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