Not so terrible twos...

Let's just say it hasn't been easy taking pictures of little miss Gracie :-) She is constantly in motion, and does not even entertain the idea of standing still! Below are a few pictures I took this morning...the last one taken, she was kind enough to hold still just long enough to flash a big "cheesy" smile, and then she was off again!

Back by popular demand!

I apologize in advance for the gap in time between posts...but, now we are back by popular demand!!! As many of you know, we have had a very busy summer; therefore, I will refrain from making excuses for not posting.
So, this past weekend, Gracie and I went to the Chula-U resort for some fun in the sun. We spend three hours swimming and playing! We had such a wonderful time and will most definitely be returning in the near future!

MASS 2 Easter Party

I am trying very hard to stay up-to-date with this blog. It has gotten extremely difficult lately with my crazy little monster running around! The day before Easter, Mike's command had a fun Easter celebration for all of the Marines and family members. There were pony rides, egg painting, egg hunting, and lots of fun games for everyone to play. I had my heart set on getting some good pictures of Gracie riding on the pony...but, Gracie had other plans in mind. She had her helmet on and looked as though she would actually participate, and then she changed her mind at the last minute. Maybe next time! Overall, she had a great time! She found the golden egg and won a really fun prize. Mike and I played in the egg toss and I ended up with cracked egg all over my face and clothes! Thanks Mike! Of course, Easter would have been better celebrated back home, but this was the next best thing!

Southeast Botanical Gardens

Over the weekend, we decided to break out of the house and visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens. Gracie loved petting the goats and all the free space to run around and act like a mad woman. I still have no idea how they maintain so many plants. I guess I wouldn't, considering I only have 1 living plant in my entire house! The gardens are a "must see" if you ever come to Okinawa. It is breath-taking looking at how colorful and beautiful nature can be.

Jane Wayne Day with MASS 2

Meet the Marine Corps finest recruit! That's right! Me! Okay, so I can honestly say, I wouldn't last a second as a Marine. The Jane Wayne Day started off by dressing in helmets and vests, and getting my face painted by the SgtMaj. I think I looked pretty scary, but the second I tried to march in line, no one could keep a straight face. We had girls going every direction! I am sure all the "real" Marines found it quite funny to watch. After attempting to march and do formation, we had a chance to go shoot a bunch of guns. We had tons of events planned, and it was nice to finally see what Mike does every day. The day was amazing! It really makes you appreciate all of our military service members.

Taste of Asia

Our last big night out was to Taste of Asia.  We enjoyed an all you can eat seafood buffet prepared Asian style with complimentary cocktails all night long.  Dinner was followed by an amazing performance of the Daiko drummers.  It was truly breathtaking at times.  It was one of the best shows I have ever seen.  The talent is amazing!  We ended the night posing with a ShiShi dog in the lobby.  Mom thought it would be funny to have the ShiShi dog eat my head! Real funny!

Gosh, mike looks really happy, huh? ;-)

There's a happy shot!

Mom and Vernon

Me and Mom with the Shishi dog

ShiShi dog eating my head :-)

Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day, all of the ladies, to include Gracie received flowers.  We decided to combine all of them since I only had one vase. ;-)  Mom spent the day playing with Gracie, and Mike and I headed off to work.  Later that night, Mom, Vernon, Mike, and I all went out for a very nice dinner at Kinser Surfside.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner and had some great entertainment.  It was one of the best Valentine's ever!

Mike, Gracie, and I in the morning

Mom, Gracie, and Snoopy going for a walk

Aww how cute!

Mom and Vernon

Our combined flower bouquet 

Pedicures, Ice Cream, & poll dancing!

What a perfect day!  Mom and I started off the weekend with a pedicure and manicure at Coco's on the sea wall.  Later that night, we all went our for dinner and TCBY ice cream.  We were then entertained at TCBY with a poll dancing lesson by the one and only Gracie Morrill!!! It was hilarious.  I have NO IDEA where she learned to do that! hmmm? Nana? 

My nail art (hand drawn!)

Mom's nail art.

Gracie wanted her toes taken as well! ;-)

Mike, Gracie, and Vernon enjoying ice cream!

Let the poll dancing begin!!!!

Churanium Aquarium

Another must see when in Okinawa is the aquarium.  It is definitely one of our favorite places, and Gracie is finally getting to the point where she enjoys it as well!    

Mike, Gracie, Mom and Vernon with Sea turtles

Mom and Gracie is shark's mouth! And you thought my mouth was big! :-)

Mom and Vernon outside Aquarium

Gracie loved the shark exhibit

Whale shark! yikes1

Okuma and Cape Hedo

Over the weekend, we headed up to Okuma Beach Resort and Cape Hedo. It was a very cold and rainy weekend, but that didn't stop us! Other than having some difficulties with a Japanese style heater, everything went really well. The rain held off just long enough to capture some good pictures at Cape Hedo. As you can tell by the pictures, it was so windy!

Gracie and Vernon at Okuma

Mommy and Gracie pooped out!

Vernon, me, and Mom and Cape Hedo

Mike and Mom at Cape Hedo

Pineapple Farm and Pizza in the Sky!

While visiting Okinawa, we decided to take Mom and Vernon to see the Pineapple Farm and eat at Pizza in the Sky.  The Pineapple Farm is always a fun place to hit because you can eat all the pineapple treats you want!  You most definitely get your pineapple fix for the duration of your trip.  

Next, we ventured off the beaten path (literally) to find this restaurant called "Pizza in the Sky".  Well, that's what the Americans call it.  It is really called something like Kongihoo.  Anyway, it is a traditional Japanese restaurant, and they serve the best pizza ever!  I still can't believe Vernon was willing to take his shoes off and sit on the floor!  Way to go Vern!  

Mom, Gracie, and Vernon and Pineapple Farm

Mom at Pineapple park 

Pizza in the Sky (Mom calls it a Slice of Heaven!) heehee!

Mike, Gracie and me at Pizza in the Sky

Pizza and chopsticks???

Pizza in the Sky