Hello again.

Last week we were priveleged to be invited to another Hawaiian 1st Birthday Party. If you EVET get the chance to go to one, DON'T pass it up.

The party started with a traditional (modern) Hawaiian band. They play ukalele's (pronounced 00h-cah-lay-lay), string base and guitar. The ladies sing kind of a yodle-type sing-song and it takes a bit of getting used, but is very nice.

They then had a bunch of 'aunties' that did some traditional hula. It's not all about grass skirts and 'belly-dancing' girls. Traditional hula is about a story. All the songs have a story to tell and the dance depicts the story. Most of the ladies were older and all did a great job. I apologize if the pics are small, hope you get the gist. I had to use my phone as we forgot the real camera ... my fault?!?

The little kids got a ticket when we came in and they got to go to the candy table. The helpers filled out a bag of candy with whatever the kids wanted. It turned into a throng and fortunately/unfortunately it was right behind our table. G got her share and of course, since she was the only one that went, the other sisters were waaaaay jealous.

Next, they had a group of Hawaiian, or Japanese, can't remember, Tiku drummers. I think actually it is a Japanese tradition that has been adopted and altered a bit to suit Hawaiian needs, but don't quote me. This group had about 7, some older, some H.S. age. They were flat awesome, often I could only hear them as only 1 drummer (and while I don't study anymore, I can still tune my ear and be picky if I choose to). WAAAAY cool!

Of course, what would a Birthday Party be without a mascot ... they chose Elmo and the kids just ate it up ... all except G. I asked if she wanted to go up and dance with Elmo and her response was "NO (exagerrated and 2 syllables)!! I HATE Elmo!!" Sorry Elmo, not my fault, I love you!!G then had to go off and have her face painted. We weren't there and as result this is what we saw on her return. Oh, well, no harm done. It all washes off.

They also had a table of cotton-candy/popcorn, a traditional Hawaiian Buffet (pronounced boo-fay) that included kalua pork, rice and all the other tradition luau trimmings, free beer (Heineken ... they weren't goin' cheap), a clown that made some amazing balloon animals and such to include a monster truck that was made of 54 balloons, a massive cake and cupcakes (of course) and then the finished with a local band that plays music like 'Jack Johnson'.

We truly had a great time. There were probably about 200-300 people there. They really know how to celebrate life here.

Our best to all of you.

THANKS LISA, it was a pleasure to celebrate with you.

Aloha