Drenched Kauai

Sooo, we're are heading to Kauai in a few days. And its been flooding. Here are some pics we found online.

This is 'Opaeka'a Falls in Kauai. Usually, it is a double waterfall (above). Here is a picture of the falls during this current flooding (below).

Above, are the beautiful fields of Hanalei town; on the left, how it normally looks and on the right, how it looks currently. I used to work at Hanalei School, a few minutes away from this field. You have to drive down the side of a mountain, then cross a bridge over Hanalei River to get to the town. When the river overflows, they close the bridge, and essentially the town is shut off. I think the bridge was closed on Saturday. One of my fears while I worked there was getting stuck in town during a flood! Below are more pics of Kauai spots during this flood.

Below is Anini on a sunny day, one of my fave spots to relax. I guess we won't get to spend any time there this weekend. Boo! =(

A Weekend With Kayzia

We had a treat this weekend! Jeff's niece Kayzia visited Oahu, along with her daddy JR, mommy Mohala, bro Nane, and Jeff's sis, Julie. It was my first time meeting Kayzia (almost 1 year old). I'm pretty much nervous around babies; my comfort level is 3-years-old and up. The first time Kayzia and I met, she pulled away from me and gave me the cutest stink-eye. She was more comfortable with her Uncle Jeff, letting him hold her, and give her a mini drum lesson with chopsticks, at Zippy's. The next day we went to the zoo. This is how Kayzia typically looks- smiling and happy!
Check out her mile-long lashes!
I was afraid of making her cry, so I volunteered for stroller duty.
Before we said goodbye, I tried one more time... as soon as I held her, the smile disappeared.
Hehehe, but I got a mini-smile near the end! Jeff and I were happy to spend time with adorable Kayzia. Until we meet up again with JR, Mohala, Nane, Kayzia, and Julie, we wish all of them the best: health, smiles, and happiness. =)

Anna & Bonnie's Drumline

An upbeat tribute to the happy couple!

"That's What Friends Are For"

Here are some shots from K & M's wedding.
For more pictures from their wedding (including many funky shots from the dance floor),
visit Modern Twist Photography.

ZoeWee's 1st Haircut...

... compliments of Barber Jeff. Now we can see her eyes!

Pretty Things in Chilly Weather

February mornings have been chilly. Here are some things that have been warming my paws and tummy and cheering up the gray scenery!

Balancing Act

Sayonara Chad!

You know you're with the Ewa Beach Congregation when... well, I think the pictures are self-explanatory.

Best wishes Chad! He headed to New York last month to help out at Bethel. Before he trekked to the freezing northeastern cold, he celebrated by dancing shirtless... something that probably won't get to do in New York. Let's hear it for our Samoan and pseudo-Samoan boys!

Mom & Dad's 35th Anniversary

Last weekend, Jeff and I threw a surprise party to celebrate Mom and Dad's 35th anniversary. Gina and Dwayne were gracious enough to let us use their rec center, which overlooked the golf course. Gorgeous view! Thanks Gina and Dwayne!

For more pictures from the anniversary party, please visit:

Modern Twist Photography

Jeff took over the as decor stylist during the last stages of planning. He came up with the idea of using succulents, wood blocks, and other natural elements to give the party an organic look. We utilized whatever we had available, including the cylinder vases and leftover floating candles from our wedding. We also grabbed art from our wall and other decor things from off our shelves (our house is decorated in green, too... convenient, huh?).

For favors, I decorated mini canvas drawstring bags with hand-sewn felt flowers and pearls. We inserted travel tissue packs inside. The bags are re-usable (go green again!). I used my die-cut machine to make the other favors- scalloped circle bag with flowers on top- which contained green tea and cookies.

For more pictures from the anniversary party, please visit:

Modern Twist Photography

Mom and Dad were genuinely surprised! For entertainment, Rachel danced a graceful hula to a lovely Hawaiian love song. The crowd played a few games which tested their abilities to speak Tagalog and Ilokano. With some coaching, they were able to relay some tongue-twisty messages to Mom and Dad. Another game gauged their understanding of their spouses' thinking and tendencies. That game drew a lot of laughs and surprise answers!

Jeff set up his equipment and took pictures of the our well-dressed guests. Everyone looked so snazzy and spiffy!

We topped off the evening with a slideshow that showcased Mom and Dad's 35-year-long history. Again, we owe Dwayne and Gina many thanks for letting us compose the slideshow at their house and for perfecting the final product.

Jeff and I are extremely grateful for all the friends who helped us set up the party!

Thank you thank you thank you!

Here are a few things that I learned about catering food and having it delivered to you:

a) Call them on the morning of the event to make sure that your order is marked for "delivery"

b) When the delivery guy arrives, make sure his van is not blocking traffic

c) While it is good to help him carry the food from his van to the party table, make sure to ask him which are your pans of food... Otherwise, you might end up taking ALL of his orders... Then the poor guy needs to run up the stairs and take food away from you. Then he needs to run down the stairs and put it back in his van. Then he needs to run back up the stairs to give you a container of sauce which he accidentally took away on his second trip down the stairs.

*On a random note: Costo now serves rugala at their bakery again! I've been missing that pastry for several years and am thrilled that it is back! Yum yum yum.

For more pictures from the anniversary party, please visit:

Modern Twist Photography

2011 Fave Vids

Here's some YouTube vids that made us laugh last year...

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I wish my phone understood Tagalog!



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So true.



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We don't agree that lil girls should sing Minaj songs, but this girl is a trip...