Happy Christmabirthdanniversary!

Hey everyone!
Cody & I just wanted to say thanks to you guys for keeping us in your thoughts over the holidays! It's always a busy week for us, but it's my favorite week of the year!

Christmas was a blast. I could barely sleep! Cody bought me a Keurig. If you don't know what that is, you need to look it up because it's the most amazing thing in the world. I got him a beer brewing kit, which is brewing some IPA right now. We spent the rest of our morning with some friends at the Officers' Club for brunch and then played Rock Band till our fingers cramped up.

Cody's birthday was awesome! I can't believe my boy is 23! Haha...more presents, some cherry cheesecake, and more Rock Band. I bought him some new Adidas sneakers because the pair he's been wearing are about 8 years old. They LOOK 8 years old.

For our anniversary, we bought each other new dive BCs and went on a boat dive. Originally, we were supposed to go to the Kerama Islands, but since we were the only people crazy enough to go diving, our boat guy took us to his favorite pinnacle spots. We did two dives, regardless of the cold water, and I'm sure glad we did! We saw a lot of really neat things and had a fun time. Cody took a lot of neat pictures so I'll have him post those when he gets off the XBOX. :) We went out to Sam's by the Sea for our anniversary dinner. We go there for special days and always enjoy it.

Now all that's left is New Years, which will be spent with a few friends drinking beer and playing Rock Band. Quiet night, but should be fun regardless. I hope that you all have a safe and happy New Year and we can't wait to see you in 2009! Love you!

~Cody & Elizabeth

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

26.4 or Bust!

It's official: Beth & I are going to run the Okinawa Marathon!
I proposed the idea over a month ago and when she was willing to test the waters with me, we set up a training schedule and started running almost daily.

If it weren't for Beth, I don't know if I'd still be training. Her & I have really kept each other motivated...not just on the lengthy runs, but on the short runs that start at 0530. Cody tells me how proud of me he is, Deidra gave me a LOT of good information, and we know a few people who are training as well so that gets my competitive motivation going!

Two weeks ago, my knee hurt just a little bit after a 10 mile run. I brushed it off and when we went on our next run, it was extremely painful. We walked to the band hall and had Cody come pick us up. As I was icing my knee, I was looking online to read up on different knee injuries. Cody & I both agreed that runner's knee fit the bill...every last description.

Beth & I decided to take a week off and just do cross training. I bought new shoes and a brace specifically designed for runner's knee. This past weekend we went on a decent run and it didn't hurt all that bad. Cody & I then decided to try out our new BCs and go diving. Yeah, that wasn't the brightest idea.

Since then, I've just been doing a lot of icing, using a lot of Bengay, and using the bike. I'm a little nervous because even walking down the stairs triggers that sharp pain. I have a doctors appointment on Friday so hopefully they can give me some tips on how to heal faster. As far as our training schedule is concerned, I'm going to take it easy over the holidays. Nothing but bike for this girl. Maybe a few light jogs here and there, but nothing past 10 miles for me.

Here is the course that we'll be running in February. It's crazy to think that the last big thing I do on Okinawa is going to be a marathon!

Dear Stephenie Meyer,

You have created a problem...and that problem is my obsession with your book series. I can't seem to avert my eyes from the pages of Twilight and its brothers. I apologize to my friends and family who haven't heard from me in a while; the Cullens have been occupying most of my time.

233rd Birthday

Birthday Ball season is usually a dreaded time of year for both Cody & I. He has to work almost every night, and I never get to see him. This year has been a little different as they've had brass quintet on most of the gigs. We had originally planned to go to a ball this Saturday, but then they let Cody know they booked a rock band gig. I was really nervous that after buying a dress we weren't going to get to go. Plus, since Cody is getting out, this is his last ball as an active duty Marine.

Luckily I work with some great people! Beth & Patrick invited us to be guests at their ball so we went to celebrate the 233rd birthday of the Marine Corps last night! It was a blast...and I even got Cody on the dance floor! A big thanks to Beth & Patrick for letting us celebrate the birthday in style.

This could very well be one of my favorite pictures of us.

This one, too.

(Note: Cody's uniform is getting pretty girthy!)

Cody showing off his rack.

Beth & I have far too much fun together!

