Mike's New Adventure

Mike left on a new adventure. He has a new assignment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). What this means is that his new unit is attached to a group of ships and he will be out at sea off and on for the next year. Mike is stationed on the USS Essex and they are traveling with the USS Germantown.

The MEU participates in different exercises around the Pacific, but they also provide relief efforts when needed. Just before Mike joined them they were in main-land Japan working on earthquake relief.

This is a great opportunity for Mike to see some new places and experience life on a ship. (I guess if he thought he had island fever before it's going to be worse after being on a ship for a while!)

The day the ship left we were able to go onto the ship for a bit. Paige had a good time, but all the excitement wore her out! It was hot and there isn't a lot of places to sit on the flight deck, but we were glad to spend a few more hours with our favorite guy! We sure love him, and we are going to miss him for the next few months!

You can follow the MEU's movements at www.facebook.com/31stMEU

Here are some pictures from our day!

One Year Down

A year ago Mike and I got on a plane with 4 very over-stuffed suitcases and headed off to Japan. The military was sending us on the adventure of a lifetime! We chose to come to Japan..it was the first place on our wish list.

Although the adventures haven't been quite what we had planned we have really enjoyed being here. We have made good friends. We get to see beautiful things every day. And we have really enjoyed the last year.

Below are some images of things we get to see here in Okinawa.
Now we are ready to start a new adventure as we begin our second year here in Japan...stay tuned for details about that!

Family Pictures

We took family pictures before Mike goes out on ship. I think they turned out great!