*family, friends, and sunshine*

My trip home was short and unexpected, and while I wish I didn't need to have had a reason to go, I am so glad I did. There's no other way to describe saying goodbye to someone you love so much, other than it SUCKS. Plain and simple, it SUCKS. And while I know it's something everyone experiences, and it's just a part of growing up (blah, blah), it doesn't make it SUCK any less. Unfortunately, our family has had to learn to be strong and learn to say goodbye quite often in recent times. Coming from someone who always opts for "flight" rather than "fight" in these situations, I can tell you that I have learned that no bond is stronger than the love between family, and nothing is more important than being there when it matters. Grandpa's service was painful and so beautiful at the same time. I heard stories, and learned things that I had never known about him. When I hear all these stories and accomplishments of my family (Grandpa, Aunty Ev, Uncle Richard...) it makes me beam with pride that I am part of this amazing group of people.

Seeing all of my friends and family, and being touched with Hawaii's sunshine, really filled a void that has been growing inside of me. I love Japan and travelling with my friends here, and I thought I was fine, but I realized how much I was missing when I went home. All of the following pictures are of very happy faces, so I just felt I needed to preface them in respect.


ice cream with sprinkles with lys and bryce after the service...i haven't been through a drive-thru in a year and half!

alyssa's backyard





"andie girl, why are you doing that with your hands?"

"...because in Japan you have to pose like THIS!"

grandma and grandpa's house...i missed this room so much

outside ofuro...old school even for japan standards

the garden misses grandpa

the rainwater buckets where the vegetables are washed


"ALOHA" hey who's that cute greeter girl and Big Island Candies??

i live for bugging her

da sistahs

tour of big island candies



kevin preparing his bait for his fishing trip

i thought it was a cat

bryce and grandma chilling on their porch

new farmers market in hilo...but they were already taking down, but we did score some ono blue kalo cookies!

UH Hilo campus...they are really coming up in the world! grad school? maybe...

new astronomy center...where is all this money coming from?

we're like twins! did you notice that dad?

what a beautiful day

hawaiian food @ kuhios

dinner with the family


miya!

kara loves chicken pho...we MUST be related!!!

all the girls

the poor guys that have to put up with ALL the girls...

i was lucky i got to catch up with shea, ash, and caleb in hilo! i'm so proud of you guys, it looks like you guys have really established a good life there...maybe i'll see you soon??


bye grandma, i'll be back very soon


mauna kea and mauna loa...mount fuji mitai desu yo

less than 24 hours in honolulu...but i was so lucky everyone was a good sport and came to eat vietnamese! it was everret's first time!

milano freezer!




birthday dinner @ ryan's



It was wonderful seeing everyone. At first I was actually afraid to move home, worrying that maybe things have changed, maybe I've changed too much, maybe it wouldn't feel like "home" to me anymore. People complain that things in Hawaii are very slow and monotonous, but sometimes that's part of the beauty I guess. See you all again in about 4 months!!