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.

CHRISTMAS

 Our Christmas festivities started out with some gingerbread houses. It was fun to see the boys really get into it this year. Of course more candy went into their mouths than onto the house, but I guess that's just part of Christmas.

 Taylor watched while he was snug as a bug. I can't get over that little face. 

 The finished product!

 On Christmas Eve, we had a delicious meal and ate a week's worth of food.

 After dinner, we took some cookies that the kids decorated to the people who had to work at the gate all night. It made me feel blessed to have a husband who doesn't work nights! We felt so bad for them, but luckily we weren't the only ones who felt that way. They had a whole table full of goodies that people had brought them. They were having a competition with the other gates to see who had the most by the end of the night. It's not the ideal Christmas Eve, but we were glad they felt appreciated. We also dropped some off to the post office workers. Packages can get super delayed here around the holidays and they were staying open until 10pm that night, trying to let as many people receive their packages as possible.

Then we came home, opened new jammies, read a nativity story, and put cookies out for Santa. The anticipation on Christmas Eve is one of the best feelings! I love seeing the excitement on my kid's faces. It is completely priceless.

 All ready for Christmas morning!

 Waiting to go downstairs. :)

 The kids ran down and started investigating their stockings. Jack lined up each new thing he pulled out on to the floor.

 Everyone was all smiles as each present was opened one by one. Before you know it, there's a huge mess on the floor and it's all over! It always ends way too fast. 

 My mom made these super cute felt trees for all of the grandkids. We had a good time taking the ornaments on and off.

Even though it was over too fast, we loved every minute. There's nothing better than spending Christmas with family. Especially when they come to you!

Christmas Visit

 I know that it has been over a month since Christmas, but I am working really hard to catch up on my blog. New Year's resolution! :)

Although my parents were only able to stay for a week, we managed to fit a lot of fun stuff in while they were here. We started out at Arashi's. We took them here last time they came and it was requested again!

 And yes...you order your food through a vending machine, which is not uncommon in Okinawa. They love their vending machines!

 Now that is how you do fried rice. It's delicious!

 We took them on the Ferris Wheel. Taylor and I stayed at the bottom, waiting patiently for them to come back around. The Ferris Wheel has become a new favorite with Justin and the boys.

 My Mom and Dad couldn't stop laughing at all the funny stuff in the cars here in Okinawa. Most of the cars have some sort of decoration in them, such as a boa, hanging fringe, or Hello Kitty seat covers. They know how to drive in style, that's for sure! And the smaller the car, the better. The roads and parking spots here are teeny!

 There was lots of snuggling going on with this little one.

 My Dad and the boys took Winston on lots of walks.

 We went to the aquarium and what started out as a cold rainy day, actually turned out to be quite beautiful after the clouds broke.

 We will never be sick of this view.

 We ate lunch with the whale shark and then walked "to ward" the exit. We LOVE Japanese translation fails! They crack us up.

 SMILE!

 We put together this puzzle. My parents gave us a box full of different puzzles for Christmas one year and this is one of them. One of my goals in 2014 is to put every single one together. The world could use a little less TV and iPads and more putting together puzzles with some good conversation.

 We decorated gingerbread houses while Taylor watched. 

 We drove by our new church building that's right outside Kadena (the Air Force base that we live on). It is such a beautiful building. It has been a lot of fun to see the construction of it and look back at our pictures of the ground breaking. We were hoping Taylor's blessing would have been in the new building so my parents could see inside, but the furniture was delayed and we didn't have our first Sunday there until mid January.

 The night before they left we went to our favorite Thai restaurant, Sum Chai. This is my most favorite Pad Thai and I don't know if I will ever be sick of it. 

Looking back on these pictures makes me wish they were still here. We were so excited to spend the holiday with family. It means a lot to us to have them come so far. It's not an easy journey to get here. It takes a full 24 hours and we are so glad they willingly put themselves through it for a second time. 

Next post...Christmas!