Monday, September 30, 2024

Abby's 18th Birthday!

 We have an adult!

We had some of Mr Kato's delicious vegan sushi for her birthday dinner.
Abby with her gifts and cards.
Chocolate cake and strawberries



Abby right before her hair caught on fire. 


ABBY AT 18

Favorite color: blue
Favorite food: raspberries
Favorite book: The Way of Kings
Favorite activities: hiking, drawing/painting, skiing
Favorite subject: music/band

This is Abby's last favorite things post. It's definitely bitter sweet to see your oldest turn 18. We are sad that she will be leaving us to attend BYU soon, but we are also incredibly proud of the woman she has become. She is beautiful, talented, intelligent, strong, and kind. We feel so blessed to have her in our family. 


Brooklyn's 7th Birthday!

Brooklyn was excited to get her own stuffed animal Shisa for her birthday 
Brooklyn had cupcakes and a tiger with her friends Lawrence and Lincoln. 

Jared also made her a lucky apple pie.

BROOKLYN AT AGE 7:

Favorite movies: Bedtime Stories, Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Favorite food: Banh Mi
Favorite books: Fablehaven, Narnia, Harry Potter
Favorite activities: drawing, swimming, hiking
Favorite color: purple
Favorite subjects: history and reading

Brooklyn is a quiet, sweet girl. She loves playing stuffed animals and dolls with her sister Audrey. She enjoys swimming, gymnastics, and reading. We feel blessed to have her in our family.

March 2024

EASTER

 Easter morning!

Brooklyn with Thomas' Easter bunny
Audrey had to spend Easter with a mask on because she was sick. 

The teens only got a few snacks for their Easter present, but what they were really excited about was a new speaker and karaoke machine. 

Two bunnies ready to hunt for eggs!
They liked their Easter egg pancakes
The girls had a fun Easter egg hunt with the neighborhood kids. 

CAMPS

Nathan had Young Men's camp over spring break at Torri beach. They decided to dig a giant hole.




The girls had a great experience at Young Women's camp. Both Abby and Maddy served as YCLs this year.

FAMILY OUTING
We spent a day exploring the northern part of the island with friends. 

Ogimi Falls



































Daisekirinzan is our favorite Okinawa hike so far. It had it all—cool trees to climb, vines to swing from, interesting rock formations, awesome views, and friends to share it with.



Okinawa Rail observation deck





Cape Hedo was beautiful and impressive



We spent the evening on the beach, and enjoyed an impressive bonfire (before we were told we had to put it out).

WORKMAN PLAYPLACE






The girls had a blast at a fun indoor playground at the mall near our house.


ST PATRICK'S DAY
The girls made leprechaun traps.

ADVENTURE WEDNESDAY IN YOMITAN




Zakimi castle ruins




Shimuku Gama “Happy Cave,” where many people hid during the Battle of Okinawa.





Cape Zanpa lighthouse

The largest Shisa on the island was at a park near the lighthouse.

DRIVING!
Maddy and Abby both finished their driving course and got their driver's licenses! They now can officially drive on base. They can't drive off base until they turn 18. 

SPRING CONCERT
Abby performed on the flute, including a flute solo.
Abby also accompanied the orchestra club.
Nathan did a great job performing with the choir. 
Nathan and Abby after the performance by Kubi's giant drum.

SISTERS
Audrey was super sweet and made this cute little dog stuffed animal out of an old sock for Brooklyn.

SICK 
We had a lot of sickness this month. Poor Brooklyn got strep, pneumonia, and an ear infection.