Big Island Fever

Training for Beijing 08, Japan VS Ireland. Ping Pong tourney. Sad to report Japan Lost. Visit to City of Refuge. "Aloha, ice cubes, mahalo"- The Curse of Lono by Hunter S ThompsonTurtles at the City of Refuge or as I used to call it as a child City of Refuse. Sunset and cocktails on our balconey.

Magma-I just like saying that...

The last time we visited the lava fields we bummed because we didn't get to see any lava. This time we were determined to see lava & drove 2 1/2 hours to Kalapana.
The previous day they had shut down the volcano visitor center due to "toxic fumes" from the sulfur. Being the paranoid freak that I am, I barrowed some masks from work. The fumes weren't bad & I only ended up using the mask for the porta potty, which I might add was really helpful!

Ropey Pahoehoe lava. (We also like to say Clinky a'a & Magma.)Josh following the orange stickers through the lava field down to the viewing area.
We watched the lava until it got dak & drove to Kea'au get some food. The only place open was L&L (Josh's fav) we sat on a wall & listened to a Jawaiian band that was playing in a bar nearby. We enjoyed watching all of the locals & their interesting outfits.

Field trip to Konatown

I went to Kona to visit Josh on Thursday & had a fun filled weekend. He was able to take off of work Thursday & Friday so we could have some vaah-kay. After the visit I really like Kona!?!?Josh enjoying a Scooner at the Harbor boat house pub. We love frosty glasses & fried foods! We drove north up the Kohala coast to Hawi so we could see how far the Ironman bikers have to go & to visit the town. It was really REALLY far! Once we got out of Kona the lava fields turned into lush green fields & it was a pretty drive.
We did some sightseeing while in Hawi because the Short and sweet bakery closed at 3pm. I had just missed them by a few minutes & was really sad, but at least I saved some calories.

Past Hawi we drove to the end of the Road to the Pololu Valley lookout. Not only was it an amazing view, but the "uncle" who owned the truck behind me was blaring Hawaiian music. I could really feel the Aloooha.

NorthShore part 3

On Sunday afternoon we decided last minute to head out to the Northshore to hangout at the beach house with the Seras/Melvins. Josh catching fish in the tidepools.
The Raquinos. Loving Noah!
The tidepools.
Kids at the tidepools were catching sea cucumbers and Macie was brave enough to carry it around. It was so gross!
My sister's dog Bailey swam for her first time.

Bromance

Too classic! Last night's Make Me A Supermodel was funny (I am addicted to reality TV or just mainly Bravo TV's crap). I love these shirts, too classic! 

Patty's Day

I found a giant leprechuan in my kitchen! mmm...corned beef!!

North Shore Camping

Turtle Last weekend we all camped out at the North Shore to have more Sera/Melvin time.
Rachel, Rick and the boys came out to visit.
Tent city!! Stinson casa.
2 Mermaids at the tidepools

North Shore blast 2

I went up to the North Shore again today & hung out with Robyn Sera & Max. It was very relaxing! We ate lots of mochi crunch, swam, watched turtles, tanned and just hungout. Then Micah came over & we took him to the tidepools to play with hermitcrabs. We couldn't believe how tall Micah has grown & how deep his voice has become...someone is becoming a man. Then Shannon & Dave came out, I forgot to take pictures because I was talking too much. Robyn, Shan & I drove down to Cholos for some girly time & drank Li hing Margaritas. They were SO good. Then we came back to watch the sunset & Uncle Buzz made us dinner.

"North Shore Blast"

Auntie Marianne & Uncle Buzz are out visiting from Chicago for 6 weeks. They are staying up at the beach house on the North Shore. Robyn Sera & Max came for a visit from San Fran this week. When we were kids we would go to the north shore every summer and rent a beach house with Seras & we'd call it "North Shore Blast", it was awesome. On Wednesday I took the girls out to the North Shore as a special treat because my sister is in Washington DC for work. Swimming with Uncle Max & Auntie Robyn
Building a big hole for the girls to climb into.
Two of my favorite fishes.
It's amazing how sand doesn't bother kids.
Max A.K.A. "Uncle bubbles", put on a bubble show for the girls. Macie was amazed at the bubbles & couldn't stop saying "WOW". Max is now super cool in the girls world.

First Friday

On Friday night we went down to China town for First Friday & was invited to a co-worker's exhibit. It was really neat & I am saving up to buy one of his lamps. http://www.markchaiarts.com/ Josh & I usually hate going down to First Fridays because of the crowds, but it wasn't as bad as we had remembered. We had a good time & wandered in & out of different gallerys.

Miracles do happen!

NORDY'S has arrived!!! Nordstroms, Jcrew & a ton of other stores has arrived. I wasn't going to go down on opening day, but something came over me & I HAD to go. It felt like the first time I went to Disneyland. How sad is that? I guess I have been stuck on this island too long. Seriously only in Hawaii would people line up at the crack of dawn for an opening, you have to wonder if they wanted to see the store or were just going for all the free crap. Most of the morning new channels were there "Live", hours before the store even opened. What was so important to report? Anywhoo, Josh came down with me & he actually bought more than I did. JCrew is tailored for "island style" & is super cute!! I think my mom's life is now complete, she has waited for 35 years since she moved out here from the mainland for this!

UBBER FIERCE

Project Runway finale was amazing, I loved every minute of it. The best part was hearing Posh speak, oh no it was when Heidi said: "UBBER FIERCE". Can't wait for next season

Adian bday party

On Sunday, I got to go to the Halekulani again for Adian's 1st birthday party. He is the son of my good friend from work Judie. It was such a nice party, they went all out.

Group photo of my work buddies.

The birthday boy, check out his Burberry shirt. So Cute!

Sunday was also Fonse's birthday, I wish I could have sent her one of these cupcakes. YUM!

Degustation Meal

Last fall we bought a dinner at LaMer with wine pairing from a fundraiser auction event for the Hawaii Historic Society. It's not a cause we really know alot about, but we had to go because Josh's boss bought a table. We split the dinner with the Polis' so that we could all enjoy a fancy smancy nightout. So on Saturday night we got dressed up & finally went to LaMer for our 9 course meal with wine pairing. It was an amazing experience! Dont worry we all took a taxi home.
We had the best table that looked over the ocean & the sunset was amazing, until the old guy in the speedo showed up...ew!
Josh was in hog heaven when the after dinner drink cart rolled around! They also had this cheese cart with a cheese expert, which was super weird. How does one get to be a cheese expert?