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Forrest Arakawa

@forrest_saweeeeet

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Daddy - Hubby - Photog - Mtb'er - Fisherman - Having the best day possible.

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We only had one free (family) day this weekend because of all the kiddo commitments but we sure made the most of it!! Thanks to Nicole for keeping an open mind regardless of the crazy timeline and proposal;). It was a little windy at the top but everyone had a blast!!!!

#finnlassenarakawa #riverrainarakawa
#mtlassen taken in Lassen Volcanic National Park by @forrest_saweeeeet

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a month ago

🎉Finn Happy (belated) Birthday!!! (Sorry this is a few months late:) Today you are 15 and ALIVE!!! It’s AMAZING!!!
Your momma and I have had the pleasure of being part of your life for 5475 DAYS!!! That is difficult to fathom!! As all parents have experienced, you came out a tiny little nugget, we blinked and now you are taller than we are!!! The transformation is astounding. Time has gone and I can’t help but feeling like I missed so many moments. Is this true?
You are OLD!! Looking back to my own 15th birthday, it was filled with joy, trepidation, insecurity, curiosity and wonder. It truly was a pivotal year for me as it will be for you. Many questions will be answered but many more will not. Unfortunately, I can only be here as a sounding board as now most of life’s choices become yours. No longer will your mother and I be able to guide you in the same capacity that we did when you were a young child.
Your body is close to being fully mature and looking much like a grown adult. Your mind is different, still in its infancy, constantly absorbing and rationalizing. With maturation comes increased responsibility to make decisions that will surely impact your life.
Making choices will feel awkward and unfair but each one is necessary for growth. Try to not overthink as you will get bogged down and frustrated. Each determination will feel like it’s the most important and it may be but try to understand that’s just life’s process.
Daily struggles will wane and give way to growth, understanding and meaning. If you keep your mind open and see things from different perspectives, the small issues stay small, and the meaningful will remain just that. Give yourself some latitude when it comes to critical outcomes as their importance will vary with time. Try not to worry if you don’t have all the answers and find solace in the fact that nobody does but, eventually, things will fall into place.
Some days, I put my head in my hands and have no idea what to tell you or how to know if the advice I’m giving is correct or even helpful. What I do know is that it’s an interesting time and I’m learning a great deal. (cont. in comments) by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 months ago

Unfortunately, we weren't able to witness the last sunset of 2025. After considering our regular viewing spot we opted not to go because the rain and clouds were relentless and obscuring our view. It was a little disappointing, but rather than dwell on it we made other plans. Nicole decided we would do a New Year's day jaunt instead.

We ended up hiking along an amazing creek in the rain. The car ride over was great, we talked almost the entire time. We recalled how much we'd been through this year with Finn and Nicole both having serious health scares. But mostly we reminisced about the good times. Considering that everyone has recovered fully and are currently healthy and happy, we are grateful. We talked about the many beautiful moments, that was nice;)

As for the hike, it was stellar. The trees were glowing the creeks were raging. Anyone that we came across on the trail was met with several huge smiles wishing them a Happy New Year. We got soaked but laughed almost the entire time.

Although we had a few rough patches this year there was still a considerable amount of Joy in our lives.

As always, we are thankful and fortunate to have such an amazing network of family and friends. Thanks to all of you for being there when we needed it most. It means so much. Please know that a TON and LOVE and STOKE is coming your way from our crew. May 2026 be the best year of your life and bring with it Love, Health and Happiness.

