Miyajima with Miranda

 I seem to be rather behind!  It was Wed, Nov 11, that was Veteran's Day, so Dan and I took a couple of little girls and Dan and Miranda to Miyajima Island.

We enjoyed the Ferry ride over to the island.

Callie and Delaney entertained themselves just fine.

Callie had bagged up some grass to feed the deer on the island.

And Dan was a little more excited about petting deer than Miranda.

I had to get in some artsy scenic photos.

It really is so pretty there!

There were some funny staged shots as well.

The girls think they are SO funny!

We explored areas we had never been before and it was fun.

Callie and Delaney wanted to pose with this guy.

We stopped to play at the little strip of beach because, why not?  We had time!

Some pants may have gotten wet, and shoes were definitely sandy. 

The place was pretty packed with students.  These lovely girls stopped us to ask questions for their assignment.  They were very cute.

Ryle took a water break. She loves her water bottle.  She really just likes the "tea cup" feature.

Selfie with the Torii.

Selfie with my awesome sister and her husband.  I am super sad to say I think this is one of only 2 photos of the 3 of us.  Oops.  

The Japanese students gave us a lovely origami dragon for helping with their questionnaire.  Ryle promptly claimed it as her own and carted it all over the island.  Sadly, just before we went home, she left it out and unattended and a deer ate it.

Two of my favorite girls!

Riley is photobombing Dan and Miranda's photo and doesn't even know it. 

Me and my Dan

Posing with the weird giant stuffed animal.

Delaney had to do it too.

We took Dan and Miranda out for Okonomiyaki.  They liked it.

It was tasty!

Then there was more frolicking on the beach.

More feeding the deer.

And a little sandcastle building before we headed home.

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!)