But we can take serious pictures as well.

...give 'em a little shoulder...

Again with the 'too much fun'.

Beth & Patrick! He was on sword detail for the ceremony & was perfectly still through the entire thing...even the guest of honor's speech!

I'm showing off my delicious vegetarian plate & Cody is showing his love for me.

We're obviously too happy.

Cody's quote of the night: "I don't dance. I rock."

It was such a great evening. Cody even admitted that it's so different attending a ball than it is working one. I'm so glad he got to go. Celebrating the birthday means a lot to both of us and this being our last one, it was even more important that we go.

Love you guys!

I'll be putting some pictures (and hopefully video) of the rock band gig this weekend!

JUNGLE Adventure Park!

We finally did it! We've been talking about going to Okinawa's new Forest Adventure Park for months now. This Sunday (Hannah's 4th birthday!), it was perfect out, so we met up with our friends and did it! I work with Beth at the library & her husband is an officer in the Marine Corps. Their friend was visiting from the states so we had quite a group swinging through the jungle!

Here we are at the very beginning of our journey. There was a small lesson we had to take and we had to pass a test, then we were set free on our own for 2 hours!

Patrick braved the first zipline as the rest of us looked on.

Cody & I...Cody being his wonderful, loving self. :)

We must have done 30 Zip Trips!


I'm not sure what I was doing here, but this Zip Line was the longest one out of all of them!

We were definitely high up...when you drive to the park, the bus takes you through all these pineapple farms. The view was great & it was a perfect day!

Just call me Jane.

Cody was the first one to try the Tarzan Swing. Wait till you see the video!


Impressed onlookers.

When we were done the course, we went to this creepy beach that Patrick & Crystal found. There were really old tombs in the caves there & if you looked in them, you could see the remaining bones of the people laid to rest there.

What a fun day! I wish we had known about it a few months ago so Cody could've taken Chuck & Dei out there. Hopefully we get to go again before we leave!

Fall Pictures!!!

(Cody, Elizabeth, Candi, JD)

The night before Halloween, our neighbors, JD & Candi, came over to carve pumpkins. It had been so long since any of us had carved one...but we had a blast anyways! This is the end result, along with the delicious pumpkin seeds that I roasted once we gutted them!

Cody & I found some really great directions to this place called Pizza in the Sky. It's literally 'in the sky' on top of a mountain up north. It's a very traditional Japanese-style restaurant that looks like it's out of someone's house. This is the view of the (angry) sky from the table we were sitting at. The pizza was AMAZING!!!

This is the view from the front of Pizza in the Sky. Japanese nationals sure do make Cody look like a giant!

Last night we went to Sam's by the Sea with our wonderful neighbors! It was JD's birthday on the 4th, so this was our late celebration. We're so lucky to have neighbors that we can also call close friends! Unfortunately, they'll be PCSing in a little over 2 weeks. :(

This is what happens when Cody & I try to take a serious couple-photo. He makes a face, so I make a face at him for making a face, and someone catches it on camera. It's us in a nutshell!

Again, we were thisclose to getting a good picture taken, and he sweeps me off my feet. I guess I should count my blessings!

I've slowly come to realize that I will have albums full of Cody making some sort of face. This one is a constant face, and if you look back at our jack-o-lantern picture, you'll notice that Cody's jack-o-lantern is making a similar face. Oh well. He's still cute regardless!

PS: Cody just called me a little while ago to let me know that he finished qualification on the pistol range today. You'll never believe it...(sarcasm)...but he shot EXPERT! Woo hoo! That's my Marine!

Love you guys!

Yes we DID!

Congratulations, America.

Fall is finally here!

Well, not really...
My neighbor and I were just sunbathing on the beach last week!
It's technically fall and Cody & I are looking forward to so much this season!

We had a great Halloween. We carved some really great pumpkins with our neighbors (who are leaving us this month...something we're not looking forward to). We passed out candy, played a little Rock Band 2, then went over to the neighbors house for pizza and scary movies.

