Kintai Fun

 I may have neglected to mention that Miranda and Dan came to visit us!  They did.  And we have been enjoying a whirlwind of activity as I dragged them all over to see all the cool stuff.  On Monday we visited all my favorite thrift stores.  Where was insufficient time to do all we wanted, but it was fun.  I did not take any photos of that part though.  So sad.

On Tuesday I took them to Kintai.  We spent a couple hours there and managed too see things I had not seen before.  It was exhausting and delightful!  I did take pictures!

My adorable sister and her well-matched husband.  Like them a lot!

I know, pictures of them and not me?  

 Me and the Japanese Garden.

Me and Miranda! 

The awesome trail we started on to hike up to the castle.  45 minutes of this was... invigorating! 

Don't we look invigorated?! 

 The spectacular view of the Kintai Bridge from the castle at the top of the mountain.

The Iwakuni Castle

Look!  I did get a shot of me and Miranda at the Castle!

We did take the paved road on the way down! 

A lovely Japanese man offered to take this picture of the 3 of us at the Zen Garden.

Rylee

 Ryle makes me laugh.  She had a marvelous time running around, spinning, dancing, collecting grass and rocks, climbing on me, hanging on my legs, and being very silly during the Pageant.  I did take photos of her shenanigans.  The last picture is my favorite- she is flaring her nostrils at me!

Marine Corps Birthday Pageant

 On Monday November 9, the base held the Marine Corps Pageant.  We got to go, and brought Dan and Miranda and all 5 of our sister missionaries.  I do love the tradition and pomp and circumstance of the Marine Corps and this did not disappoint.  They spoke of the birth of the Marine Corps and talked about the different eras of the Marine uniforms.  They had men walk down in the different uniforms throughout history.  Very motivating!

At the end, they posted colors, then brought out the cake to celebrate the 240th Birthday of the Marine Corps.  They cut the cake and gave it to the oldest Marine, who took a bite and passed it to the youngest Marine. Coolest part is that we know the oldest Marine.  He is a way cool guy.

The first Marine Uniform.

Not enough bling on this one. 

More modern, and the first female uniform.

Me and Miranda, not showing proper respect.  (Sorry Dad!) 

The uniform during the Korean War.  I think this was the only guy who acted out his part. 

Very Top Gun! 

Old style cammies.

Uniform when we started in Iraq. 

And my favorite uniform! Well, isn't it everyone's favorite?! 

The Commander and presenting of Colors. 

The Birthday Cake and reading of the message. 

 First slice of cake presented to the oldest Marine by the Base C.O.

Our 5 awesome sister missionaries with the oldest Marine. (They are all doing their best "stern Marine" looks!)

Lunch Date

Dan and I have been going out to lunch once a week lately.  I took him off base and out to Sako's the other day, and introduced him to the best BLT's ever.  I was happy with the BLT with avocado, but Dan added the cheese and egg to his.  I was not sure he was going to be able to fit it all in his mouth!  He did, and lunch was delicious!  Mmmmmm.... now I want to go again!

Halloween

 I am a horribly horrible Halloween slacker.  I am sorry.  I just don't care enough about it and we and up running around at the last minute so I never get any pictures.  This year we did costumes for the base Boo Bash.  It was Wednesday before Halloween.   Joshua went as his obscure video game character "The Scout".  Marian and Callie were black-cloaked figures and the little 2 were cats.  The 3 older kids wore the same thing for Halloween, but Delaney switched to a "Flamenco Dancer" based on a make-it-yourself costume book. Ryle went as the same cowgirl she was last year.  All had a good haul of candy and they have been steadily working their way through it all.

Rylee at the Boo Bash when I suddenly realized I ought to get a picture.

My 2 kitties.  Delaney was more interested in her candy. 

Riley is showing me how a cat licks it's paw.  She was so funny. 

Cotton candy.  Yum! 

Joshua didn't like my pictures so he took a selfie of his costume. 

His whole costume.  He was pleased.