Primo Familia

Hello...yes I'm still alive

2010-04-22T20:36:00.001-07:00

Need to update the old blog. Will do so soon!

Getting that perfect picture, with kids

2009-09-09T18:04:00.006-07:00

How hard is it to get 3 keikis to look at the camera at the same time? Extremely hard! Last week we went to Honolulu for a visit and got to see Ka'iulani and baby Kahala, who was turning 1 over the weekend. Kahala and Colin (18 mo.) are about the same size. The kids are so cute!

Colin and the suitcase

2009-08-28T17:11:00.003-07:00

Colin has gotten a hold of Alex's suitcase! FYI - The heavy breathing in the background are the dogs.

Jungle Pancakes

2009-08-10T20:57:00.002-07:00

I thought it would be cool to make these jungle pancakes with the pancake molds I got at Williams Sonoma this weekend. It took 3 batches of messed up pancakes before I got it right!

Elephant & Lion
Alex and his elephant pancake

Colin and his lion pancake

Alex said the lion pancake looked like Maggie. What do you think?

Back to Boulder

2009-07-01T20:02:00.003-07:00

So I got to go back to my old college stomping grounds this weekend when my Tri-Delta roomate/sorority sister got married at Flatirons Golf Course. Of course I had to take Mike hiking at Chautauqua Park, a gorgeous trek up into the Flatirons Mountain Range. I used to go trail running up here (I was in that good shape? what?!) and it was gorgeous the day we went. Mid-70s, blue skies, perfect weather. We were up there for a good 2 1/2 hours. But we had to return to Phoenix on Sunday, where it was a good 'ol 108 degrees.

Flatiron Mountain Range The happy couple...happy it's not 108View of CU Boulder (all those red roofs)

Ahh, a tree!

Bonjour!

2009-05-22T15:58:00.003-07:00

I'm back from France...more exciting posts to follow.

Alex's 4th and Colin's 1st Birthday Party

2009-05-04T22:42:00.004-07:00

Alex and Colin had a Thomas the Train themed brithday party.

Colin with his Percy smash cake

What?! I have cake in my ear!

I'm super cool! We wore Grandpa out at the party. Woo hoo!

Most spoiled dogs ever...

2009-05-04T22:39:00.002-07:00

Molly found a pillow to rest her doggie head on...

New Belgium Brewing Co.

2009-04-30T09:41:00.002-07:00

For the first time since the kids were born, Mommy got to go on a trip by herself! I went back to Colorado to celebrate my sorority sister's bachelorette weekend. We had a great time and I really enjoyed going to the New Belguim Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colorado (think Fat Tire).

L-R: Annmarie, Kristin, Erika, Kathleen, Stacey & Jen

Someone's napping in my clean laundry!

2009-04-30T09:32:00.003-07:00

Maggie always finds the softest place to sleep. This time she's been caught napping in my clean laundry, still warm from the dryer! Oh Mags, you are so cute!

This looks like a good place for a nap!

Ahh, some quiet time!

Peek-a-boo Colin!

2009-04-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-boo Colin!

Kids

2009-02-19T09:53:00.004-07:00

So cute!

Alex takes a picture of Mags

Alex the photographer

Valentine's Day Party at school

No pet rabbits for me

2009-02-06T22:19:00.004-07:00

This is not a flattering picture of me, and no my nose isn't broken, it just looks that way in some pictures (time for a nose job).

This is what happens after I hold a bunny. They are giving away two bunnies at Alex's school and I went to go see the bunnies. I knew I was allergic to rabbits when I was younger, since we had a pet rabbit named Thaddeus, and my eyes would swell up and nose would run and ear canals would itch - but that was 20 years ago. Well about 10-15 minutes after holding those cute little bunnies this is what my face looked like. Guess I'm still allergic. My babysitter said I look like someone beat me up. I rubbed my eyes so much I burst a blood vessel in my right eye. Ick. No more bunnies for me.

Cut me Mick!

