This is what a year of Nia looks like. This is what a year of more joy, more exhaustion, more being pushed to the limits, more sacrifice, more tears, more learning patience, more awe at God’s plans and more LOVE looks like. This is what a year made of sister hugs, tiny steps and hands…

Hawaiian Airlines is currently running a contest on the theme of sharing aloha. Per their website: “In the literal sense, “aloha” means hello, goodbye, or love and affection, but also represents a way of life – treating others with love, care, kindness and respect; living in harmony and spreading this lifestyle with the world.” So…

Mother’s Day is less than 2 weeks away, so here is a roundup of some of our favorites to gift any mom (or mom figure) in your life this year! 1. The Bodies Luxury Gift Set from Beautycounter includes their body butter and sugar scrub, both of which I use almost every day… Plus they’re…

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. I’ve been trying to write this entry for weeks now. With the deadline drawing near I still seem at a loss for words. In college, procrastination was my forte and some of my finest work came in those final hours, so…

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. How are traditions born? Are they carefully thought out and crafted or do they happen organically? Or accidentally, even? A piece of jewelry that is passed on, an article of clothing that is worn, a secret recipe that is cooked lovingly….

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. See my previous entry on kinship here. As we sit by our gate at LAX, waiting patiently to board our flight (that is delayed yet again), I realize we are only halfway to our destination after what already seems like a…

Last year we shared a small video recap of Noelani’s year here. This year, we’re a couple days late, but cheers to another year full of love, adventure and laughs with this amazing little lady. Snippets from this past year’s fun of Noelani as a two-year-old. Photos by Ashlee Dean Wells  

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. I remember the day my sister arrived in the world. With the exception of maybe my daughters, few relationships have made such a memorable entrance into my life. My 7-months pregnant mother and my sick, 3-year old self were on the…

The last moments with only one child on the outside. The support of a loving husband. The strength of a mama. The wonder of a new big sister. The love of a new family of four. Thank you Angie Klaus for capturing these moments. Check our other posts for our birth story in words and…

A couple of weeks ago we shared our birth story in words. It was nice to remember our daughter’s birth from our memories but we are so happy and fortunate that Angie Klaus documented the day for us so that we can be transported back and relive all the love and strength and wonder that…