Ryan's Class, Squadron Pictures, Japanese Navy Cherry Blossom Event

We started out our day at Shirley Lantham Elementary School in Ryan's Class.  Jill usually teaches a science section on Wednesday mornings but today we were doing a special Easter story and project.

When we went into class they were working on their numbers and Ryan was at the Smart Board. What a wonderful learning tool!

Then Mrs. Porter read a wonderful story about a chicken that laid eggs that matched what she was looking at while she was laying.  So the project was to match your egg shell and the chick inside.

 Ryan did a great job on his!

After that we raced out of school into the cold, drizzly weather to meet at the F-18 to take Squadron Wives pictures.  One of the girls is leaving on Friday so they wanted to get one picture of all of them together.  They had bought green umbrellas (one of the squadron colors) to go with the pink and white cherry blossoms.  What they hadn't counted on was the drizzle and cold!

Once everyone finally arrived and the camera was all set up...

 John got them lined up and started clicking. 

 They were freezing in their short, sleeveless dresses.

Then off to the Cherry Blossom Park...more freezing, ladies!

We stopped at a Ramen restaurant for lunch...nice warm noodle bowls!  Yum.  Then a couple of quick stops and home.  Jill ran by school and picked up the boys and home they came to snacks, homework and playing outside.  John and I took a brief nap before getting ready for our Japanese Navy Cherry Blossom Event.  The Japanese and American Air Wings share the Atsugi Air Facility.  Each year during Cherry Blossom Season they invite American Senior Officers and wives to a Celebration.  Dave was out of town so Jill asked if we could come and they said yes.  It was held in their huge gymnasium and there were hundreds of Americans and Japanese in attendance. 

  There were many large square tables set up with hors d'oeurves.

 Around the outer walls were curry, noodle, 

soba noodle and tempura shrimp stations...

 and wonderful Japanese Harp Musicians.

 And what Japanese occasion without Kirin beer and Sake...

 and lovely ladies in kimonos!

And Grandma got invited to a Tea Ceremony.

After several hours of entertainment, we headed home on the shuttle bus (there is NO drinking and driving in Japan!)  It was quite a delightful party.