Nishime

2009-01-28T18:47:00.003-07:00

This was my first attempt at making Nishime, a Japanese vegetable stew traditionally served at New Year's. I've grown up eating it every New Year's, but this was my first attempt at making it (usually my mom or grandmother makes it). I had to go to Ranch 99 Market, because no other store around my house sells the ingredients. While recipes differ, I made a pretty simple Nishime which included kombu (seaweed tied in knots), bamboo shoots, lotus roots, gobo (burdock root) and chicken (I left out the pork for a healthier Nishime). Some people add shitake mushrooms, daikon, carrots, konnyaku, or tofu. My Nishime turned out great! While it was cooking, my kitchen smelled like my grandmother's kitchen during New Year's Eve. I made the kids sit with me while I was cooking so I could keep an eye on the two rascals.

Alex

Colin

Nishime!

Kauai

2009-01-22T20:07:00.005-07:00

Sea Life Park and Obamamania!

2009-01-22T19:55:00.004-07:00

Mike took the boys to Sea Life Park, while my mom and I went to fight our way through the after-Christmas sales at Ala Moana. Mike had a special surprise, when Barak Obama showed up with his family at Sea Life Park (guess Barry heard Mike was going to be there)! Alex, oblivious to Obamamania, was way more interested in the dolphin show and the sea lions. Go figure.

Finally! Christmas 2008

2009-01-22T16:45:00.004-07:00

I have been so bad about posting for the past few weeks. I know that all my faithful blog followers (all 2 of you) have been waiting with baited breath on my next blog posts. Well I've finally downloaded my SLR CF photos and so I'm able to post them here. We spent this Christmas (Colin's first) visiting my parents, sister, grandmother and all my aunties, uncles, and cousins in Honolulu. Basically, my whole family lives in Honolulu, minus a couple of cousins, who live in California. We had a lot of fun, despite all the rain and mosquitos (Alex was a mosquito favorite, developing a Staph B infection from a mosquito bite - thanks to Dr. Yamamoto at Kapiolani's ER!). We didn't make it to the beach this time around, but next visit we will make it for sure.

Jennifer, Alex & Melanie

Alex and cousins Jennifer & Melanie

Christmas Photos

2008-12-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Alex's First Gymnastics Class

2008-11-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

Since Alex loves to jump around like a monkey, I decided to have him try out a gymnastics class. He had a lot of fun trying to do handstands, walk on the balance beam, swing on the low bar and tumble.

Halloween

2008-11-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween Alex and Colin both dressed up as Tigger. So cute!

Fishing in Flagstaff

2008-10-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today we went fishing at the pond by our house. I caught two trout!

If you are allergic to dogs, don't come to my house...

2008-10-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

The dogs are taking over my sofa!

Molly and her son Smush (Bryant's dog)

Cosmo (Molly's puppy & Bryant's dog), Molly, Smush & Elvis

Smush close-up

Mags! So cute!

Animals at Alex's school

2008-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Alex's school has all kinds of animals on campus. They started out last year with 3 horses and a pig, and the animal population has grown considerably.

Sheep, Goats, Pigs (see that huge pig with tusks?)

More sheep and piggies

Alex and a Rooster

Bunnies! Alex loves the bunnies because they are so soft.

Turkeys - there are 3 of them

Here is one of the 2 donkeys

There are 2 Emus

More Bunnies

Some fancy chickens

Chickens and Bunnies

Quack, quack the ducks

One of the piglets

That's one big pig!

Alex gets a card in the mail

2008-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Colin is trying to walk!

2008-10-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Colin is 7 months old, and is pulling himself up to a standing position! Here he is trying to stand up and pet Molly at the same time.

Look what was in my garage!!!

2008-10-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Western Ground Snake

He was only about 5" long and as thin as a chopstick...looks like one big buggah' huh???

Random Photos

2008-10-06T21:34:00.001-07:00

I wanna be like Mike (Phelps)!

Alex getting ready for his swimming lessons

Alex's Halloween Costume

Stitch, Tigger and Mags!

Colin on the quilt made by his Great-Great Grandma Teruya

Mr. Blue Eyes

Outrigger Canoe Paddling Long-Distance Season

2008-09-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

This was my sister Cathi's first long-distance canoe race. She competed in Regatta (short) distance season for Outrigger Canoe Club's Women Novice A Team, and now she is competing in the long-distance race season.

This race was on August 24, 2008. Named Dad's Center Race (don't ask me where they got the name) started at Kailua Beach and ended at the Outrigger Canoe Club, for a total distance of 25 miles, with relief changes. It is an Open Women's Race, with 49 crews entering this year. Hui Lanakila came in first this year, followed by Team Bradley. Outrigger Women's Masters Crew finished fourth overall, and Cathi's crew, Women Novice A finished 19th overall.

