It's Been Awhile Since our Last Entry . . .

It's been a while since our last entry . . .

• This past April 2013 - Duke completed his Bachelor Degree in University Studies;  
• Kaluna completing his Eagle Rank, and 
• Moani and Kapua will be having birthdays in June;  
• Tyrell getting his own automobile;
• Nolo enlisting to Active Duty in the Army 
• It's been crazy with everyone growing up!

Laie Hawaii Temple in Full Operation

I noticed the Temple parking lot tonight and it was full. I can only imagine how much work is being done in the Temple these last few days after the re-dedication of the temple has taken place.

It is so wonderful to see the Temple shining bright at this Thanksgiving time. So precious that the Lord's House is in full operation. It's an exciting and wonderful sight to see all those who have waited to come and participate in the work of building the Lord's Kingdom.

Half way through the Year, Alright!!!

We're past the half way mark of year 2010; And the year is going by like "easy come easy go". In June we've had to enjoy a Baseball tournament in Kauai and the Keiki Hula competition at the Neal Blaisdell Center; In July, our Ohana has enjoyed our annual Ward Camp and Hukilau Beach; Last but not least in August - school is back in session and this year we have the pleasure of sending Kaluna to the HALOS Football camp;

With our daughter Karen and her husband Nolo experiencing their married life in the Temple View Apartements, and our son Elder Tyrell Nihipali out on his mission in Ogden, Utah, the Mister and Misses have been working hard and keeping our jobs, providing care for our special need daughters and making sure that Kaluna is keeping up with his academics.

With all the activities we have endured there were also medical challenges for our Kapua that also required much perserverance. Her G-tube profile popped out while having a good time at Ward camp, and not knowing that it fell out, mother dearest needed to play nurse and think quickly of how to keep her hole in her stomach open; Of course, it take an event such as this to not panic right? Right!!! So, using the emergency kit given to me by the Continence nurse at Kapiolani, the training somehow came flooding back to me and everything I needed to do, I was able to do; Putting a new catherter in her, plugging it to keep the acid from her tummy from rolling out, making sure that the catherter balloon is working were all part of "what to do" when caring for a situation such as this.

Both Duke and I were amazed that through the whole event, Kapua was just "cruz'in". No crying to sign of discomfort and no sign of pain. You can imagine how grateful we were that nothing major was bothering her, but truly a blessing from both our perspectives. Now that school is back in session; Kapua is not been able to go back to school but not fear she will be going back to school next week.

So, my friends time has flown by since the last post; And only with good cheer and a positive attitude I leave you all a great 6 more months (well 4 months really since it's already August); The Nihipali Ohana await our next biggest even which is Elder Nihipali's Homecoming; It will be a great transition for him, I know it will, but it's best that he keep busy at all times; But we can't wait til he returns home. His return will be a beginning of a new chapter in the Nihipali's of 549 Naniloa Loop.

It's Official - Mrs. Karen E. P. Nihipali Lavaki

We have been truly blessed to have our Karen-Elizabeth Piilani Nihipali married to Arnold Charlie Lavaki on December 30, 2009 in the Kona Hawaii Temple. It was a beautiful day to see her join together with her newly husband for all time and eternity. We are grateful for her decision to marry in the House of the Lord and wish her the best in her next journey of life with her new and eternal companion.

BYU-Hawaii Commencement a New Generation

An achievement worthwhile and well deserving, a college degree, not just any degree, but a Bachelor of Arts Degree. December 18, 2009 - the 79th Commencement of BYU-Hawaii Campus was held at the Cannon Activity Center. There is nothing more satisfying then to see a member of your family receive such an achievement and look back on the good, the bad and the ugly in trying to accomplish this goal. We want to wish our daughter, Karen-Elizabeth Piilani Nihipali, a job well done in receiving her Bachelor of Art Degree and wish her all the best as she continues on with life. She is definitely setting an example for her family members to do their best in their lives. We want to wish her the best and keep striving to do her best. Love you Sister!!!!

Last Testament and Blessings of 2009

Well it's December and the Nihipali's have a couple events to celebrate before the 2009 year comes to an end.

Our daughter Karen Nihpali will enter in matrimonial bliss this coming December 30th at the Kona Hawaii Temple. But not without having to graduate first on December 18th from BYU-Hawaii Campus.

She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 3-Dimensional Art with a Minor in Instructional Design Development. Her fiance'e soon to be husband will continue in school with 1 1/2 years left in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems/Computer Science.

This is an exciting time and truly full of blessings. Our Heavenly Father has truly blessed us this first year and we recognize that it has everything to do with the service of our son, Elder Tyrell Nihipali, as well as our future son Nolo Lavaki.

We are truly grateful for the wonderful blessing.

Gratitude

Well the Nihipalis have many blessing to be grateful for. We are grateful for our food, clothing, and shelter. we are grateful for our children. we are grateful for our missionary who is serving the Lord in Ogden, UT. We are also grateful for our daughter who will be entering the house of the Lord in Holy Matrimony soon. We are grateful for our family and friends who help us in small and big ways.

We know that families are forever. And we are living proof of the legacy that is left behind by our faithful parents and grandparents in teaching us the ways of the Lord. May we continue to always look toward the heavens for guidance as well as gratitude within our hearts.

Kaluna & Hirirau Cruz'in

It's been four months since our last entry.  Kaluna and Hiriau was just cruz'in on the rip stick at home.  Hirirau looked cute in her helmet.  And Kaluna was just tak'in it easy on the rip stick given her a ride up and down the drive way.

Missionary At Work

This is the latest picture sent by Elder Nihipali in the Ogden Utah Mission. As you can see he is busy; The field is ripe and ready to harvest! He is enjoying the Lord's work and we are happy that he is happy doing it!!!!

