I Love You, California!

Since we moved into our new apartment we've been slowly gathering pictures and decorations for our beach themed home. Today we put our gallery wall together! There are still a couple of pictures we'd like to get to add to the bottom, so it's not complete yet, but it's a good start! I also got a couple of pictures to go in our bathroom. I got them at the Made in Hawai`i festival. They're pictures of our state flower, the hibiscus, and taken by a local photographer! It's starting to feel more homey around here a little bit at a time.

Last night we went out for Mexican in Waikiki and the spicy taco contest. Afterward we went for a beach walk and to get a drink and listen to some music while we enjoyed the ocean view. We stopped in at a little shop and chatted with the guy working there. He told us about a pool party in Waikiki that was happening the next day and a "secret code" of how to get in without paying the cover! Will and I figured, why not? Monday was labor day so we could get our chores done then, and be able to play on Sunday. Also, the pools along Waikiki are almost always exclusively for guests, so we had to take the opportunity to get into a fancy pool! So we got up and got ready. This was a fancy pool party after all, more like a day club than just lounging at the beach. We packed our pool bag and headed to the Modern Hotel. We got there toward the beginning of the party so we got a great little spot next to the pool. There was sand around the pool so you totally felt like you were at the b...

We thought today might be the day that Will has been waiting for. A Mexican restaurant in Waikiki celebrates Cinco de Mayo every fifth of the month! They have drink specials, music, special decorations, and a spicy taco eating contest. Will was the first to sign up. The tacos are supposed to be very spicy, but Will said they weren't very spicy at all (by Will's standards that is!). Will did a great job, coming in a close second place, but it ended up being more of a speed eating contest than a contest of how much spicy a person can handle. And it was free, so what was there to lose?! Being a good sport! Planning his strategy. So close! Yeah!