-Love, Finn, River, Nicole and Forrest taken in Lafayette, California by @forrest_saweeeeet

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10 months ago

To our AMAZING Facebook family. Our little crew wishes you and yours an incredible holiday season! May 2026 bring you good health, LOVE and JOY!!! Love to all of you. - The Arakawa Family. taken in Lafayette, California by @forrest_saweeeeet

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10 months ago

31 years ago, today I kissed Nicole for the first time. Many of you know or have already heard the story of how we met, for those of you that haven't, here it is: At 9:30pm on Saturday, November 12th, 1994, I spotted a girl dancing on the floor of the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento. We were there for a UC Davis sorority event. Nicole was out on there on the dance floor, alone, cutting a rug to none other than Gloria Gaynor singing "I will survive".
It was early so everyone was still on the periphery getting drinks and trying to build up enough courage to get out there themselves. Not this girl, she had been perfecting her moves since people began to arrive. My friends and I were doing what most people do when they first get to a party, hanging out and getting familiar.
I'd gone to the event with a good family friend of mine from high school. She was an incredible person with a heart of gold. I knew any request I made would most likely be granted. After a few minutes of watching this mystery girl, I gathered the nerve to ask my date (who happened to be in the same sorority) if she would object to me dancing with her and she replied, "of course not." Needless to say, I made my way to the floor and ended up dancing with Nicole for the next 2 hours.
We decided to take a break and after several minutes of chatting I invited her up to the roof to look at the stars. We were able to climb up the fire escape that led to the roof, which also turns out to be one of the highest points in Sacramento!! It was quite a view that evening, the weather was clear, and stars dotted the sky!!! We had a long conversation about life and then I just leaned over and kissed her for the first time and somehow, I knew it wouldn’t be the last. (continued in comments) by @forrest_saweeeeet

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a year ago

Amazing times ahead for Finn and River!!! It's been quite a journey since Finn's surgery back in November! Today is the start of a new chapter in all of our lives;). Finn is going into his first year of High School and River will be in his last year of Elementary;). Momma and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both!! Keep smiling and remember to have your minds and hearts open to all that comes your way!!! Know that we are here for you!!! Thank you for inspiring us, we love you so much!! Have a BLAST!!!

#finnlassenarakawa
#riverrainarakawa taken in Lafayette, California by @forrest_saweeeeet

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a year ago

What a gift last night was for my little crew. Watching the Sun go bed for the final time in 2024 was something I will never forget. Although we've been to this exact spot many times, the impact it has is significant. This year threw us a few curve balls but it also gave us many beautiful moments;). Our family did our very best to smile and find as much Joy as possible each day. We are thankful and fortunate to have such an amazing network of family and friends. Thank you for always being there even when we couldn't reciprocate. Please know that a TON and LOVE and STOKE is coming your way from our crew. Let 2025 be the best year of your life and bring with it Love, Health and Happiness.

-Finn, River, Nicole and Forrest taken in Lafayette, California by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago

Thank you everyone for keeping Finn in your thoughts during his surgery. I'm sorry this update is belated, the last few days have been a little rough with regards to sleep;). The heartfelt responses were incredible and put a huge smile on his face;) The procedure went better than expected and he's now recovering poolside;) Once again, all of you made made this situation far more tolerable;). Thank you so much. by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago

Finn's feeling pretty optimistic regarding surgery!!! Mom and Dad are really happy for him but also a little anxious!! Even though we're getting the best care it's still a little scary watching your baby get wheeled into the Operating Room;) Hope everyone is great!!! Feel free to send Finn some positive vibes;;))!! by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago

Finn and River still love getting out on the trail!! Hopefully they keep asking me to come along;)!!

#finnlassenarakawa #riverrainarakawa taken in Lafayette, California by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago

My body may be in crisis but my mind is having the best time!!! Hopefully, I can be disciplined enough to find some balance and get in shape!!! Thanks to Jesse for getting me out there!!! The riding and the light were incredible!!!

@santacruzbicycles
@envecomposites @rideshimano @ridefoxbike @sqlab @kaenon by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago

Finn and I were lucky enough to meet up with Nicole and River for some afternoon fun at Disneyland!! Although our experience was positive and everyone had been extremely helpful and kind during our time at CHOC, the fun at Disney provided a welcomed respite for Finn. @chocchildrens @disneyland taken in Disney Land, Anaheim by @forrest_saweeeeet

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2 years ago