Goodbye 2009.....

Goodbye to 2009. This year had a lot of wonderful memories, but also some sad ones. I lost my last grandparent, Grandma Betty, and my aunt passed away as well. I appreciate that my aunt was able to make it to the wedding and share our special day. But 2009 produced some amazing moments as well. Many friends and family got married and had children of their own. My little sister turned 21 and is quickly turning into a young woman, while my mom celebrated her 60th. Craig and I closed escrow and bought a house in Anaheim; a dream come true. I did not think I would own a house in So Cal until after my 30s. But here we are with our own lawn to mow, rooms to paint and decorate and beds to make. It is an amazing feeling knowing that this house is ours. 2009 brought us wonderful vacations as well. We spent a week on the Mexican Riviera for our honeymoon, spent weekends at the River, 10 days in Hawaii, gambling and drinking in Vegas, and a trip to Autzen stadium in Oregon. This year has been really busy. The highlight of 2009 was finally saying "I do," to my best friend. Craig and I tied the knot and I became Mrs. Kobayashi. Our wedding day is the happiest of my entire life and the moments we shared with family and friends will not be forgotten. 2010 has a lot of work to do if it plans on topping 2009. Its off to a good start with tickets to the Rose Bowl game on Jan 1st. I already know some highlights to come this year: my mom's retirement, another trip to Oregon, maybe Cabo, working on my master's, finishing BTSA, and so much more. So long 2009. You were one of the greatest years of my life!!

Jess is 21

The day finally arrived my little sister turned 21! It's been a long time coming, but she's made it. I'm so proud of the woman she is turning into. She's gone from my lil sis that I would pick on to a successful college student. I cannot wait to see what achievements are in her future.
We did a lot in Vegas in 2.5 days. Gambled on strip (lost), drank yard drinks in Fremont Street, went dancing at Prive at Planet Hollywood, did some shopping, watched Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian, and ate at Canaletto. The Phantom of the Opera was great! I'm not a huge fan of the musicals, but I was really impressed with this show. And if you ever need a recommendation on where to eat good Italian food, it would be Canaletto, also in the Venetian. So delicious!! Well, happy 21st Jess!!

Thanksgiving in Hawaii

This year I had a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Even with that full week off I took two extra days and Craig and I flew out to Hawaii. His brother and sister-in-law live out there and their twins, Casey and Cara, were turning one. His parents also flew out. This was my first time going on vacation to Hawaii. I have been there three times before but each time I was playing water polo at UCI. Our schedule was limited. But this time around, Craig and I got to do whatever we wanted. The list includes going to North Shore, the Dole Plantation, Matsumoto Shaved Ice, surfing and tanning at Waikiki, watching Ten Feet play, drinking mai tais under palm trees, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, swimming with a sea turtle, kayaking at kailua, getting stung by a baby man-o-war, getting peed on (it really works!!), seeing Pearl Harbor and gaining a true sense of being an American, was humbled at the USS Arizona, hiking Diamond Head before sunrise, parasailing over Waiola, Thanksgiving with the Irei family, almost getting killed by a huge wave and of course celebrating the 1st bday of the twins. We did a lot. I hope the pictures can give you a true sense of what an amazing trip this was. I had the trip of a life time over there and I do realize how fortunate I am to be able to do all these things.


Here we are getting shaved ice at Matsumoto, sitting at the very top of a small structure on Diamond Head (it was really windy) and parasailing. Parasailing is something I recommend for everyone, even if you're scared of heights. We're wet because they lowered us into the water and then pulled us back up into the sky. Freaking awesome!!



Surfing at Waikiki. The waves were so nice and it was refreshing to not be destroyed by a wave when you fall. Good times! Pictures from the top of Diamond Head. There is Waikiki before the sun came up that morning and then on the east of Diamond Head, the sun breaks through the clouds. The view was spectacular and worth waking up at 5am to see.

At Hanauma Bay before sunrise and before the crowds. Loving our snorkel gear. An amazing view from the hillside. We saw so many fish and even swam with a sea turtle. We felt all alone while we were snorkeling. It was great!!

Pearl Harbor is a very humbling place. I've always wanted to visit here as both my grandpas served during WWII. To be standing over the USS Arizona is an amazing sight to behold and it made me appreciate this country a little more. While at Pearl Harbor, we visited the USS Bowfin (aka Pearl Harbor Avenger), which is a submarine that we toured through. There is also a great air museum to visit which is located near the air field at Pearl Harbor.

We went kayaking with Todd and Tracy. We kayaked to the bird sanctuary which is located on a really small island just off the coast of Kailua. We then kayaked to Lanikai Beach. Craig and I did some snorkeling and then we were switching fins when I stung by a baby Man-O-War. Todd got it out of the water. I wanted to keep it as a souvenir. It got me pretty good on my left wrist and my right triceps. Good times!

Meet Casey and Cara. They just turned 1 and they are wearing the bday gifts we gave them.

Family Photos

The Kobayashi Family

An amazing vacation with my husband and his family. A trip I don't think I'll ever forget. So many amazing experiences. I cannot wait to go back!! Aloha!!

It's been a crazy fall!!

Too much stuff is going on and I can't keep up. Getting my master's, school starting, going to Eugene to watch the Oregon ducks beat the Utah Utes, Star Wars in Concert, Weezer, Blink 182, garage sale, USC vs. Washington, Long Beach Half Marathon (fastest time), Disneyland, Halloween time at Disneyland, Oregon beats USC, Craig's Bday, Grandma Itai turns 94!!!, funeral, and our amazing Thanksgiving in Hawaii. Hawaii updates and pics to come!