November 2024

KIBOUGAOKA BEACH 

I’m grateful to live on an island so we could relax at the beach after a busy, stressful week.

JROTC

We are proud of Nathan who worked hard for his JROTC promotion.

MADDY'S PIANO RECITAL

Maddy did a beautiful job at her piano recital. She got to play on a piano that was worth more than half a million dollars. 

ADVENTURE WEDNESDAY

We visited the former Japanese Naval Underground headquarters from which the Japanese launched their defense against the US in the Battle of Okinawa.

Afterwards, we tried out an Indian restaurant in a cute little Japanese market.

MADDY HELPS WITH PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS

Maddy was recognized on stage for helping with the music for the school play. She spent a lot of time going to all the rehearsals, so we're glad she was recognized for all her hard work. 

MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL

We heard the Marine Corps had the best balls, so we decided to try one out while we were here. It was pretty fancy and fun. 

VETERANS DAY

Nathan marched in the Veteran’s day parade to honor our veterans. I’m proud of my husband who is currently serving in the Navy, and my ancestors who have served. I’m thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by the many brave men and women who have served, and who now serve in the US military. God Bless America!

My Grandpa Vroman served in the army, and my Grandma Vroman served as a WAVE in the Navy during World War II. 

My Grandpa Donaldson served on the frontlines in Europe during WWII, and received the Purple Heart after being badly wounded. He spend over a year recovering in a hospital, and was left with a limp and shrapnel in his body for the rest of his life.

My great great great great grandfather Walter Donaldson Sr was killed fighting for the Union army in the Civil War.

ROLLERSLIDE!

Fun at Tobaru park! Rollerslides are quite common in Japan. At Daiso (Japan’s much better version of the Dollar store), you can buy little sleds that you can use to ride down the slides. Audrey and Brooklyn had a blast riding down this slide with their friends.

JARED RECOGNIZED

The 3D MLG Commanding General visited and presented Jared with a command coin for all the work he’s been doing. Jared is the kind of person who gives 100% in whatever he does, either at home or at work. I’m glad that he is being recognized for it.

HOMESCHOOL FRIENDS

While Megan and I organized our closets at the church, our kids put on a Nativity play. They didn't have enough characters, so they got creative and had baby Jesus be a waterbottle and the exercise balls be Mary and Joseph. 

In co-op the kids learned about London burning down, so they built a replica which we burned.

THANKSGIVING

We have many blessings to be thankful for this year.

We had lots of delicious food and pie with friends and family. We feel grateful for the many ways the Lord has blessed us this year. 

TURKEY BOWL

Cool manhole cover with Okinawan sweet potatoes on it. 

We met at Torri beach

The kids had fun playing on the playground

We enjoyed playing volleyball

Jared won the 5K race

FAMILY MOVIES

We went to go see the movies Wicked and Moana 2 together. We really enjoyed the movie Wicked and Audrey can't stop singing the songs from it. Moana 2 had great animation, but the storyline and the songs were a disappointment. 

LOST IN TRANSLATION

We often get funny Japanese to English translations, but this hotel website translation is a favorite—especially because Dwarf B is over 6 ft tall!

JARED VISTS OSAKA

Jared had to fly to Osaka to take his PA recertification exam. He passed! Here are some pictures from his quick trip.