A Simple Hike

Romney and I decided that we wanted to go hike Diamond Head last Saturday. It's been pretty rainy here in Honolulu the last month so Diamond Head has been very green. Normally it's very dry over there and the "mountain" is bone dry. So we figured since we'd never hiked it together and it's so green right now, we'd go this weekend.

We asked Justin and Tomoe Call to come with us. They'd been there before but were willing to come. It doesn't take long to hike: about 40 minutes up and 20 minutes down. We spent another 30 minutes at the top taking pictures. I've posted them on our Picasa site (there's a link at the top right of this screen). But I've added some video here. Enjoy!

McCammon for Christmas

Well, since EVERYone else seems to be doing it, I guess I'll join in, although a bit late. This Christmas we went to McCammon, Idaho to spend ten days with my family. Romney hasn't gotten to know most of them very well, so we figured this would give her a chance. Next year, we'll be heading to sunny California to spend New Years with Romney's parents.



We didn't do too much while there, other than drive into Pocatello almost every day. So many of my siblings have flown the nest that only Callin, the youngest, is home with my parents. He's a Senior this year and will be starting college up soon. There are three other siblings that live close in Pocatello. So we spent a lot of time going in to see them and do some Christmas shopping.

Here are some photos of the house in McCammon. There is a waterfall out the front door so Romney and I put on our snow gear and headed out to take pictures. We only lasted about 20 minutes and then went back in. I guess Hawaii has made us weak... :)






We ended up spending one day, two nights with Romney's brother's family in West Jordan, Utah. Romney's parents, Laurie and Evan Maw, drove up to Utah to spend two weeks with them, so we were able to see them as well. The one day we were there we went to do some after-Christmas shopping, out to lunch, and then played games during the evening. All in all, a relaxing vacation.

Early Christmas

Okay, so it's not a big deal, but Romney and I are excited. We have been using a small 13-inch television since we got married. We got it for free and we have appreciated it. Take a look at it:



Well, one of our couple friends bought themselves a new television for Christmas since they had an older one they've been using for a long while. But theirs is a 27-inch compared to our 13-inch. They knew we had a very small one so they offered their old one to us. Here it is:



Thanks Justin and Tomoe!!!

More Animals

Okay, so going along with what I just posted, here are some pictures of a green parrot we saw in a fruit tree in Romney's old apartment yard. It just flew in, ate some fruit off the tree, and flew away. (Thanks to Beth Sepp for having a camera around and sending me the pics.)

Hawaiian Pueo

A month or so ago, there appeared around the Iolani Palace Grounds a rare Hawaiian Owl. In Hawaiian it's called Pueo. It is supposed that the owl flew here as it was not introduced to the islands by man. This species of owl is not found anywhere else in the world. I've posted some photos of it and a video. On one of the days that we saw it, it was on the grass eating a rat. Enjoy this rare experience! (Thanks to Whitney Ross for having a camera handy at work and taking the time to send me copies!)

Grandpa Kau's 90th Birthday

This last week has been one eventful week. Tuesday was Grandpa's 90th birthday and Romney's parents came from California and her Aunty Debbie and Uncle Alan came from Wisconsin for a total of 10 days. Romney's parents stayed with us since there was little extra room at the grandparent's house.



Each weekend the family got together for dinner and entertainment. Here are a few photos:







The last one is at Willow's Restaurant on Tuesday afternoon.





It was a fun week and a long celebration for Grandpa. We hope he has a great 90th year!

Hawaiian Adventures Water Park

As an employee of the State, I become a member of the Hawaii Government Employees' Association (HGEA). They automatically take dues out of my paycheck so I figured I might as well sign up to be a member. It's actually been a good thing because they occasionally do something fun and I get in for free or cheap. The latest event was going to the Hawaiian Adventures Water Park on Statehood Day, Friday, August 15, 2008. Not only could I get myself and Romney in but up to 10 friends, all at a discounted rate. So we got some of our single friends from the University Branch to come with us.



One of the newest rides was called the Tornado. It looked kind of scary and we did get a thrill, but it wasn't too bad. Here's Romney and me coming out of it with Caleb (You Shik) Hwang and his girlfriend, Jen Crowther.



For lunch, HGEA provided a nice plate lunch at no extra charge.



Here were a few other rides we really liked.






For more photos, check out our Picasa site.