Japanese Floating Lanterns

Sometimes the most exciting part of living out here is experiencing all sorts of new cultural events. On Monday evening we went down to Ala Moana Park to see the Japanese Floating Lantern Festival. The lanterns are traditionally sent off to respect the spirits of lost family members. This ceremony was combined with our Memorial Day and thousands of people were there.

The picture doesn't do it justice but it was a beautiful sight to see the lanterns floating in the ocean while the taiko drums played in the background.

Feels Good to be Outdoorsy

Most of our 3-day Memorial Day weekend was spent outside. Horray for the constantly perfect Hawaii weather!

On Saturday we had about an hour or two before sunset and decided to take in a mini-hike. Just minutes from our house is the trail that leads to Manoa Falls. A beautifully over-grown true tropical hike that ends at this great waterfall and pool. We came across a hot shirt-less guy modeling for a photographer. The photographer took this picture. I think we're a bit out of focus and overly lit but hey, he's a professional!

On Sunday we hit the tranquil lagoons of Ko Olina. And on Monday we went to a BBQ in Waikiki. All in all, a very relaxing and outdoorsy weekend.

Tourists in our own town

When Jenni's mom was in town her brother Brian and his girlfriend Maiko took us all to a great and very authentic Japanese restaurant where you make your own soup on the table.

Here we are being tourists in the restaurant. Do you get the irony? Tourists in the Japanese restaurant??

Did we come at a bad time?

When we first moved here it rained for 43 days straight. Then there was a raw sewage spill that closed many of the beaches for weeks. Today I just heard of a third shark sighting in just three days. One bit a guy today on the North Shore. On Monday my co-worker saw one as he snorkeled in Waikiki.

Is the island trying to tell us something?

To the Volcano

The highlight of our Hilo trip was Bryan's second visit to the Volcano Park. His first visit was when he was two and he likes to tell everyone his mom had him on a leash so he wouldn't fall in the volcano. We all know how he likes to exaggerate...

On Saturday we braved the rainy weather and my miserable head cold to check out the craters, the sulfur steam vents and the molten lava! At sunset we hiked out over the recent flow to grab a seat on the rocks and watch the the lava flow into the ocean. We were probably a mile away but it was still fairly impressive to see. Sort of a trip to see land created right in front of you. Kilauea is the world's most active volcano and has had a fairly steady laval flow since 1983. It's currently growing the southeast edge of the Big Island.

Happenin' Hilo

This weekend Bryan and I went to Hilo to see my mom, Tutu, and the entire extended family. Bryan bravely faced 17 of my Hawaii family members - trust me, it's no small feat. He survived raw octopus, talks of roach extermination, and 17 distinctly different personalities. He also patiently sat through Tutu's detailed stories of the neighbors, my extensive review of family photos (including cute ones of me as a baby and one very embarassing one of me around age 17 - why can't I always be cute?), and my mom's guided tour of Hilo with stops at every home she lived in. He did it all with grace and genuine interest. For that, I love him deeply.

Here he is winning Tutu over with his charm and ipod.

Rock on Tutu...

Because We Love You

On Saturday we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center with Bryan's parents. We got a bit punchy after the luau and began to imitate the tiki faces.

Now, these are pictures we wouldn't normally share with the public. But we love you. And we miss you. So we felt you earned these.

Don't you dare blackmail us later in life with these!

We've Got Company

Bryan's parents are visiting and are our official first mainland visitors. We spent the weekend together with a trip to a very awesome Japanese temple and a Sunday swim on the North Shore. They're on their own while we've been at work and they've already scoped out a great beach for us to try.

Check out the pics of the temple and the Jayne family enjoying an authentic North Shore shave ice.

Fiji and Sydney Pics

Check out Jenni's pics from her Fiji and Australia trip... (copy and paste it)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=2ngjbur.2yecgex3&x=1&y=-4tmydr

SPAM Jam!

On Saturday we ventured out for the annual SPAM Jam in Waikiki. It had the potential to be both frightening and delightful. Sadly, neither was the case. But it was nice to get out and mingle with the people.

The pictures were the best part:
See Bryan posing with Magnum P.I. Oh yeah...
And a jet-lagged Jenni with SPAM. Uh, yum?

Sunday was spent helping Jenni's brother move. Our somewhat ghetto car is worth half its weight in moving space!

Hope you're all doing well!