. but, there was always some reason that we didn't. So today we did.. I had been talking about this all week. And the only way we were getting out of it was if it rained.. and we lucked out.. it was beautiful out !! Lonnie and I left the house around 830am to try to get there early enough before it got to hot out. It took us about 45min to hike up because we were stopping and looking at things, and only 30 min to get back only because I was hauling butt to get back into the car with AC :) There were ALOT of stairs and one of the things I hate most.. a bridge with water under it.. but I made it across with a smile on my face :/ The water fall was really nice and we got to sit with a little breeze every once and a while. I'm really glad we did this.. Check this off the list of things to do before we leave..

Harry Potter..

Tonight Lonnie, Alex, Kayleigh, Krystina, and I all went to see the last Harry Potter movie. Kayleigh went and got us tickets and we went to the 915pm show out in town in American Village~ AKA: Mihama. There were people dressed up and looked really good. Krystina dressed up and Kayleigh had on a Dobby shirt. Now, I can read the books, I have been waiting for a few years now to read them, but didn't want to until all the movies were made. :)

Saying Goodbye ... Again

This week I have had to say Goodbye to two of my friends.. Tonja and Melissa.. Tonja I met 4 years ago on Dragon Boat she was on the team and was very nice.. then, she became the coach of the team for 2 years.. We became good friends with her husband Larry and did a few things every now and again with them, they are moving to Florida. Melissa and her husband and child are moving also, Melissa was our school nurse and always made me laugh. When I was on a break, I could be found in her office. They are moving to California. So Thurs we went to dinner with Tonja, Larry and their kids to Jack's Place, and on Fri I went and a bunch of girls met at Cocok to get our toes done. I hate to say goodbye to friends.. thankfully there is Facebook and Vonage :)

FC Ryukyu ~ Soccer

Today Lonnie and I went to our first Pro Soccer Game.. in Okinawa..:) It was part of the Japanese Football League. Military members and their families got in free !! It was fun to see, I have not been to a soccer game since Kayleigh and Nick played.. years ago !! I think the best part was watching the coaches argue with the ref's..haha..They had cheerleaders and everything.. The fans are very into the game, they bring drums and sing songs, loudly.. it was fun to be part of the crowed. The score ended up being 0-0 and no shoot out..

Gyoza and Sushi with Takayo

This free photo collage made with Smilebox

Today Lonnie and I went to Takayo's house. She taught us how to make Gyoza and Sushi Rolls. They both were very good and very easy !! It was alot of fun to spend time with her.. Kayleigh was there for a little while and so was Takayo's friend Susan. I hope that she does another "class" soon. !!

4th of July ~ 2011

This year we went to Torii Beach for the 4th. In Jan. of this year we went to try to rent a cabin for the 4th of July and they were all rented out all ready.. so, we said we would take a tent site..thinking to myself "I can do this " I mean, it was only two night and there were showers and bathroom there.. so, now here is it July and I am thinking to myself " No way.. its to hot out" so we let the kids ( Alex and Kayleigh ) have the site, gave them our tent ect and they had a great time !! On the 4th, Lonnie and I went to the site to hang out with everyone. It was alot of fun!! We got to watch an amazing sunset over the ocean.. eat food with good friends, new and old and then we went to watch the fireworks that they were going to shoot off out in town.. we waited around until 830pm, but had to head home to take care of Meko and Mia.. Today was a great day !! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!!!!

"2nd of July"

This year we had to have fireworks on the 2nd of July.. So, we went to the same parking lot we did the first year we were here and watched them from there.. and we took the dogs.. Meko and Mia did really well..... until the fireworks started.. then the barking started..they were in the car, so they would not freak all the way out, so other then the barking, they did really well.

Americafest 2011

July 1st and 2nd we are having America Fest.here on Kadena... this is when we get to go on the flight line to see all the jets/planes and eat food AND see concerts.. this year 12 Stones (A rock group) and Jessie James (A country singer) are prefoming for us. We met Wonda and Ron Locklear there and Alex showed up. Both bands were good, but 12 Stones was a little loud for this old lady..