About a month a go, my Sweet Wahine celebrated her 35th (please whisper) birthday. Initially, when asked about what she wanted to do to honor the occasion, she replied, "Nothing this year. 35 years depresses me." This is really a big deal. Nobody likes to throw birthday parties like Pooh does! Nobody! In fact, in 8 years of marriage, she has never let me throw her a party. She throws herself a party! Luckily, before I sighed too deeply at the relief of not needing to throw a party, she changed her mind...."I want a luau!"
We invited all her family and mine. We even had family fly in from Washington and drive up from California with one cousin coming all the way from Peru! Well, okay, so they had a family reunion the same weekend, but it was still great to see them all!
I got loads of props for throwing a great party, but truthfully, I did it the easy way. I called an entertainment group and a caterer. I had some help from some of the neighbor dudes to set up tables and chairs. Other than that, it was a breeze!
We invited many of Pooh's friends from around the neighborhood. We had about 170 show up in all, including Deena and Curtis V. They went to Hawaii with us, so hopefully they had a good time getting back into the spirit of Aloha.
Jim and Thea J. are some of our Caribbean buddies. We were grateful they joined us.
We were so grateful for the Mylers to allow us their facilities. It helped make for a great event.
Just about Pooh's entire family were there including her cousins Jason and Andrea K. By the way, if your tots need a place to learn gymnastics, send them to "Jump Up Gymnastics", Andrea and Jason's business. You won't regret it.
Pooh's cousin Dezrea came too with her imaginary boyfriend. She even made him a plate of food. Isn't that cute and creepy all at the same time.
Candace and Corey came and helped out a bit too. Thanks for the help, Corey!
Pooh's Sister's family were all their to show their love for the cutest girl at the luau.
So was her brother, Josh!
We were so excited that Caitlin came with her Mom and Dad. Here is Joe stealing a pic with her.
Joe and Brenda. They are like 2nd parents to us. They watch over us and are about the same age as my grandparents.
Tom, Nancy (in usual form) and Caity. We love these people.
Mindee and Paul H. came for the good company and stayed for the food! These two are awesome and will be traveling with us to the Caribbean this coming February!
Of course our wonderful neighbors to the North, Jason and Cyndi C. Jason giving us all a Shaka!
Laura and Sean C. had a great time as well. The food was enjoyed by everyone. We had pineapple, Kalbi Ribs, Kahlua Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Mac Salad, Rice and citrus water. The food was catered by Matiki Grill. If you need a luau catered or any event for that matter, give Willard at Matiki a shot. You likely won't regret it.
Jenteal's husband, Rhett, didn't come, so we bribed Josh with food to sit by her so she wouldn't be alone.
Pooh's cousins, Judith and Taylor came to cheer her on as she rounded 2nd base towards 50! OOH! She is probably going to kill me if she reads this.
Of course, Aunt Kate and Uncle Vern came down from the sheep to hula with us.
Pooh's Mom and Dave came early with Molly and Duane and my Mom to help me set up. Thank you!
Brandon was a lifesaver when it came to putting up tables and chairs. Thanks, bra! Brandon and Dana P. are some of the few great neighbors we have been blessed with.
Am I not the most blessed man you know?! Pooh is the greatest wife a guy could ask for. She puts up with me all the time. For her birthday present this year, other than the luau, was to attend a luau with her without making one "lei'd" joke.
My beautiful Mum. She has lost a bunch of weight and looks great. We are so grateful to have her near us.
The prettiest Wahine, cutest Keiki and most blessed Kahuna around!
Unfortunately our good friend, Randy T. was serving our country and out of town. Aimee T. still attended and brought flat Randy with her.
Inga and Kerry D. came to relax island style with us. Inga has been a good friend to Pooh for some time.
Of course, no family event would be complete without my bruddah, JJ! It's always good to see Jason and Melanie. I love that shirt, Jayjaykapay!
This is the Sharpest family in the hood!
In addition to my Uncle Bill and Aunt Ruth with their family coming from all over, my Aunt Lynette and Uncle Ray came too!
A neighbor girl, Makelle G. made 9 dozen cupcakes for Pooh's luau. They were decorated with tropcial flowers, tropical fruit, palm trees, coconut and sea shells. They were not only creative and pretty, but tasty too!
DJ and Suzanne are great people and we would have been sad if they weren't there.
Mark and Ruth are some of our Caribbean Crew.
Lil' Brock A. sportin' his leis.
Rich and Deb A. are simply awesome! No party is a real party without them!
Of course, Bishop and Sister R. were in attendance and we were so happy they could join us.
Here is Makelle G. showing off the fruits of her talents!
Hey Braden! Your shirt is on fire! I got it out!
Ruby W. and her big doe eyes doin' the hula!
Pooh's good friend, Liz and her hubby Scott. Good friends? Nah. Great friends. Hang loose, bra!
The music and dancing were put together by "The Pacific Generation". What a class act.
I think everyone enjoyed the show. Most importantly, Pooh did.
At one point, they brought up all the keiki's. Of course, The Lou stole the show, but all the kids did great!
Fano (for the life of me I cannot remember his first name) and his wife, Maria, are part of "The Pacific Generation". This group of musicians and dancers are awesome! I highly suggest you book them for your next luau. Tell them Q sent you!
Here is Lou and the other Keikis dancing to "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride".
What a sweet little girl.
Paul and Jackie W. Great neighbors and friends.
All the little Wahines watching the dancers.
Then it was the dudes' turn to do the Haka!
Getting in my stance. (I am out of shape for sure!)
Ka Mate! Ka Mate!
Jared and Amy P. We are so excited for their new arrival in November! The name "Q" is still available!
The Lou and Josie G.
The Wahines learning to hula
The Lou, G-ma, Caitlin and Pooh shaking their hips for the audience.
Then Pooh got to dance with a dancer all by herself! I think she secretly loved it. Or maybe not so secretly. You watch the video below and judge for yourself.
I loved that the kids loved the luau.
Again, a special thanks to the Mylers for lending us their digs.
A Mahalo Nui Loa to "The Pacific Generation" for bringing the spirit of the Pacific to our little corner of American Fork and to Matiki Island Grill for the ono pupus! Everyone enjoyed them.
Caitlin and The Lou! We love you both so much.
