Sundays at The Gathering

Jacob: Here I am wondering what my cousin is up to...she was talking an awful lot. How does that mynah bird song go? "Jibber-Jabber Chitter-Chatter, Auwe! Jibber-Jabber Chitter-Chatter in the trees, Noisy as she can be..." Soon I'll be joining her in the excitement, but for now I am content to sit on my Apa's lap and be amazed at my cousin's joyful outbursts. Nana doesn't seem to mind at all, just look at the ear-to-ear smile on her face.

Together Forever, Never to Part

Jacob: My Babbo is back from his trip to Seattle (where he was part of Coffee Josh's wedding), and it could not have been soon enough. He came straight from the airport to my Grand's house where I was awaiting his arrival. When he finally got here he gave Mamma a real big hug, then we set off for a walk - I love going for walks with my Babbo. Picale Babbo!

Aloha, Travelers

Jacob: My life is good, especially when all my Aunties come to visit and hold me. In fact, I'm so popular right now, I keep this hat and these shades on to limit the incredible amount of attention I get when I go out. The pretty lady holding me is my Auntie Kim, she came with her husband Uncle Scott all the way from Asia for a visit. My Uncle JJ and his fiancee Jacinta also visited from Asia AND announced their engagement here! My Princess Grand and Uncle Cooter visited from the UK and we had a blast. Lastly, Mamma's friends - the Berks - visited from NYC and I played with their exuberant daughter, Cyma. Hmm, were there any other visitors?? Oh yes, my Babbo's godmother, Auntie Anne, visited all the way from Maryland. Whew! Being the talk of the town sure is exhausting. Well, see ya' around.

Happy 1st Anniversary Mamma and Babbo...

Jacob: So what are WE doing for YOUR anniversary?

Mamma: Thanks to the fine folks at The Kahala we are enjoying one night in a newly refurbished cabana room looking out on the beach, and they even included dinner at Hoku's in this anniversary package! You will get to see where we got married!

Jacob: Dinner? Wow. For three?

Mamma: Nope. Dinner for two.

Jacob: What's Babbo going to do for dinner?

Mamma: Your Babbo is coming with me and you will have your Grand and Zedi all to yourself!

Tanti Auguri Cara Mamma!

Jacob: For Mom's birthday dinner we invited her good friend Sheree, her husband Andrew, and their son, Kaian (whom I thank for giving my parents some real training before their gig as real parents began). It just so happens that Kaian wanted to give me a smell test to see if I was the real thing! Speaking of smells, "Don't lift my leg too high Auntie Sheree! HeeHee!"

Free at Last! Free at Last! Thank God Almighty

Jacob: LOOK AT ME on my very FIRST excursion, and this just happens to be my mom's first taste of the outside world in a month! Dad pulled the stroller out of the "boot" - as Mom calls it - and proceeded to set up my new fandangled wheels for its first spin around Manoa town - tucked snuggly in the greenest part of Manoa valley. Dad and Mom walked into a favorite sandwich shop with big grins, thinking "this is no sweat." Then I woke up...Then they woke up! Dad grabbed me so mom could eat lunch (by herself). My folks are brave though, so we ventured over to Long's and Safeway before calling it a day. I could do this more often - as long as the car rides are short and the company consists of my wonderful new parents.