Cora's first friend...

Here's a picture of Cora with her buddy Sophia. So far they pretty much co-exist and look amused at each other when one is crying or fussy. We can't wait for them to interact some more! Sophia is 3 months older than Cora. Hmmm they look about the same size, huh?

We're going to visit the pool later this week -- it should be fun!

Happy 4th of July!

Hi everyone --- Happy 4th of July from Japan! We had a memorable one here :) We went shopping during the day and then enjoyed the organized event at the Nimitz Park downtown. This was put on by various organizations from base and was open to the entire community. It was fun to people watch.

We were considering hot dogs for tradition, but ended up having Yakitori and Yakisoba ---- meat on stick and noodles. Oh well, when in Japan.... We did enjoy some draft beers, at least!

They had live music --- a Japanese Beatles cover band, a team of Japanese bagpipers and a Stevie Ray Vaughn cover band that came over from the states. The night ended with some fireworks that were set off a barge on base.

Thankfully the weather was nice -- a day off of "rainy season" -- it was hot, but we had plenty of shade and a nice breeze.

Cora was an angel and seemed to enjoy herself... she looked adorable in her "baby's first fourth" onesie sent to her by Auntie Sara :) thank you!

Greg spent his 4th eating excellent food, watching fireworks and playing some blackjack 'down under. Now if only we could coordinate to be together for a 4th of July --- it hasn't happened yet since we've known each other!

USS Tortuga in Cairns

Here's Greg's ship pierside in Australia! He's even got some time to go off ship and explore. Apparently they aren't allowed to scuba dive though (order from the US Navy -- boo!), as the Great Barrier Reef is located there. What a bummer. We were able to talk over Skype this evening and Greg sounds in good spirits... that may be due to his finding a wonderful brewpub in Cairns ;) He went to a museum (of course) and saw Transformers 2 and ate KANGAROO fajitas at a Mexican restaurant!!! Though it's winter time there, the weather is great (70s) and the people are very nice and welcoming. He's hoping to go to the rainforest or at least snorkeling on the 4th of July. He says HELLO to all :)

LISTEN LIVE now (6/30 4:30 pm EST)

http://www.radiozinc.com.au/cairns/index.html

It's the morning show of Cairns being broadcasted live from the flight deck of the USS Tortuga! Not sure we'll hear Greg, but we can hear what the sailors and marines are up to "down under" :) I think the show lasts a good 4 hours, so if the time is right, check them out!

So far the music has been pretty good, too!

Hirado Castle

Our last "field trip" with dad/grandpa here was to an island called Hirado. It has a beautiful castle that was built in the early 1600s. It is in good repair and we climbed up to it for a spectacular view. Luckily we visited between the raindrops -- it's rainy season here, which pretty much means daily rains for who knows how long..... I'm glad to not have to water the flowers, but I feel for the dogs who are missing their long walks.

We were surprised while cooking breakfast today to feel an EARTHQUAKE! It only lasted a few seconds, but the epicenter was reported to be in Nagasaki and it measured 4.5! All of my dishes were rattling and it felt like the house was shaking from side-to-side. This was the first earthquake that I've felt here in Japan, despite many being reported since our arrival. I remember feeling a couple in Saipan and remember the many tsunami warnings we'd get in Saipan after Japanese earthquakes.... gee how the tables have turned!

Dad is now enroute back to Detroit. Mom has decided to stay a bit longer, though -- gotta love retirement! I'm certainly glad for the company and we're hoping that Cora's passport will come in so we can all go back to the states together for a visit (having help with the long flight seems dreamy to me!!).

Greg, on the other hand, has safely made it to Australia. They are around the Great Barrier Reef. I am encouraging him to do some scuba diving, though it sounds like ANYTHING but a vacation. We're looking forward to talking to him sometime soon.

A day @ Ishidake Zoo

Cora went to the Sasebo zoo yesterday (so did mom, grandma and grandpa....)! We were really impressed by the variety of animals and condition of the zoo. In addition, it was a botanical garden with lots of pretty blooms, too :)

Sasebo Tops!

What a fun field trip! Sasebo is home to world-famous toy tops. We visited the factory, which is located in downtown Sasebo. It is family-owned for over 100 years. The tops are the "old fashioned" ones that are spun by pitching them like a bowling ball and releasing a rope that is wrapped around one end. They are all wooden, lathe-carved and painted in various styles. Pitching them looked challenging, I got out of trying with Cora strapped to my chest :) Mom and dad both tried (many times) and succeeded!