A Hot Morning at Nakagusuku-jo

Yesterday we headed out early in hopes of not completely melting. Our destination was the Nakagusuku Castle, a World Heritage site. The heat and humidity was unbearable. But that didn't stop us from exploring the castle.

The kids ran and ran around the castle. They had their maps and were convinced they were going to find treasure.

The castle was pretty big. We will definitely be going back again when it cools off. The kids really want to take Daddy there.

Amazing Okinawan Sunset

 On Monday I took the kids to see Ice Age 4. It was a nice break from the heat and the kids loved the movie. After that we met the girls for dinner at Gordies, a very yummy hamburger and milkshake place near the beach. Everyone loved their food. When we were done the sun had started to set. We headed to the water to watch the sun go down, and of course that meant the kids got soaked. Parker found a giant stick and pretended to shoot everyone. That is stick is now in our car.

These 6 kids love each other so much. My kids never want to go do anything unless the girls are going also. I am so happy they have each other. I just love these 2 pictures below!

Coral Restoration at SeaSeed

Last weekend Diana and I took the kids to SeaSeed. SeaSeed is a coral farm. They grow coral then replant it in the reefs. It a really need project. They also have several coral reefs set up and even some sea creatures to touch. The kids all had a great time looking at everything despite the crazy heat!

After looking around SeaSeed we stopped and had dinner at a pizza buffet place, Japanese style of course. All 6 kids ate oranges, muffins, and more oranges, thats it. We stopped at the park after so they could run around and get out the last of their energy. After that we headed back to the girls' house and spent the night. It was a great way to spend a Friday night!

Parker's 4 Year Old Pictures

Parker has been so excited to wear this shirt. I bought it about 3-4 months ago. He has waited and waited. When he woke up on his birthday morning to see it laying out he was so happy! Since he liked his shirt he was a little more willing to take a few minutes and have pictures taken on the beach before running off with the other kids. Despite the crazy haircut he gave himself, he is still the cutest little 4 year old I know. I love you so much Parker!!

(Should have posted on Aug. 8th)

The Calm after the Storm

2 days after the typhoon passed and 1 day after playing in the crazy wild waves, we went back to the same beach to enjoy a normal beach day. All Parker wanted to do on his birthday was play at the beach with the girls, Hannah and Addie. They played and played and had so much fun!

It was a great way to spend Parker's birthday afternoon! Enjoy the video above of the crazy hermit crabs that covered the beach. They were everywhere in so many different types of shells!

(Should have posted Aug. 8th)

Parker's 4th Birthday

It's shocking to me that my baby boy is 4 years old already. How can that be? I have always hoped he would stay little forever. 4 years old sounds so big, much older than saying he is 3. He is the silliest little boy. He loves to talk and talk and talk. He is usually happy all the time, but when he is hot, hungry or tired, watch out! Once again this year Josh was gone for his birthday. We had a little mini celebration before Josh left. On his real birthday he picked donuts for his birthday. Of course birthday donuts need birthday candles!

After birthday donuts he couldn't wait any longer to open his presents. Of course his presents included new Batman toys. He was so excited and couldn't wait to open them and play.

He played with his toys until lunchtime. We then met the girls at the BX for lunch, his pick of course. After that we went to the beach with the girls and played in the remaining typhoon waves. 4 years old, time goes by so fast. Below is a video of him in action sorting his cars. Parker usually plays with Emma most of the time. But when he is on his own he likes to sort through boxes of toys. Enjoy!

(Should have posted on Aug. 8th)

10,000 Eisa Parade

On Sunday Diana and I braved the heat and took the rugrats down to the 10,000 Eisa parade. There were 100's of Eisa groups performing with drums, live music and dancers. The heat was unbearable and we were soaked in sweat. The parade lasts about 6 hours. We were only able to stay for 6-7 performances. The kids were just melting and it was so crowded. The performances we did see were amazing!

Carson really wanted his picture taken with one of the performers. After each performance he would go out in the street and try to get their attention. Carson got lucky and this guy picked him up and posed long enough to make sure I got the picture. Carson isn't usually that brave but I guess he really wanted a picture.

There were 1,000's of people at the parade. It was so hot and we were all so huddled together, elbow to elbow sweating to death. This elderly Japanese man kept grabbing my arm. He kept turning my camera around and to have his picture taken. Then he wanted Diana to take a picture of us together. It was so funny. He hung around for a good 10 minutes holding onto my arm.

Of course you cannot go to an Eisa event without taking a video. Enjoy the short video and drums posted above. Carson and I could sit and listen to them all day!After the parade we headed to dinner and then home. We got home just as the sky was becoming a rainbow. It was a sweaty day with crabby kids, but an amazing Okinawan experience!