Cathi's crew also raced this weekend's Queen Lili'uokalani Long-Distance Race in Kailua-Kona. That race was 18 miles (no relief changes) from Kailua Bay to Honaunau. Cathi's crew came in 16th overall, out of approximately 135 women's crews that entered, and 4th overall in the Koa Canoe division.

The long-distance season will culminate with the Na Wahine O Ke Kai on September 28, 2008; a race from Moloka'i to O'ahu, across the Ka'iwi channel.

Outrigger Women's Novice A

Your Three-Year-Old: Friend or Enemy

2008-08-31T01:16:00.001-07:00

My mom bought me the above entitled book. Terrible Twos are nothing - Three is the new Two!

Arachnophobia

2008-08-31T00:35:00.001-07:00

So I'm still here in Honolulu at my parents' house with Alex and Colin.

This evening I picked up a shirt off the floor of my bathroom and put it on after changing out of my swimsuit. I'm washing my hands in the bathroom sink when I feel something strange on my right elbow. I turn my arm around to see what it is, and there is a GIANT spider (the size of a can of tuna) running down my arm! I start screaming at the top of my lungs, because this damn spider is so huge.

My mom is in my room, adjoined to the bathroom and she runs in and says "what is it!?" I scream, "a spider!" and bat it off my arm onto the sink, where she proceeds to whack it with my shoe.

She tells me it is a Cane Spider, and that it usually doesn't bite. Geez, thanks mom. She also tells me they usually are solitary, but sometimes she's seen two at a time. Ick.

So I Googled "cane spider" and this is what came up (beware if you hate spiders): http://www.instanthawaii.com/cgi-bin/hawaii?Animals.cane

Some old photos

2008-08-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

I found some old photos from high school of Becki and Jessica! I was too lazy to scan and upload, so I just took a photo of the photo with my digital camera. I think this is from the 10th grade Holoku pagent in 1993.

Stylin' in the George Ariyoshi lei

Day at the Zoo

2008-08-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend we all went to the Honolulu Zoo. Alex had a lot of fun seeing all the animals.

Waimanalo Bay Beach Day

2008-08-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I took the kids to my favorite beach, Waimanalo Bay. There were quite a few people there for a Tuesday morning, and there were even a couple of wedding couples taking pictures on the beach.

Taking two kids to the beach is quite an endeavour. I lugged both the diaper bag, and backpack filled with drinks, the tent and towels from the car to the beach, while pushing Colin in the stroller and making sure Alex was following me.

We set up our camp and Alex began to play. We couldn't go swimming because there were many, many Portuguese Man 'o War jellyfish in the ocean. But we did have a lot of fun, and it was a beautiful day!

Waimanalo Bay - isn't it beautiful?

Alex

Cheese!
Making sand castles - and then knocking them down
The water is so blue

Alex's crab
Our Camp - gone are the days of just bringing a towel!
Mommy & Alex
Colin sleeping in the tent

Amber & Jarad's Wedding

2008-08-06T02:50:00.000-07:00

One of my good friends from Punahou, Amber, got married to Jarad on August 1, 2008. Their reception was held on August 2, 2008 on the grounds of La Pietra School, the former Dillingham estate, which is located on the slopes of Diamond Head.

Amber looked beautiful in her Anne Namba wedding gown. It was a great night, and a lot of fun.

Congratulations Amber and Jarad!

The happy couple

The fabulous Table 17

Kristin, Annmarie & Becki

Becki had that thing glued to her hand!

Puns Picture

Baby Kahala Kawilanuimakahaekalani

2008-08-06T02:35:00.000-07:00

I hope I spelled that right...

Ka'iulani's baby shower for Baby Kahala was on August 2, 2008 at the Pacific Club in Honolulu. It was so nice to see everyone I hadn't seen since I was a keiki (small child). Keiki Kahala received so many nice gifts, he will be set when he arrives in a few weeks.

Ka'iulani & Colin

Matt & Colin
Isn't that a great diaper cake!Annmarie & Colin

The Sodaros & Pipers

Panda Cuisine - Dim Sum Day!

