Pioneer Day, Hawaiian Style...

just because we don't live in Utah, we still celebrate those pioneers.

Pioneer Day, July 24th, is the perfect time to have a ward picnic/bbq.

It was the perfect day, there were trade winds and no rain.

we had hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, chips...

perfect

some of the men went down really early to get a spot at Ali'i Beach Park.

There were several huge trees that had the best shade.

everyone had a great time!

 there were games for adults and kiddos.

Some people even went in the water, like little Miss Dorothy.

yup, Pioneer Day is the perfect excuse for a BBQ

Oh Scrap...

last Friday night our RS had a "Super Craft Night".  I "taught"

a class on scrapbooking.  Actually what that meant was that I brought

a lot of my supplies and helped them put together a page.

Everyone had fun and did a great job!!!

We used the RS room, set up long tables and had the ac cranked up!

Everyone did so great (forgot to take a photo of everyones pages)

I liked how each one showed that persons story and style.

I realized how much I miss scrapbooking and the creativity of it.

This night reminded me of all those years I got together with friends

at a store and would scrap the night away (way past midnight sometimes).

I don't miss dragging all my stuff around... now that's a pain...but

it was short-lived compared to the fun it was.

Friendship and Eggs...

the other morning I got together with these two ladies ...

one of them is living in Utah and the other is just so busy,

we only get to talk at church.

we went to Pizza Bob's (would never go there for dinner I don't think)

and had there ok breakfast.  It's close, it's air-conditioned and there's

endless Diet Coke with lemon.

Coco and I had the omelet with avocado, mushrooms, onions and cheese,

Kay ordered the fish and eggs.  I'm pretty sure that this is a Hawaii thing, fish

on a breakfast menu.  It was actually very good.

We talked for hours.  Listening to each other.  Supporting each other and not judging each other.

It was so nice that each of us in our own time, had come to the same conclusion on

the answers/help we were seeking.  That's a good thing.

When one of us looked at the time finally we'd been there for 4 hours!

We laughed that maybe we should order lunch and keep talking.

Coco and Kay I love you two so much.

Aloha Hintons...

our friends, the Hinton's, are moving back to the mainland.

I knew this day was coming, but didn't really want to think about it.

Autumn and I both served on the RS Presidency at the same time.  They lived

close to us and used to walk over for visits.  Not only did we share a love for

Anthropologie colored bowls, Le Creuset and Kate Spade...but she shared

by love of Downton Abbey!

Brad could talk to Terry about cars since they also have an Audi and a BUS!

The kids, Avery, Baker and Hazel are such sweet spirits.  Hazel will actually go

up to Uncle Terry now.

there had been a pot luck beach bbq planned yesterday, but right at the time it was supposed 

to start, it started raining like crazy (flash flood kind).  They moved to Waialua Bandstand,

but that was also crazy, since the rain was blowing sideways.  As a last resort, we moved

to the church.

They set up the portable bbq outside, grilled hot dogs and burgers and the kids ran wild.  It was the best indoor picnic

ever!

a hui hou Hinton Ohana, I'll miss you terribly!

Tala's Graduation...

our friend, Tala, graduated Saturday night from Waialua High School 

Class of 2014.

We've gotten to know Tala because he helps with our yard when Terry is

out of town.  He's a great guy.  He also works at WES after school, so I 

see him then.

Saturday's weather was crazy (not as crazy as Sunday's) so they

held the actual ceremony inside the gym.  There were 97 graduates in this 

class.

Then after the ceremony and the lei greetings outside the kids went to 

"Project Grad"  an all night party held off campus.  It's like Grad Night.

Today was his party.  I was really excited to go because the family always 

makes such great food.

There were trays and trays of Samoan food.

our Samoan Elder had two plates full!

crab!

our movie star...

there was dancing by Tala's cousins

 and a $$$ dance

getting ready to cut into a yummy chantilly cake

Tala and his proud mom, Tumua

Tala we love you

and congratulations on your graduation!

Best Day Ever, Brighton and Stuart...

Saturday was the long awaited wedding of Bright Rowley and Stuart Johnson.

They were married earlier in the day in the Laie Temple.  

The reception was held at Brighton's parent's house in Mokuleia.

Have to say, it was probably one of the best receptions I'd ever been to.

Their attention to detail was amazing!

Especially without loosing the bride's personality.

Sara, the mother-of-the-bride

trying to get last minute details taken care of

they had so many friends that were put to work

two of Brighton's cousins, Judge and Billy

Billy took care of all the food

 Brighton's aunty owns Waialua Bakery

best idea ever...instead of cake...chocolate chip cookies from the bakery with ice-cold milk!

beautiful Bride's cake made by the talented Brisha

Harper even made an appearance

the food....

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!

they had different stations set-up with different food at each one.

This is from the pulled pork, coleslaw, mac & cheese with fruit salad station.

They had hot dogs, burgers, fries, green salad, onion rings, sweet-potato fries (so good)

and I'm not sure what else.

There was never a line, guest could sample a bit of it all

this beauty had such a good time

as did lots of other guest

the beautiful ring

and the happy, happy couple

 all eyes were on the first dance...

 and the father-daughter dance

that turned into...

a daddy/daughter dance including Brighton's grandpa

all the single ladies

and single men

loved the idea of using social media to spread the joy

 there were even two "photo booth" areas

this one with the cute bridesmaids

and one where everyone could hang ten

Stuart and Brighton...

what a great way to start

this new adventure...