dinner with sandi's highschool friends

on saturday night we had dinner with sandi's highschool friends. it had to be moved to wes and jenn's place at the last minute, because it was supposed to be at stacey and carla's place, but since kyler was just born the day before, it was decided that they would be let of the hook as hosts, and we would descend on wes and jenn's instead. it was a wonderful gathering. great food, good fun, an exciting white elephant gift exchange, and a rousing gingerbread building contest.

the two highlights of the evening were: 1) kenji's suprise crashing of the party (he's living somewhere secretive on the mainland for intense military training and didn't think he was going to make it home for Christmas until less than 24 hours before. in fact, we were just having a debate on whether or not kenji was back in hawaii when he walked through the door unnanounced! it was great to see you, kenji!), and 2) sandi and i winning the gingerbread competition. that was a serious shock...we still don't know how that happend. mahalo to the judges!

a big mahalo to wes and jenn for being excellent hosts!! you two definitely know how to throw a party! sandi and i had a great time!!

the highschool gang: (l-r) back: Mike, me, wes, rachel, chad, shane, wayne, kenji, tae. front: sandi, shelly, jenn



the houses...

the judges: kenji, shane, tae, wayne...

intense debate...

the discussion continues...

different view of the houses...

candle light service: f.c.f

immediately after visiting kyler in the hospital, john, sandi and i jumped in the car and headed for Faith Christian Fellowship's Christmas Eve Candle light service. f.c.f is the church that i attended with my family for 11 years, where i served on the staff team for 5 of those 11 years, and where my parents still attend and serve. ...and, come to think of it, it's where i first met john letoto...wow that was a long time ago! it was very good to see so many wonderful friends again! here are some family pics we took after the service.

sandi, me, mom, dad and sarah...



sandi, me, mom, dad, sarah, and sarah's boyfriend, micah...


new sisters...

Kyler!!

while we were home God blessed us with the gift of Kyler Matsui! not that he belongs to us (he belongs to his mom and dad!), but we were just glad to have been back home when he was born. sandi and carla have been good firends since jr. high, and sandi was hoping that Kyler would be born while we were home! he was due after we were scheduled to leave, but he defied his due date and arrived a little early, on December 22nd. sandi, john and i went to visit him and his exhausted, but joyous, mom and dad the evening on the day that he was born. here he is, less than 24 hours old! AMAZING! great job, Carla...and congratulations to Stacey and big brother, Asher!!

here is sandi holding the young man...

checking out the feet and toes...

joyous mom, sandi and Kyler...

Blessed...

Dr. Uchida did a little newborn exam on the defenseless young man...it was neat to see a little bit of what she does day after day in the hospital...

...strange?! ...or maybe not so strange

as i was looking through all the pictures sandi i took while we were home for Christmas, i came to the shocking realization that there was not a single picture of the ocean or us, where we are clearly by the ocean. that perplexed me to some degree. however, i must readily admit the the ocean often has that kind of effect on me...i easily forget about the less important things, like looking for the camera. ...oh wel, that's why there's john. ...and brian!=) he he...

Shokudo visit...

as you may already know, or have been able to assertain...Shokudo is a restuarant. my grandma Chang was kind enough to take us out to lunch one day. those present, from right to left, are my sister, sarah, my mom, my grandma, my uncle gary (mom's brother), me and sandi. we missed Dad who was sleeping because he has been working nights for the past few weeks. hopefully it won't be much longer! as i looked through my pictures i realized i didn't get pics of all of the food, only some of the dishes. the food that i did get, i share with you below. enjoy!!

mochi-cheese...broke da mout'

sarah enjoying the feast...

ah, the unagi (fresh water eel)! do not fear, it is cooked...and in a beautiful sauce no less! ...over hot rice... delicious!!=)

the unagi is mixed in with the rice. the bowl is metal and hot to the touch (like a cast iron pan) ...so the unagi and rice continue to cook and sizzle a little after our waiter mixed it up!

fried udon...ono!