2008-08-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

I took Reid's advice from 'Ono Kine Grinz and dragged my 2 kids, Grandma and Mom to Panda Cuisine on Sunday for Dim Sum. Yes, I know I'm trying to watch my 'points' (Weight Watchers), and Chinese food is high in points, but we do not have a wide selection of awesome Dim Sum places in Phoenix. So to heck with it.

We arrived at Panda Cuisine (on Ke'eaumoku, across the street from Wal-Mart) at 12:30 p.m. Parking is either on the street (metered) or under the restuarant, where they charge $1. The restaurant was bustling, but we were seated in less than 5 minutes. Of course Alex wanted to check out the fish in the tank (a.k.a. "tonight's dinner special") but I told him we had to eat first.

First came the steamed cart. We got Char Siu Bao (my favorite!!! - steamed sweet bread with pork filling), Shiu Mai (pork dumplings), Har Gau (shrimp dumpling) and Har Gau with shrimp and spinach filling. All were delicious, but by far it was the best Shiu Mai I've ever had.

Next, they came around with a tray of steamed Choy Sum with Oyster Sauce (Chinese vegetable), which we partook in. I also ordered a plate of Char Siu, which Alex seemed to enjoy. We then ordered the Steamed Bean Curd Rolls stuffed with egg, pork, and vegetables. It didn't look pretty, but it was very tasty. Although they put too much 'gravy' on it, as it was a bit too wet.

My mom wanted to order Steamed Mochi Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Pork, and Wu Gok (Deep Fried Taro with bits of meat (usually pork) mixed in). The Lo Mai Gai was delicious; the Wu Gok, I wasn't terribly fond of. The fried texture mixed with the taro and meat filling wasn't one of my favorites.

For my final dish I picked the Jin Dui (Deep Fried Mochi Balls filled with Sweet Red Bean Paste and sprinkled with Sesame Seeds) to finish the meal. Yum, yum, yum! They were perfect - not oily at all, and just the right temperature!

All in all, one of the best Dim Sum meals I've ever had. Not to mention the prices were pretty fair. We stuffed ourselves for $48 (there were 4 of us), and had some left-overs to take home. I would highly recommend Panda Cuisine for their Dim Sum, and will try to get in again for a regular meal.

For those with kids, Panda Cuisine is kid friendly. There were quite a few kids there, and the restaurant was busy and noisy enough to drown out Colin's crying and Alex's intermittent yelling. No one blinked when Alex decided to climb under the table. That's always a plus in my book!

Panda Cuisine
641 Ke'eaumoku St # 2
Honolulu, HI 96814 (808) 947-1688‎

Restaurant interior
Alex getting ready to eat!
Bachan & Alex
Steamed Bean Curd Rolls
Steamed Mochi Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaf with Pork
Char Siu
Choy Sum with Oyster Sauce

So many posts...so little time.

2008-08-06T00:33:00.000-07:00

I've got tons of photos and posts to put up, but am getting ready to head back to Arizona from Hawai'i. So I'll try and post some stuff soon!

Pho 97 - Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

2008-08-02T01:05:00.001-07:00

I don't know how this has become a food blog, but I guess it is because Hawai'i has so many great Asian cuisine restaurants/cafes. I also keep forgetting to take pictures with my camera!

Today I finally got to try out Pho 97, which is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant on Maunakea Street in Chinatown. There are a few tables and chairs set up in the restaurant; the place itself is roughly 800 sq. feet. Listed as one of 'Ono Kine Grindz favorite pho places, I had to try it. I ordered the Pho Tai (Beef Pho) and Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls) to go. (With two kids I don't really get to dine-in at restaurants.)

This pho was excellent. The rare beef was bright pink and looked very fresh. It was also very lean - no fat. The basil, bean sprouts and lime were all very, very fresh, as was the mint and lettuce that accompanied the Cha Gio. The pho broth was delicious. It was some of the best Pho Tai I've ever had.

If you ever find yourself in Chinatown, be sure to check this place out! You won't be disappointed!

Pho 97
Maunakea Marketplace
1120 Maunakea Street #176
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 538-0708
M-Sat: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Little Village Restaurant

2008-08-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Little Village Restaurant on Smith Street in Chinatown is one of my favorites. I try and eat there at least once every time I visit Honolulu. Their Honey Walnut Shrimp is the BEST. You must try it if you go there.

