OK!
So, I am far behind and I know it's going to be impossible to catch up on everything,
BUT
I am doing a Rewind of May Day through the years, so that I have all the photos and videos all together here on this blog to easily find and reminisce.
We moved to Hawaii in April of 2014, we knew it was going to be great, but we and had NO idea what a treat we were in for at the kids elementary school.
The kids were thrown right into the May Day preparation, but with no complaints. I mean really....how can you complain when you go to school and get to practice and perform a musical number with your friends instead of just sitting at a desk?! And the weather is perfect, so being outside is a dream!
And Greg and I were in for the Biggest Treat! I remember clearly walking down to the school with Greg, not knowing what to expect and being so impressed with this experience.
I guess, it was our first real cultural experience! And we ate it up!
Here is Afton with her class waiting for their turn.
The fourth graders typically do a traditional Hawaiian dance with traditional instruments.
(It is the year that they study Hawaiian History, afterall.)
Afton played the Ipu.
Here is her video...
I don't know why I don't have a picture of Brin with her class,
but here is her video....
Here is Makoa ready to go.
Here is his video....
After the performance, the keiki (Hawaiian word for kid) can stay at school or go home.
You can even order a Kalua Pork lunch plate and stay at the school and eat with your keiki.
So, of course, we wanted to immerse ourselves into this cultural experience and we stayed at the school with the kids, had lunch and then we all walked home together.
Before we left, we went and took pictures with each of their teachers.
This is Mrs. Gregg....AMAZING teacher!
He was so cool and such a good teacher for Afton. I remember him telling me that he'll keep and eye on her and make sure she adjusts ok. He said it a few times, but I didn't ever really worry.
I trusted she was in good hands.
She is the most free thinker, let the kids create teacher I've met. She is so open to the kids and all their crazy ideas and stories. She provides the best environment for learning. I just love her.
(Just look at Koa's smolder:))
After a picnic on the school lawn and so ono grinds (yummy food), we all walked home together.
I love, Love, Love that we live close enough to the school that the kids can walk. And that we live in such a safe community that I know several store owners in Makawao and friends driving on the street have an eye out for my kids.
The kids also love to pick me a flower or two on the way home. It's such a treat to get them from the kids after school.
We cross the street here and go down this "up, down road" as we call it, to go home.
When the kids walk home without a grownup, I make them walk through town and stay on sidewalks just to be safer.
This road goes down behind Baldwin Ave. where all the cute little shops are.
We live the street over from those tall pointy, evergreen looking trees in the background.
(How's that for descriptive when I don't know what the tree is actually called?!)
What a fun filled Ohana day for all!
Everyone takes off work and the field is full of moms, dads, aunties, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, friends all together celebrating May Day in such a unique Hawaiian way!
I love, love, love this day!
Man! we are blessed and I'm SO grateful!
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