Holiday Season 2016

I'm not the hugest fan of the holiday season, in fact I think its very stressful to hold parties and purchase gifts. With that being said, it has to happen. I consider the holiday season right before the start of Thanksgiving when we put up decorations and end on New Year's Day, possibly the day after New Year's Day when we clean everything up.

November 24, 2016

After the 10 mile annual Turkey Trot at Kapiolani Park, I rushed home and got ready to go to Monterrey Bay Canners. This was the second in the last 4 years we've been to Monterrey Bay. Michelle doesn't like it, but it does the job I guess. The reservation was at 11:30am, the restaurant was not busy at all, yet. We ordered drinks. I asked for a beer and the lady asked if I would like a glass or a pint. I said pint not thinking that would be huge.

I made up my mind and ordered the Thanksgiving dinner. My dad ordered his favorite seafood dish cioppino. It got really busy all of a sudden and our server got busy, service got terrible irritating my mom. The kids were good. We got into talking story about the year which is what Thanksgiving is for. Quincy couldn't make it this year, it doubled booked himself.

We were there for quite some time because our server took so long, but looking at the bright side, it was much needed time with each other.

pumpkin pie

family picture

dad's cioppino

OAG Party - December 9, 2016

The annual OAG party was held at our house this year. We tried to clean up the place, but didn't add anything nice. Its a work in progress. Start time was at 6:30pm, but like any party in Hawaii, we always start the party 1 hour later. We had a pool that Sarah would get here at 8:00pm, but it wasn't too bad, she came at 7:15am. We are trying to condition her to come early. The food spread was amazing. We have so much food every year. I guess 10 of us and everyone brings. Again this year, we did the saran wrap game, Janice makes it so fun with her competitiveness. I got another bottle of wine, which I should start collecting.

Joining us this year was Jana and Eric. Although we don't hike together much anymore, we still have so much fun.

OAG's

OAG's with family

Funny

Nishikida Christmas Party - December 10, 2016

One day after the OAG party, we had the Nishikida Christmas party. Low and behold, Quincy and Trey came first. But by 6pm everyone was there. Again, there was so much food, just like the OAG party yesterday. I think I gained 6 pounds over the past 3 days.

For games, we had the saran wrap game which was a huge hit. My $25,000 pyramid game was a dud, it wasn't thought out too well. Casey won the guessing game. The guessing game has been tradition over the past 30 years or so. Too bad we don't have the past winners names. Again, these times are so great to spend with family. Reconnecting is very important. Too bad Ty and Kristen never made it this year. They have a lot going on. Aunty Pat brought their daughter Harper.

Nishikida Party 2016

Family Christmas Christmas Eve

We decided to have steak and crab for the Christmas Eve dinner. I bought crab at Chef's Zone 10 lbs for $87. It was a good deal. Mom bought the steak from Costcos. Michelle was so happy that she was able to eat crab. We might do this every year. No pictures as the it was just a normal evening. Trey and Quincy came after and we exchanged presents.

Solano Party on Christmas Day

We came on time this year. But didn't have nothing to bring. At least I was happy that I got everyone's present this year. Although we did forget Aiden's birthday present. The food was so good. I still love Aunty Lolit lumpia and pork guisantes. I drank a lot of the wine that I brought. Manu had cigars which we tried. I got a chance to talk with everyone this year which was good. Although I fell asleep at 3pm, we did stay till 8pm. Next week is New Year's Eve which is always another fun event.

Cousin's picture