I wanted to bring home something from Japan for my family to try while I was home and I've also been wanting to try some of the new Kit Kat flavors I've heard so much about from other people. Between two grocery stores around base and the airport, I was able to find 4 flavors:
I've never been to the North Shore during the summer and it reminded me why Minnesota is such a great state. It is beautiful up there. It makes me understand why people who are from Minnesota love the state so much, but not like crazy Texans. We just know we have a good thing going and no one else really does. I think we're keeping it to ourselves on purpose.
This was the site of Laura and Nate's wedding at Temperance River State Park. Right on the beach with Lake Superior behind us.
After the ceremony, Nate and Laura, put on their hiking boots and headed up on those cliffs in the background of the second picture to take pictures. They are going to have beautiful wedding pictures.
After a short reception overlooking Lake Superior, we headed to the beach for a bonfire. A perfect conclusion to Nate and Laura's day.
I mentioned a few posts ago about bringing a case of wine back from Australia. Let me sum this up with a few numbers.
Sarah didn't forget Stella either! Stella got a peanut butter bone and a stuffed martini glass. She was in heaven. I don't think the bone left her mouth for hours that day. I finally had to take it away from her which ended in growling and an upset Stella but she got over it. She was pretty determined. My favorite part was when she would hide the bone though so that she could come back to it later- under the pillows, in the corner, shoved in the couch cushions. She was getting pretty creative.
I was so excited to see Stella last night. She wouldn't stop jumping either. Sometimes it's a pain to have her here- traveling would be a ton easier, but I was just telling her, I don't know what I'd do without her here. It's nice to have someone to talk to and help you keep the bed warm at night.
I just got this email from our Skipper. I'm so proud of Glenn and his fellow Liberty Bell pilots!
I had to complete a series of skills I learned in the pool and show that I was competent to dive on my own, but I don't think I'll be doing that for awhile. I think I'll go on some dive tours and things until I get comfortable. I'm excited to go diving in Japan!
Glenn and Jimmy Jett.
Thanks for the picture, Jen. I stole it from her website. Jen is the family photographer, but it's nice to have her in a picture for once. I can't wait til some (or all) of you come visit Glenn and I in Japan.
The day they got engaged. Thanksgiving 2008.
Nicole, Marietta, Gizelle and Me
Laura and I took the train back to Perth and headed to bed. A random side story though, Laura checked out of her room that evening and was staying in Glenn and I's two bedroom, two bathroom suite! Glenn and I got upgraded to a suite his first night in the hotel because the walls were paper thin and Glenn has a, well... boisterous laugh. Banging on the wall from our neighbors ensued with a response from Glenn and a visit from the receptionist and bammo we get upgraded to a suite. Yay! I now know what you get for $100 a night- paper thin walls. Worth the money for a nicer hotel!
We real attraction of this not so nice park though is they let you actually hold the koalas! They are the only park in WA that lets you do this. Most you just get to pet and take pictures with. They rip you off to do it, but whatever, I was in Australia.
One of the koalas had a baby quite recently and it came out its mama's pouch for a short time. It was so cute! The koalas have very soft hair but it is thick like a sheep. They are just so snuggly though. They hold right on with their giant claws (hence the vest).
Sunday was the only day of our vacation that we had planned slightly in advance. When we got in on Thursday and knew the duty schedule, we booked a private wine tour of the Swan Valley. Swan Valley is located about 25 km NW of Perth and is known for its boutique wineries. This means that most of the wineries produce less than 10,000 liters and only sell directly from their tasting sheds. They do not sell their wines to bottle shops.
This is where we had lunch at Oakover Wines. We ate out on the terrace and drank wine and had some good food. I could have sat there every day for lunch and been very happy.
At Lancaster wines and Jarrah Wines we got to taste some amazing cheese as well. All locally made in WA. If you know Glenn at all, you know he was very happy about this. My man loves him some cheese! We bought some and I sent it back on the ship with Glenn. I'm sure he's enjoying it- a little piece of heaven in a big metal box. :)
On the boat cruise back to downtown Perth. What a wonderful day in Western Australia!
King's Park also has a "sky walk" along the park trail. A leisurely stroll with my hubby and friends. Good times.
That afternoon we headed to Fremantle to go to the market and attend a reception that the Australians were holding for the US Navy. They had aboriginal dancers perform to the music of a digereedoo. It was really interesting. I didn't know you could make those sounds come out of a hollow tube!
Even though it was the 4th of July, we didn't have any fireworks this year, but I think this sunset comes pretty close.
I think it is just adorable. Makes me jealous that I'll have to wait 2 (or more!) years til I can have a house of my own. At least I'm learning a lot from all my friends who are buying houses now.
After seeing Glenn at the pier for about an hour, he had to go back to the ship to stand duty and I headed back to the hotel for dinner and some Australian wine with Tyler, Annie and Laura.
Glenn met me at the hotel the next morning and we walked around and explored Perth until the Farewell party that night. We walked around and did some shopping because for once the US dollar is stronger! Wahoo! I even bought some jeans which is a feat in itself because in Japan I am 1.) extremely tall so most clothes don't fit and 2.) I have thighs and a butt unlike most women here so pants go to about my knees when trying them on. So, jeans! Exciting!
Glenn and I in front of the Swan Bell Tower.
The Farewell party was for one of the department heads and he will be missed. His wife is pretty awesome as well, but they are staying in the E2 community so we may be seeing them again some day. Here is the obligatory shake the Skipper's hand photo:
After the Farewell we headed to an awesome wine bar called Must. I had no idea that Perth was such a foodie town but Glenn and I loved it! At some point during the week Glenn said, "is it sad that we have spent this much money and have nothing to show for it?" Absolutely not! I hadn't realized how much I had missed western cooking and going to fancy restaurants and knowing what I'm ordering.
A wonderful first night out in Australia with my hubby. I think his tolerance is a little lower after not drinking for a few months. He looks pretty cute to me though. :)
Here are some pictures Glenn gave me when I saw him this week (!) that he has taken over the last few months that he has been gone. He even took a video of his plane taking a trap on the carrier. He said he is in the right seat (not flying) which is how he is taking the video and the reason for the less than center-line approach. :)
Some island in the Pacific, couldn't tell you which one even if I wanted to.
Thunderstorms rolling in, but a beautiful sunset
I like seeing what Glenn does at work and I'm glad he's finally taking pictures this cruise. Sometimes I have to beg him to get out his camera, but he's getting better!
