Remembering Always

Brandow, Kwen-Lynn
Kwen-Lynn "Nani" Kaleo'onalani Kamae Brandow of Mesa, AZ, beloved daughter,
sister, wife, and grandmother passed away peacefully on May 3, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ.
Born March 25, 1946 in Honolulu, Hawaii Nani comes from a long line of Native
Hawaiian entertainers. Formerly a resident of Hilo, Hawaii, Nani was a proud
descendent of the first Mormon Native Hawaiian pioneers who founded and settled
the Polynesian community of Iosepa, UT. Nani's talents as a dancer, performer, and
singer provided her opportunities to tour throughout the United States, Canada, and
Asia. She was also part of the first traditional Hawaiian dance troupe to establish the
Polynesian Cultural Center in La'ie, HI. Nani married Craig T. Brandow in La'ie, HI
in 1964 and were looking forward to celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary in
September. Working with Native American students from across the United States,
Nani served several years as a school administrator for the Native American Preparatory
School in Rowe, NM. Nani was a diligent worker, sincere in every word and action.
She bestowed kindness and compassion to all those that made her acquaintance.
Nani was preceded in death by her mother Maraea Lua Kamae, father Henry Kamae Sr.,
brother Keawe Kamae, Sr, and sister Kay-Vola Kamae Shannon. Nani is survived by
her brothers Kenneth Kamae, Sr., Henry Kamae, and Kane Kamae all of Southern CA.
Nani is also survived by her beloved and devoted husband Craig Brandow of Mesa, AZ;
sons: Keawe Brandow of Tempe, AZ, Teariki Brandow of Las Vegas, NV, and Bobby
Brandow of Maricopa, AZ; daughters: Sunny Brandow of Colorado Springs, CO,
Sanya Lawrence of Hilo, HI, Heidi Brandow of Santa Fe, NM, Fredricka Brandow of
Honolulu, HI, and 22 grandchildren. Viewing will be held Friday, May 15th, 2009 from
5-7pm at the Mariposa Gardens, 6747 E Broadway Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206,
(480)-830-4422. Final services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mesa Arizona Skyline Stake Center, 10305 East
Southern Ave. Mesa, AZ 85208 from 10am-12pm, with a reception immediately following.

Mother's Day at the Faire

Today was SUCH a wonderful Mother's day! After a yummy breakfast and gifts (Jack helped Daddy pick out a beautiful charm bracelet for Mom) we headed to the Renaissance Faire! The day was warm but there was a really nice breeze, the food was delicious, the company was grand and all mama's in attendance were very happy!

We had a nice size group, Robert, Jack, Nohea and I were there with my mom (Liz), Brina, and Mara. Chris (Robert's brother) came up with us and we met Kate (Robert and Chris's Mom), Ron, and Amber. It was nice for Kate to have both of her boys!

We ate Roasted Corn, Turkey Legs, Broccoli Cheese soup in a bread bowl, Steak on a Stake, Curly Fries, Strawberry and Cream Scones, Cream Puffs, Steak Sandwich, and of course... Sin on a Stick (frozen chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick!). We did a lot of walking and people watching. Robert and Jack threw axes and shot cross bows.

Jack, Brina and Mara took fencing lessons.

Chris tossed a few javelins.
Jack threw darts with Maga (that's what he calls my mom) and she bought him a small wooden "peter pan" sword,
and Daddy bought him an axe!

(As if he needs any more weapons LOL).

Maga and Mara rode on the maypole carousel and got nice and dizzy. Brina and Mara jumped in on a random game of tug-o-war and their side won! Our little Crickett, Nohea, rode around in the sling for most of the day just watching EVERYTHING that was going on.

Gramma K and Papa Ron (Kate and Ron) took Jack to see the jousting horses
with Auntie Amber.

As the day wound down, we decided to watch a show that we like to see every year at the faire... the Washing Well Wenches. Wouldn't you know it they called Robert up to volunteer! He Hates getting up in front of everyone like that but it was hilarious watching the girls involve him in their comedy show. He was such a good sport about it and even took a picture with them afterwards. My mom got the biggest kick out of them all calling him Bubba ;)

We had a fantastic Mother's day together as a family and want to wish all of the beautiful Mothers that we know a wonderful Mother's Day as well. You are amazing, the way that you love your children and we want you to know how truly special you are. We love our moms!

"God could not be everywhere, so he created Mothers" -Jewish Proverb.

The Prom

So... Our beautiful neice Mara went to her senior prom Saturday night. Here she is with her date Chris. We went out to Ontario to "help" her get ready (which really means we just hung out and ate and talked story like we usually do).

Here she is with Cissy and Craig right before we went to drop her off at the limo. So cute!
Love the chucks!
Mara pins Chris's corsage...
The theme of their prom was Masquerade so Mari made the masks using material from her dress that Cissy made! Yes she made it... Mara was channeling an austen-esque look which she did. She looked so beautiful and her dress was amazing. What a proud auntie moment to see this woman that Mara has become. We are proud of you young lady