Happy Birthday Kimi!

Saturday, May 16 was Kimi's 29th birthday. It was also the Annual Gene Higa Skindiver Tournament. Kimi was entered not only in the dive tournament but also in an Iron Chef challenge. So we gathered down in Waialua to cheer her on and celebrate another year of life.

It was such a good day. The sun was scorching, but we had enough ice cold beers to cool us down. It was so good to see everyone come out for the occasion. My parents even flew out to surprise Kimi. My heart was filled with happiness the whole day through.

happy birthday kiddo! it was hard not to contain my mushiness

Cory, Malia and Matty-san

Aww Minor... Less than 1 yrs old and I can already tell he's going to be a heartbreaker

I should have taken more pictures of the fish during the weigh-in. There were over 60 teams of 2 that competed and some of the catches were amazingly impressive. Andy and his partner speared some big Mahi... another guy speared a 30 something lb shibi... Jason Hijirada brought in the head of a Kahala, as the rest of the fish got eaten by a shark while they were diving.

I'm always impressed with the skill of the divers and the stories they tell. There's always a general air of excitement and hope... Excitement to see what everyone brought in, and the hope that theirs will be the winning catch. I also love the teasing and banter that goes along with the weigh-ins.

Fish weigh-in




Check it out, this fish has two tails!!

Kimi entered the 3 prong division with her friend George. They didn't place, but they did good.

After the weigh-in, Kimi and Kalei challenged Terrance and Terry in the Iron Chef Competition. This was the second competition that Skindiver's done and they really stepped it up this year in terms of making it professional. Dramatic music, loud speaker announcements, clothed tables... it was pretty cool. I loved that they played "Eye of the Tiger" as the chefs competed against one another.

The secret ingredients were Mu and Tako. Also the chefs had to use Primo Beer in one of the dishes they made.

Spectators spetating the spectacle.

Malia, Bri and my Mom had front row seats

Hazel, Kim, Jasmine, Laarni and Chessa came out to support Team Kimi

There's our girl, rockin it in front of the camera

She and Kalei took this Tako...

And made Tako Tacos! (both clever and tasty)

And here's what they did with the Mu... mmm

Their dishes were quite impressive, but the competition was steep...

Terrance's Tako Ceviche

Terrance's Mu Satay (Check out the presentation!)

I have to admit. Although I had complete faith in Kimi's dishes, I did get a little nervous when I saw what the other team had created... But team Kimi won!!

Good job Chefs!

And after that, it was finally time for the bday girl to relax, hang out with friends and family and enjoy the rest of her day...

La Werner Familia



My mom, isn't she cute?

My dad... he's not too shabby either

Pretty girls, Min and Kim

Jasmine shooting the fly with Forest. Yeah... They're cute

Min, Jazzy, Me, Laarni

Bri and Chessa

Hazel giving Kimi her gift

Cheers to the Bday Girl!!

As day turned to evening, most of the girls left to go to Haane's graduation (she just graduated from Med school that day!--- I'm so proud of her). But a few of us stuck around to hang with Kimi and continue the birthday celebrations. Leanne won the award for being the fun girl of the night. She and Kimi danced the night away.

Leanne with her "let's go!" pose

Dancing queens!

Cutie Pies

A great great day! This past weekend was such a fun one filled with celebration.

Next to come, Haane's convocation. I missed her graduation and grad party, but was fortunately able to make it to the convocation.