Japanese Beach Combing

Our building was under maintenance today and therefore our air conditioning and hot water would be shut off all day. Given the heat index was about 105 yesterday I decided it was a MUST to flee the apartment ASAP. But what to do? The pool doesn't open until noon. Shopping centers don't open until 10. The park is a million degrees. So I decided to bite the bullet and attempt the beach with two small children for the first time.

We headed out to Oseto Beach, about an hour's drive south of here. It's a popular surfing spot and with the aftermath of the typhoon that is crashing into China right now, it was a spectacular day for surfers and beach goers. It more or less drizzled the whole time but when you're wet, sandy and covered in spit up, who cares?

Below are a couple of pictures from our first trip to Oseto in February when my mom was out here. I remember it being about 40 degrees and super windy. Today it was about 80 degrees and just as windy!

Look at that little dude!

 My little 3 month old polar bear

 My big 8 month old surfer dude!

Elin set out to build Elsa's ice castle. She "melted" it by pouring buckets of water over it...

again...

and again...

and again...

and again. 

 

At least she has a work ethic.

We also had snack time. Squeezies and apples just don't compare to fresh sand. Something about that crunch.....

One thing that is fun about this beach is the amount of sea glass and sea porcelain that washes up on its shores. I've seen sea glass before but this was definitely my first experience with sea porcelain. Isn't it cool? 

Overall a good outing. The kids were exhausted, I was exhausted and yet no one managed to practice the fine art of a nap the rest of the day. Oye.

Matane,

Caitlyn

Spending the 4th of July abroad...again!

This year marks the 6th year I've spent the 4th of July overseas. Apparently even here in Japan we celebrate the 4th of July! In our case it was a three day celebration. On Friday my friend Judy and I ran a 5K on base with the babies. We were both met with a bit of a surprise at the end. We came in first and second in our age (no, we're not mentioning which one) category...apparently I was only 2 SECONDS behind the female winner. I won't grace you with my time but given I ran 12 miles the day before and was pushing a stroller, I'm guessing the field wasn't too plentiful. Buuuut, I won a $50 gift card to the Exchange...which will probably be spent on diapers and wipes. Yaaay.

Judy smoked it!

Saturday was a pouring mess so we decided to bail on the base pool party. Keeping tabs on a 3 year old and an 8 month old in the pool just seemed like too much for this mama still sporting a baby pooch with racing stripes (ahem, stretch marks). We did however enjoy a good afternoon of puddle jumping. When cabin fever strikes, give your kids some rain boots and just let em go! 

Sunday brought some unseasonably gorgeous weather. Cool and breezy. After church we joined the rest of the local American and Japanese community at Nimitz Park for a good ole American 4th of July party. We had some great country bands, carnival games, bounce houses and of course hamburgers and hot dogs. 

We might have waited in a 30 minute line TWICE  to jump in the bounce house. That is just how desperate I am to wear this child out. 

You might as well practice your jumps while you wait in line. 

And here is where I decided I give up on the prospect of all three of us looking at the camera. Apparently it is just too much to ask.

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Oooh! Buttons! 

A large portion of the Japanese community showed up for the event. I hear most stood in long lines at the base food court for some authentic American Taco Bell, Popeyes and Anthony's Pizza. They also wore kimonos with American flags tucked into the obi.

The best part of the day? My kids tucked into bed at 7:30 so I could watch a superb firework show off my balcony. Happy 4th of July America!!

Matane,

Caitlyn