The rest of June & July

Ryan and his taiko mates attended their first N. American Taiko Conference (I think that's the name?). They were among about 3-4 youth taiko groups, but definitely in the minority. I went as a chaperone, and I learned one thing while I was there. And it is that: I am too old to be a chaperone. 

That was like an intense boot camp...and I was not even a participant. These kids went from 6-7am until midnight, daily, for about 3 days.

While they were there, they got dress up in yukata for an Obon-odori (festival of dancing, honoring those who have passed)...a nice bonus as Ryan has always enjoyed Obon.

I want to say this was my parents coming to join us for a Fourth of July feast of ribs (my dad loves his ribs) at Huggo's On the Rocks...and while we were there...Ry and his friends went to watch the Fourth of July parade.

And these are my two nephews, both dressed in their finest Manaola, enjoying an oceanfront dinner at Huggo's with their parents.

This is my baby brother also at Huggo's, but for a police awards luncheon for his not so tiny coworker behind him.

And wow, guess we go to Huggo's alot, as this is Ry and his friends hanging out there too!

And last but not least, one of the mom's took a group pic of the kids in their casual performance attire. They're all just an amazing group of kids who we are lucky to say, are part of our village.

Girl's Night Out! Celebrating two birthdays at Shiono's for izakaya fare! Oishikatta!

Haha, back at Huggo's for some type of celebration...can't even remember which!

My nieces were both in a hula performance, but my younger niece is often further back and I couldn't get good pictures of her...

Look! We do go to other restaurants! Ryan and his friends at Lava Lava Beach Club! (They're still in the same family of restaurants though, haha!)