Carson's 8th Birthday at the Beach

Luckily, the rain held out and we were able to have Carson's birthday party at Araha Beach, or as the kids call it, Pirate Beach. We invited the McMillian and Guilmain families. The kids had so much fun playing in the sand and on the playground. They played for 2 1/2 hours. Carson said this wasn't the best birthday ever, but it was the "greatest birthday in the whole world, the bestest!" I'm so happy he had such a fun time. All the kids were so happy and just loved every minute of it.

Happy 8th Birthday Carson!

Today Carson turned 8 years old. How in the world is he already 8???? Time goes by so fast. I just can't believe 8 years ago I was having my first c-section. Joshua and I were so excited to meet our first little man. Carson is becoming an amazing little boy. He is so smart and funny. He loves adventure and he loves to learn. This morning he woke up to his torn all decorated. He thought that was pretty cool. He requested french toast for breakfast and he ate 6 whole pieces. For lunch he wanted to eat at the BX. So we went there, had lunch, went upstairs and let him pick out a new Lego, picked up his balloons and then headed to his party at the beach.

After his party we stopped and picked up pizza. We came home and ate. The house was decorated in a Star Wars theme. He opened his presents and was so excited with everything he got. He loved his new jeans and shirts and really loved his new Oregon sweatshirt. Carson was very excited of course for new Lego's also. He said that this was the best birthday ever!

Happy 8th Birthday Carson! I love you so much!

A Gorgeous Day at White Beach

Today was a beautiful, sunny, and blue sky day. We headed out to White Beach mid morning to go for a walk on the beach and look for shells and crabs. The water was up really high but we all had a lot of fun combing the beach. Josh found a huge dead fish with really big teeth. Cooper played with a big dead crab and was so excited about it. Emma filled her bucket with shells and sea glass. Parker found the best and biggest shell. Carson played along the shore, jumping in the waves. After walking on the beach for awhile the kids played on the playground. Nothing better than playing on the playground, on the beach, in shorts at the end of December.

Josh's Running Accident

As Josh walked in the door the first thing I heard was, "Shannon, be prepared, I think I shattered my knee cap." I walked around the corner and saw the blood running down his knee. Josh was running and tripped and fell. A Japanese woman finally stopped and drove him home. I felt so bad for him. The kids were so freaked out by all the blood. It ended up being a really bad scrape with a few deeper cuts. It could have been so much worse.

Gifts from our Japanese Neighbors

We were so surprised when the doorbell rang last night. We were not expecting anyone. Our Japanese neighbors/owners that live downstairs brought us a special Christmas cake and presents for each of the kids. We were so surprised. I wish we knew more Japanese to thank them better. That was so thoughtful and kind of them. The kids each got a special case filled with Japanese snacks and goodies. What a great ending to an amazing 1st Christmas in Okinawa!