Home from Japan!

This morning we went to the base to pick Daddy up.  The plane was running late, so we actually got to see his plane land.  

The girls couldn't wait to see Daddy.  

Jocelyn had a special note to give Daddy.

Daddy is HOME!

The last of the Fightin' Eagles to get home.  

The girls had special decorations for Daddy inside.

He surprised the girls with tons of gifts.

First, we tried lots of different Japanese cookies and candies.  This one is a purple sweet potato cookie.

The girls couldn't wait to see what was inside these cute packages.

Japanese Disney Princess Books

They also got origami bookmarks.

They loved their new Japanese parasols.

They were hand painted.

They also got a Japanese outfit and fans.

They each got a Kokeshi Doll with their name written on it.

Madison's name means truth, rise and respect.

Jocelyn's name means kind, world, love, smart and luck.

Daddy missed his girls!

We love having him home!

Almost Home

We are celebrating that Clay is one step closer to home.  

The girls are happy that Daddy is no longer in Japan.

He is back in the United States and we are looking forward to welcoming him home soon.

Battle of Okinawa Tour

Today Clay went on a Battle of Okinawa tour.

Okinawa Peace Prayer Park and Memorial Museum

The Vietnam Memorial equivalent for this WWII battle.

Naha Tug-Of-War Festival

Clay went to the Naha Tug-Of-War Festival this weekend.  

A lot of people and a lot of fun!

That is one HUGE rope!

Clay was on the winning team!

Ikea Island

Clay went camping on Ikea Island.

Typhoon

I got the following email from Clay:

"This is going to be the largest storm here in 13 years.  Waves of 30-40 ft, winds sustained at 130 kts w/ gust up to 160.  The eye is going to be 6-12 miles from Kadena Air Base, i.e. a direct hit.  Hence, I'm pretty nervous but everyone says we should be fine."

We were able to Skype this morning and he informed me that the storm has intensified even more.  Please pray for everyone that is in the path of this typhoon.  You can monitor the storm at weather.kadenaforcesupport.com

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Today Clay and his techs went to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

It was over an hour drive, so they stopped by the gorgeous water along the way.  

Clay was very impressed with the aquarium and....

 enjoyed getting to see the whale sharks.

  

Botanical Garden

It looks like he is enjoying himself and...

 embracing the Japanese culture. 

Can't wait to see what they do next.  ;)

Clay's 1st Typhoon!

This is the view from Clay's hotel balcony.  So far the wind is picking up and the feeder bands of rain have started.

Thankfully the base is closed so everyone can stay inside and wait out the storm.

Clay is in Japan!

Clay is adjusting to the driving, extreme humidity and the 13 hour time change.  Luckily, we have been able to Skype with him.  He teaches the girls a new Japanese word each time we Skype.  So far they know how to say: hello, goodbye and thank you.