the sunshinery: Japan {Year 1}

I can't believe we've been on this little island for a year! Where does the time go? We have truly enjoyed our first year here - exploring the island and this side of the world. It was super nerve-wracking when we first moved here (I mean, who isn't a little nervous about moving across the world?!), but man am I so glad we made the choice to go on this adventure. We've taken three trips since we've been here (Kyoto, Taipei & Seoul) and have been working hard to nail down the trips we're planning to take over the next two years (top places include: Thailand, Australia & New Zealand, Hong Kong, and about a half dozen cities in mainland Japan). In looking back on our first year, I thought I would share my favorite things about life on Okinawa so far:

1. The beaches! If you follow me on Instagram, then you're probably so over seeing all my pictures of us at the beach. But seriously, the beaches here are like none I've ever seen before. The water is so clear and the most perfect shade of turquoise. We spend most sunny summer days playing at the beach - mostly because they're so beautiful, but also because the humidity here is bonkers (like you can cut the humidity with a knife it's so humid).

Ikie Beach (eekk, little baby Nora!)

Uken Beach

Torii Beach

Araha Beach

Zanpa Beach

Tropical Beach

Hamahiga Island

Muruku Beach

Sea Glass Beach

2. The parks. When it's not unbelievably humid, we love exploring all the parks near us (and there are so many!). From pirate ships to tree houses to crazy long roller slides, every park is unique and fun. Once beach season is over and the weather cools down, you'll find us back at the parks going down the crazy slides or climbing up pirate ships!

Tree House Park

Pirate Ship Park

Big Top Park

Urasoe Park

Peace Memorial Park

3. Traveling! We knew when we decided to move here that travel was going to be a priority for us. When will we ever get the chance to explore this side of the world so readily again? The other night we sat down to hash out our must-see places while we're here. After putting together a list, Jonathan and I looked at each other and said "two more years isn't enough to see all this!" I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity and ability to travel here and explore new cultures. I can't wait to keep ticking places off our bucket list!

Kyoto, Japan

Taipei, Taiwan

Seoul, South Korea

4. The people. The Japanese people are so welcoming, humble, kind, hard working, respectful, and family-oriented. Honestly, the list goes on and on. I've so enjoyed learning more about their culture and am grateful that they've so graciously allowed us to be apart of their community. My hope is that Nora will pick up on these wonderful qualities and keep them with her for the rest of her life. And of course, I can't leave out our military people. This military community is very special and we have been blessed with great friends who have become like family (and Nora has found her own little bestie too, Natalie, which is amazing!) .