Happy Easter

We had a nice Easter weekend. Luckily, it was nice out on Saturday so we spent the morning at the Spring Fest in the park. Bryce enjoyed playing the games and sliding down the big slides. He didn't like the looks of the Easter bunny so, we steered clear of him. Then on Easter morning, we got out before it started to rain so Bryce could hunt Easter eggs. We went out to Easter brunch after working up an appetite egg hunting.

Day at the Beach

We realize that our days at the beach are numbered so, we're taking advantage of it while we can. (We just found out today that our official departure date is June 14) The water is still too cold so, we just played in the sand this weekend...

One year ago today...

we receved "the email" that has forever changed our lives. We were both getting ready for work when I saw we had received an email from our agency. When I opened it it said "Here is a boy we have suggested you consider for adoption!!! I would ask you to let us know today, if by the pictures alone if you would consider adopting him pending a favorable medical evaluation???" And this is the first picture that we saw of Bryce Danil...
We both just stared at his picture and knew at that moment that he was our son.

It's been an amazing year with Bryce and we just look at him everyday and can't believe how lucky we are to have him in our lives.

Harmonica Jam Session

Lockdown Week 2

Well, we're heading into week 2 of our General directed lockdown. Places on base are crazy now since all Americans are restricted to military installations. The line to get into restaurants is a mile long and just this past weekend, there was a 2 hour wait at the bowling alley. Luckily, the lockdown doesn't apply to educational activities so Bryce and I will be able to get off base for a little while tomorrow to attend his Kindermusik class. If you're interested in what's been going on in Okinawa, here is a recent article: http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/02/19/japan.military.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Since we can't go to any of the indoor playgrounds off base, we've been keeping busy by mowing the lawn, playing in the sandbox, and fingerpainting with friends...

Will February EVER end???

I know that February is the shortest month of the year but, it seems to be lasting forever. With the excitment of finding out where we're going at the beginning of the month, it just doesn't seem like June can come soon enough. Wayne started the paperwork this week for our move and to request seats for all of us on the plane (he was even having to measure and weigh the animals and their pet taxis).

Another reason why February seems like a long month is that now all Americans have been restricted to staying on military installations (meaning we can't go do anything in town). If you follow the news, you've probably heard that several military members in Okinawa have gotten into trouble for misconduct. So much so that the Japanese Prime Minister will be meeting with Condoleeza Rice when she arrives in Okinawa next week. So for the time being, we'll all just have to come up with new things to do at home. So during this time of "reflection" as it's being called, I've been remembering all the great things that we've done and seen in Okinawa and Japan for the past 6 years. So I thought during our last 3 months here I would re-share some of those pictures with you.

During our first winter here, Wayne & I went on a whale watching tour. We were on a small boat chasing whales around all day and pretty much all we saw were their tails and blow holes...

Happy Valentine's Day!