Dads and shoe shopping

First, I love my Grandma. Love love love.

My dad needed new black, stylish coaching shoes. I took him to Macy's. As I went straight to the sleek, leather shoes, he went for the boots. Boots? Anyways, I picked a few pairs for him to try on while he joked with the young funny salesperson lady, whom was probably younger than me. She kept up with my dad's sense of humor and gave him brown argyle socks to try on with his black shoes and khaki cargo shorts. Dad had a good time teasing her and making trouble. Dad would talk to other shoppers, "Don't look at my socks! Do you like these shoes on me?" One lady stopped and examined his feet and agreed they looked nice on him. Finally, after him acting out a basketball play and shooting a few to make sure he was comfortable, I made his decision for him. He was happy. So was I. Then we walked by a little girl maybe 1 or 2 years old. She waved at Dad and he made cute baby faces and noises in the middle of the perfume isle of Macy's. After we passed the cute girl, he ran back to her and handed her money. I'm pretty sure it was a 20 cus that's all he had. The mom looked so confused and just laughed while her baby girl took 20 bucks from an old Hawaiian man.

I love my Dad. Love love love.

i live for summer

school started today for the kiddies, so i feel like summer has officially ended. but really, not for me...the cool thing about living here is that any day can be a summer day. there's no rush to do this or go there today, because tomorrow is just as perfect. anyways, hope your summer has been enjoyable.

it's weird how my iphone has changed life. everything is accessible all the time. i can take pictures of anything and share it anywhere and make my life awkwardly public. i don't know why - it's like an outer world of people who like people and want to know about strange people.

my life isn't strange, though. it's cool.

snapshots of summer. lots of beach and lots of kids and lots of sunsets.

beautiful fish

my oscar is beautiful. even with his underbite, his grumpy attitude and bullying. i took pics of my fish today and here's a little preview.. say hello to Oscar.

ps. I'm not sure where that battle scar on his nose came from but it makes him look fierce right?

hula hoop is my new interest.

i think it's really funny how people look when they hula hoop. i think it would be awesome to collect clips of people hula hooping...but first, let me show you how cool my nephew is. he just learned one day, already attempting fancy tricks, and told me "put me on youtube!" so here it is...

graduate

 December 17, 2010

BYU-Hawaii

Me & 2 siblings

My dad and mom cried a lot because they're so proud. :) Three of us graduated all at the same time. It felt weird finishing up finals...then actually sitting in a cap n gown at commencement. But it was fun. And fun is good. I feel good.

Off to graduate!

Look mom!

Stylish

yahhh trick yah

Laie Temple Open House

My first time going through a temple open house. I went with some family...It was so amazing and I felt so comfortable in there. The detailing and decor was beautiful.

When the temple is re-dedicated next week, we will have the house of the Lord here again, just a few minutes away. It is such a special place...

The second time I went to the Laie temple open house, I went with my friend Elvis :)

And the third time I went with my family again...the little kids are so cute. Especially Kili as she kept perfectly quiet in the temple and pointed at all the paintings, stained glass windows, and pictures of Jesus. :)

So now we're all anxiously waiting for the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, to come and re-dedicate our temple in exactly one week. So exciting and wonderful! :)

Learn more here about why we have temples, and here for details of the Laie temple.

a true warrior

what if i were as sturdy a person as a warrior...
fearless, valiant, proud.

there's a story from the book of mormon that has always inspired me to be brave. the story of the 2,000 stripling warriors. "stripling" meaning "adolescent youth". boys. sons. ammonites willing to fight in place of their fathers to defend their people and freedom. though young and outnumbered in war, every single one of these boys survived even after injuries from battle. they were faithful and fearless because they knew their duty to stand up for what's right... and that was motivation enough to be their best and to be selfless.

please read Alma 53:18-21. especially verse 20. and this is why i decided to write this blog. because of the inspiration and power of verse 20.

"And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted."

not only did they have the physical strength and fearless mentality to be great warriors, but they were TRUE - to themselves, to God, to everyone - no matter where or when. end of discussion.

and this reminds me of my little brother. he spoke a lot about these boys and their example. he tried to live like them...physically, mentally and spiritually. in fact, all my brothers and sister have been amazing examples to me - being real modern stripling warriors - standing up for what they believe in and being true.

so...what if i were as sturdy a person as a true warrior? let me re-word this scripture to describe the person i'd like to become:

And she is a young woman, Kuulei is exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this is not all-she is a woman who is true at all times in whatsoever thing she is entrusted.

i'm so grateful for my family. beyond grateful. i love love love them. and i love the scriptures.

Aloha 'Oe (Elder) Nehoa Akina

Hana, Nehoa, me: his mission farewell on Sunday. He spoke so well and lots of people came to support him. Great day. We'll miss him but I'm so excited for his 2 year church mission in Montana. :)

This is my note to him, written by Kiani on our mirror. "I'm not afraid to take a stand, everybody come take my hand" (Eminem lyrics) one of our favorite songs. See...Eminem is uplifting and truthful.

After the long day of cooking for the neighborhood that Nehoa invited to our house for his farewell.

Us girls with Nehoa at the airport. Seemed like he was just going on a little trip-coming back soon. But I won't see him for 2 years.

So i'm sure I'll have updates from his mission later. A lot will happen while he's gone...

Tomorrow as he enters the Missionary Training Center, begins day 1.

golf fan?

my 4 year old nephew is a huge golf fan. he's super smart and very skilled. he is very excited to introduce his new youtube page :) i helped with the video. and while working with him, it shocks me how clever this guy is.