This weekend, we went on an adventure! We decided to finally try Pizza in the Sky. It's a small place up in the mountains that serves the absolute BEST pizza! It takes a while to get there, and it's a little expensive, but the view and the culture and the PIZZA makes it all worth it. After our delicious and scenic lunch, Cody treated me to some GELLOBELLO all-natural ice cream. There's a great webpage that I've been going through giving great tips on places to see & eat on Okinawa. That was one of the places. We at our cocoa banana ice cream and walked around the mall.

This week, Cody is on the pistol range. Needless to say, he loves it. Anything hardcore and Marine-esque, he's great at. We're really looking forward to the Marine Corps Ball this year. It's our last ball and should be really fun!

Then there's Thanksgiving.
Everyone should know at this point that I LOVE to cook. I've recently picked up the habit of being a vegetarian...I've lost quite a bit of weight and still eat seafood...Cody has been great about it since I still cook him something meaty once or twice a week...but on Thanksgiving, I will DEFINITELY be eating some of my amazing turkey! Our friends will be over and it'll be a great day, as it is every year.

As for right now, we're just waiting for the election to be over! I have the day off tomorrow, thank goodness, because I'm going to be sitting on my computer & by the television to see the results. I'm anxious for the election to finally be over and done with. It's getting so out of hand. I can't wait to see what happens!

Konichiwa!

We love you, Jacob! Miss you everyday! xo

Boy, oh boy...what a summer it has been! Now that we're officially on our first day of fall, I suppose it's time to update everyone!

For starters, I would just like to send a sincere thank you from myself & my family for all the love & support that we received during the passing of our darling boy, Jacob. It has been a tough time but knowing that everyone has continued to pray for us & keep us in their thoughts has helped us get by. Great news...Miranda is pregnant! She announced it to everyone at the Jacob Memorial Walk last month, which, by the way, was a huge success. We had over 100 walkers come and walk 4.5 miles to raise money for the Devon Nicole House & Jacob's Ladder Preschool!

Second, I would like to let you all know how AWESOME it is to be back on Okinawa! Cody & I are doing so well & we're really looking forward to our move back to the states next year! We're going to miss the diving & the food & the year-round summer weather, but there's no place like home! We aren't too sure where we're going to go just yet, but when we figure it out, we will definitely let everyone know!

Now...last Saturday I had the privilege of watching The Amazing Cody front the Rock Band at Koza Music Town. We all know he's talented. There is no question there. I'll tell you all right now, though, I have never been more proud of him. He spent everyday before the gig practicing and he NAILED it. The japanese locals loved him. The americans loved him. He looked great & he sounded even better. The band has their annual combined concert with the 1CB Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Band this Saturday so hopefully I'll have pictures & maybe some audio to post for you in the very near future.

I have some news as well; I just started my new job as a librarian yesterday! I'm working with an old girlfriend of mine (we used to work together at the officers' club) and everyone else here seems great. It's much more relaxed than any of the other jobs I've had on island. I think that'll be nice considering we don't have that much longer here. The library is right down the street from the band hall, which means Cody & I can still meet up for lunch everyday. I get first dibs on donated books & I know far in advance what new books we're getting in! We have story time, which I think is what sold my new boss in hiring me. I'm going to get to bring my guitar in & sing with the kiddies! Since I ADORE children & they seem to love me right back, this is going to be a great way to end my time on island!

Alright, I'm actually at the library right now & should probably get back to work since it's only my second day here. Cody & I think about all our friends & family stateside everyday and we want you guys to know how much we love you & can't wait to see you!

~Cody & Elizabeth

In the words of Daughtry...

'I'm going home.'
It's been a few days shy of 4 months and I couldn't be more thrilled about heading back to that crazy island.
Everything is finally in order and I can get back to my husband, my house, my stuff, my friends...
I've never been more excited about the horrific flight!!!

More Pictures

Here are some more diving pictures! The pictures of the cuttlefish are from Sunabe Seawall. The next two are from Horseshoe Beach and the Christmas Tree Coral was from yesterday at The Junkyard. With the help of Photoshop, I was able to improve the colors quite a bit so everything isn't so blue! I also got to try out my new (well... new to me) Apeks XTX200 regulator and Oceanic VTpro dive computer yesterday. They were both awesome, although I didn't get to enjoy them much because for some reason I thought it would be OK to wear my 3-2mm wetsuit. Long story short, it was COLD! Hope you all like the pictures.

- Cody