Sunday, June 15, 2008
World Travelers
We made it. We are in the good old USA. And we are glad. We are tired and jet lagged but glad. Whoever said it's easier going east than it is west is so wrong. I feel like I got hit by a truck which is exactly the way I felt when I got to Okinawa. So for the record jet lag is bad no matter which way you go. We haven't been to too many places yet but we did make it to Target and the grocery store. It was incredible. So many choices so much fresh fruit. It made me giddy. I think I may have already eaten my weight in blueberries. We got a 2lb box for $7.99, way better than the dinky box I got at the commissary last week for $6.48. We are definitely in the land of plenty. I am thankful for the experience of living abroad, but there is just no place like home. Hopefully we'll be seeing most of you over the next 5 weeks. Have a great Father's Day. I'm headed home to be with my Dad tomorrow. I can't wait. I have a feeling that one feisty little girl is going to make him smile. How's that commercial go Plane tickets $1600, travel expenses, $500, seeing the smile on Dad's face when he sees his granddaughter PRICELESS! He loves Owen too, but there is something special about being the only granddaughter. See you tomorrow Dad.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Sands of Iwo Jima
So... Kristen showed me how to add new posts on our blog. Hope you enjoy.
About a month ago I had the opportunity to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iwo Jima with about 50-60 other officers from the hospital. We boarded a C-130 and took off for the 3 hour trip to the small island that took so many American and Japanese lives over 60 years ago. I don't think I quite realized where I was or what I was reliving while I was there. After landing, we walked down the hill from the airport, past rusted machine guns surrounded by large cement pillboxes, and took the long walk to the base of Mt. Suribachi. Along the way our guide, a Marine Gunnery Sargeant, pointed out some of the tunnels that the Japanese fought from and read us the history of some of the medal of honor recipients who fought in the month-long battle for the island. When we reached the foot of the mountain, we stopped for a rest before heading up the road to the top. As we huffed and puffed our way, I couldn't help but admire the courage and determination of the young men who fought on this terrain...and won. It was a real honor to be able to stand at the top of the mountain and raise a flag, knowing how much the cost had been. Almost 7,000 Americans died during the bloody battle, young men who knew the cost of pursuing a cause greater than themselves. Their love and loyalty for each other and their country represent the best in humanity. It's an honor to serve a nation that produces young men like these.
Our Transportation
One of the entrances to the underground tunnels.
In front of a Japanese Bunker/Pillbox
At the base of Mt. Suribachi
At the site of the flag raising.
Invasion Beach, the site where the Marines landed
On Invasion Beach, with Mt. Suribachi in the background
The same beach more than 60 years ago.
About a month ago I had the opportunity to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iwo Jima with about 50-60 other officers from the hospital. We boarded a C-130 and took off for the 3 hour trip to the small island that took so many American and Japanese lives over 60 years ago. I don't think I quite realized where I was or what I was reliving while I was there. After landing, we walked down the hill from the airport, past rusted machine guns surrounded by large cement pillboxes, and took the long walk to the base of Mt. Suribachi. Along the way our guide, a Marine Gunnery Sargeant, pointed out some of the tunnels that the Japanese fought from and read us the history of some of the medal of honor recipients who fought in the month-long battle for the island. When we reached the foot of the mountain, we stopped for a rest before heading up the road to the top. As we huffed and puffed our way, I couldn't help but admire the courage and determination of the young men who fought on this terrain...and won. It was a real honor to be able to stand at the top of the mountain and raise a flag, knowing how much the cost had been. Almost 7,000 Americans died during the bloody battle, young men who knew the cost of pursuing a cause greater than themselves. Their love and loyalty for each other and their country represent the best in humanity. It's an honor to serve a nation that produces young men like these.
Our Transportation
One of the entrances to the underground tunnels.
In front of a Japanese Bunker/Pillbox
At the base of Mt. Suribachi
At the site of the flag raising.
Invasion Beach, the site where the Marines landed
On Invasion Beach, with Mt. Suribachi in the background
The same beach more than 60 years ago.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Jungle Kids
You friendly neighborhood bus driver
Alison where'd you go?
Oh, there you are
Pretty girl in a tunnel
Pretty girl who knows she's pretty
Handsome boy
Maybe she's ready for Mt. Fuji
Balance Danielson
Crazy KidSaturday the kids went to a birthday party at Monakids Jungle. It is an indoor play place and they love it. Think Chuck E. Cheese without Chuck, pizza, and video games. Basically it has ball pits and lots of tunnels and things to climb and a roller slide. Everyone had a great time.
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