Anyway, I was heading back to my parent's house after a unsuccessful 3 hour trip to Nordstroms at Ala Moana. I must have tried on 50 dresses, and no luck. I just ended up buying a blouse and Spanx and left at 9 p.m. I was starving, and the only restaurants left open were in Chinatown. I knew Little Village stayed open late, so I drove over there thinking of Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Little Village has free 2 hour parking in back of the restaurant. Anyone who has been to Chinatown knows that is a plus, since parking is hard to come by. Sure enough, they were open and about 10 people were eating in the restaurant, which is pretty good at 9:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night.

The restaurant is clean and well lit. Colorful butterflies hang from the ceiling, and they have a semi-private room in the back of the restaurant. I came in and ordered off the take-out menu, which is comprised of 101 items and 17 items from a "Taste of Hong Kong" mini-menu. I ordered steamed Pork Pot Stickers, Black Pepper Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp and the Cold Ginger Chicken off their 'Specials' menu. I wanted to try a bit of everything, and I knew my grandma and dad would enjoy some of the food for their lunches the following day.

I waited about 10 minutes and then my food was ready. It smelled delicious on the car ride home and I couldn't wait to eat! The Honey Walnut Shrimp was delicious, although I think it is probably much better if eaten in the restaurant, when it is fresh out of the kitchen and piping hot. I wasn't crazy about the Pork Pot Stickers, so maybe next time I'll try the Chicken and Veggie Pot Stickers. The Black Pepper Beef was served with white onion, and was good, although I was expecting it to be spicier, since it had a 'pepper' (meaning spicy) next to it on the menu. The Honey Walnut Shrimp was great, and the Ginger Chicken was good as well. The Pot Stickers, Black Pepper Beef and the Honey Walnut Shrimp are listed on the menu as "Signature Dish(es)".

For you vegetarians, the menu states that 'vegetarian substitute available for all dishes'. Also no MSG is available upon request.

Little Village has won 7 Hale Aina and 2 Ilima awards. It is owned by the same family that owns Restaurant Epic, which is a very nice fine dining restaurant located on Nu'uanu Ave in Chinatown. I've eaten once at Epic, and it was fabulous. The food is catorgorized as Euro-Asian/Pacific cuisine. Epic has great food and a really nice bar. I highly recommend both restaurants.

Little Village
1113 Smith Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
http://www.littlevillagehawaii.com/

Restaurant Epic
1131 Nu'uanu Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96817
http://www.restaurantepic.com/

Big City Diner

2008-07-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

On Monday I got together with my good friends from Punahou days. We had dinner at Big City Diner and it was great seeing everyone again.

Kim, Rebus (Nicole's husband), Noah's niece, Jodi, Noah (Jodi's husband), me and Nicole

Honolulu Zoo

2008-07-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

I took the boys to the Honolulu Zoo on Wednesday. I myself had not been there in quite a few years, and was excited to see the new (2006) addition of the Keiki Zoo. The zoo has added more exhibits, however many exhibits were empty. There was a sign at the Meerkat exhibit that said 'our meerkat has died due to old age' so the exhibit was empty. I guess they only had one meerkat.

The Keiki Zoo was really neat, and they had some cool things for the kids to play with. However, the zoo is in need of some major donations or extra city funding. They could increase the price of admission - it was pretty cheap to get in.

Our zoo in Phoenix charges $14 for ages 13-59; $6 for ages 3-12; under 2 is free.

The Honolulu Zoo charges only $8 for ages 13+ (Kama'aina is $4 with ID); children 6-12 with an adult is $1; and children under 5 are free! That's the cheapest zoo I've ever been to.

The Zoo could be really nice, because they have such a great piece of property and room for a lot of exhibits. The reptile exhibit is still housed in the same old wooden building since I was Alex's age. And it is in need of a major facelift! I'm sure it is a funding issue though.

Alex at the zoo

The Hawaiian Goose or Nene, Hawaii's State Bird

Alex and the Komodo Dragon

Alex at the Keiki Zoo

Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96815

Pho Dreams

2008-07-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

Alex had some Pho for dinner tonight...

Mmmmm...Alex likes Pho!
...and then fell asleep at the dinner table
dreaming of Pho! Zzzzzz.......

