The Best Week Yet

This past week has definitely been the best week since Tony and I have moved to Okinawa.  My sister and her husband came out to visit and we had an absolute blast.  It didn't seem that long ago that I was counting down the days starting at 62.. and now they have come and gone - with memories that will last a lifetime!

Where to even begin.  They arrived here on Monday night December 30th at 9pm.  I was home all day by myself on Monday and was anxious as ever to greet them at the airport.  I was sure to remind Beth that once they get to the baggage claim in the Okinawa airport, they will probably see us through the glass doors... but once you go through the glass, you can't go back in!  I remember when I first arrived to Okinawa, I had to wait for 20 minutes for my bags to come through WHILE I could see Tony on the other side of the door.  It was torture ;)  Beth was smart enough to just let Chris get the bags himself!  Thankfully he did because I don't think I could have gone that 20mns more without a hug from her!

 

When we got back home (we live about an hour north from the airport).. Chris and Beth were champs!  They stayed up a while and talked - I had some Sake (alcohol from Japan) next to their bedside, but Beth wasn't really in the mood.  Guess I can't blame her ;)  

 

I had a rough idea planned for the week they were here.  We did some of it - and chose to skip the rest!  The weather gods were sure with us the whole week!!  We were able to sit on the beach, play cards, have some drinks, and just relax for a couple days!  Those days I thought it was going to rain, so I had museums lined up, the aquarium, etc BUT we all would have much rather soaked up some Vitamin D..especially those midwesterners ;)

Beth had her good share of sticky rice, taco rice, soba noodles, and sushi.  I think she can now understand why it's so "dangerous" living here.  The food is very good - and different.  Chris was a champ and tried more sushi than he probably ever has.  I think it's safe to say that he MAY even LIKE it now???!!!!!

Tony and Chris were able to golf during the week, while Beth and I were sure to get in a few good walks, endless conversations like always, and some shopping.  She was able to come to my school and help me out a bit, so that was fun to have her there!  Of course, the great teacher she is/was with a Kindergartener herself, I got some great tips :)

Looking back on the whole week, I would have say my favorite times were the beach and playing cards.  And boy, did we play A LOT of cards.  It was so fun..not only because I won most of the time, but just knowing that there was nothing else any of us should do or had to do was priceless.  Oh, since they were always up very early every day (because of the jet-leg) I never had to make coffee!! I will miss that!

They left on Monday morning - and that wasn't very fun.  I had to leave a couple hours earlier than they did to get to work (which was heavy in itself!!) So the good-byes were quick and quite sad.  It was a long Monday, but I reminded myself about a million times how amazing of a week it was.  I will never forget it.  

(I didn't take a whole lot of pics.. you'll have to look at hodenblog.blogspot.com for more if you're interested!!!)

 

Beth and I in our "USMC Snuggies" as we like to call them.  I bought Beth and Chris each a pair.  So you can imagine what it looked like every night at our house last week.  4 adults wearing the same "USMC Snuggies"  We probably should have gotten a picture.  Then again, maybe not.

 

First day in Okinawa.  Checking out the water and Cape Zanpa

 

I'm sure Beth isn't too happy that I posted this picture.  But she also knows I could have posted a worse one!  She was an absolute zombie the 2nd night she was here.  eyes were glossy, mouth was open, and an absolute wreck!  It was pretty funny :)

 

New Year's Eve.  Cards in our "Snuggies" with a little champagne.  Oh - and we celebrated NYE at 9:00pm on the dot.  I wasn't going to stay up - and lord knows neither was Beth!

 

A run in Yomitan

 

Saturday night Sushi -- Beth was in HEAVEN!!! Not the beer, the sushi!!

 

Ok - I'm about to admit something.  Yes, I live in Japan.  No, I do not know how to use chopsticks.  Saturday night was my best attempt and it went ok.  I can't tell you how frustrating it is when I'm hungry and I can't even pick up a freakin' piece of lettuce!  No wonder the Japanese people are so slim.  It take FOREVER to eat!  Well, for me it does anyway.  I think i'll stick with a fork - or atleast pack my own in my purse from now on.  Classy.

 

He's ready for more!!!!!!