A lot can happen in a year and a half. Here are some of the great things that we have been doing.
Brynnlee was an adorable Dalmatian for her dance recital. She did a great job practicing and was great on stage. She really enjoyed tap dancing.
Brynnlee had her last day of Kindergarten. She is a wonderful reader and a strong student in class. She made a lot of friends and really enjoyed her teacher Mrs. Gullot. Brynnlee loved PE, recess, and going to the library.
During the summer we went on a family vacation to Utah. We had a great time playing with cousins. We went to a Ball Family reunion where Grandma Ball put on a fun cousins' camp. There were loads of fun things to do. The cousins loved to Slip n'Slide that Uncle Jacob and Aunt Lisa put together.
And of course Grandma and Grandpa time is always the best.
In July 2014, we packed up our house and moved back to Okinawa, Japan. It was a hard decision because we love our house in Ohio, the people we know at church, and the friends we made in our neighborhood. Sometimes you have to do what you don't want to when it's best for you family. Kevin was offered a great job opportunity running the fitness center on Kadena Air Base. We got to Okinawa, and it felt like home. We were lucky to find a great house with a little yard for the girls. We had to adjust quickly because we had exciting things to do and celebrate. We moved in, and just a couple of weeks later Brynnlee started First Grade at Bob Hope Primary School.
The same week we celebrated Brynnlee's 6th birthday. She wanted a Frozen birthday party. Unfortunately on Okinawa, I can't always find the things I want last minute. I couldn't buy a lot of Frozen decorations, and there were no more Frozen cakes to buy and the bakery. So I made my own. Luckily, a friend had a Cricut to borrow. I made the birthday banner and decorations with it. Brynnlee loved it all. That is what counts most of all.
Pressley and I took a little trip together to visit a butterfly garden and the Naha Pineapple Park. I put Pressley in a red shirt because I learned that the butterflies love the color and they would be attracted to her. And boy were they. Pressley hated it! She was so scared when the butterflies swarmed around her.
It was fun to see growing pineapple at the Pineapple park. We also samples some yummy pineapple treats
One thing I love about Okinawa is the celebrations and festivals. We visited a Yomitan festival near our house. There were children dancing, great food to eat, and beautiful music playing.
We had a lot of fun on Halloween. We had a Dalmatian, a bumble bee, and a mechanic. Not only did we go to our branch's trunk-or-treat activity, but we were able to participate in our neighborhood's trick-or-treat fun.
Christmas is always better with a visit with Santa,
cute Christmas pajamas from Grandma Eames,
pretty Christmas dresses,
and a beautiful new Christmas tree.
Santa spoiled the girls.
In January and February the beautiful cherry blossoms are in bloom. We went to the Nakijin Castle ruins to see the beautiful trees.
We also made it to Mt. Yaedake. The trees are along side the windy road, and it feels like you are driving under a canopy of flowers when they are in full bloom.
On February 25, 2015, we celebrated Pressley's 4th birthday. She wanted a princess birthday theme this year. We celebrated with crowns, the color pink, and a princess cake. We sure love our little Princess P.
In March, Brynnlee started cheerleading. She made such a cute cheerleader. She had practice twice a week and cheered at basketball games. It was a lot of hard work but a lot of fun.
Easter brought beautiful dresses, a visit with the Easter bunny, and an Easter feast.
For Spring Break the girls and I visited different castle ruins around the island. The history on Okinawa is amazing. The castles date back to the 1400's.
Zakimi Castle ruins
Katsuren Castle ruins
Nakagusuku Castle ruins
Shuri Castle ruins
Children's Day is a special time in Japan. I love the beautiful Koinobori that are flying all around the island. Pressley and I went and checked them out one day.
Brynnlee celebrated her last day of school. Mrs. Holmes was a great teacher for her. Brynnlee continued to excel in reading. She still loves recess and library time. And she made a lot of friends in class and on the bus.
We are loving life on Okinawa.
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