Saturday, August 18, 2012

Hiking to Fukugawa Falls

After lunch we set off to find a place to cool off in the water. We stopped at a new beach, paid for the parking, got the kids all sunscreened and got settled. A few of the kids started complaining about the beach and the amount of reefs close by. Then it started to pour out of nowhere, something that happens here frequently. So, we packed up and decided to go search for a hidden waterfall. We had the most adventurous drive ever. Our iPhone map took us on a one lane road that was almost completely taken over by the jungle. It curved up and down a mountain. Right when I was ready to give up we found the trail entrance to Fukugawa Falls. It was a very crazy drive but we made. Diana and I decided then and there that we are super moms. We don't let anything stop us from getting out and exploring, even a teeny tiny road in the middle of the jungle.

The trail to the waterfall had one steep hill but other than that it was pretty easy. It curved around the jungle. It was really beautiful. The kids were having a great time. They really love to go on hikes, especially when water is involved. When we reached the falls we were all ready to cool off. Luckily, you are allowed to swim at this waterfall.

The kids swam, played on one of the many tarzan ropes, played with rocks, snacked, snacked, and snacked some more. We stayed there for a long time enjoying the cool shade and cold water. We were in the middle of the jungle. It was so peaceful and everyone was happy playing.
Fukugawa Falls

Yummy Lunch at Pizza in the Sky

With school starting very soon and the guys being gone, Diana and I have been fitting in as much fun and exploring as we can. Saturday's all day adventure started with us all piling into our car and driving up north to Pizza in the Sky. Pizza in the Sky is a very famous and popular restaurant in Okinawa. People will wait for 1-2 hours to get a table and drive almost 2 hours to get there.  The view from the restaurant is spectacular!

 We got there 10 minutes after they opened and they were already packed. We had to wait for 30 minutes to get a table. Most of the seating is outside. It was very hot but they provided sunhats and fans to use. The kids thought that was so cool and they looked so cute.


They only serve salad, 2 types of pizza, and drinks. I love the menu on the fan, and that they have an English menu. The food was very good. Everyone loved it. We got a plain pizza, cheese, and we got the meat pizza, canadian bacon, pepperoni and corn. It was well worth the wait and we will be going back soon with Daddy!

Sunset at Toguchi Beach

Carson and Hannah have been pretty into Harry Potter this week, so they have taken their wands everywhere. The other kids decided they needed wands as well. Here they all are, soaked but ready to cast some magic spells.

We walked through some of the trails at Toguchi. The views are so wonderful. I love sitting and watching the waves break on the rough cliffs.

As the sun finally began to go down it was beautiful with all the clouds. It was breathtaking. The kids went back to the park to play while we sat and enjoyed the sunset.

Carson and Hannah wandered back over by us, wands in hand. They were all ready for a mini photo shoot. They had so much fun casting spells and jumping. They are the bestest friends!
We had a wonderful Friday afternoon and evening with the girls. It is always nice to hang out with Diana when Josh is gone. Without her I would be so lonely when Josh is TDY.

Splashing Fun at Toguchi Beach

After dinner the kids still had plenty of energy. We decided to go to Toguchi Beach and let them run around. They just love the cement slides here. The kids fly down them.

After they all turned red and sweaty we decided to go walk around. Toguchi Beach has several trails that wind up and down and along the water. This is one of the kids most favorite spots to play in the waves. Of course Diana and I both said feet only, and you can guess how long that lasted. They always seem to have more fun splashing and playing in the water when they are in clothes rather than swimsuits.
They splashed and played and played. When the sun started to set we convinced them to walk to a better viewing point.

Friday Afternoon Outing

Our Friday afternoon started with paying some bills followed by meeting the girls at Dolphin Park. Most the kids played on the playground. Of course Cooper and Parker headed to the water in search of sea creatures. It was a very hot and muggy day, but what day isn't that way here.

After an hour or so we were all completely melted. We headed to CoCo's for a yummy dinner.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Views from Nakagusuku-jo

The views from the castle were amazing. There was a huge grassy area overlooking the ocean. Carson and Cooper were really enjoying getting their picture taken today, and that makes one happy mommy!

Carson and Cooper are getting so old. I can't believe they will be starting the 3rd and 2nd grade soon. I love you boys!