Abby and Judith's First Communion

Last Sunday we went to watch Abigail and Judith's first communion! They were so pretty all dressed up! We were glad to be there to support them. We LOVE YOU girls!
Here are a few photos of the girls on their big day!

Our River Trip

We took our annual river trip May 17th to Laughlin, Nevada. We hitched up the boat and headed up to Ontario to meet up with the Imbachs Sunday afternoon. It's amazing how much you have to pack when you're traveling with a baby! Everyone was taking off together so that we could caravan up to Laughlin. We had a total of 5 cars/trucks towing boats following eachother! It was awesome. There were a few blown out tires, an air conditioner belt issue, and 106 degree weather that really helped start off the trip with a bang!

We got all checked in to the hotel (Jack LOVES staying in hotels) and tried to get as set up as we could so that we could keep the baby's night time routine as normal as possible. Everything was pretty awesome, kids settled in just fine.

The next morning we launched and thanks to the boys help, we got both boats on the water just fine. After everything was set up on the beach (ie. pack-n-play, easy up, chairs and most important food totes!) The men headed out to play and tow. It was nice and warm, Jack had a blast playing in the water on the beach and talking to the "ladies". Nohea did alright considering we didn't really have any of the comforts of home. She wasn't feeling the water since it was a little chilly for her tastes. I managed to keep the majority of the sun off of her. I wasn't messing around this year and lathered my family up with SPF 50. I got all of Robert except for his face! Oh No! That afternoon, the wind REALLY picked up and Nohea was definitely ready to go in. When we got back to the hotel, I had to get sand out of both keikis ears :(
The next day Robert put the bimni up (it's a shade thing) and that's when I really fell in love with our boat! Nohea LOVED going fast on the boat, Jack and Kurtie enjoyed riding up front and I was so much more comfortable on the seats than I was on those darn canvas chairs. We spent the whole day on the boat. We drove around, stopped for swimming in the middle of the lake, and towed a few in the Gyro Spinning tube that Robert bought at Costco online. Even Jack rode in the tube by himself. He got to go for a few Jet Ski rides and then when we came back and pulled the boat onto the sand, he swam from one end of our little cove to the other, stopping at everyone's boats to say hello. We had the best time that second day and really got to get comfortable on our boat. We didn't go in until about 6ish that evening! We had to pull the boat out since our family had to leave early the next morning in order to get back to Long Beach for Jack's T-ball pictures and game. We were sad to leave and have our little vacation be over but we're looking forward to taking a lot more trips on the water this summer!

The Funeral

just a handful of the ohana <3

We drove out to Mesa, AZ to attend my Auntie Nani's funeral services and support our Brandow Ohana. Because we had our annual River Trip planned for the next day and we had two boats to tow out, we decided that it would be best to drive out to Mesa early in the morning and then drive home directly following the service. We rented a 14 passenger van and left our house at 4am on Saturday the 16th with Myself, Robert, Brina, Jack and Nohea. We headed up to Ontario where we picked up Cissy, Craig, Mara and Kurt, got ourselves some donuts and started our 5 1/2 hour trek. Brina made sure to catch lots of pictures of us sleeping ;)

We made it into Mesa about 10ish and thank goodness for google maps on our blackberries! Finally made it to the Chapel and quickly changed clothes so that we could go in and join the family. There was a special viewing before the service for the family members in the Relief Society room where we could all say our special goodbyes. Auntie looked very peaceful and beautiful. In the chapel we were able to reflect and remember Auntie Nani through stories and loving words spoken by her family. Nohea was quite comfy in the sling and hardly made a peep! I was so proud of her. Jack found a seat with his cousins.
After the service, we headed to the cultural hall for some onolicious Hawaiian food and visiting. It was so nice getting to see everyone and talk story and listen to the kids all playing together. We drove home later on that afternoon and made it back in time to turn in the rental car 5 minutes before it was due! Alohas to our family <3

And We've Made the Switch

May 2009
Well we've made the switch to cloth! I decided to buy 21 bumgenius 3.0's in an assortment of super cute colors. They're a little bulkier than disposables but not nearly as bulky as the prefold and cover diapers we used for a little while with Jack. Nohea doesn't seem to mind the change. Everyone has taken an active roll in the big switch and that makes it easier. It's a nice feeling to be doing something that benefits the environment and saves us money :) That's a definite plus. We have to use a detergent that has no added fragrances, brighteners, enzymes or whiteners in order to keep the diapers in the best and most effective condition. We finally found a soap at Whole Foods called Eco Sense. It's made with coconut oil... who knew?! We're happily on our path to a greener lifestyle!

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.