My first glimpse of Japan

After I left Seattle, I slept most of the way there. It's a good 10 or 12 hour flight. Once we go closer to Japan I started taking a few pics. The views that high were spectacular! We had a quick layover in Tokyo at Yokota AFB and then we were off on the last 2 and half hour or so flight to beautiful Okinawa!

I love how you can see the 'end' of the world

First time I've ever laid eyes on Japan
Mt. Fuji!
Our home for 3 years- Okinawa, Japan
Naha

Seattle!

On my way to Okinawa I had to stop in Seattle and get on the international flight. I had about 12 hours to spare, so I called up my long time online friend Jim (HI JIM!) who lived 3 hours away in Portland, and he graciously came up and spent the evening with me. While we lived in Casa Grande he came down to visit for a few days, and stayed with Ethan and I. He also had an aunt and uncle who lived in Phoenix, so we went up and had lunch and visited with them as well. While we were in Seattle, Jim took me to the Space Needle, which had GORGEOUS views. We also went to dinner and watched a movie. It was alot of fun!! I must say, Seattle streets at night are a little scary, so I was really glad to have Jim escorting me around. Love ya Jim!

Jim!

Downtown Seattle

Space Needle. The line is the crack in Jim's window LoL

Sunset from the top

Mountains.. don't remember what they're called LoL

Umm.. Mt. Rainier? I think? >.<

Jim and I in the movies

The Lindermans

Ethan and I lived for almost two years in Casa Granda, Arizona. For those who don't know where it is, it's roughly halfway between Phoenix and Tucson on the 10. This is where Ethan enlisted into the USAF, and where we really grew up from being on our own. This was also where we met Chad and Teresa Linderman.. what to say about them! We are truly thankful they're a part of our lives. And the boys! Hunter and Aayden freakin' rock. Just before Ethan left for BMT and I moved back to Mom and Dad's, Aayden finally learned how to say "Mel." It was SO cute! We really love them as family, and are really hoping we go back to Phoenix at some point in Ethan's career. After Ethan graduated from Tech school in Wichita Falls, TX, we went to Arizona to visit. We had a great meal at Valle Luna (mmm! SO good!) for Teresa's birthday, and really enjoyed spending time with them again. We miss you guys!!

Chad and Ethan (WTF is with the goofy face, E?)
Haha! Chad and Aayden
Teresa feeding Hunter some ice cream
Happy Birthday to T!!

T =]The boys and I
Ethan got the good one.. L-R Hunter, Ethan, and Aayden
Ethan and I at the airport, headed back to Wichita

I'm leaving on a jet plane..

Ethan left for Okinawa two weeks before I did. He flew out on September 26th, 2006, and I was able to leave on October 12th. We were waiting for my passport to show up, and literally two days after he got on a plane it came in the mail. What luck! Although I was really nervous to go to Japan by myself (I'd never left the country!), it was exciting. The two weeks gave me the extra time I needed to spend with family and friends before embarking on a new chapter in our lives. It was one thing to be out on our own, young and married. Arizona was a huge step for us. But JAPAN?! Down right daunting! The day before I left Mom and Dad treated me to some Red Lobster. Mmmm! Lucena at the time was about 6 months pregnant. Ignore the camera dates.. they're wrong!

Liz and I a few days before I left

Mom and Dad. I love dad's face in this!

Lucena and Troy. The flash really washed her out =[
*poke poke* Hi Lael! I know you're in there!
HAHAHA!!

Mom, Andy and Lucena with me at the AirportAndy and I. She got up at the buttcrack of dawn to see me off.
Mom and I. No crying!
Lucena, Lael, and I. I was heartbroken I was going to miss the birth =[
Mom, Lucena, and I.

Just starting out!

Well, I just created this thing, and really am not sure what direction I'm going in yet. I will probably start posting blogs and going in chronological order of pictures since we got here.. two years ago LoL. Then once I get caught up, I'll try and post regularly to keep everyone up to date. As of today, we have exactly one year left on Okinawa. Sad, as we love it here, but we're ready for somewhere new. Well, I think that about sums it up for now, soooooo I will write more later!