Ladies of the 80's Night at Neal Blaisdell Arena

For mothers day this year Duke and I went to the Ladies of the 80's concert held at the Neal Blaisdell Arena!!! It was so cool! And I must say it was neat to see that over the years they all have their own goals and desires to accomplish and have completed their goals as well.

It was refreshing to see that they have important values and important causes to be involved in. The picture is a bit blurry - but it was a good concert. And they think like mothers because the couldn't stay out longer then 10:00 pm. That was Awesome!!!! If you look to side bar we have one picture of this evening!!! They even got to learn how to do the "hukilau on stage" - My husband and to hold me back from running on stage.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii! - The Young Lady to the right was the Kahuku Elementary School May Day Queen. The picture are of her sisters and friend that participated in the 2009 May Day Activity held at the Cannon Activity Center. Our Kaluna also participated in the 3rd Grade Motown activity.

What's Up with the Naniloa Nihipali's

It's been a few months since our last entry; All is well with the Nihipali Ohana.
Just want to give an update on the Naniloa Nihipali Troop. Winter Semester At BYU-Hawaii is over; Spring Semester begins next week. It's a new term this year and all is happening very quickly.

Kaluna received his Super Raider award on April 13 - for the month of March 2009; He's started playing baseball for the Rebels Minors Little League Team. Hit a Home Run. Kapua is in school and making the best of it; Moani is doing well at BYU-Hawaii Campus; And Duke and Kamaile are busy as ever with the PAL Baseball League and working at BYU-Hawaii Campus.

We are all doing the best that we can to make sure that everyone is doing okay. Last buy not least Elder Nihipali is doing well on his mission and working hard in bringing in at least "one soul" to reap the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Nihipali Arrives in Ogden Utah!!!

Jan 27 - Elder Nihipali finally wrote by e-mail and arrives in Ogden Utah. He has his new companion and he has already been to his first wedding in the temple and participated in his first baptism.

His doesn't have much time to write everyone an e-mail; but we have sent to him a list of all family e-mail addresses to include in his address book. He can write once a week. He is looking good and says that he loves the cold. To all the family, he is doing well and we can't wait to hear more exciting and uplifting stories of the work he is doing.

The Before and After Look! Cuz'ins forever!!!!

This is Now!!! Noenoe, Kamaile & Kaui

Never change much did we?

That was then!!! - Noenoe, Kamaile and Kaui!!!

Kekuaokalani Ohana Reunion 2009

The Nihipali Ohana participated in this past weekend Family Reunion 2009 at Kakela. As you can see the Ohana was having fun taking pictures and everyone was in on the act! We all had a wonderful time with the activities. The cousins got a chance to play with each other and watch movies and participate in games and talent show. Everyone had the "Bomb-Diggity Time"
(Missing in the picture is Kulani and his family and Jon and his family)

Write to Elder Nihipali

Write to Elder Nihipali to:

Elder Tyrell K. Nihipali

Ogden Utah Misson

2133 Washington Boulevard

Ogden, UT 84401-1434

Elder Nihipali will be in the MTC till Januar 21, 2009. Afterwhich he will be reporting to the Ogden Utah Mission and a new address will be announced at that time. Thank you all for those who have given support for this missionary. Mahalo nui Loa and Aloha!

It's Official Elder Nihipali Reports to the MTC!!!

Dec 31 (New Years Eve) - The big day has arrived. Elder Tyrell Keliimauloa Nihipali reported to the MTC with 350 other missionaries reporting today as well. Today at 12:05 pm, Elder Nihipali checked in to the Missionary Training Center and received his official Missionary name tag and he begins his missionary service today.

While taking his luggage he saw Elder Ross Salanoa on his way to wash clothes. And he met up with Elder Michael Heffernan reporting an hour before. It was an awesome sight to see Brothers and Sisters ready to serve the Lord.

Elder Nihipali met other first time missionaries from Aiea, and also Pukalani, Maui; We want to thank the Bergau family, the Hanohano's, the Ika's, the Abrahams, the Taula's and the Au's in Utah for coming to the MTC and visiting with Elder Nihipali before walking down the aisle of the Wilford Woodruff Building.

Night At the Ika's House

December 30 - Tuesday

One more day before Elder Nihipali goes into the MTC; Staying at Comfort Inn & Suites is the best thing we did. Staying close by to the stores and places we need to get to was the best thing ever.

Our first chore today was to deliver some goodies at BYU Provo Campus with Kamaile's OIT (Office of Information Technology) Office Staff; Then we headed over to the Missionary Training Center, We'll take more pictures at the MTC tomorrow Dec 31st. We visited with Robert Anae at his home and did some "talking story" about football and the flood;

Lastly, we had dinner at the Ika Home in Provo. We spent time with kids (Tevita, Spencer, Makeili, and Sepi) and also our friends Paula and Lupe. They are doing fine in Utah. There other daughter Feli is in Hawaii at BYU-Hawaii Campus preparing for the girls basketball season.

Sunday in Salt Lake City

Sunday Dec 28, 2008 - This is the day after we landed in Utah; It was 32 degrees in Salt Lake City, Tyrell and I are standing at the Liberty 4th Ward Chapel which is a block away from where we are staying at the Raddison Hotel downtown Salt Lake City; The snow on the ground was from Friday evening; They had 10 inches of snow before we came. Dad was eager to take our pictures with the snow on the christmas tree where he says you only see on a christmas card.

Update on the Missionary

Review the comments on the Missionary Checklist posting; A few of the supplies that he needs have been purchased and items on his list of supplies needed have been removed; The time is getting near for him to leave and we want to thank everyone for their support.