Ice Cream and the Dentist

So, it's Spring Break week. What would Spring Break be without Ice Cream...
or a trip to the dentist? (ahh yes, I am a GREAT mom like that).

We hit the BIG DIP this week (Blue Seal Ice Cream here in Oki). We pass the Big Dip pretty much EVERY day and every day I tell them "no, not today" I had to finally say hello BIG DIP. mmmm. Olivia enjoying her Cookies and Cream

And of course Alessandra eating Chocolate (her flavor of choice). If you come here you can also choose from passion fruit, mango, sugar cane, beni-imo (Okinawan sweet potato), Goya (bitter melon) and some other interesting flavors. And you Ohio-ans, NO, it isn't a good as Graeter's, but it will just have to do...

SO, today we also took a little trip to the dentist. One of my most proud moments as a mom (or scary moments) is that both of my kids actually look forward to going to the dentist. Olivia has been a few times, but this was trip numero uno for little miss mighty.

Much to my surprise she didn't want to sit on my lap (as the offered her to do), but hopped right up in the big chair, pushed the little button to make it go back and laid down. The hygienist totally cracked up, but went with it. Gave her some groovy sunglasses and called in the dentist (the below photo). She did the exam and then Alessandra let her brush every last one of her little teeth. We also learned that she has a pretty good overbite AND will most definitely need braces down the line. Ahh, lucky genetics. The highlight for her was the bag of goodies at the end, complete with new toothbrush and a sticker. (although, she also tried to get them to let her keep the sunglasses).

And in room 2 we have Olivia who just totally took off with her hygienist to get her teeth cleaned with a big wave to mom. She got all polished a pretty and her hygienist told me that Olivia was exactly what she need to end her day "it is so great when a kid smiles at you after it’s over and says thank you."

Here are our two smile bugs gleaming with happy teeth health at 3rd Dental Battalion Okinawa. Ahhh, the fun we are having this Spring Break.

Soccer Camp - oh yes, and more sunset's too.

Welcome to our Spring Break! We have started off strong with Olivia partaking in Soccer Camp all week long. (Yes, I DID have to explain what a "camp" was, aside from the obvious "camping in a tent in the woods." She did assure me after I explained what a camp was and that when she is older that she could go away to overnight camp, that, she will not be doing that. EVER "because your mom and dad can't go, why would I want to do that." I think I may need to quote her on that later.

Here is our little soccer girl (and her smaller sister) this morning on Day 2 (crazy hair day, thus the 7 ponytails in her hair). Complete with 3 band-aids on her knees from a fall yesterday. (note: Alessandra's band-aid is just for sympathy- no real boo-boo).

And here is our sunset from 2 nights ago. Sorry to do this to all of my loyal readers (what are there, 3 of you??) I just can't help it. They amaze me (almost) daily and I am so thankful every night that I get to close my day with this as my evening.

At some point, photos of my sunsets may get old to you, but for me... sorry, they just won't.

Here we are tonight...

I have a few posts started and some videos up and coming. HOWEVER, they won't be making their debut tonight. After dinner tonight we headed out in our "backyard" for a quick walk and enjoyed the sunset. Thought you might enjoy it too.

I love that it is March...

Today was a lovely day. The weather people had told us that it was supposed to be rainy and cold all weekend. After yesterday (when it was rainy and cold) we were geared up for another day if ICK, however we awoke to the clouds going away and the sun coming out again!! The girls and I decided to take a walk and head down to the park and play. While down there we decided to do some playing on the beach. Thought you might want a peak at our day...




Then it got a little wet...



and then we headed home....




It was a lovely day!

Daisy's

If you have been reading my blog (or talked to me much) you have probably heard me mention Daisy's. If not, I will tell you about it now.

You know my love of all things food. Well, Daisy's has my favorite item on the island. Their speciality dish is called "Jasmine's Rice" and Brad's best description is of the thai plate rice he ate while in Thailand. We have had other things on the menu (well, I should note the kids have and Brad has... I however, have never ordered anything else). Anyway, this place is a little (for lack of a better term) beach shack. Worn down, dogs welcome and just plain old comfy, it is one of my favorite places here.

All in all, this post is for Brad. The last time I had talked to him we had heard that Daisy's was going to close for a month or so for renovations.. etc. This (I know) seems like no big deal, however, our friends (the Colvigs) are getting ready for visitors in the coming weeks and then I have visitors (Talyn and Sherrie) coming in April too. SO, having Daisy's closed would be super sad.

We went to Daisy's and as we were preparing to eat our "last meal" (at least for awhile) and Shu (the owner and chef of all things wonderful) let us know that they weren't closing to renovate and would be open for April. SO, life was happy.

Here we are at Daisy's. Alessandra, Nicole, Caden, Olivia and Cooper (and me of course) and our cheesy message to Brad about Daisy's. (and no, their voices do not normally sound like Star Wars characters). Oh yes, it is the little things.



Orion - for your happy time.

There is hope for America...

One of the greatest things I remember about being in school or at summer camp was dutifully saying the Pledge of Allegiance every morning and participating in the freedoms of My America. As an adult the sentiment changed through the course of years and then I found myself working for (and then marrying into) the US Armed Forces. The American Flag, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights and the Pledge of Allegiance (among many other things) took a new meaning in my life. This meaning continues to change and develop as I get older and particularly as I became a parent.

One of the best things about Olivia's school (US Department of Defense, Public School) is that being an American and being patriotic is important to them. I have some issues with the curriculum in general, but this part of it warms my heart everyday.


Because in reality, it doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not or are a republican or a democrat. The reality is that in times of struggle, financial crisis, high health care costs and education that is questionable, WE are all still Americans.

There really is no country I would rather be a part of...

Sushi Zen

As most of you know, food is probably the most exciting part of my world. I love to eat, try new things, cook and just be around good food. (possibly because with good food, usually goes good friends and good conversation).

I haven't posted on food in awhile. NOT because there aren't many options for posting, I just continually forget to take photos.

SO, today is a quick food post. It was "Parent's Night Out" this past Saturday night. I can drop the kids off from 5:30 until 10:30 (and usually I only have dinner out and then head back to get them). I had plans with my friend Angela (and her friend) this weekend, but as it often happens to all of us, coughing kiddo kept her from joining me. (We must do next month Ang!!) SO, as sad as that was, my friend Nicole (and the person I do most of my food hunting with) called and said her date night was off due to hubby getting another shift the next day. Sad for them, but good for me! She and I went to Sushi Zen.

Now, I have had a lot of sushi in my little tenure in Okinawa here. Okay, I don't eat it that often, but the choices are much more readily available than the 1 or 2 restaurants we have had at our access in the years past. This was one of the best presentations of the sushi that I have ever had. Behold... the Flower Roll. (And it tasted good too, a little mellow and not too flavorful, but the freshness was Divine!)

We ordered three rolls. In the middle was a yellow tail and scallion roll and on the end (with the little dollops of yumminess on top) was the Spicy Tuna Roll that is rivaling with my favorite Spicy Tuna on the island thus far.

As far as the ambiance of the place goes. A perfect date spot. It was a lovely night and I look forward to visiting again!!