Kate Kate The Great is 10....

Mom and Dad can clearly remember the day Kate was born. Kate was born on a warm day in August, on the Island of Oahu. Mom, Dad, and two year old Emily spent Friday evening, August 18th, at the beach and visiting local markets, before going home, for what seemed like a normal night of relaxation. But suddenly, in the early morning hours of August 19th, Mom woke Dad and said, "we need to go to the hospital". After rushing to the hospital, we were told that our new baby was on the way.

Local Traditions..

Every culture as its own traditions. The beauty of this this culture is that they never come to your house empty handed, but more importantly, they always bring food, specifically fruit.

Last night, we were honored to have the owner of the language institute, whom we will fondly refer to as "Dr. G" (and we also, as fondly, greet with a loud, "YO "G", WAZZUP?), as well as his family, join us for dinner. Upon their arrival, they blessed us with fresh melon (from an area close to Pakistan) and a local species of grape. We had never, before last night, seen grapes this large; they were the size of Golf Balls. The best way to descibe the flavor would be to compare it to a Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) of the grape family, from the Southern USA.

We (Jen actaully) served a Southern US cultural meal, and they loved it. Dr. G's son especially loved the secret recipe of Jen's mashed potaotes...

X-Games at the local mall...

This guy was really good and the real thing...

The Razorback Rocket

The Razorback Rocket... An imported, High Voltage, Machine that can go from 0-45 KPH in 3 seconds. No Lie! This sweet machine has two wheel disc brakes, 3 speeds, a 50 Volt Battery and is Razorback Red with racing stripes and has a top speed of 65 KPH in third gear... does this mean it is driven this fast? Not at all. Due to the traffic and safety issues, the average speed is about 15 KPH... BUT believe this, just knowing that it can Zoom is enough...

Has it ever been driven 65 KPH... yes, it was test driven wasn't it? and Yes... there was the distant sound of Sammy Hagar, "I Can't drive 55" was in the background..

A day at the pool... meeting POP's

The girls were so excited that our apartment complex has a VERY clean and safe pool... The pool has one lifeguard for every 3-5 swimmers. Everyone greets us with a friendly smile and friendly wave... as well as laughter. I (russ) can only conclude that they are laughing at how white he is. Russ is so white, he is blue.

A true "Southern Fried" Meal with friends from home...

Upon arrival, we made some new lifelong friends; we just wish we could have met them sooner. We decided to give them a "welcome home" meal, before the made their way back to the states... Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, White Gravy, Homemade Biscuits, Fried green Beans and Bacon... mmmmmmmmm

Who would have thought one could eat Southern Food in Asia?

Random Pix from the City

We found a traditional dress shop. The locals usual just wear these type of clothes to weddings and celebrations. We also found a place to buy Snickers Bars. Good thing for us.....they came with AAA Batteries!

Learning Language...

This is a short video of the girls sharing language with some new friends... We brought a book from home that has the local language, English, and pictures... It si a great way to learn...