Family Time in Okinawa ~Grand Finale Weekend, continued ~Okuma Beach

Yay! We’re all going to Okuma Beach...

It was a short drive from Cape Hedo.

Jack’s mama booked a reservation for us

to stay in a beach house with this view from the porch.

So, we were staying in the Turtle’s Nest.

While Jack’s parents were setting up his Pack ‘n Play 

and getting him settled, I walked out on the beach.

It wasn’t long before they came out to join me.

We toasted to the sun, sand, and family 

with a little Rose.

Amy and Jack went out into the water.

I stayed on the beach to enjoy the view...

and to reflect on how lucky I am 

to be here in this beautiful place with our family.

This was our little nest on the beach.

Amy had thought of everything.

This is a great place for families to spend a weekend.

We walked over to the restaurant for some dinner...

Jack loves the Napoli’s wood roasted pizza.

Their pizza oven is outside on the beach.

It was simply delicious.

After dinner, we sat on the porch to watch the sunset.

This Nana’s heart is full.

We are blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Veterans Day ~Honoring all Who Served

I love this photo of my daddy and his brother.

It was taken in 1945.

Today we Honor All Who have Served.

Thank you to the Veterans and their Families 

who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Take care,

~Natalie

My Birthday Report ~A Celebration Fit for a Nana

The best birthday celebration is one spent with family.

It was a lovely day to go to our StoryBook Land.

“Just Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow,

Follow the Yellow Brick Road”.

This was Baby Jack’s first of many train rides, 

when he visits us in Aberdeen.

The trip takes the passengers 

all round the perimeter of the park.

I’m not quite sure if Jack had 

as much fun as I did?

 Here’s Baby Jack and his Mama with the Castle.

When she was a child we came here 

three to four times a week.

Children of all ages like the petting zoo...

Guess who fed the goats?!

There is much to see and do at Storybook Land.

It will be so much fun when Jack is a little older!

We did find his mama’s brick in the castle.

After a stop at home so Jack could have his lunch 

and we could freshen up, 

we went for our lunch at the Palm Garden.

It was a great choice for our meal out...

I enjoyed the Grilled Shrimp Spinach Salad.

And we purchased their gourmet chocolates 

to take home for our sweet tooth.

My hubby and daughter prepared dinner 

for me at home in the evening.

Thank you, my dear family, 

for a wonderful birthday celebration!

Take care,

~Natalie

Dream Vacation ~The Full Story ~~Day 5: How We Spent Our Morning

 

It was a very special morning, indeed.

google image

Our original itinerary had us traveling to Cambridge 

for punting, shopping and tea.

But, you remember the type of weather we were experiencing?

This was the view from my guest room window.

Punting would only be fun if it was warm and sunny.

We used this opportunity to visit Amy's hubby at work.

He goes in very early (5:15 am),

 so by mid-morning he was ready for a break.

Each pilot has his/her own locker.

We received clearance to go out to see one of the planes.

While Nick sat in the pilot's seat,

I climbed up to see where he really works.

I got the complete tour...

I am so very, very proud of this young man.

This was just the best way to spend our rainy morning.

Take care,

~Natalie

Honoring our Veterans ~WW II Love Letters ~~and Say a Prayer for Those Who Continue to Serve Our Country.

This photo is of my daddy, taken in 1941.

He was so proud of his service in the Army.

Central High School hosted our community's 

Veterans Day Assembly.

It has always been one of my favorite days.

(Click here to review my Veteran's Day blog post from 2008)

I have my mom's cedar chest in the bedroom downstairs.

In the cedar chest, this stationery box contains the precious letters that my daddy wrote to my mom while he was stationed overseas.

Notice in 1945, a postage stamp cost 3 cents.

And on occasion, servicemen could send a message for free.

This is so sweet...

My dad wasn't sure if my mom was his sweetheart or his friend.

I'm glad they figured that out.

This post would not be complete 

without a mention of our son-in-law, Nick.

He serves our country as 

a pilot with the United States Air Force.

Our daughter, Amy is always there by his side.

We are so proud of them both.

Stay safe...Love you...

Take care,

~Natalie