Getting that perfect picture, with kids

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

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

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

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!

Peek-a-boo Colin!

Peek-a-boo Colin!

Kids

So cute!

Alex takes a picture of Mags

Alex the photographer

Valentine's Day Party at school

Nishime

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!

Christmas Photos

Halloween

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

Colin is trying to walk!

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.

Random Photos

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

Day at the Zoo

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

Waimanalo Bay Beach Day

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