My dad, the wonderful man that he is, came to visit me in Okinawa for about a week in early January. He not only was a great companion to me and Rusty but he got so much done around the house!! It's AMAZING how many things I had been putting off or were no longer able to do!
He painted the downstairs bathroom. It was an awful green color and now it's the regular base paint.
He helped me "fix' our broken TV. Our TV broke while I was home over Christmas. When I returned, it wouldn't turn on. So Dad helped me move our smaller TV from upstairs and set it up in the family room. It's a little ghetto, but it works!
He painted the nursery in one day!
I tell you, he was a painting machine!
He also patched a few holes that I put in the wall when trying to hang a shelf. One day while I was at work, he even cleaned out both of our cars and mowed the lawn! I can't put into words how helpful and amazing it was to have this much help around house.
Dad- I promise, the next time you come to visit, you will not have to work. You can relax and actually have the vacation that you deserve.
We did get some down time to explore the island and have some fun too. One day he went with me to get a 3D ultrasound. It was such a magical experience getting to watch little Half Pint move and see her face. I am so glad that I got to share that with my dad. It's really nice to have someone with me during a "doctor's" visit for a change. I didn't realize how much I missed sharing these moments with someone. Dad - I can't thank you enough for being there with me.
Isn't she beautiful? Seriously, I'm in love already!
Another night we went out to dinner to celebrate my friend, Andrea's birthday. Andrea, Kristyn and Brittany are my closest friends here, and I'm really glad that Dad was able to spend time with them. They are my Okinawa family and have helped me through so much during this deployment and our time here. I am happy that he got to know them a little better.
As you can see, we had a good time!
We also spent a day up north exploring a new part of the island. In a town called Nago, there is a huge park with plenty of hiking trails, woods, hills, and scenic views of the city. We took Rusty for a few hikes and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Rusty loved being outside a little too much. He almost pulled Dad down a few flights of stairs, but all in all, we had a great time.
Nago is the second largest city in Okinawa. It offers a great view from the hillside park.
Rusty and I had so much fun with Dad!
When we weren't out exploring and Dad wasn't working his fingers to the bone, we were able to hang out at home, watch a few movies, and really catch up. Rusty loved to snuggle with Dad on the couch. I think he misses having a male in the house. As for me, I miss having someone else in the house too. I forgot how nice it was to have someone to eat dinner with each night, to wake up and share a cup of coffee with in the morning, to make plans with, and to share everyday mundane thoughts with. It was a good break from the strong, independent, and headstrong routine I've been living. Not only that, it was a blessing to spend that much one on one time with my dad. It's not often that you get a vacation or visit for a whole week your father. I've missed him so much and I am beyond thankful for the time spent with him here.
Dad - thank you so much for making the long trip out to see me. Thank you for your hard work and help around the house. Thank you for exploring a new part of the island and getting to know my friends a little better. But most of all, thank you for your love, support and friendship. Thank you for making this difficult time a little easier. I don't know where I'd be without you. I love you!!
