February 2024

DATE NIGHT!

 Pictures from our Valentine’s/President’s day date on Monday. The sunset at Araha beach was beautiful, and I highly recommend Mr Kato’s Buddha bowls and vegan sushi.

I love this guy!

The mushroom tempura was our favorite.

HARP!

Maddy got her Princess Sakura harp and we couldn't be happier. It's beautiful!

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Early morning run up the Stairway to heaven with our health challenge friends. 

FAMILY OUTING: Urasoe Castle ruins, Hacksaw Ridge, Needle Rock, and Desmond Doss Point.

Urasoe Castle ruins

Needle rock

We had fun exploring the old tunnels

Pretty flowers and a few cherry blossoms

SHISA VALENTINE'S BOX

ADVENTURE WEDNESDAY: Kinkannonji-do temple, Nisshu cave, and a field of Cosmos.

We loved the pretty gardens around the temple

Koi fish of course

Kinkannonji-do temple

Nisshu cave. Temples and shrines are often built near caves which are considered sacred.

Sunflowers!

Field of Cosmos

BASKETBALL!

We went with our friend Kelsey

Weird mascot

We loved the half time show

Had a fabulous time watching the Ryukyu Kings win last night!

TRIP TO HOKKAIDO:

Hokkkaido was one of the coldest, snowiest, and most beautiful places we have ever visited. Unlike Oki, the streets are nice and wide, but they don’t feel that way since you have giant snowbanks on either side of you. The famous Hokkaido ramen was delicious. We loved the intricate Sapporo ice and snow festival sculptures. We enjoyed visiting Costco (I really miss it!) and we loved seeing the beautiful Sapporo Latter Day Saint temple. Everywhere we went the snowy mountain views were breathtakingly spectacular. Skiing was a highlight for all of us. The long runs, the fresh powder, and gorgeous views made it incredible. Jared was in ski heaven trying out double black diamond runs. Brooklyn and Audrey tried skiing for the first time, and by the end of our second day they were on the chairlift going down the family run with only a couple falls each time. The teens improved their skills and tried out their first black diamond run. I enjoyed the pretty views while I slowly made my way down the mountain on the easy red and green runs. It was an amazing trip, but I’m happy to be back in Okinawa where I don’t have to put 5 layers on me and each of the kids before heading outside.

SKIING!

ICE FESTIVAL

SAPPORO TEMPLE

A mighty fortress is our God

SNOW FESTIVAL

Stuck in Narita Airport again!

Squished in!

So much snow and ice! It was hard to see around the big snow banks to turn. 

Delicious Sapporo ramen and veggie burgers!

Getting outfitted for cold weather. Manamana!

Skiing

You can stop and see cute ponies on your way down the hill

Audrey and Brooklyn did great!

Luckily the snow was soft and Abby wasn't hurt. 

Skiing!

The resort had a free merry go round that the kids enjoyed while waiting for Dad and their older siblings.