High Fives: Hilo's Where My Heart Is

5 things I enjoyed this past week.  Whether it was cheering on my nieces, reuniting with old friends, having time to do things I enjoy, or discovering hidden treasure...all of these file under: "Reasons for Moving Home to Hilo."

The Haili Volleyball Tournament.  The second largest event in Hilo Town (The Merrie Monarch Festival takes 1st by a landslide.).  This event attracts teams from all across the islands, male and females ranging from elementary to retirees.  It was a treat to watch both my nieces play in two totally different levels of competition.  Kamalu, who's 12 ( yes, she's 12 and about 5'10" and growing), has been playing for about 5 years.    Leiali'i, at 8 years old, played in her very first Haili tournament.  Talk about playing their hearts out.  Cheering on the court and just as loud from the bench.  These teens and youngsters display a genuine love for the game.  Especially Leiali'i and Kamalu.  One of the many reasons for our move to Hilo.  This aunty needs no megaphone.  I am by far the loudest voice at all of their games.  I probably could tone it down a notch...or, maybe not.  Be ready Coach Shoji. In about 6 years and 10 years down the road, you got two up and coming Wahine Warriors!

{1. Leiali'i and her 10 and under team. 8 years old and rocking her Lululemon headband.}

{2.  Kamalu and her 14 and under team.  12 years old and she's seriously almost taller than the net.}

{3.  Ty's...ahem...I mean Dr. Desilva's Dirty 30 Birthday = Mini HHS Class Reunion.  

P.S.  LOVE the birthday candle action.}

{4.  A Slower paced life allows for "Baking Pizza at Home Nights."  

Not to mention, time to cut hearts out of pepperonis.  :o)}

{5.  Discovering talented local artisans like Katie from Jewels of The Beach.  

LOVE my new JEWELS!}

Wishing you many hugs and high 5s.  Where ever you call home with the ones closest to you.

XOXO

High 5s: The Tahoe Edition

Part deux of the Destination Celebration in CA.  This rainy Hilo weather makes for perfect blogging coziness.  Here are a few memorable moments enjoyed in Tahoe.

{1. Hayley & me + Wheel of Fortune = Spectular Spontaeous Insta-party}

Hawaii travelers go to Tahoe for 2 reasons,  and 2 reasons only.  

SNOW by day & CASINOS by night.  What started as walking through Harrah's, aka Ghost-town on a Monday night -- "Sigh...Hayley, let's just go play some Wheel Fortune and have a few free drinks.  I'll press the service button so the waitress can find us." Fast forward 15 minutes..."WHOOO HOOO!!  Another Spin...big money, big money!" Words cannot describe how much fun we had on $20, the sound of "Wheel---of--FORTUNE!", and redbull+vodkas.  Thank you Hayley.  

This night definitely goes down in the books.

{2.  Colorful Carrots at Ikeda's.  Also a burger bar and omiyage pitstop on our drive up to Tahoe.}

{3.  Gorgeous view from our vacation home on the slopes of Heavenly.}

{4.  Heat Lamps are my friends.  Taking a ski break w/Noe & Boo.}

{5.  Top of the mountain proposal and engagement of Grayley. 2 very dear friends of CC-H & I.  

Many Congrats and looking forward to your Destination Celebration...Chris included.}

Wishing you many Hugs and High5s.  Especially to all my fellow travel bugs.  XO

Music is a Remedy

Ok, so this is my very first You Tube video post. A much deserving one indeed. This was shared by CC-H's dad. He doesn't send me much, but the ones he does find, are simply amazing. The Rhema Story in particular, was one that needed to be shared.  

The resillency of children never seize to amaze me. This adorable 8 year old will truly hug your heart as she did mine. Her passion and talent runs deep...and again, yes, she's only 8 years old. Goes to show how powerful the love of a parent can be and how music really is a remedy.

To all of you parents out there...and future ones too, would you have made the same decision for your child? To witness grief at such a young age?  

Share your comments below. Would love to read your thoughts!

High 5s to you Rhema and looking forward to your album release!

Happy Weekend Bloggies. Go out there and make it a fabulous one!

XOXO-- Jenn :o)

Destination Celebration

Jay + Shelly Wedding Photo Diary

Livermore, CA ~ 3. 5. 2011

Wishing you infinite hugs such as these, maybe even lil nugs too.  :o)  

Thank you for the honor of being able to celebrate this new chapter in the Book of Jelly. 

Jay + Shelly =  love.

XO -- Jenn :o)

High 5s: The Livermore Edition

This was by far the most difficult High 5s to complete since my blog debut.  How do you condense a week's worth of fun into a top 5 list.  The answer...break the trip in half.  So here you have it... My High 5s: The Livermore Edition.  (Next week, Tahoe Edition)

Usually my trips are filled with sight seeing, professional stuff, or of course...shopping.  This trip was definitely different.  A good different.  I got to hang out with Chris' boys and besties along with the Mau and Kim Family.  As you will see below, this Livermore vacay was filled with friends, wine, food, wine, laughs, wine, great convos, and yes, you guessed it...more wine.  

Wishing you many hugs and high 5s.  Especially my new and old friends. Cheers and hope to see you all soon!

 {1.  My first sample of Animal Style: Fresh off the plane and straight to In & Out. Love you Yelp! }

{2.  Man vs. Saddle: One of the MANY props in our Livermore house on the hill.}

{3.  Enjoying home cooked meals w/friends.  Fellow foodies inspiring me to host a dinner party.  My belly thanks you! }

{4.  Winedrinking with the girls...ahem, I mean winetasting at our first stop at Mcgrail Vineyards. }

{5.  Just Mau-ied: The Destination Celebration of Jay and Shelly Mau at Garre Winery Martinelli Center}

So much to blog...so little time.

{1.  Hawaiian Vanilla Farm birthday double date w/C-CH & the parentals}

Decided to post a very belated High 5s for last week.  Started to download photos off my camera as I prepare for a trip to SFO and Tahoe.  Reminiscent of an eventful week.  I got so much to blog...and just not enough time.  Although..Spring Break is just around the corner I will make the time to share these High 5s in detail.

{2.  B-Day Yakiniku w/Beaks.  I could never be a vegetarian.}

{3.   A meal that I could daily. Hurricane popcorn and mimosas.}

{4.  Night out at Manifest}

{5.  BabyMama Snuggling via Kalei + Rai}

**  I absolutely love this photo.  For all of you that have daughters, sisters, girlfriends, and important females in your life.  Cause I know you do.  Remember to give them big hugs and wish them a Happy Girl's Day.