Manzamo Point

 We have been trying to explore different places that we haven't seen yet in Okinawa. We aren't sure how much time we have left here, and wether we have a few months or just over a year, we want to see as much of this island as we can before we leave. On this particular day, we headed over to Manzamo point, otherwise known as Elephant Rock. It was a fun little day trip. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and as always, the view.

 I'm not sure what this lady was picking or doing, but she was completely bent in half the whole time we were there. It made my back hurt just watching her.

 I loved these cutie Japanese boys. I wish we could take one home with us!

But since we can't, I'll just make my boys pretend that they are Japanese. :) 

 Can you see the elephant?

 Proof that Taylor was there with us. Poor little guy doesn't get in very many pictures when he's stuck in the stroller.

 Did I mention the view? How will we ever live anywhere normal after this? That water never gets old!

 I had to sneak a picture of this little baby. The Japanese have such a different style of clothing. Pretty much anything goes here. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to their outfit choices. Lots of the men wear capris and most of them carry a man-bag. It's very interesting. The people watching here keeps us entertained while we are out and about.

We walked through this little market at the end and the kids enjoyed an ice cream out of the vending machine. Vending machines are EVERYWHERE here. Even out in the middle of nowhere next to a farmer's field, there is a vending machine. You don't ever have to worry about going thirsty in Okinawa. And a lot of the time, they even have ice cream. It's crazy! 

30 Years Old!

Even though Valentine's Day is my birthday, I love putting together fun Valentine's surprises for my family. It's become our tradition that I take care of breakfast, and Justin is in charge of the rest of the day. So the night before, I got busy making muffins, rice crispy treats and setting up the table.

 My parents made me this chalkboard for Christmas and it was so much fun to write on. Drawing with chalk may be my new favorite thing.

 The boys came down with huge smiles! They know I always do something special that morning, so they had been counting down the days. It's almost as exciting as Christmas. :)

Even I came down to a surprise from Justin! Instead of the birthday bucket, he did a birthday bag. It was filled with all sorts of goodies. Justin went above and beyond this year! He was super prepared and made sure everything went just right. 

 After Jack left for school, Anderson went to play at Tammy's house. We spent the whole day together going to one fun thing after another. We started out at the Transit Cafe for lunch. It has a beautiful view right on the sea wall. We sat there looking out at the ocean talking about how much we will miss this view when we move. It's been so fun living five minutes away from the water. 

 And we brought along the cutest little lunch date!

 Their cheese fondue and delicious drinks are our favorite.

 Afterwards, we left Taylor with our neighbor and went a got a massage. It was AMAZING. The Japanese know how to massage. It felt so good. Then we went to our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner, called Sum Chai. The people who own it are starting to recognize us, we've been there so many times.

After dinner, Justin stalled and stopped to get us a little treat. (There seems to be a common theme from the day.....good food!) When we went back to the house, there was a surprise party waiting for me with all of our favorite people here on Okinawa. I was completely surprised! 

  

Justin did such a good job at keeping everything a secret. I felt super spoiled and it helped ease the pain of turning 30. I feel like I'm 21. Maybe 22 or 23, but not 30. I think about where my life has taken me over the past 30 years, and I feel extremely blessed! I never dreamed I would be where I am now, with the little family that Justin and I have made. Hopefully the next 30 years are as good to me as the first 30!

Cherry Blossoms

 One of our most favorite things we have seen in Okinawa are the cherry blossoms. We took the road up Mt. Yaedake for the annual cherry blossom festival the beginning of February. The only word to describe it is beautiful. We were so glad that we decided to go because it ended up being so much better than last year. We hit the blossoms at just the right time. It was like driving through a tunnel of pink blossoms. We were in awe the whole way. I loved it. Jack brought his camera along and was having fun snapping some pictures of the trees. 

 I feel like most of these pictures don't do it justice.

 Anderson, Jack, Sydney, Shawn and Henry

 The kids loved the fun park and the little rides at the festival. Even Taylor was happy to be out of his stroller and hanging out at the park. It made for a really great day.

 Jack and Syd

 After the festival, we continued up the mountain to enjoy a breathtaking view from the top. Unfortunately, the traffic on the way home was insane and it ended up taking us 2.5 hours to get home. It's only about an hour and ten minute drive. :( But after all is said and done, I'd say it was worth it.