Fuji-ten Sledding

Holiday on a monday? Perfect reason to spend the day with the family! It also happened to be Brayden's birthday, which made it even more fun. We loaded up our sled, ski pants, boots and warm clothes. Our GPS was set for a sledding area at the base of Mt. Fuji!

We enjoy when we can escape the Tokyo metroplitan area. This drive was beautiful, with a brilliant  sun, snowy mountain vistas and, of course, stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Brayden was bundled up with snow bibs, boots, layered jackets and a hat. He was not a fan of all the fluff at first, but he did alright.

Brayden loves to play on the slides at parks. I was hoping he would have a similar excitement sledding down a hill. Aaron and I would take turns sledding down with Brayden. He didn't enjoy when snow would get in his face, but that seemed to be his only complaint. 

Clouds were covering part of the summit of Mt. Fuji. (Our pictures don't do the view justice.) The view of the mountain was still impressive. I was thinking of 5 month previous when I was climbing up the mountain through similar clouds, soaked and chilled to the bone. Sledding was a much more pleasant memory to be making!

Christmas in Okinawa

Aaron's parents were visiting us for the weekend prior to Christmas. They planned to spend Christmas in Okinawa with Aaron's sister. We decided to join them and purchased tickets for the same flight. This was Aaron's first flight with Brayden. Brayden checked off his 12th and 13th flight for that trip.

We "house-sat" at a place just up the road from Aaron's sister's place. What a blessing to be able to stay in a home and not have to be in a hotel. We stayed at the house with Don and Kay. This allowed for late night game nights after B went to bed.

Christmas Eve day was pedicure day! What a treat! This place in Okinawa is the best pedicure I have ever had! Nail art is a specialty at this salon. This year I went for something original and not in the idea book they offer. I had Aaron's squadron logo painted on my toes. Yes, I might have a little too much enthusiasm as a Navy wife.

Christmas Eve dinner was a special treat. Addy, Aaron's sister prepared a delicious feast. She made Beef Wellington. This was a first time for both Aaron and me. It was very tasty! There was a lot of preparation that went into this meal. If Addy wanted to shift her education career, she could easily do well in the culinary world. Delicious!

We returned back to the house and called it a night. Christmas morning was slow and relaxed. B slept in a bit longer than what I anticipated, which I greatly appreciated. He was sleeping in the bedroom closet on the floor with a number of blankets stacked up. It is nice that he is still small enough that he can sleep in a closet. Soon enough our vacations will require that he has a bed/cot to sleep on. The remainder of the day was low key family time.

The temperature was a perfect warm temperature. We didn't have a car, so we walked between houses. After nap time everyone met up at Zakimi Castle ruins. I am fascinated with how different structures were built in history. This was a place where we experienced that. I am amazed what people could create without the modern tools and techniques.

Our last full day in Okinawa we toured a local beach. B was able to run free. (For the most part, we were next to water.) He enjoyed playing in the sand. It is fun to watch him play outside. We climbed rocks that stretched out into the water. The temperature was just warm enough that you didn't need a jacket. It was December, so I wasn't complaining.

(Early) Christmas 2014

This year marks our second Christmas season in Japan. Can you believe that? We did Brayden's Christmas early because we knew we were flying down to Okinawa for Christmas day. Santa's elves came early to set up his gifts. He also opened presents sent from both sets of grandparents. B is a silly boy. He loves using Skype to see and talk to our family back home. My parents were on Skype while he opened presents.

One of B's gifts this year was a slide. I knew he would enjoy it and he absolutely LOVED it! Once Aaron brought it inside B had the biggest smile. He didn't hesitate and slid right on down his own slide.

This day was also shared with a birthday. It was Nana Kay's birthday. I baked and decorated a cake for her. (Decorated cake = frosting and sprinkles.) We all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and let her make a wish on her birthday candles. As you know, B has a sweet tooth and loves sprinkles just as much as his mother does. He thoroughly enjoyed eating birthday cake!

Sagamiko Illumination

Residing in a foreign country changes the general feel of holidays. I love looking at Christmas lights during the holiday season. We took a family drive to see the Sagamiko Illumination one evening. My heart was happy when we finally arrived and saw the lights. It was pure delight.

The event was showcased on a hillside. We brought our BOB stroller and it was worth it. Brayden enjoyed looking at the lights. Closer to the end he was acting tired. It was rather chilly out that evening.

This was a great evening spent together as a family. These moments seem so special. Especially because Aaron is gone for the summer months. We cherish the family moments we get.