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.

Callie likes Cats

 For Activity days a week or so ago the girls got to hike the path up to the Iwakuni Castle.  The castle and the hike were not the most interesting part for Callie.  The cats roaming the area were the most exciting part of the trip for her. She found a few that were friendly and quickly named them and wanted to keep them. I'm pretty sure the one cat would have been quite happy to go home with us!

Happy Doggie

 I feel very blessed to have some great friends here.  Recently one of them was away and in an area with more shopping opportunities than we have.  An offer was extended to obtain such things as we could not acquire in Iwakuni.  I mentioned that rawhide bones for Levi were not available here.  I was delighted that upon his return, he delivered a giant bone for Levi.  Levi was even more delighted than I was.

Levi carried his  bone around for a while before deciding to start on it.  He was a happy boy!

He was so happy with it he even took his naps with it.