Peppa's Korean BBQ

2008-07-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

I love Peppa's Korean BBQ!

Today I picked up 2 plate lunches at the King Street location: one meat jun and one BBQ beef. I also found out they now serve brown rice.

I love their ban chan. I got the kim chee, kim chee cucumber, wakame (seaweed), and bean sprouts for my sides. Each regular meal comes with 4 sides and 2 scoops of rice. For an extra $1.25 you can add 4 mondu (deep fried wonton). A mini plate only comes with 2 sides. You'll have to ask for extra meat jun or mondu sauce though because they only give you a very small side portion.

It was so good. I usually eat all the ban chan first and then eat the meat. FYI - Kim Chee has virtually no calories, but is probably high in sodium. There was enough in a regular plate to save 1/2 for tomorrow's lunch.

Their meat jun is really good too. It is a very large portion, and one plate can definately be split between 2 people.

I highly suggest this restaurant for sit-down or take-out.

Peppa's BBQ
1240 S. King St.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(This location has more parking available)

Peppa's BBQ
1249 Wilder Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96822

Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Kaimuki

2008-07-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like some Vietnamese food for lunch. After reading my favorite food blog 'Ono Kine Grindz, I decided I would try Bac Nam, located on S. King Street. Well after driving up and down S. King, and not having the actual address (I just knew it was on S. King between Ward and Pensacola) I gave up and drove to a Vietnamese restaurant my mom had taken me to the year before.

Hale Vietnam is located in Kaimuki, on 12th Ave. and is pretty well hidden, unless you know where to look. Parking is located in the back at Kaimuki's Municipal Parking Lot, but to my surprise parking is no longer coin-fed meters, but now they are equipped with attendant booths and gates at the entrace and exits. Parking is about $0.75 per hour, for the first two hours, and no, Hale Vietnam does not validate.

I parked, and with the boys in tow, headed for the restaurant. I was seated immediately, even though it was around 12:30 p.m. The restaurant was fairly full, but I was served quickly. I ordered a medium Beef Pho (Pho Tai) and some fresh spring rolls (Goi Cuon). The goi cuon came first, with a very interesting dipping sauce I've never had before. It was pretty bland, so I asked for a side of fish sauce (Nuoc Cham) and added some hot sauce (Sriracha) to it.

Their Nuoc Cham was a bit strong, more on the fishy side, but still did the trick. My pho tai arrived quickly thereafter and it was steaming. They had added the rare beef to the soup before it got to my table, (I'm used to having the rare beef served on the side) and there was not a lot of beef given with the soup. The sides (jalapeno, bean sprouts, basil, lemon) arrived earlier and I added those to my soup. Funny though, the only condiments on the table were Sriricha and Hoisin sauce.

While it smelled pretty good, I was surprised to find that it tasted pretty bland. The soup base didn't have enough of a beef flavor - although on the plus side, the soup base wasn't overwhelmed with anise.

All in all, it was okay, but not terrific. And I want to find a terrific place. I have tried the Pho To-Chau down on River Street in Chinatown; the one that ALWAYS HAS A LINE OUT THE DOOR, but that was just okay too. And I think they use thick rice noodles instead of thin ones. It was good, but I don't think I'll wait an hour to get in there again. They have a limited menu as well.

So now I'm going to try and go to Pho 97 on Maunakea St. I'll let you know how it goes!

Hale Vietnam
1140 12th Ave.
Honolulu, HI

Juvenile, I know....

2008-07-28T02:17:00.001-07:00

We used to drive by this restaurant all the time in high school after Kayaking practice at the Ala Wai canal. It still cracks me up...I'm so juvenile!

So Gong Dong

2008-07-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

I love local food. I love Korean food, Vietnamese food, Hawaiian food, Japanese food, Chinese food, Plate Lunch, etc., etc. So when I'm back at home in Honolulu, I head out to all my local haunts. Since a good Korean restaurant is nowhere near where I live in Phoenix, I try to eat as much Korean food as I can here.

My sister told me that So Gong Dong at the McCully Shopping Center on Kapiolani Blvd. is the place to go. So my mom, Cathi, Alex, Colin and I headed out there for dinner one evening. I've driven by the place so many times, but have never been in it.

