We have enjoyed having my parents here for the past few weeks (my Mom was here 3 weeks and my Dad for 10 days). Grace really enjoyed having her Grandma and Grandpa here to play with her and spoil her rotten! I think we did more in the short time my Dad was here than we have done since we have been on this beautiful island. Grace took most of her naps in her carseat while we were driving from one place to another.
We started out by going to Okinawa World and Peace Prayer Park the first day. Day 2 we drove to a few other islands and saw some castle ruins. During the week while Dustin was working we did quite a bit of shopping and ventured to a few places like Shuri Castle and the Japanese Naval Underground. We had lunch at the Tea House, which is a neat little restaurant overlooking the golf course and flight line, a couple times and went to a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant once.
The last weekend my parents were here was a 4-day for Dustin so we stayed busy! Friday we went to a beach so we could have family pictures taken for our Christmas cards then we headed up north. We stopped at Maeda point to see the wonderful scenery on our way to the Busena Resort Underwater Observatory. Grace loved it! We walked out to a building that had a winding staircase that took you underwater and there were several look-out windows where we could watch lots of pretty fish. Afterwards, we kept driving and went to the Pineapple park. This was our 4th time going and it is always a treat. Who doesn't love eating pineapple??
On Saturday we went to Naha and shopped at Kokusai street. We parked at the Jusco (shopping mall with free parking) and rode the monorail to one end of the street and took off walking. We bought Grace a cute little dress and we got some ice cream at Blue Seal. I have a new favorite - Caramel Machiato! On our way home we stopped by a flightline fest and saw lots of helicopters and airplanes. Grace got to ride a train and visit the duck pond and she even won a couple toys!
Sunday was a little more relaxing but busy nonetheless. Since Grace loved watching the fish so much at the underwater observatory we bought her a fish tank! We picked it up on Saturday morning and then on Sunday my parents cleaned it up and showed us how to set it all up. After it was all ready we went to a pet store that is only about 5 minutes from our house and bought 4 little fish! They now have names - Mickey, Minnie, Tom, and Jerry. That afternoon we went to the 100 Yen Plaza near our house, then we went to the lighthouse on Cape Zanpa, and finally we went to dinner.
Monday might have been the longest but most exciting day. We drove up to Okuma (military recreation area) and went on a snorkel trip. Grace was not too fond of the life jacket she had to wear but she loved swimming in the ocean! Afterwards, we got back in the car and drove to the northern most part of the island - Cape Hedo. And then we went on a trail through some bushes and rocks to see a panoramic view. I don't think we will be doing that again! We decided to take the scenic route (aka: the longest route) back home. I think it took us over 3 hours! We have been that way twice and I hope there is never a 3rd. There is not a bathroom for the first 2 hours of the drive. I think this was discovered both times we took this route.
So now we are back to trying to get back into our routine. Grace is missing her grandparents pretty bad I think. She has been super clingy and won't let us out of her reach. I even had to lay down with her for her nap this afternoon and she would wake up if I even turned so I wasn't looking at her.
Anyways, here are some pictures from the last few weeks that my Mom took.
One evening we were able to watch fireworks from our balcony!
So cool!!
The Lighthouse
at Cape Zanpa
Cape Zanpa - it was very windy and the sun was right in our eyes
After her swim
She didn't want to get out!
The life jacket wasn't too comfy
Excited!!
The duck pond
On our way to the underwater observatory
Grace and Dustin at Okinawa World with the Shisa Dog
I left Grace at home with her Grandma. When I left she was napping. When I came home she had ate yogurt, made a big mess, and just HAD to go swimming to get clean :-)
She got a bunch of balls to put in her pool!
3 comments:
Wow! That sounds like an awesome time!
I'll admit Japan was never on my list of places I'd like to visit, but after reading about all the cool sounding places and things you guys did, I'm intrigued. I think it might be on my list after all :)
Great pictures!
Its so hard when your parents leave isnt it? And not just for the kiddos. I have to admit sometimes I even get sad to see my inlaws go. : )
Sounds like a wonderful time!!
I hope you, Dustin, and Gracie get good sleep soon!!!!
Miss you!
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