4 Great Things...

About today. 

1.

I <3 this girl. I am so glad she is visiting me. :)  

Avril and I in front of Katsuren Castle.

2.

I love that this child was able to wear out my dogs. And that her Mom is super cool, too. 

She is TOUGH. They literally yanked her around the house and she never whimpered.

  3.

Care packages are the best. Momma Walton sent us one that had the cutest light up 4th of July hats for the pups. 

Oh Em Geeee!

It took so much work to get them on...

And keep them on!

So cute! :o)

They immediately fell off, but were so precious!

  4. 

The 100 Yen Store (equivalent to the dollar store in the US) is THE best. Everyone who knows me knows I love sheep. Check out my latest 100 Yen deal. :)

Eeeeeeek! I love them.

<3 Flying Sheep <3

   Happy Monday, readers!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I recently celebrated the last birthday that I will ever age. 

I think 25 is a good age to be forever. 

Old enough to be respected, a little bit wise, educated, and able to rent a car.

I am such a lucky girl. As you can tell from my previous posts, my BFF Avril is visiting from the States. She planned it so that each of our Birthday's would occur during her visit. I also got lots of love from all those important people in the States.

You can always count on Grandma to send the patriotic goodies. :)

I got a new camera from my Mom and Grandma... and it is the best color of a camera ever!!

I am officially in love with my new tumbler. Using it right now. :)

My very thoughtful brother bought me some butt padding for my wheels.

Baby Kitty was able to send me some oven mitts! (Thanks Momma W!)

Cutest.Clock.Ever.

Almost as cute as the clock!

I got lots of card love!

One of the unit wives was so sweet and brought me some flowers. It made my day!

My *awesome* apron from Kaylie. :) i love it!

The camera Troy bought me. I haven't received it in the mail yet but I look forward to taking some awesome shots of Okinawa!

You may have noticed I got two cameras. I guess everyone thinks I need to up my game on the blog, so I am happy to say I have multiple options for that now! I love the green one for quick point and shoots, we may even get an underwater case for it. And I look forward to getting the bigger one so that I can work on a new hobby and truly capture the beauty of Okinawa. Either way, I love you guys! Thanks so much for all the great Birthday love. I am so spoiled!

Well hello, Mrs. Zane

Just before Avril arrived, I got some great news from one of my Marine Wifeys. She and her husband live in Iwakuni, mainland Japan. He was coming to Okinawa for a training mission and she decided to hop a Space A flight and tag along. This was uber- exciting for Kaylie and me since she is a part of the original clan from Quantico. I had not seen her in a little over a year, before we moved to Oklahoma. 

Me, Kaylie, and Heather rockin' some Japanese accessories.

One of the blessings of this lifestyle is the opportunity to have great friends all over the world. It was so nice to see Heather and spend time together as if we had not skipped a beat. I am truly blessed to have her as my friend!

Ironically, Heather and Avril know each other from Avril's visit to Quantico when I lived there. This is before we treated ourselves to cute toes on the seawall.

I was able to introduce Avril, Joe, and Heather to one of the best Japanese pastimes. Karaoke!

Joe was seriously too good at karaoke... he made the rest of us look bad!

The lyrics are never quite right, the beat is always a bit off, and the music videos are laughable... but karaoke with great friends is priceless!

Avril even busted a few jams!

I am sad to see her head off for her next adventure (Australia!), but know that we will be reunited again soon! Miss you, Heather! <3

Avril's Amazing Adventure!

The adventure began on June 8th when I saw Avril's smiling face through the glass at Naha International Airport's arrivals. I may have cried, jumped for joy, and driven on the wrong side of the road shortly after. She is staying until July 13th and is our first visitor in Okinawa. :)

A little background: 

Avril and I went to college together, both majoring in Chemistry. We ended up sitting beside each other in nearly every class since we have the same (maiden) last name. We even graduated beside one another, making a ruckus and cracking up everyone around us. Once, a professor even asked us in complete seriousness if we were sisters. We were quick to tell him that we sure are... he somehow believed us! Troy and I both feel so blessed to have such a great friend who will literally circle the Earth to visit us, and we are having a blast showing her around. 

The sisters from another mister on our first day together. :)

One of the "must-do" items was checked off first- pedicures with epic Okinawan nail art at Cocok's. 

The ladies all met us for some nail art and girl talk. Love these ladies. :)

Aren't they amazing??

On our first big excursion, we took a 20 minute ferry ride to a small island called Minna Jima. It was a perfectly gorgeous day and we were in great company. Troy just returned from Malaysia and our friend Kristle came with her brother, Max, who is also visiting. 

The three ladies enjoying the beautiful day! Kristle is the only smart one who didn't get burnt!

The snorkeling was amazing and with some quick lessons from Max, Avril was plunging into the deep blue ocean in no time!

I love this pic. :) Two besties just a floatin'!

We explored the little island, feeling the relaxed vibe yet?

I <3 this lady!

Troy was quite the diver!

Getting ready for another adventure!

Striking a pose in the East China Sea!

Ahhhh... Island life. :)

More fun adventure pics to come soon!

Malaysia

Troy got to spend a little over a week in Malaysia teaching the Malaysian military about planning. He took it as yet another opportunity to explore Asia. Enjoy some pics from his journey! 

The hotel where he stayed... a resort and SPA? I'm jealous.

A pond filled with cool fish right outside the hotel.

The team Troy worked with during his time in Malaysia.

Some hot stuff cookin' at the farewell barbeque on their last night.

Troy with some of his new Malaysian friends.

A nice run on the beach.

Troy's favorite meal and "the best sweet and sour chicken ever"!

A fancy building on the Malaysian base.

On the way back, they were squished in really tight on the plane.

Somehow Troy finagled his way into the cockpit. No surprise that he will only talk about that!

Heading back to Okinawa where the wife eagerly awaits his arrival!

Sleepy Troy passed out on the plane. How cute. :o)

Tune in soon for a fun update on our first guest!