Hanging with my boys!

How's this for a pose!

Finding the right chemistry.

As you can see, Chanel is no longer with us. It was a tough decision, but we found it to be in the best interest of the family to let her go. This allowed Vera the freedom to play freely with Louis and Napa. Not to worry as Chanel is in great loving hands with one of Sheri's work friends.

Of course, Napa was named after the valley where Sheri and I had our fabulous wedding. We decided to keep him largely in part to his cute and happy demeanor and also his non-alpha like temperament which was conducive to getting along with everyone.

Louis has really taken a liking to his daddy as he can do no wrong. Just ask his mother!

Bruce Lee

Here are pics of Bruce Lee's tombstone at the Lakeview Cemetary in Seattle, Washington. This was our first stop on our journey to getting married as we attended my niece's (Michelle) graduation from UW.

Sheri and I took a 'Famous Seattle City Tour' and got to see all kinds of famous sites including Grace Hospital (Grey's Anatomy: Sheri's favorite show), the Sea Star (famous fishing vessel used in 'The Deadliest Catch'), and sites filmed for the movie 'Sleepless in Seattle,' to name a few.

Bruce Lee's gravesite was mentioned on the tourist pamphlet and I told Sheri that we just had to go to this. Unfortunately, our driver mentioned that they only drive pass the cemetary and that they don't drive into the actual cemetary to see the gravesite. Upon understanding my fond interest in my childhood idol, our driver decided to 'chance um' and he took us right to it. My life almost came full circle as I was able to touch his tombstone. What memories......Thank you to his family for allowing us to pay our tribute to him.

Jon and Sheri's fabulous wedding

Here are pics from our wedding. We got married on June 11 at the Napa Valley Hotel and Spa. The courtyard there was the setting for the ceremony and reception attended by family and friends.

New Kids on the Block

Our Chanel gave birth last night to four puppies. Three are male and one female (that is black and white). Chanel's been a great mother and very nurturing. I, on the other hand, was awoken by mom to find myself in amazement at the birthing process. I'm still in awe at what transpired through last evening. We'll be posting more pics as they get older.

Fabulous news

To all my loyal fans out there in blogland, I'd proudly like to announce my engagement to Sheri Hayamoto. We met years back through mutual friends, reconnected back in January (6th to be exact) and have been on a whirlwind romance ever since. We've since got engaged as I surprisingly proposed to her on Valentine's Day out in Waikoloa and have made plans to wed in Napa Valley on June 11, and yes, of this year, before a small intimate gathering of family and some friends.

Sheri is a probation officer in Hilo and a graduate of Mililani High School and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Together, we are like night and day, yet complement each other so well. The main ingredients to our successful relationship is the trust we share amongst the laughter in the air. She is a hoot and we have tons of nonstop fun together. She's made me very happy and made my wait all so worthwhile.

More to come as our big day approaches.

Newest addition

Hi! Woof woof!

My name is Vera Wang Malia and I'm the newest addition to the Taketa/Hayamoto family. Mommy picked me at the Hilo Airport on May 12 as I flew in from Honolulu. I am a little Maltese and over one pound. I was born on February 16 to a very loving and fabulous family. I am very happy in my new home. I am fed every day and have tons of toys to play with. I'm also equipped with pads all around the house to do my business on. There's also these cool puppy steps for me to use to climb up on my bed where I sleep with Mommy and Daddy. I am so happy. Not to mention being in the company of brother Louis and sister Chanel. Well, I have to nighty night as soon as Dad get's off the computer. I'll keep you posted as I grow up in beautiful Hilo town.

Journey rocks the Big Island!

First Earth, Wind, and Fire. Now Journey! They will be on the Big Island to rock all of us 80's kids. Can't wait. We'll be there singing away along with our favorite tunes...Open Arms, Who's Crying Now, Faithfully, etc. That Pineda dude's come a long way since his Youtube days. Hope I don't drink too much so that I can remember the concert in its entirety. Unlike the Eagles and Earth, Wind and Fire concerts previously attended!

By the way, hope that whoever is bringing these bands in keep bringing in the top acts from America. Wonder how they can top this off? The Stones, possibly?

Master's degree

I'm proud to announce that I've successfully completed my Master's degree in Adapted Physical Education. My cohort of six all struggled throughout the year and came out like champs. We are all so overwhelmed by the sacrifices made during the year, yet have been rewarded accordingly. The DOE will now be a better place knowing that we'll be servicing our students with disabilities with the highest of qualifications. My kudos go out to my cohort members for their support throughout the year and also to all of our wonderful professors at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.