They ordered the Soon Doo Boo (Tofu Soup), which is supposed to be the best in town, and the seafood pancake. I ordered the Yukgaejang, a spicy beef soup with rice noodles, and ate the banchan (vegetable side dishes). It was pretty yummy, but I still prefer Peppa's on Wilder Ave. or their other location on King St. next to the Zippy's.

So Gong Dong interior

Mom, Cathi and Alex at the table
Banchan - they were all very tasty!
Yukgaejang - very hot!
Tofu Soup

Colin and Alex

2008-07-26T23:58:00.001-07:00

Baby Colin

Grandma, Cathi & Alex

Alex at Ala Moana

Colin and Bachan

Colin and Alex at Grandma's house Baby Blue Eyes...just like Grandpa's!
Alex looking at the carp at Ala Moana

Golfing at Forest Highlands

2008-07-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from our most recent golf game...I shot a pathetic 141 - my worst game ever!

Annmarie or Alex

2008-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of me when I was 2 & Alex at 2:

New Pictures

2008-07-18T11:56:00.001-07:00

Grandma Myra, Colin & Great-Grandma Primorac

Colin's christening

This is how Alex fell asleep... Colin
At the San Diego Zoo

Polar Bear Statue
A "Poopoopottamus" according to Alex

Alex & Great-Grandma Primorac

Colin's christening at St. Alexander's Parish in Palos Park, Illinois

Alex in a Laguna Beach candy store

Mr. Blue Eyes

Mommy & Colin

Cousin Madeline & Alex

Colin's first meal...CARROTS! Yum!

2008-07-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of Colin's first meal. Carrots are what I picked out to feed him, and it gets quite messy. He still has that thrusting reflex with his tounge, so most of the food ends up on his bib.

Colin Rolling Over

2008-07-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is Colin rolling over at 4 months and 4 days!

"Hi Heals!"

2008-06-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sleeping through the night, and 3 year check-up

2008-06-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yipee! Colin is finally sleeping through the night! This was the third night he has slept from 9-10 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. Even though that seems a little early to wake up, it is better than the 2:30 a.m. feeding!

Alex had his 3 year check-up last week. He is 28 lbs. and 36" tall. His brother is catching up to him pretty quickly!

Colin's 2 month check-up

2008-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Colin had his 2 month check-up yesterday, and boy is he growing! He is 14 lbs. 3 oz. and 24" long (89% percentile and 79% percentile, respectively). He's wearing size 6 month onesies already!

Alex and Colin

2008-05-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of Alex and Colin. Colin is 9 weeks old in these photos and Alex has just turned 3. Alex really likes Colin's bouncy seat, because it makes all kinds of noises and lights up. Alex also got that stuffed snake as a present from his friend for his birthday. He likes the snake because it is really soft.

Alex's Third Birthday Party

2008-05-18T20:32:00.001-07:00

We had a Wonder Pets themed Birthday Party this year for Alex. The cake was so cute (and so delicious!) Everyone had a lot of fun.

The Wonder Pets!

Linny, Tuck & Ming-Ming

Alex started freaking out when we sang "Happy Birthday"
He proceeded to jump into my arms

(I'm looking rather large in that photo - no more cake for me!)
Mike & Alex
Alex likes to eat all the frosting first. He asked for a piece with "Ming-Ming" on it. Ming-Ming is the duck.
Vanilla cake with Raspberry jam filling - yum!
And another piece of cake later in the day! This time he has Tuck, the turtle on his piece of cake.

Bunny Huntin' Dogs

2008-05-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

It's not a hat...

2008-05-08T23:02:00.001-07:00

Today I bought Alex some big boy underpants in the hopes it will encourage him while potty training. I even got him underpants with one of his favorite characters, Thomas the Train. Alas, he decided to put on one pair, and use the other pair as a hat. This potty training is going to take some time!

Alex checking out Thomas the Train

Maybe it is a hat?
Hello?
Ta-Dah!

Alex's 3rd Birthday

2008-04-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today is Alex's 3rd Birthday! We had fun opening presents and eating cupcakes. We are having a birthday party for him next weekend, so look for those pictures soon.

Alex with Linny, Tuck & Ming-Ming - The Wonder Pets!

Alex with all his presents!

Alex loves his cowboy boots!

Cupcakes from Let Them Eat Cake Bakery - Yum!

