Misawa Tanabata Festival

This is at the Tanabata Festival right here in Misawa.  It started right outside of the gate, and went up 2 streets in different directions.  They hang decorations over the road that have streamers.  It's supposed to be good luck to walk through them.  The kids loved doing this.  This festival was so authentic Japanese.  It was so fun to be a part of the culture.  The kids caught some more goldfish, and are now up to 5 fish as pets.  Aden has been a superstar pet-owner.  He calls them his kids.  There were bands and food vendors of all kinds and small activities set up. I loved that it was a night festival.

You can view video at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Y94Tj3wAw
  and                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExISYPYDAks

We came just as they were setting up around 1pm, and decided to come back later.

People wrote their wishes on these papers, and then hung them on the tree.

There were so many paper chains and hand made oragami decorations on many of these.  I couldn't believe the ammount of work that went into them.

Walking through the streamers for good luck.

Many women were wearing their traditional kimono for the festival. It made me want to get one for me and Aisley for the next festival we go to.

Combat Dining Out

We had never been to a Combat Dining-out evening put on by the military before, so we didn't know what to expect.  It was pretty hilarious and fun!  What other employer would set up a dinner that is basically a huge adult dress-up party/ indoor water fight while you are eating?  I only knew a handful of people there (It was held in a huge hangar), but everyone was fair game, when it came to the water fight.  Right after I ate, a random stranger dumped a bucket of ice water on my head.  I was freezing for the rest of it, but it made me want to play.  Christian and I came unprepared.  People had gigantic super-soakers, water balloon launchers, buckets, etc.  We poked holes in the lids of water bottles and soaked a few people anyway.  The best part is that we didn't look suspicious.  People would walk right up to us and we could blast them in the face.  

It was pretty much the only time is was acceptable to squirt a random stranger in the face with water, as they are walking by.  I felt like a little kid. 

There were some pretty fantastic costumes.  We were all supposed to wear camo, but out of regulation uniform.

Each group was separated in a section.  Christian and I were with the med-group.  We were supposed to defend our groups area.

Line for dinner.

Even a wookie came.

Lake Towada Fireworks Festival

We had a great time at the Lake Towada Fireworks Festival.  It was nice to see a firework show, since our 4th of July one got rained out. 

Several people were out on the swan paddle boats, while they waited for the  fireworks.

The kids had a great time dancing to the music in the main square.

Cotton Candy....always the kids favorite

The kids threw rocks into the lake until the sun started going down.

These boats had decorative lights that came on once it got dark.  Many people watched the fireworks from these.

We staked out our spot to watch the fireworks on a nice patch of grass.

There was several different groups performing dances during the firework show, on the dock.

Christian gets Achievement Medal

Christian was awarded an  Achievement Medal this month.  

I gave the camera to someone closer, to take the picture of him being awarded the medal.  I regret it.

4th of July Beach Bash!

The Base had a great party at the base beach this year.  There were booths for the kids that had activities, food booths, Bands playing, jump castles, etc.  The best part was that they gave $5 food tickets for each person, and 10 activity tickets for each kid, upon entrance.  This basically meant that all food and entertainment was free for everyone!  There were no cars allowed to park there, so everyone was shuttle bused in and out.  The only downside was that the fireworks were cancelled, due to fog.  They  are supposed to be rescheduled for tonight.

Lincoln  had a good old time dancing to the bands. 

One of the activities was for the kids to scoop a fish.  Aisley and Aden both got one.  Aisley's is Sammy, and Aden's is named Jello.

Cute patriotic kids.

Aisley asked for me to paint a heart flag on her cheek.

Super American Lincoln.

I love America!