Australia: Part 1

We really had an amazing time exploring the Gold Coast area. I was surprised by how lush and mountainous it was. As usual on our vacations, our favorite times were getting away from the touristy areas and driving the countryside. Among other things, we ate at cool pubs recommended to us by locals, listened to live music, saw some seriously spectacular overlooks, hiked through subtropical rainforests, saw real live glow worms, tried our luck at an Australian casino, and saw wild koalas and kangaroos. Here are a few pictures I snapped on my phone...

Can you believe it's 2014? We've said goodbye to a year full of excitement, warmth, movement, emotion, tears, hard work and laughter. We got married and have started our life together in a brand new place. We've been blessed with new adventures and by the new friends who help make our time here all the sweeter. We're ready for all God has for us this next year. 

Since my grandma reminded me it's been a month since I've posted, I thought I'd better get on it! We have a million pictures from our Australian getaway so I'll do this in phases. Phase 1: Tokyo Narita. These are from our first layover in Narita on our way to the Gold Coast. We were able to hop a train and explore a nearby city (and heavens, was it beautiful)! We walked around a temple and enjoyed all the gorgeous fall leaves. It was also incredibly chilly. I'm savoring all this cold weather while it lasts! Sidenote: We've had to get ceramic heaters to plug in at home. Who knew it would feel so cold on this little island?! 

It doesn't look anything like fall on Okinawa so this was quite a treat! We may have to organize trips like this every year so we can see some color. :)

Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was so much fun! J played in a football game up on his base that morning, we dropped off some food for the single Marines, then we headed home to get our turkey in the oven. Can I just say how thankful I am to have a husband who will take care of the whole turkey ordeal? So. Thankful. He brined and roasted and carved and served like a champ. Not to mention it tasted great. We had a really wonderful time celebrating and feasting with a few of our single Marine friends Thursday evening. I was pretty nervous to cook a Thanksgiving meal by myself but after several Skype sessions with Mom and Grandma, everything turned out great! It was a delicious taste of home and in true family fashion, we have enough leftovers to last us until the 4th of July.  :)

Since then I've been easing my way into Christmas mode. We have a few decorations up here and there and I've done just a little bit of shopping. We'll be back in Oki for Christmas day but we're excited to do some celebrating in Australia!

Ohayou gozaimasu (good morning)! I wanted to share a few pictures from Friday's birthday ball. We had a nice time and J looked especially handsome in his blues. There were some shenanigans that made for an interesting evening... We shared a table with a young Marine from North Carolina who was adamant he couldn't stop talking with a British accent. Also, if there was an award for the most pictures taken of anyone during the night, we would've won with flying colors. The professional photographers hired to shoot for the evening had some equipment malfunctions and asked us back THREE times! Hopefully some of those turned out and I can share them soon. 

You'll never believe it but before the ball I actually got a pedicure. Before we even stepped foot on Island people were telling me to check out Cocok's (with a silent "k") and their amazing nail art. They said it was an absolute must living on Okinawa. Since my friend's mom was visiting her from Ohio, she invited me to tag along with them for a girly afternoon of pampering. Y'all, it was heavenly. You browse through a seriously massive binder of nail designs as you enjoy a 45 minute foot massage, then watch as intricate designs are painted on even your tiniest toes. Somebody come visit me so we can go again! :)

J's supply shop

Last weekend we finally got around to exploring the Red Bridge in Yomitan. This little walk has been on our list of things to do for awhile now and we were pleasantly surprised at how it exceeded our expectations. The weather was crisp and sunny and our walk along the river was super enjoyable. There were millions of things for Walkerdog to stop and sniff and the coolest jumping fish kept popping out of the water! J and I actually looked at a house in the Red Bridge area when we first got on Island. Since we've acclimated to our new home and know the area better, we don't regret our decision at all. Yomitan is the best and our little Zakimi house couldn't make us any happier. We're so thankful for the way God provides for us and leads us where he wants us to go!

First of all I want to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my mom & dad, grandma & grandpa, and aunt lisa & uncle david! That's right, they share a wedding anniversary! Your love and commitment is an inspiration to me in my own marriage. Thank you for your unconditional love and constant encouragement. I'm blessed to have such a wonderful family to look up to. Here's to many more years of joy and laughter!

Cannot believe we're more than half-way through November! It has really cooled down here and I am absolutely loving it. I've enjoyed having our windows open (especially in the early mornings before the cicadas begin their serenade) and wearing a sweater and boots. This morning I had a sweet quiet time and cup of coffee all bundled up on our porch. :)

J and I are both getting super excited for our upcoming Australian vacation! We're headed to the Gold Coast soon and are crossing our fingers for lots of kangaroo encounters. :)

Also, this Friday we'll get all fancied up to celebrate the 238th birthday of the Marine Corps! He always looks so dapper in his dress blues so I'll be sure to post a picture.

For now, here are a few pictures from our life lately...

Our community group threw a surprise birthday party for a couple of us October babies

Toy Story's Woody and Bo Peep for Halloween

Walker showing off his goofy personality

Hello all! I just have a few more pictures to share from my time at home. As you know, I'm in Okinawa again. After some serious airplane time, Walkerdog and I made it back to our Jacob. We're all adjusted and back into the swing of things! In my next post I'll get y'all caught up with our latest adventures. For now...

My not-so-little brother.

Reunited with sweet friends. I go way back with these girls... So many great memories!

Out on the boat for the first time! We braved the storm Friday then enjoyed a full Saturday of rafting and fishing. 

Sister sister.

Ranger game (and pedi-cab ride) with Dad, Sarah-Kathryn and Landy. Cozy! :)

Visiting with Courtney, Mackenzie and Hayden at their new house!

Mom and Dad after celebrating his 50th birthday!

"Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name. "

-Avett Bros.