Alex loves his cupcake.

Alex watching his Alex & The Alligator Video

2008-04-29T21:02:00.001-07:00

Alex saw me post the Alligator video, and wanted to watch it. Again, and again, and again...

Alex & The Alligator

2008-04-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Alex received a toy alligator from his Auntie Josie. He loves playing with it!

My Phoenix Suns

2008-04-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well the Suns decided to show up today, and handed the Spurs their first loss in game 4 in the first round of the Playoffs. Where were the Suns on Friday? Asleep?

Mike and I were at the game 3 on Friday, and it was a blowout. Here are some photos I took at the game. BTW, Shaq is huge - he makes the other players look short.

More Pictures

2008-04-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it is heating up here in Phoenix. It was 97 degrees yesterday, but it will be in the mid-80s this week.

I can't believe how different Alex looks now. He is no longer a baby, but a little boy. His face has lengthened, he keeps getting taller, and he is learning new words every day.

Colin on his Gymni from Auntie Sara

"No pictures Mom!"

Alex loves to hold Colin

Introducing Colin Gregory

2008-04-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Mike and I welcomed our second son, Colin Gregory, into the world on March 11, 2008. Born weighing 7 lb.s 12 oz, and measuring 21.75 inches long. Alex is doing really well with the new baby, but since Colin can't play with him yet, Alex isn't all too interested in him - but he does like the baby's toys! Colin was 10 lbs. 9 oz. and 22.25 inches at his 1 month check-up. This kid is going to be big!

Right before going to the hospital...

What a big stomach!

Just a few minutes old...

Phoenix is green

2008-02-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

Phoenix is green. Usually the landscape here is brown, brown and brown. But we have gotten a lot of rain this winter, and I can't remember the last time I've seen the mountains so green!

A few more weeks...

2008-02-15T11:41:00.001-07:00

Just a few more weeks to go!

Alex gets a haircut

2008-02-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Alex does not like getting a haircut. It is quite the ordeal, full of tears and a runny nose. Usually one of us has to hold his hands so he doesn't flail about while the barber is trying to cut his hair. After his haircut, he always gets a lollypop, which makes him very happy.

Happy Alex, with his lollypop!

Happy 2008!

2008-02-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since my last post. Not much new going on here - just getting ready for the new baby, who will be here in the beginning of March. Here are some photos - enjoy!

Alex and Mike on Christmas Day

Maggie finds a place to nap

Elk near our home in Flagstaff

Mom on the porch of our Flagstaff home

Woof, woof!

2007-12-13T17:44:00.004-07:00

Merry Woofmas.
Love, The Dogs: Molly (6), Maggie (4), Elvis (3) & Frank (1)

Molly, Frank & Alex

Molly

Maggie

MollyElvis

Maggie

Molly, Mike, Elvis & Frank

Christmas Card Photo

2007-12-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally picked a Christms card photo for the 'official' family card. I was waiting for that 'perfect' shot of my 2 1/2 year-old son, but trying to get a 2-year-old to pose for a formal photo is next to impossible. I would have had a better chance of getting my four dogs to sit for a photo.

This is the photo I wanted to use, but it was taken back in July, and Alex looks a lot older now.

So I took a bunch of photos in November (about 150) and while none of them screamed "this is it!!!", I did end up picking a winner....

And the winner is....

Here are a few pictures that didn't make the cut. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays.

Mom, why are you taking all these pictures?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we stuffed ourselves silly. This year we stayed in town and had Thanksgiving dinner at our friend's home. Josie and Garrett were excellent hosts and chefs for the evening.

The bird was cooked to perfection. The potatoes were mashed just right, and the yams were sweet and delicious. But my favorite dish of the night was the homemade stuffing. No bagged breadcrumbs were used in the making of this stuffing. Rather Josie cubed the bread herself and then toasted it before making the stuffing. It was delicious, and I must get the recipe (which is Garrett's mom's recipe).

I was stuffed - just look at that belly! After dinner was done and the dishes were washed, we started in on the pies. Too tired to bake this year, I opted for the Costco apple and pumpkin pie route. Big enough to feed a family of 15, these pies were huge! Throw a little ice cream and whipped cream on top and we were all in a food coma. Alex and Mike even snuck in a little nap after dinner.