Today I want to introduce you to one of our very favorite discoveries. Bakery Suien is the most wonderful little shop. We've gone in a handful of times and always leave smiling. The staff is so kind and friendly and the soups and breads are seriously delicious. We're so lucky that it's just a quick walk down the hill from the house!

we can't read them but they have the coolest menus

I cannot believe we've been here a month! Recently we were able to greet a family at the airport as they arrived here from California. It's wild to think we're not the newbies anymore and can pass on advice to those just stepping foot on Okinawa. We're already making our list of places to take family and friends when you come to visit! One candidate may be a restaurant we went to a few nights ago. To celebrate J's promotion we ate at Au Chic Parisien. Although the chef has never been to France (he went to culinary school in Tokyo), the food was amazing. He uses fresh, local ingredients and we enjoyed every bite. Speaking of cooking, you guys would be proud of me today. J took the car so I spent this afternoon playing in the kitchen. For lunch I made a pinterest recipe of sweet and salty pineapple tofu with veggies and coconut rice. The weather is absolutely perfect today so I ate on the porch with a good book. :) Dinner tonight will include pork loin, ranch roasted potatoes, broccoli, and blueberry/peach/coconut milk sorbet.

Wanted to share some pictures from the neighborhood. We can see the walls of Zakimi Castle from our front door! It's a really beautiful place to walk and has a pretty spectacular view. One of J's favorite new things to do is go across the street and watch the locals play "gate ball." If he's lucky, they even let him take a whack. :)

Good morning! I wanted to start this post by telling you all how proud I am of my Mr.

Earlier this week he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. I was able to be part of the ceremony and had the privilege of pinning on his new bars. Congratulations, love. 5th Anglico is very lucky to have you.

 

On another note, today is a big day... We're getting a couch! The first things we got for our place were patio furniture and plants. Folding chairs are great and all but I'm really excited to have something a little more substantial. I can't wait to get our other shipment, hang some pictures on the wall, and give you guys a tour!

Okinawa

Hey there! I officially have no excuses (internet is up and running in our apartment) and extra motivation to do a better job updating this thing. Life has been a whirlwind lately. Moving, wedding, moving... I'm ready to stop for a minute! Here are a few glimpses into what we've been seeing and doing lately. Life is good. We found a fantastic apartment, have a car, J has started his new job, and we're getting all settled in here in Okinawa. We think it's really great so far. The island is beautiful and we've loved the little bit of exploring we've been able to do. Can't wait to do and see more!

Hello hello. Wanted to stop in and give a quick update! In a few short days I'll be all packed up and leaving North Carolina. Texas, here I come! I'll have the opportunity to spend some quality time with my family before Jacob and I have our big wedding shindig and head off to Japan. Things have been a little overwhelming lately. I feel like I have a million things to take care of everyday. Luckily last Thursday was my last real day of nannying. I watched my favorite little boys one last time and now it's just packing and paperwork for me!

In the midst of this life craziness I've been constantly reminded of God's presence and grace. I've met so many amazing people here in Raleigh and been welcomed into beautiful community. I'm surrounded by creation (Stone Mountain last weekend). I'm living this amazing adventure of a life. The icing on the cake? I'm married to my best friend in the world (courthouse pictures soon).

I'm so excited for home. I want to soak in friends and family and the holiday season. Maybe it'll even be cold enough to wear a sweater!

Hey there. So much has happened since I posted last! Most importantly, I'm engaged! Jacob asked me last Thursday when we were in Texas. About 13 years ago our friend found out we liked each other and locked us in the NFWBC gym together. He took me back to where it all began and got down on his knee! After I said "yes!" he surprised me with dinner at Mercado Juarez with both of our families. It was dang sweet. The trip home was crazy and busy but it was wonderful to see family and friends.

 

Here are a few pictures... some old, some new. Enjoy :)

  

Amorele's shop is a work in progress!

New Orleans

Shopping day with the girls.

Ranger game with Dad, S-K, Kyle, and Jonesy.

Ring!

My sweet Raleigh friends threw a little lingerie shower on Monday. Our friend Alyssa is also getting married so they organized a party for the both of us.

Love you guys.