As a youth, I remember that we all gathered at Auntie Kathy's home in Lawndale for Thanksgiving, mainly because she had a big backyard. The uncles would set the tables and chairs in the patio area. (I believe there was a big covered patio as I recall, however I could be mistaken) In the kitchen there was a turkey or two cooking, and the other Aunties brought their pot luck dishes of ham, chicken, chop suey mashed potatoes, potato salad, corn on the cob and all the fixings that go with such a meal. All the girl cousins were all doing hula dances, and all the guys were watch a football game on TV. As was our custom we had the blessing on the food and then we all started in on fixing our plates, it was always so much food and fun. Somewhere near the end of our meal, all the girls in the family would join in Polynesian dancing and thus our evening entertainment. Afterward the adults would sit and chat and the kids watched TV or played outside. I have many fond memories of Thanksgiving Days of my youth. Thank you to all the Aunts, Uncles, and my cousins for such fond memories of days gone by.
By Henry Mataalii Jr.

This was back the late 60's and into the 70's, as I recall most of the summer holidays we would have an old fashion family picnic at El Nido Park near north Redondo Beach. My dad would drop my brother Keith, sister Sharon, and I off at the park to save as many picnic tables as we could. There we would be at 7 am setting up table cloths on the 4 groups of tables on the lower picnic area just east of the softball diamond down the right field line. Also we would drop off a bag of charcoal at each of the 4 bar-b-Que grills. There we would sit and wait till the clan arrived.

As soon as they did we would help carry food, lawn chairs, coolers and whatever else that was needed for our family picnic. Soon the Auntie's, Uncles and all the cousins would arrive. The cooking began and the laughter was soon to follow, all kids would run over to the playground or play with the balls and sports equipment that they brought with them. It always started with playing catch... then soon we were playing 3 flies up or 500 with a dozen or so kids and grown ups.

Then the call for lunch, and we'd gather ourselves for a word of prayer. Ah then we had a feast fit for a king... there were hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips, three or four different potato salads, soda pop, the kind you needed a can opener to pierce a triangle shape hole at the top. Then there was Auntie Lucy's Pulingi mmmmm. Of course there were other items for desert. After everyone was full, it was time to sit and chat, take a nap, or break out the ukuleles and guitars and start singing. When the after lunch rest was done; something that resembled a softball game started, with cheering and laughter at errant throws, missed catches, and collisions and over all a wonderful time was had by all.

Soon we all needed a time out to rest... next thing you know it was time to pack up our things and help each family load up their cars... during which time hugs and kisses, laughter and waves good bye were exchanged.

All and all a great time we had by all. This we did year in and year out. I really had fun back then as I now recall those special days. Those of us in the 2nd and 3rd generation groups, I hope you can still recall those days as well. To be honest I really miss those special times of my youth.

By Henry Mataalii Jr.