Aloha!

This past Thursday, Kristina's school had their "end of school year" celebration, the Hawaiian Luau Program. It was held at 7pm which made it possible for most parents to attend. Kristina was lucky because not only were Jon and I both able to be there (even though I was so sick with laryngitis), but also Nana and Grampa!

We got there early to try and get "good seats" but quickly found out, so did most other families. Guess parents will do anything to get good shots of their "star!"

After the 2-year old class performed (or should I say "stood there frozen like statues while the two teachers danced"), then it was Kristina's class's turn. To the sounds of applause, the 3-year olds appeared from the classroom. Kristina had tweeked her lei ~ swiftly placing it behind her after having pulled her shirt out of her grass skirt. But after a few moments, I was able to overlook her dishevled appearance as our little angel took to the stage. Growing up, I was never able to get up in front of crowds, nonetheless dance like Kristina does, so I truly admire this little girl's outgoing personality. (Heck, I couldn't sell a box of Girl Scout Cookies if my life depended on it! Thank you, again, dad....)

Anyways -- as the music played and the teachers stood in front of the children and danced, most of the children stood there looking out to the audience frozen with stage fright, while a few children simply bawled. However, Kristina and her friend, Gaby, danced their hearts out making us so proud!

Not so sure what her hand and arm gestures stood for but our little girl shook those hips like a "professional" hula dancer. No doubt - we'll be signing her up for dance classes as I think we've tapped into some sort of hidden talent!

Now, without further adoo, we present to you our little kaikamahine ("daughter", in Hawaiian)!

As the kids take to the stage, notice the little boy checking out Kristina!

A short video clip as the program begins. Kristina is the forth from the right...one of the few moving. As luck has it, I cut off the video just as she started getting into it!

Although distracted like the other kids, Kristina heard the music and busted her moves!

I found Kristina rehearsing this "clapping" portion of the dance several days beforehand. She had it down pat!

Kristina knows how to shake those hips!

One proud Daddy with his little girl.

Kristina with her BFF, Gaby ~ relieved it's over!

Kristina was thrilled to see Grampa and Nana make it to see her hula.

This little girl just brings so much joy into our lives, can you tell??!

"Mahalo for stopping by and checking up on me!"