Our visit to IE Shema

The kids and I went up to see Derek on his only day off. We had a lot of fun, we took a ferry over and went over to the airfield where Derek and "his" marines are laying mat.

This picture was taken by Derek during one of his twelve hour (or more) days.

Here he is with the kids sitting on some of the matting that they have already lifted up. Danielle was sleeping in the car. We had to get up early to make the first ferry across.

Then we went down to see some caves. There were a lot of good photo opps there!

We also went to the memorial service for Ernie Pyle (who was from Indiana) He was a journalist during the war and was shot by a Japanese sniper.

This is the mayor and another VIP from IE Shema, they are bowing to show respect. But... I have heard that the mayor wants this land back from the American Legion!

I just accidently deleted a picture of some cliffs that we saw. Sometimes this blogger thing is frustrating. I can't put it back because it will go to the top of the post. Errr

Anyway. This is Danielle's cow! We had just seen some on a farm and when we were walking past this huge rock Danielle said "COW!"

Danielle was not into pictures today...

McCarthy Family Update

It has been awhile since I have put any pictures on here. I need to make it more of a habit, that way everyone can see the kids growing! They have grown so much already since we have been here. Brandon is becoming more independent, even helping the girls get breakfast on Saturday mornings when Derek and I don't want to get out of bed! Caidence turned 5 today...Wow. And Danielle wore underwear all day today with only one accident! I even took her to the post office, out to eat, and a quick trip into the exchange for some batteries.

Here are a couple of pics of the girls helping me paint the living room. This didn't last long before it became messy. (just long enough to get a couple of pictures!)

They were working so hard! Look at the concentration on Caidence's face.

Here are the pictures that I promised of Brandon riding his bike. I took these a couple days after he learned how. Now he is a little dare devil, riding off of the curbs and even popping wheelies! (little ones)

Here is our little 5 year old princess!

And Danielle... she will be peddling all by herself very soon.

I did take some pictures of Brandon playing soccer, but Derek took that camera with him when he left. (again)

And now... CAIDENCE'S 5th BIRTHDAY!!!

Here is our proud big brother who picked out and wrapped this present all by himself. (Too bad he didn't pay for it too!) I have to say, his wrapping job wasn't too bad. I just cut out a piece of paper for him and gave him some tape and he did the rest!

And she LOVED it! It was a new Hello Kitty game for Brandon's DS.

Now this is more like how big brother acts most of the time! Thank goodness for this box, it was the only thing Caidence and Danielle didn't fight about today. Danielle kept saying, "NO, its MY birthday!"

Here they are decorating the cake.

Happy Birthday Sweet girl.

This would be the new toy that Danielle thought should be hers. Caidence did NOT agree.