We went to Okuma (the military "resort" on island) this weekend for our school staff weekend. We had a wonderful time relaxing with our family, many friends and numerous butterflies. We headed out to Hedo Point-the northern most point of Okinawa- on our way home..ok..it was a roundabout way...but we were rewarded with many many sea turtle sightings from the point. Another beautiful day on Okinawa!

There is always something to click at in Spring!

I am just loving every gift each day offers here in Okinawa in the Spring. Yeah, that sounds so hokey but it is true. I try to tell my students how life is one big free adventure if you just open your eyes to the world. For instance, Tim and I were walking around the neighborhood Saturday morning and came across a cat climbing on the roof of his home. He spies a shisa (they are placed on roofs or walls to protect the Okinawan homes from evil spirits- often called shishi dogs by the Americans)He meanders to the statue, sniffs it, and promptly sits right in front of it as if to say, "What is all the big-to-do about these dogs anyway? I can sit on a roof and stare down anything while looking much more stylish than any dog!" Anyway, the rest of the shots are self-explanatory I guess...more koinobori over a river,a fluffy sparrow in the tall grass (I was trying to capture Japanese white-eyes on gladiolas and was surprised to see the bird I was trying to shoot was a sparrow!), and the kids playing at the beach at sunset the day before Mother's Day.

Boy's Day and Koinobori

Tim and I dropped the kids off at Capoeira for their hour-long class and drove around the area exploring small neighborhoods searching for koinoburi (fish kites) which are flown at many Japanese homes to celebrate Boy's Day on May 5th. They hang one large black carp for the father, one red/pink fish for the mother, and a blue for each boy in the home on a tall pole or on a line. The carp, koi, represents strength because it apparently can "overcome problems".The girls are left out of the fish flag tradition BUT they have their own holiday where traditional dolls are displayed in homes in March. Anyway, we hit the jackpot and found some koinobori by a home and at a small park. It was a sunny, windy, beautiful afternoon and it reminded us why we love living in Okinawa so much. We even made it back to Capoeira to pick up the kids on time! (oh-I found a Japanese white-eye bird,too-my favorite!)

Random Okinawa Shots

It is a windy Sunday here in Nagahama. The sun is shining and much of the reef is exposed. I poked my head out of the kitchen window to capture the colors of the sea. I love seeing folks exploring the reef and all the bounty it offers to those who venture upon it. I also LOVE Sunday afternoons whether I am out exploring, playing with my family and friends or playing with my pictures on the computer! (The picture of the woman near the rock toting the octopus catching gear is NOT from my window and the flowers are from Izena)

Spring Beach Dance Video

Joy! Joy! Joy!

An April Beach Day...

We found ourselves at "Teacher Beach" at Maida Flats this Sunday. Sat in my beach chair shooting pictures of birds and happy, silly kids!

Spring

Spring has sprung on Okinawa and Izena Island, too! We spent our spring vacation camping on the beach on Izena. Visiting this island is like taking a trip back in time. The majority of the homes are still the traditional Okinawan style -wooden with tiled roofs. Each and every yard was full of blossoming flowers. We had the most relaxing time sharing our adventure with the Greens, The Leggios (minus Adam and plus Christa's mom, Sarah), and the DeVriesies of course!Zori had a blast chasing ring-necked pheasants in the fields and the cranes on the reef. We had a campfire each night after spending our days exploring, reading, reef walking, napping, and mopeding around the island!

February Birds and Stripes

I am now officially obsessed with trying to capture ospreys and Japanese white eyes in my lense. I have started taking my camera with on my daily travels. This has been great because I find myself stopping to admire nature more and more often. I stop the car whenever the mood strikes and shoot away. It just struck me that this is what Daddy used to do- I clearly remember his clouds and cows on hills fixations!
(Casey was in the tub and turned into a zebra with the help of the blinds)