Lantern Floating Ceremony

Today we went to the Lantern Floating Ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park. It was beautiful and calming--something I feel like I've been missing recently. For those who aren't familiar with this Hawaii Memorial Day tradition, it's one that began about 13 years ago by a Buddhist priest (?). Traditionally, it's done during Obon in August but it's been adapted to take place during Memorial Day here. One thing I enjoy most about the ceremony is that people of every faith and cultural heritage join together for a day of peace.

Name tags

Salena is on a roll....

Meanwhile...

Brent and his dad, Uncle Bryon, made delicious dessert. Uncle Bryon made blueberry scones and Brent made cinnamon and honey topped waffles with ice cream...I haven't gotten to the scone yet but I've never been disappointed ever.

Arts & Crafts with Grandma Ibe

Salena is definitely enjoying quality time With Brent's family. She made beaded name tags!

Happy birthday, Grandpa Gerald!

We celebrated Brent's grandpa's birthday today (it was actually a week ago) at Tony Roma's. Salena came along with me because my parents went to the 2011 Na Hoku HanoHano Awards show (*proud moment: Junior won an award tonight! *gloating~**). Anyway, dinner was delicious (I got the Ultimate Combo--sounds ultimate, right?) and we succeeded in singing a little birthday song before heading back to his grandparent's place for dessert. Salena gets along very well with Brent's family and for that I'm very glad.

HASR Wine Co.

Who knew? There's a cite little wine boutique shop on Pauahi Street. Our last stop was here and I must say, I am impressed. This place is definitely a wino heaven, hands down. They do free wine tasting every Tuesday and Friday from 5-7p. I'm currently sipping on the owner's favorite--J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon. I'm not a reds person but this might become a favorite.

Tales of the Mango Giant

Don't be fooled by the beauty of this scene. Behind the statue is a man of terrible tantrum--the Mango Giant. A burly, hairy man of about 9' 5" (or less...I wasn't looking carefully). Anyway, he was huge and scary. While Zack was innocently shooting this very scene, the Mango Giant came roaring out from nowhere, yelling at Zack to "get that f***ing camera out of my face! It's like you're pointing a gun!!" Zack tries to explain that the man wasn't even in the shot but to no avail...he got a mango thrown at him. So beware when you walk that statue...you might get a mango thrown at you.