Grandma Martha (BLOG 2)

Oh yes, a few other firsts, first time to visit her daughter Rachel overseas, and first time to attend a Lono wedding.

This was one of the most elaborate Lono weddings I've attended, with all of the traditions followed to the hilt. (Not pictured: the "boat" the Lono groom rode while approaching the bride's house, where the party was waiting). The bride is the sister of one of our close Lono friends, who works with the language association we serve..

We celebrated an early Christmas with a night's stay at the beach shortly before mom and Esther went home. For my mom, who was raised in the Southern Californian sunshine, the beach holds many special memories. We were disappointed that a jellyfish infestation blocked us from swimming in the sea, but my mother the eternal optimist took it well... she and dad had to find a plan "B" on their honeymoon years ago, as the California coast had an especially bad jellyfish population that season.