Spring shows it's colors

Here's some shots from the trees around base. I really love the shade of the pink ones! This little guy was stretching his wings.

Unfortunately, it snowed here today, I hope it doesn't kill the blooms... And I think it's safe to say they're all white now. :(

It was very windy here today, so the kids and I tried out these mini kites we bought last year, but never had good enough wind to try.
They worked alright, but I think regular kites will be better.

Brendan's is an airplane, Jenna's is a butterfly.

All smiles!

We went to McDonalds for lunch, I have yet to work up the courage to try the Shrimp Burger.

Here are some items we found shopping off base. Most of you know about the tea parties I have.
I just thought this bike was funny, the "Tea Cup"

I gotta have it!! Lol

Another shot of the bike.

This is cheese folks, yes you see right, blueberry cheese...

"Candy" Cheese!

I'm really curious to try this one!

(and a little scared)

I'm not sure what this is, but it was with other "sweets" in the bakery section, and I'm determined to try lots of new things here.

Japan Day!

Every year the locals come on base and exhibit a bit of Japanese culture, food, art, crafts, music. Here is some of what we saw.



Here are the kids making scenic boards with only rocks and sand and a black plate.
They both really enjoyed this art.

Finished!

I love her smile here.

These are pictures made from dried flowers, flower petals, leaves and other organic matter.

These people are making carved Kyogen Noh masks from solid pieces of wood. SO cool!

Some of the masks.

These are Washi Paper Dolls, they have a class on base you can attend to learn how to make these, and they sell washi paper at the arts and crafts building. I plan on taking it one of these days.

Also made from washi paper.

These were AMAZING! These pictures were made of nothing but torn paper fibers, It's hard to see the detail in these pictures, but you could see individual paper fibers.

This is embroidery on hemp fabric of varying quality, the craft was origionally invented to reinforce work clothes and patch holes.

These women are braiding Obi Ties, they were taking a break though, so I didn't get any "action" shots.

These are Bonsai trees, some were as old as 60 years old, very fragrant and beautiful! The tallest was about 3 feet tall, most were about 2 feet tall.

We really enjoyed "Japan Day", even though we went late and missed quite a few exhibits, it was still wonderfully interesting!