Trip to Hawai'i, part 4

Christmas Eve was a bit more relaxed. Brian and I took the kids down to the Waikoloa Beach resort area, where we finished up our Christmas shopping. After that, we checked out the Hilton, where they have a dolphin training center. Parents pay over $100 for their children to get in the water and play with the dolphins for a little while. Jacob took lots of pictures there for his girlfriend, who loves dolphins.

My folks met us at 'Anaeho'omalu Bay (the locals call it "A" Bay for short) where Brian and the kids went snorkeling. Unfortunately, they weren't able to see much, probably because there were so many people there. The weather was beautiful - about 80F, as it was for most of our stay in Hawai'i. We had lasagna for dinner out on the lanai at my dad's house, then Brian and Jacob practiced the music for the Christmas service at the Catholic church.

On Christmas morning we left for church at 8:30 so the musicians would have time to practice together for the 10:00 service. Brian played his flute, my dad alternated between his guitar and mandolin, the cantor's wife played the keyboard, and the rest of us sang behind them. The flute was a real treat for the congregation, apparently, as Brian got lots of comments after the service. We went back home and opened the presents after lunch, then goofed around the rest of the day.

We walked 3/4 mile to the local Baptist church on Sunday morning. It was a pleasant change from the Catholic church, but, of course, not like being in our own church. The members were very friendly and made us feel welcome there, and both Brian and Jacob were praised for their fine singing voices. I noticed that very few of the congregation at the Catholic church actually sang, even though most of it was Christmas music. I guess people just don't think they can sing anymore. We stayed and helped put the chairs away after the service, then walked back home to have lunch. On the way home, we talked to Ernst Seiler, who lives across the street from my dad, and confirmed our dinner appointment for that night.

At 5:30, we walked over to Ernst's house, bringing our contributions of apple pie and sparkling cider. Kazuko, Ernst, and their 21 year old son Oto put on quite a feast, with appetizers like poke and goose liver on crackers, and a fine dinner consisting of stuffed roast goose, potatoes, and vegetables. After dinner we moved to the living room for a jam session - Oto and Jacob on guitar, Dad on the mandolin, me on the uke, and Brian on the flute. Ernst joined us on the piano for one song, which was quite a treat. Jacob sang a couple of pieces, and I sang one. All in all, it was quite a pleasant evening. Jacob and Oto had a lot in common and got along quite well - Jacob had someone his age to practice his Japanese on, and Rachel had a great time listening to the music and drawing, which she does incessantly.