Tug of War

Traditionally, the city of Naha has a huge Tug of War each year. You can read more about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naha_Tug-of-war
For the first time, they had a local Tug of War at the major intersection near where we live. We walked up along with 3 other families and had a great time!






The guys had the opporunity to get involved and participate in the event! This is them mid-tug!

We've Been Ghosted

Ten minutes after getting the phantom pumpkin, we were 'ghosted'. When I opened the door, Rommel went running down the sidewalk, determined to find out who'd been ringing our doorbell.
Here's the poem:

Late this night, we left you a treat.
The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.

Take the ghost and pin it on your door,
To let others know, you need ghosted no more.

Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise,
To two more families, we must advise.

Gather some treats and deliver them soon,
Within two nights, under the light of the moon.

Include a ghost with each package you give,
Along with this poem for the tradition to live.

The Phantom Pumpkin

We are being introduced to the Halloween traditions of those on Okinawa. Our doorbell rang last night as we were headed upstairs for bath time. We found a white bag with a poem and goodies inside. Here's the poem:
GOOD EVENING
SINCE THIS IS THE TIME FOR THE GOBLINS AND BATS
HALLOWEEN SPIRTIS AND GHOSTS AND CATS
WEIRD HAPPENINGS AND WITCHES BREW
THESE ARE THE THINGS I WISH FOR YOU.

MAY THE ONLY SPIRIT YOU CHANCE TO MEET
BE THE SPIRIT OF LOVE AND WARM FRIENDS SWEET
MAY THE ONLY GOBLIN THAT COMES YOUR WAY
BE THE NEIGHBORHOOD PHANTOM WHOM YOU'LL WANT TO GIVE AWAY.

SO BY TOMORROW PICK 3 FRIENDS SWEET
AND GIVE THEM ALL A AHALLOWEEN TREAT.
YOU ONLY ONE DAY, SO HURRY!!!!!!
LEAVE THAT TREAT ON THE DOORSETP, THEN FLEE IN A FLURRY!

"TIS BETTER GIVING THAN RECEIVING"
WE ALL KNOW THIS IS TO BE TRUE
SO SHOW YOUR OE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND REMEMBER

THE PHANTOM IS YOU.

My Little Ballerina

After 6 LONG weeks, Irina is back to taking her dance class. As of now, it appears the class she was taking near the house is being cancelled. But, we were extremely lucky that the youth center on another base had 1 opening that would work for us. And, she gets to take the class from her original teacher!!

AFAA Certification

It's official.....I'm an AFAA certified group fitness instructor. My certification arrived in the mail this week. Actually, it's probably been there...that's how long it's been since I've picked up mail.
Since many probably don't know, I recently purchased a Stroller Strides franchise here in Okinawa. I've been attending classes since February and absolutely love it! It's a great workout, my running and endurance have improved and the best part is, I get to take Irina to class with me. She loves singing the songs and visiting with all the kids and mommies. She even puts her dolls in their stroller to 'take them to exercise to see their friends' and then runs around the house.
Now that I'm instructing classes, she mimics me. I walked into the living room the other day to find her hooking up a resistance band to her bouncy horse. She proceeds to do some bicep curls and then says "OK ladies, wrap it up..we're going to our next station". It was hysterical...too bad I didn't have the camera on me.
Robert gets to work out with me on the weekends to review the classes I've come up with. Irina loves running around the base and getting out of the stroller to do her exercises. This has been a great new adventure for me...for all of us.

Special Morning

Since Robert became a Company Commander at the Battalion his hours at home with us have become limited. Weekends are no longer just for us...they are filled with phone calls, emails and going into the office to take care of just one more thing....and 4 hours later he comes back.
This has been especially hard on Irina. There are many days when he's gone before she gets up and does not get home until she's gone to bed. We of course fill the day with emails to Daddy, drawing him pictures and phone calls whenever possible.
This morning was a special one. He had a meeting at the base just 5 minutes from us which allowed him to stay home until well after she'd woken up. She squealed when she saw him and they were inseparable until he walked out the door. You'll notice in the picture that they are wearing the same shirt. A little 'trick' we discovered while separated for 4 months before moving to Japan was how she loved to sleep in a Daddy shirt when she's missing him.
I just love the smile showing pure joy on her face when she's with her Daddy!
He, of course, still looks tired...and who wouldn't when they average 5 hours of sleep a night.

14 years!

As of the 27th, Robert has been in the Marine Corps for 14 years! I've been along for the 'ride' for almost 9 years now...and what a ride it has been. Reflecting on these years, we've truly been blessed. We've lived in San Diego, Quantico (VA), Cherry Point (NC), Frankfurt (Germany), Quantico (again) and now Okinawa, Japan. Robert has gone from a Sgt (when we got married) to a Captain now. The hours have definitely gotten longer!
I'm extremely proud of him and love being a military wife. While we don't often get the same luxuries of our civilian counterparts, the opportunities afforded us are absolutely amazing. And while we miss our families every day, how many grandparents get to fly to Germany to visit their granddaughter and then to Japan for their hopefully soon to be grandson???
One important thing we've learned with all of our moving...take advantage of where you live. Our trips while living in Europe alone were worth the packing and moving every 2-3 years. The friendships we've gained throughout the years are precious to us.
Thank you to our families and friends who continue to love us and keep in touch even when we're goodness knows how many miles apart. We love and miss you all.