COC

On Monday, I attended my very first Change of Command. As the name states, this is where the current Commanding Officer (CO, Skipper) gives command of the squadron to new CO. The entire squadron was dressed in their summer whites, and boy does Josh look good in his uniform. The ceremony itself was very patriotic. What a great Navy Experience!

The beginning of the ceremony. The Japanese and American National Anthems were sung.

This is where Josh stood the whole ceremony.

Josh and his departing Skipper.

Ashley and her 1st and 2nd COW (Commanding Officer's Wife)

Leuitenant and Mrs. Taylor

heart
Ashley

Sunday Funday

The rain has finally gone away....atleast for now! Josh, Abbie, and I used this time to get out of the house and ride our bikes. We stopped at one of our favorite parks and had a picnic, blew bubbles, and played softball.

heart
Ashley

Take 2

The 2nd Combi Mini Catalog Abbie was in was just released.
Check it Out!

Website: http://combimini.jp/new/d_catalog/E2/?lk=01_sh

She is on pages: 13, 20, 24, 2530, 31, and her lovely feet on p.42!
heart
Ashley

"Call Me Abbie!"

For those Abbie fans out there, a new blog has been born.
www.callmeabbie.blogspot.com
Heart
Ashley
PS- I will still be updating Adventures of the Taylor Family. I just needed a place to record all the amazing things that Abbie says!

YAMA with MARI

Yesterday afternoon, Abbie and I decided to take a trip to the 5 story 100 yen store. 100 yen is a little over $1.10 depending on the exchange rate. I know your thinking oh just another dollar store. Well think again! I have found some of the most amazing items in yen store all across Japan. However, I will save that for another post.

Yesterday on our way to the giant yen store, we passed a CLOWN SHOW! Abbie and I got to enjoy an hour of juggling, balloon animals, and silly skits. Abbie and I had a blast! She giggled, and giggled, and giggled. Towards the end of the show, the clowns even made her a balloon flower bracelet. Afterwards, Abbie was worn out and I shopped the yen store while she napped. (What a treat for Mommy! ha ha!)

Then, as we were leaving the yen store, we heard music. To our astonishment, there was a stage set up right in front of us. That gave us an opportunity to relax and enjoy some local talent.

Did our unexpected adventure end there? NO! As we were packing up to leave, I noticed a covered play area right behind the stage. It was build to look like a castle and a train. Perfect for my little princess. While Abbie was busy playing and making new friends, I was able to have wonderful conversation with a few of the Japanese mothers who spoke amazing English.

The day was full of so many wonderful surprises. Sorry for the picture quality, I took all images with my iPhone. (That will teach me not to bring my camera with me!) But, as I said earlier, we were only planning on going to the 100 yen store. Boy am I glad we did.

heart

Ashley

Stop 1: Strawberry Picking

This past weekend, we hit the road. On the itinerary was the Strawberry Picking, Heike Village, Yunishigawa Snow Dome Festival, and a Rice Cake Factory. Our very first MWR tour!

Our bus departed Atsugi at exactly 6am! It was such a fun feeling. It reminded me of my 5th grade field trip to New Orleans. Everyone with giant backpacks, pillows, blankets, and headsets. The drive to Nikko, including one rest stop, was a little over 3 and half hours. Josh and Abbie were both very well behaved. Josh played sudoku; Abbie colored, stickered, Sesame Streeted, and napped!

We finally arrived at Nikko Strawberry at 9:30. Perfect time for a morning snack. After a quick lesson including, how they are grown, what type of strawberries are best, and how to snap them of the vine correctly, we were led to the green house for 45 minutes of all you can pick and eat. Summing up this part of my tour in one word is easy: Scrumptious!

Nikko Strawberry Farm

Rows and Rows of Delight

Josh and Abbie getting to work

Josh and Abbie with their first picks

Ashley and her first pick

Abbie getting some more

Abbie Cheesing

"Look Mommy!"

Abbie Hiding

Josh and Abbie Hiding

Strawberry Face

The Owner of Nikko Strawberry and Abbie

Bee House

They use bee to pollinate the strawberries

Nikko Strawberry is all organic

Strawberries at various stages of growth

Taylor Family outside the Green House

Heart

Ashley

Daddy and His Daughter

When Josh and I found out that we were going to be having a girl, we spent a long time thinking of names. I still remember Josh's face lighting up as he read the name Abigail. Abigail means Father's Joy, and that's just what our little Abbie is!

heart

Ashley