Kayaking the Mangroves

 

We did something different this weekend, during our Thanksgiving stay at Oura Wan - we kayaked the mangroves! It was fun, despite the language differences and somewhat awkward moments!! They didn't quite know what to do with us, given the language differences, but they chose the guide with the most English and we gave it a whirl. It was a great afternoon, complete with refreshments (sea grapes, donuts, and Okinawa tangerines) and a little bit of Sanshin playing. Sydney even accompanied him with the Japanese verses of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!"

Sydney's 7th Birthday

 

Sydney had another great birthday this year - her first sleepover! We painted Kokeshi Dolls and posters, played, watched the movie "UP" and managed to get a little sleep. Her "theme" was a panda bear this year. I can't believe how big the kids are getting! Happy Birthday Sydney!

Spontaneous Space A travel to mainland Japan!

Well - we did it! We successfully took a Space A trip from Okinawa to mainland Japan!! You have to put up with some crazy show times and airport wait times, be very flexible with your itinerary, and be spontaneous, and we did it!! I wouldn't have thought I was capable of traveling without a solid plan, but it actually worked out really well. We stayed 4 nights in southern Japan at Iwakuni Air Base (Marines) and saw the beautiful sights of this area. Hiroshima and Miyajima were the two hot spot destinations. Both were breathtakingly beautiful. Then off we went to Yokota Air Base (Air Force) where we stayed 2 nights and took in Disney Sea and made it to Tokyo by train! Then, like magic we are back in Okinawa! Enjoy the pictures!

Lost Tooth

 

Sydney lost her first tooth just 8 days before her 7th birthday! We were up in Tokyo and the tooth fairy even managed to find her in the hotel room! She was very excited, but wondered how the tooth fairy carries all that cash around!

Halloween 2009

Halloween was great fun this year. We started the evening off with a neighborhood soup supper, then the rain started in and the kids went Trick-or-Treating in the pouring rain!! For the first time, Brenna did her own thing with a group of friends - didn't even see her in costume. The times are changin' in the Gabriel Clan house! She had a good time - even though she couldn't muster up the courage to enter the Haunted House! (I heard it was really scary . . . I guess she heard the same rumor!). Anyway - the local nationals were still out in force, but there weren't nearly as many kids as last year. Everyone had a great time!