Kimono Dress Up!

I am so excited about the class we just took on base.  Every so often they bring a native from Japan on base to teach a class on different traditions they have in this wonderful country.  The class, of course, was on Kimono's.  I was so excited because it involved the entire family.  At first the kids were not too sure about it but once they got comfortable it made for a great time and CUTE pictures.  I hope you enjoy them as I will for the rest of my life....

The instructor is helping Alyssa make sure her Kimono is a perfect fit.  I couldn't get over how adorable she looked.  

Making some finishing touches to her outfit and starting to really get into it.  

Here is a little surprise for my mom.  I told her about this class but let her know that only Alyssa and I would be attending.  Once I saw other children Asher's age I asked if it was ok for my "boys" to stay. And I am so happy they did.  

The kids loved the big map of Japan on the wall.  Gave me the opportunity to get the back of Alyssa's Kimono.  

OMG!!!

This picture doesn't need any explanation.  She is too cute.  

Everything Alyssa does, I can do better :)

Mommy joined in the fun and loved every minute. 

The Muhs Family does Kimono's.  

It was a great experience and it wouldn't have been the same without all 4 of us.  

One last photo and cuddle from my cute little Japanese girl (with a british accent).  

Misawa Fesitval

We have been in Japan for about 3 weeks now and I have been horrible about posting any pictures on here (and I have taken a few hundred already).  We have mostly been going to the beach but this last weekend we got to enjoy our first Japan festival.  This was the Misawa festival that was right outside the main gate of the base.  It was real exciting to see all the floats and the traditional clothing that some of the locals wore.  I hope you enjoy my pictures of the festival and I promise to have more pictures of our adventures to come.  Enjoy....

Since we have been here the weather has been hot and sticky, this day was no exception.  Here we found a bit of shade to enjoy some Hawaiian shaved ice to cool down the kids.  

The shrine was the kickoff of the parade.  Later when it started to sprinkle they made sure to cover it up to protect it.  It was followed by two rows of men dressed in some sort of traditional garments.  

You may find this picture unusual but I wanted to show you this.  See the man in the white shorts and black shirt pulling the rope.  He is the beginning of a LONG rope pulling the HUGE float down the road.  Unlike the states they move these floats down manually.  The entire family gets into it, along with little toddlers pulling the rope.  

Every float had drummers of some kind.  They had a specific way of hitting the drums and they all stayed together.  Most of the drummers were kids.  

I just thought this girl was adorable holding cheery blossoms.  She was the start of a new float.  

These floats were so detailed.  You will see towards the end of the pictures that these suckers open up and get to be very big.  

They even get really detailed on the back side.  The big fan on top will lift up when they open it up.

My poor little boy was not feeling really well and he had this pouty face the whole day.  But he did seem to enjoy the floats.  

If you notice the next two floats and their choice for decorating.  I found it funny that they were a little scary...

look at the arrow through the dogs eye.  Even Alyssa said "look at the poor dogs eye".  I wonder what the evil floats stand for.  Something to find out while we are here.  

Pretty girls with pretty flowers.  

The newest members of the Muhs family.  Three little goldfish Alyssa got at a booth, and yes they are still alive.  Check back with me in a couple days :)

MEAT ON A STICK!  Nothing greater than that.  Even AJ insisted  I get one.  I told him it was because he was envious I could and he wouldn't.  And I was right.  

(BTW is was delicious, I went back for seconds)

Alyssa with her new fan.  She loved keeping herself cool.  

One of the floats opened up.  It was HUGE and beautiful.  They take a year to build just for this festival.  

We even meet up with our new friends to enjoy the floats go by.  

It was enjoyed by all.  

Next weekend we are going to the Port Festival to see more gorgeous floats.  Look for my next blog post.  

Visiting AJ's Cousin Ken and Family

On the way to our new home in Japan we had a layover in Seattle for 36 hours.  While there we had the chance to meet up with one of AJ's cousins, Ken and his family.  It was so great to meet another one of his family members.  We had a great time with them and look forward to another visit.  

YUMMM!  

What flavor should I choose.  Ken owns an ice cream shop and this was our first stop.  

Everyone sure enjoyed the ice cream.  Since this was a special meeting I allowed Alyssa two scoops (luckly she didn't finish it).  

The boy enjoyed his too.  

Alyssa and Eva enjoying each others company.  Becoming fast friends.    

Starting Asher off at an early age with video games.  I think we are  in trouble.  

My cute family at the ice cream shop.  It was a great time.  

The ladies just hanging out and getting to know each other.  

Cousins!

Can you see the resemblance?  It was great seeing these guys catch up, especially talking about their Grandpa.    

Such cuties :)    

The entire gang.  

We had a great time and look forward to seeing all of them again.  

England Family Photos

Before we left England I wanted to get some professional photos done of the entire family.  Even though I have take literally thousands and thousands of pictures of our adventures in England I was wanting to get some great shots of the entire family.  A little hard to do when I am behind the camera.  Thanks to my new and good friend Vanessa she was not only able to get all 4 of us in them but made us look GOOD.  She has a great talent and am thankful she was willing to capture some great moments.  Hope you enjoy them as much as I do...  

There were too many great shots to put them all on here but these were most of my favorites.  Thank you once again to Vanessa with Moments by Murray for her time and talent.