Awesome Beach and Primary Party

First of all, McCall attended hir first friends birthday party. Makenley (far left) turned three and she invited six of her friends over for a Princess party:


This Friday we went with the Cheney and Elkins families to an awesome beach on the southern tip of the island. It was the best beach we have been to so far. Holly and I purchased snorkel gear this week and we really enjoyed snorkeling in the tidal pools. How about some pictures?:

New Swimsuit
McCall loves the pink bow

Beatiful Beach and Rock Formations

Denver Auditioning for Baywatch


After snorkeling for a while we all went out on to the reef at low tide to do some exploring. There was a typhoon passing over Taiwan (about 300 miles South) and it had stirred up the sea a bit. There were some large waves hitting the reef and it was amazing to watch.

Heading Out to Explore the Reef

McCall and Holly with Some Beautiful Cliffs in the Background

Unfortunately, these beautiful cliffs are one of the locations where many Okinawan civilians lost their lives as they jumped and committed suicide during the Battle of Okinawa.

Danger Lurking!!

About 5 minutes after this picture was taken a random monster wave came in and knocked over almost everyone in our group. We looked over to see our friend's little 3 year old boy rolling head over tail. The little boy's father was swept down in a channel in the reef. The location where Holly and I were standing didn't get hit as hard, but every direction we looked our friends and all of the kids were being tossed around (including Denver). No one was seriously injured - just scraped up a bit by the reef. We learned our lesson and backed up quite a ways. It's amazing how powerful the water can be.

Checking Out the Fishies in the Tide Pools

This Saturday our branch had a primary party at Toguchi Beach. The party included a hike, water fight, and cookies. I must say that it is the best primary activity I have been to and it was definitely better than making crafts in the cultural hall.

Nothing adds excitement to a water balloon fight like putting the Branch President on the receiving end of a water ballon launcher.

Changing Tide (note water between beach and little island)

Changing Tide - 1 hour later (no water between beach and little island)This is the time for exploring tidal pools and catching sea creatures.